What is the best baby walker?

For sit-in walkers, even top-rated baby walkers are not a safe choice. Instead, consider a push walker with sturdy construction and a wide base to provide support and prevent tipping, plus an adjustable handlebar that can grow with your baby.

Are baby walkers banned in Canada?

Yes. In 2004, Canada instituted a ban on advertising, selling, and importing sit-in baby walkers (including used walkers) due to the dangers they present. The fine for violating the ban is up to $100,000. The ban does not apply to push walkers.

Why aren’t baby walkers recommended?

Sit-in walkers expose babies to dangers such as falls (especially down stairs), burns, drowning, and poisoning. They can also delay walking by limiting babies’ time for independent exploration and negatively impacting muscle development and gait.

Are baby walkers good for babies?

Sit-in baby walkers are not a safe choice because they expose babies to dangers such as falls (especially down stairs), burns, drowning, and poisoning. Push walkers can provide support for babies learning to walk and help them develop confidence.

What can I use instead of a baby walker?

Other toys that can entertain your baby, develop their strength and coordination, and help them prepare for and practice those first steps include activity centers, sturdy push toys (like push walkers or toy carts), ride-on toys, and stacking toys.

Which is better: a baby walker or bouncer?

A bouncer (also called a jumper or activity center) is a much safer choice than a sit-in walker because it doesn’t move or expose a baby to hazardous objects and areas in the home. It can help build leg/core strength and balance–just limit the amount of time your baby spends in one.

At what age can a baby use a push walker?

Push walkers are best for babies who can pull to stand independently and hold themselves up with a little support. For many babies, this will happen between 9 and 12 months, but it varies by child.

Paul Patterson, MD, FAAP
- May 1

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:

What is a baby walker?

Sit-in baby walker

Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker

Do baby walkers help babies learn to walk?

Sit-in baby walker

Baby push walker/activity walker/sit to stand walker

Are baby walkers safe?

Sit-in 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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Takeaway

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