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The infant walker. A previously unrecognized health hazard
Insights
Infant walkers pose significant injury risks, with 31% of users experiencing mishaps like head trauma and fractures. There are no proven benefits to justify these dangers for preambulatory children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Consumer product safety
Background:
- Infant walkers are commonly used by preambulatory children.
- The safety and efficacy of infant walkers have been debated.
Observation:
- A survey of 195 pediatric patients (5-15 months) found 77% used infant walkers.
- 31% of infant walker users (47 patients) reported injuries.
Findings:
- Reported injuries included closed head trauma, fractures, lacerations, tooth avulsion, and soft palate perforation.
- No proven developmental benefits were associated with infant walker use.
Implications:
- The high incidence of injury suggests infant walkers pose a considerable risk to young children.
- Physicians should counsel parents on the potential dangers of infant walkers and advocate for safer alternatives.
Abstract:
The use of infant walkers within a large prepaid pediatric group practice was investigated. Of 195 patients (age range, 5 to 15 months) surveyed during a three-months) surveyed during a three-month period, 150 patients (77%) used infant walkers. Of those, 47 patients (31%) had suffered mishaps. These included closed head trauma, fractures, lacerations, tooth evulsion, and soft palate perforation. There is no proved benefit associated with the use of such walkers. The risk of injury associated with the use of infant walkers should be of concern for those physicians who care for preambulatory children.