Are Baby Walkers Bad for Babies?
Updated: May 6

As a parent, you are naturally excited for your little one to start walking and may be interested in any baby gear that could promote your baby's development. You may have considered buying a baby walker—after all, they've been popular for decades and you may have used one yourself as a baby! But in recent years, safety and child development experts have been warning parents against using baby walkers.
If you are considering buying a baby walker for your own baby, read on as we discuss their impact on your baby's motor skills and warn against the dangers.
In this article:
Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker
Do baby walkers help babies learn to walk?
Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker
Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker
Distinguishing baby jumpers and activity centers from baby walkers
Other ways to help your baby develop walking skills
What is a baby walker?
A baby walker is a device designed to help babies learn to walk. There are two main types of baby walker.
Sit-in baby walker
This is the most common and traditional type of baby walker. Sit-in baby walkers are designed for younger babies who can sit up but not yet support their own weight on their legs.

They are usually made of a lightweight frame attached to wheels. There is a suspended seat in the center for the baby with straps to hold the baby in place.
When a baby sits in this type of baby walker, they can propel themselves forward with their feet as the wheels allow them to roll around.
Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker
Baby push walkers (variations might be called "activity walkers" or "sit to stand walkers") are designed for babies who can already stand with support and take a few steps while holding on to something (often called "cruising").
A push walker has a sturdy frame with a handle that the baby can hold while pushing the walker forward. It may also have fun toys attached, make sounds, or function as a pretend grocery cart, lawn mower, or wagon.
Do baby walkers help babies learn to walk?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the type of baby walker you are considering. We'll consider sit-in walkers and push walkers separately.
Sit-in baby walker
Research shows that baby walkers do not actually help babies learn to walk and may even have a detrimental effect.
Some studies have found that using a baby walker can have a negative impact on a baby's motor development by preventing them from working on skills such as cra