In recent months, emergency rooms at Tufts Medicine have seen a number of traumatic brain injuries related to baby walker use.
“Traumatic brain injuries are likely the most common injuries we see with walkers,” said Sherie Weber, RN, MSN-PH, CPEN, TCRN, trauma program manager and injury prevention coordinator for Lowell General Hospital. “The majority of professional groups recommend against using walkers. Not only do they offer no developmental benefit but they also significantly increase the risk of injury.”
Every year, thousands of children under 15 months old are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by infant walkers. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), an estimated average of 2,467 children under the age of five were treated annually between 2021 and 2023 for injuries related to baby walkers, jumpers or exercisers.
The biggest danger: Falls
Falls are the most common and most serious hazard associated with baby walkers. Walkers allow babies to move much faster and farther than they can on their own, which means they can quickly reach stairs, steps or uneven surfaces. Babies may tip over, fall out or crash into furniture, leading to bumps, bruises and even traumatic brain injuries.
Most injuries occur even when an adult is nearby. Walkers can travel at speeds of up to four feet per second, giving babies just enough time to get into a dangerous situation before a caregiver can react.
Other common injuries
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), walkers are also associated with:
- Burns: Babies in walkers can reach higher, making it easier to pull tablecloths with hot beverages, grab pot handles or touch radiators, fireplaces and space heaters
- Drowning: A child in a walker can fall into a pool or bathtub in seconds
- Poisoning: Elevated reach increases access to medications, cleaning products or other harmful substances
Calls for a ban
Since 2004, the AAP has called for a complete ban on the manufacture and sale of baby walkers in the U.S. Walkers are already banned in Canada, and health experts in Europe, Australia and New Zealand have also pushed for bans.
“There are misleading safety certificates on these items that make people believe they’re safe,” said Sherie. “But these certifications only mean that the product itself won’t injure the child during normal use. They don’t account for environmental risks like open staircases, hot surfaces or reachable hazards.”
Walkers don’t help babies learn to walk
Research shows there’s no developmental advantage to using a walker. In fact, they may delay a baby’s ability to walk independently. Walking isn’t just about moving legs—it involves pulling up, balancing and taking unsupported steps. Babies who spend time in walkers miss out on developing those essential skills.
The best way for babies to learn is through natural movement: being placed on the floor, pulling up on stable furniture and practicing walking with the help of a caregiver.
Safe alternatives
Instead of using a walker, try these safer options to support your baby’s development:
- A stationary activity center (not one that moves across the floor)
- A playpen or other secure play area
- Plenty of supervised floor time, including tummy time and crawling
- Encouraging your baby to pull up and cruise along furniture
Even a few seconds of distraction can be enough time for a baby in a walker to get into danger. At Tufts Medicine, we're here to support families with trusted guidance and resources for safe, healthy child development.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s milestones or safe play options, talk to your pediatrician. We’re here to help.
