What Is Baby Walker?
A Baby Walker is a device that can be used by infants who cannot walk on their own to move from one place to another. Modern baby walkers are also for toddlers. They have a base made of hard plastic sitting on top of wheels and a suspended fabric seat with two leg holes.
About baby walkers
The mandatory standard for baby walkers applies to devices that are:
comprised of a frame on wheels
designed to support, inside the frame, a child with its feet touching the ground and who has not yet learned to walk
propelled by the movement of a child.
It is often supplied with a variety of attached interactive toys.
Its primary purpose is to support an infant as the child moves around in a standing position within the frame.
Baby walkers are intended for children who have not yet learned to walk.
The mandatory standard covers design, construction, performance and labelling requirements for baby walkers.
Mandatory standard
Consumer Protection Notice No.1 of 2013 sets out the mandatory requirements for baby walkers.
This mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the American standard ASTM F977-12 ‘Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers’
You must consult the mandatory standard for these details.
Key requirements
The listed requirements aim to give suppliers a general idea of what is required by the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
Design and construction
A baby walker must have a braking mechanism to stop it falling down steps and stairs.
Performance
Baby walkers must comply with the mandatory standard performance requirements as specified in clauses 6.1, 6.3 and test methods in Clauses 7.3 and 7.6 of ASTM F 977-12.
Clause 6.1 specifies tests for baby walkers to resist tipping over an obstacle and to resist tipping over when a child leans out of the baby walker. Clause 7.3 is the testing method.
Clause 6.3 specifies testing the braking mechanism to prevent the baby walker falling down stairs. Clause 7.6 is the testing method.
Labelling
The warning statement must be:
in contrasting colour(s)
permanent
conspicuous
in sans serif style font, and
have a safety alert symbol.
Additional warning labels
There are additional warnings that must appear on the walker:
Use only on flat surfaces free of objects that could cause the walker to tip over.
To avoid burns, keep the child away from hot liquids, ranges, radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, etc.
Warning: Parking brake use does not totally prevent walker movement. Always keep child in view when in the walker, even when using the parking brakes (only for baby walkers equipped with a parking brake).
The safety alert symbol isn’t required for these additional warnings and the wording doesn’t have to be exactly as it appears above. The mandatory standard only requires that suppliers address these hazards. However, the wording in the additional warnings must be:
at least 2.5 mm high
in contrasting colours
permanent
conspicuous
in sans serif style font.
Baby walkers are circular, wheeled toys with suspended seats. They’re designed so your baby’s feet can touch the ground while they’re seated, so they can propel them self around.
Is it good to use walker for baby?
Walkers — devices with wheeled frames and suspended seats that let babies move around using their feet — are indeed a safety hazard. Walkers are a leading cause of injuries in babies, so health and safety experts strongly discourage their use. While in walkers, babies can roll into hot stoves, heaters, and pools.
Baby walkers, or infant walkers, are devices with wheels and a suspended seat with leg holes that allow babies — usually between 5 and 15 months of age — to scoot themselves around before they are able to walk on their own.
What are the pros and cons of a walker?
The benefits of walker are: general physiological effects, more confidence, better social life and decrease in the burden of care.
When should you use a baby walker?
Walkers are usually designed for babies between the ages of 4 to 16 months. Apart from this, the baby needs to be able to hold his head up quite steadily and have his feet touch the floor when placed in the walker, to be able to use it.
When should you use a baby walker?
Walkers are usually designed for babies between the ages of 4 to 16 months. Apart from this, the baby needs to be able to hold his head up quite steadily and have his feet touch the floor when placed in the walker, to be able to use it.
Now that your baby is showing rapid signs of growth, you must be keen to see him take his first steps. Walking is an important event in the baby’s life and the parents, too, as it signifies independence. To help your baby along this path of discovery and freedom, you may want to encourage him by bringing home a walker.
Advantages of Baby Walkers;
Engaging and Inspiring Most baby walkers are fitted with simple toys or attractions to keep the baby engaged and busy. They are designed to stimulate mental growth and provide visual stimulation, too. A walker allows you to carry on with your daily tasks since the baby remains engaged with the attached toys.
Encourage Babies to Walk With support at hand, your baby may be encouraged to take his first steps. It helps the baby understand how the standing pose will aid walking, and he will make attempts to get going on his own.
Promote Mobility Children between the ages of 8 to 12 months are keen to explore their surroundings. A walker can provide them with the mobility they need and help them to manoeuvre themselves without any assistance.
How long are baby walkers good for?
What are infant walkers? Infant walkers, designed for use by children between the ages of five to 15 months, are circular, wheeled devices with a suspended seat in the center for your baby to sit in.
Here Are Some Prices Of Baby Walkers In Ghana;
