Many parents resort to walkers, hoping that babies will “steal” the beginning of their first steps. But numerous studies have shown that babies placed in front did not walk faster than others, on the contrary, the miracle happened later. Similarly, in Canada, these devices are prohibited, and the Australian authorities advise parents not to use them. We explain in detail why these devices are dangerous for children.

Researchers from the University of Dublin were interested in the development of children who used walkers and conducted a study to observe the development of the musculoskeletal system and walking of babies who used such wheeled tools, which allow babies to move while resting on the floor. . The results were not favorable for pedestrians. Their use was associated with delayed crawling and independent walking.

Walking delays walking

Irish scientists found that those who used a walker walked on their own at an older age than those who did not. More than 200 babies in Northern Ireland were selected who were born at term and had normal development. 54% of them used walkers. Irish researchers found a strong relationship between the duration of use of a walker and the degree of delay in the development of walking. For example, every 24 hours of walker use was associated with a 3.3-day delay in independent walking.

High risk of injury

These steps seem safe at first glance, but American and Canadian doctors warn that babies can get injured.

The sale of baby walkers is prohibited in Canada. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also opposes their use.

“Children learn to walk by observing and understanding how their legs move. First, they will not see what is happening with the lower part of the body and will not have the information necessary for their motor development. The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the use of walkers not only because they prevent children from learning to walk independently, but also because they can be dangerous,” said David Geller, an American pediatrician.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics shows that between 1990 and 2014, more than 230,000 children under the age of 15 months were treated in US emergency rooms for pedestrian injuries. Most injuries occur when children fall down stairs while wearing a walker, usually injuring the head or neck, sometimes seriously.

But the problem can be not only with stairs. Toddlers can catch their fingers, pull things, trip over or grab dangerous objects that would otherwise be out of their reach. There were also situations when children fell into the pool on the way and drowned. Between 1990 and 2003, walker injuries dropped 84.5 percent, according to the study, as safety standards were put in place and more families began buying outriggers that control movement. In 2010, mandatory federal safety standards went into effect that include measures to prevent falls on stairs or toppling onto the floor, and ensure that children are properly supported and cannot become trapped in walkers. The rules also require a parking brake to ensure pedestrian safety. Despite this, in 2014, about 2,000 young children were admitted to emergency rooms due to walker injuries.

Balance without support

Walkers can be more convenient for parents, because they put the child in them and let him walk without bending over to protect him from falls and support him. But the use of a walker can delay independent walking, as the baby needs to learn to stand and keep balance, and then take the first steps without support. But his predecessor does not help him learn these things.

The idea that you can leave a child unattended is dangerous. Parents should know that babies need constant supervision.

Australian government warning: precursors, danger

“Using a walker won’t help your child learn to walk early,” warns the Australian government, which has produced an information material for parents that explains why it doesn’t recommend a walker and offers some useful tips for parents on how to help their child walk without a walker . walker. such “helps”.

The shoes do not help the baby to strengthen the muscles necessary for walking, on the contrary, they teach him to keep his balance and walk incorrectly, which in the long run will lead to “walking on tiptoes”. With the help of a walker, a child can reach dangerous things, such as hot drinks or heavy objects that he can pull on himself, for example, a TV.

The first steps can be extremely funny for the whole family and will be an unforgettable moment if you spend time with your baby armed with patience and lots of smiles. The protective hands of the parents are enough for the baby to gain the courage to go for a walk.