Health Tip: Considering a Baby Walker?

American Academy of Pediatrics says they're not safe

(HealthDay News) -- Some parents feel baby walkers can help youngsters learn to walk at an earlier age. But the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that baby walkers can be dangerous -- and delay walking.

The Academy says infants using baby walkers can:

  • Accidentally roll down stairs, leading to serious injury.
  • Allow the child to reach dangerous objects that are high up, including the stove, leading to a potential burn hazard.
  • Increase the risk of drowning, as baby may fall from a walker into a bathtub or pool.
  • Increase the risk of accidental poisoning, as the walker allows baby to reach harmful substances that are stored up high.
Diana Kohnle

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