The infant walker. A previously unrecognized health hazard.

The use of infant walkers within a large prepaid pediatric group practice was investigated. Of 195 patients (age range, 5 to 15 months) surveyed during a three-months) surveyed during a three-month period, 150 patients (77%) used infant walkers. Of those, 47 patients (31%) had suffered mishaps. These included closed head trauma, fractures, lacerations, tooth evulsion, and soft palate perforation. There is no proved benefit associated with the use of such walkers. The risk of injury associated with the use of infant walkers should be of concern for those physicians who care for preambulatory children.