J Korean Pediatr Soc.  2003 Feb;46(2):122-127.

A Study of the Effects and Risks of Baby-walkers on Motor Development in Human Infants

• Lee JY
• Min SA
• Yu SH
• Jang YT

Abstract

PURPOSE
Baby-walkers are used by many parents because of the convenience they provide in keeping children occupied, quiet, happy, and in stimulating ambulation. But, these devices have more risks than benefits. Therefore, we performed a study to evaluate the effects of baby-walkers on motor development of human infants according to the hours used in a day, total duration(months), and types of injuries associated with the walkers, and to establish effective methods.
METHODS
1,045 questionnaires were filled out by parents who had a baby whose aged between 8 months and 15 months that visited local pediatric clinics and medical centers in Chonju and Iksan from May 1, 2002 to July 31, 2002. They were analyzed in a control group that didn't use baby- walkers, a low-user group that used baby-walkers less than 2 hours a day and a high-user group that used them more than 2 hours a day.
RESULTS
The mean age of the 1,045 babies whose parents responded to the question investigation was 12.6+/-2.4 months. The number of babies who used the baby- walkers were 811(77.6%). Crawling and walking alone were delayed in the high-user group. The parents who knew the side effects of the baby-walkers totalled 392(48.3%).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study revealed that many parents didn't know the effects of baby-walkers on motor development in their infants and the risks associated with baby-walkers. Therefore, we should educate parents on the risks of baby-walkers and recommend reducing the use of baby-walkers.

Keyword

Baby-walkers; Motor development; Side effects

MeSH Terms

Child
Humans*
Infant*
Jeollabuk-do
Parents
Surveys and Questionnaires
Walkers
Walking