Though a complete ban does seem like a harsh step, it is important to keep a few safety tips in mind when selecting and using a baby walker. A few of these tips are listed below

Safe selection – Manufacturers are waking up to the potential dangers of baby walkers and trying to develop safer walkers every year. When out to buy a baby walker, look for the ones with maximum safety options.

Baby Walkers Safety Tips

• The wheels must have anti-skid strips to prevent over speeding

• The joints must be sturdy enough to prevent the toy from collapsing

• Anti-collapse locks are a must in all walkers

• The toy should not have sharp edges that could hurt the child in any way

• The handle must be easy for the child’s grip

• The brand of the walker must comply with the safety norms of the country

• Automatic brakes that prevent the walker from going over a step are essential

• The walker must be able to take the weight of the growing baby

• The wheels of the walker must be a minimum of 50 mm wide

• The child’s feet must touch the ground when seated in the walker

• Never buy second hand walkers since they maybe outdated and unsafe

• The base of the walker must be wide enough to not fit through a standard doorway

Safe usage – No matter how sure you are of your baby walkers safety, ensure all all times that your baby is really safe. So keep the tips listed below in mind when using your walker.

• Seal off potentially dangerous areas like the staircase, fire place, etc.

• Never leave the child un-attended when in the baby walker

• Allow the child to use the toy only on flat areas

• Do not let the baby use a walker for more than 15 minutes at a time ( over usage causes strain on the child’s leg muscles)

• Never carry a walker while the child is still in it.

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully

• Keep away from large sources of water like a swimming pool, bath tubs and water buckets

• Watch out for dangling cords and other similar hindrances

• If height options are provided, choose the one which allows for the child’s feet to touch the floor when standing

• Check and double check all locks of the walker

• Keep the anti friction wheel strips clean so as to work optimally

• Remove any alien object that may be stuck in the walker and consequently hinder its movement.

Since children seem to enjoy baby walkers tremendously, most parents find themselves torn between the safety and enjoyment of the child. Keeping these baby walkers safety tips in mind will help raise the safety of the toy and allow you to have your cake and eat it too.

For the right choices when you're concerned aboutbaby walkers safety, click here.