Pediatricians are reviving the call for decades to ban baby walkers

Emergency room staff treats more than 2,000 babies a year for infant walker injuries, prompting American pediatricians to re-apply for the ban on these products, according to NPR.

Here are four things to know:

1. In a study published on 17 September in Pediatrics, Researchers analyzed data from 1990 to 2014 on infant walker injuries in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Over the past 24 years, more than 230,000 children under the age of 15 months have been injured by walkers, requiring urgent medical care. Pediatricians have seen injuries ranging from skull fractures to concussions and fractures.

"I consider baby walkers as inherently dangerous items that have no benefit and should not be sold in the United States," said Benjamin Hoffman, pediatrician and chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics committee. NPR.

2. Paediatricians and other consumer groups first called for the ban on the infant product in 1992, with widespread publicity about the dangers of baby walkers. The number of injuries associated with walkers increased from about 21,000 in 1990 to 3,200 in 2003.

3. In 2010, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission increased safety requirements for baby walker manufacturers by requiring them to increase product testing and install brakes. Injuries dropped 23% following the implementation of the prescribed federal safety standards.

"Despite this great success, 2,000 children are still being treated each year for injuries, including many serious injuries, in the emergency department," said Gary Smith, Director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy. Columbus National Children's Hospital. Ohio, and lead author of the study, said NPR. "Therefore, we support the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics that trotters should not be sold or used.There is absolutely no reason for these products to still be on the market."

4. According to the CPSC, the study shows a significant decrease in injuries caused by walkers since 2010. The group "continues to monitor product safety," the CPSC said in a statement to the agency. NPR.

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