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Published on: June 1, 2015
Parental decisions to use infant walkers
M E Bar-on1, R M Boyle, E K Endriss
1Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. mbar-on@mail.peds.lsumc.edu
Summary
Most parents use infant walkers, believing they benefit development. Decisions to purchase walkers are often made after birth and are not influenced by external factors, despite a lack of uniform perception of benefit.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Consumer Product Safety
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Infant walkers are common consumer products used by parents for child-rearing.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety and developmental impact of infant walkers.
- Understanding parental decision-making regarding infant walker acquisition is crucial for targeted safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing parental decisions to acquire infant walkers.
- To assess the perceived benefits and influences associated with infant walker use.
Main Methods:
- A structured interview was conducted with 154 primary caretakers of children attending a residents' continuity practice.
- Ten questions focused on infant walker acquisition and related safety aspects.
- Demographic data were collected for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- 77% of caretakers used infant walkers. Walker use was not associated with child's sex, birth order, race, or caretaker's education or type.
- Most users (97%) heard about walkers prenatally but decided postnatally (65%). The decision was largely independent (61% no influence, 75% self-purchased).
- A majority believed walkers were beneficial (78%) and accelerated development (72%).
Conclusions:
- Parental decisions to purchase infant walkers stem from a lack of uniform perception regarding their benefits.
- A significant time lag exists between awareness and purchase, offering a window for intervention.
- Targeted, media-assisted campaigns are recommended to address walker-related perceptions and potentially reduce use pending legislation.
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