Dr. Jen Is In: Walkers and other wheeled toys

Is my 5-month old ready for a walker?
 - Shaswanda

I chose this question to answer because you used the word “WALKER” -  your question concerned me from a safety perspective.

Although some parents were raised using walkers and may believe that walkers will help children with development & walking, walkers actually may DELAY walking and are quite dangerous. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not support baby walkers and has asked for a ban on these products.

Baby walkers are dangerous because they may lead to falls (down the stairs), resulting in serious injuries, including some types of fractures & head injuries. Also, when babies are in walkers, they can reach higher & climb, making burns, drowning, and getting into poisons more of a possibility.

I have seen tragic situations like this in my professional practice. So, my advice to you is “nope,” your baby is not ready for a baby walker and throw it away. Try a stationary activity center (no wheels), a safe zone like a play pen or even more tummy time!

Dr. Jen® is a real pediatrician, a mother of four (girl twins & boy twins!) and an inventor - and she's smiling through it all!  Learn more about Dr. Jen®, the multi-tasking mommy doctor that "gets it", by
visiting her website!

* This information is not a substitute for personal medical, psychiatric or psychological advice.