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Patient Questions  /  Are baby walkers safe

Kids & Babies

Are Baby Walkers Safe?

No. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against baby walkers, the seats on wheels that let a baby roll around before they can walk. Walkers let babies move fast and reach stairs, hot drinks and other dangers, and they don't help babies learn to walk sooner, so floor play is a safer choice.

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Why walkers are a problem

  • Falls down stairs. This is one of the most common ways babies in walkers get seriously hurt.
  • Reaching danger. A baby in a walker can reach higher and pull down hot drinks, pots, cords and heavy objects.
  • Speed. Walkers can move faster than a parent can react, even when you are in the room.
  • They don't teach walking. In a walker, the seat holds your baby up, so they don't practice balance the way they do on their own. Studies have not found that walkers help babies walk sooner, and some suggest they may delay it.

Better ways to help your baby walk

  • Floor time to roll, sit, crawl and pull up.
  • Sturdy furniture to cruise along, with sharp corners covered.
  • A stable push toy once your baby can pull up and stand, with you watching.
  • Barefoot practice indoors so your baby can feel the floor.
  • A stationary activity center (no wheels) for short breaks. See Are baby jumpers and bouncers bad for development?

When to see a doctor

Get medical care right away if your baby has a fall and:

  • Passes out, has a seizure or is hard to wake: call 911
  • Vomits more than once, or seems unusually sleepy, fussy or not themselves
  • Has a large bump or soft swelling on the head, or blood or clear fluid from the nose or ears
  • Won't move an arm or leg, or cries when it is moved

How physical therapy at ARI can help

If you're wondering whether your baby is on track for walking, a pediatric physical therapist can check strength, balance and movement and give you safe, simple activities for home. You are part of every visit, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

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Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026