Safety Issues
Many
parents believe that such walkers teach a child to walk faster; however, studies suggest that it is not true, and they may actually delay walking by two to three weeks.
[1] These devices have also led to many injuries.
[2][3][4][5] In fact,
CPSC,
American Academy of Pediatrics[6] and other organizations
[7] have issued warnings to discourage parents from using baby walkers.
In
Canada, the sale of baby walkers was banned on April 7, 2004.
[8][9][10] Canada is the first country in the world to ban the sale, importation and advertisement of baby walkers. This ban extends to modified and second hand baby walkers, including those sold at a yard sale or
flea markets.
[8] The Consumers Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) changed the items that were allowed to be sold at such sales.
[11] Owners of baby walkers may be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to up to six months in jail.
[12]