Baby Walkers

This Topic Includes:
Buying a walker
Baby Walkers Factsheet PDF

If you buy and use a baby walker, think carefully about the safety of your home environment.

Baby walkers allow a child greater mobility, and faster access to other objects, than they would normally have.

Other people like parents and siblings share that environment and it is not always possible to completely remove all other hazards or to focus undivided attention on one child.

Safety checklist

When using a baby walker make sure that:

• hazards such as stairs, heaters, and fireplaces are well guarded
• the walker is on a flat, stable surface like a floor
• outer doors are shut
• electrical and blind cords are out of reach
• hot foods and liquids are out of reach
• toys or beads attached to the walker are well fastened, and the toys comply with safety standards
• secure all large and heavy objects in your home to prevent them falling. The Earthquake Commission's website EQ-IQ [External Website] provides excellent advice on what you should do to quake-safe your home, making it safer for babies and your family.

Safety Tips

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and use.
• Use the walker only for short periods of time – they are designed only for occasional short use.
• Playing on the floor is better for your child’s development.
• Always supervise a baby in a baby walker – it is not a safe place to leave a baby alone.

Safety features to look for

• recessed wheel mouldings
• friction strips on the base
• warning labels
• grips round corners.

Buying a walker

From March 2002, baby walkers must meet new product safety standards, even if they are second-hand. The standard sets out requirements for the stability of the walker, its performance over steps, and safety warnings.

When buying a new baby walker, look for a statement showing compliance with the American Standard ASTM F977 or the American JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) logo.

If your walker is second-hand, a hand-me-down, or made before 2002, or you are not sure if it meets the new standards, do not use it - throw it away and buy a walker you are sure complies with the new standards. A reliable retailer can help you select a safe walker.

More information

The Commerce Commission enforces the Baby Walker Product Safety Standard. You can contact them at:

Phone: 0800 943 600
Email: contact@comcom.govt.nz
Address: PO Box 2351, Wellington

PDF of publication/Ordering publication

The Baby Walkers factsheet is now available online in PDF format (80 KBs). Instructions for obtaining the Adobe Acrobat viewer.

The printed factsheet can also be ordered using our online Publications Form.