Baby walkers, once a common household item for families with infants, are no longer legal in Canada. This decision came into full effect in April 2004 when Health Canada officially banned the sale, importation, and advertisement of baby walkers. Before the formal ban, Canadian retailers had already begun phasing them out, unofficially steering clear of sales for around 15 years due to growing safety concerns. The consequence for attempting to sell a baby walker in Canada is severe, attracting a fine of up to $100,000, reflecting the seriousness with which Canadian authorities view the potential risks posed by these devices.
The decision to ban baby walkers stemmed from extensive research and accident data indicating that their use was associated with a significant number of injuries among infants. Studies highlighted that baby walkers allowed infants mobility beyond their natural capability and readiness, leading to accidents such as falls down the stairs, tipping over, and even accessing dangerous items or situations that would otherwise have been out of reach. Each year, numerous injuries, some severe including skull fractures and other serious impact injuries, led to heightened concern amongst pediatricians, child safety advocates, and public health officials.
Health Canada’s stance on baby walkers is also supported by many child health experts who agree that apart from safety risks, walkers can also hamper a child’s natural motor and developmental progression. Contrary to the common belief that they promote walking, evidence suggests that walkers might actually delay certain aspects of motor development, such as crawling and walking.
This ban places Canada among the few countries worldwide with such stringent regulations against baby walkers. Canadian parents are encouraged to seek safer alternatives to help their children learn to walk, such as stationary activity centers, push toys, or simply allowing the child to develop these skills naturally at their own pace, under close supervision. Many Canadian parents and caregivers have adapted to this law, recognizing the benefits of fostering a safer and more developmentally supportive environment for their infants as they grow and explore the world around them.
