Think twice about baby walkers

Some babies have lost fingers when the walkers folded up. Other babies have choked in some models when the strap buckle slipped and allowed them to slide down.

There are other safety concerns with walkers, too. Babies in walkers can move 3 feet per second--faster than parents can react. And babies are up higher so they can reach things, like cleaners or other poisons, that parents may not have put away yet.

Some research also suggests that babies placed in walkers longer than 2 hours per day may begin to sit, and to walk later than normal.

If you do decide to use a walker:

• close doors to stairways, and latch safety gates.
• remove dangerous things from baby's reach.
• use it for less than 2 hours a day.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is starting to certify walkers and put labels on safer models. To get the Association's approval, walkers must be made so they don't collapse accidentally, pinch fingers or tip over easily. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association label if you are buying a new walker.