STUDY: Thousands of children injured in infant walker accidents each year

At least 9,000 children have been injured in infant walkers every year over the last 25 years.

Most were head and neck injuries caused by falling down the steps, according to a new study released in The Journal of Pediatrics.

Lisa Schwing with Dayton Children’s Hospital said if you have an infant walker, don’t use one.

“We want to get completely away from the ones with the wheel on them because any time you are around steps or around stuff that maybe they shouldn’t be touching, you can’t rely on that walker to keep them safe,” she said.

News Center 7 consumer reporter Rachel Murray did a search and found many infant walkers with wheels for sale.

Schwing said there has been a sharp drop in walker-related injuries over the last five years.

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"I think a lot of people are switching to saucer-type of playstations rather than a walker with wheels," she said.

Lucy’s mom, Sarah Kallile of Oakwood, said she wouldn’t use a walker with wheels.

“Because of safety concerns,” she said. “And I like to have her stationary and [it] gives me a little more sense of control.”

Instead, the 6-month-old has a saucer.

“That’s what we use at home and she loves it,” said Kallile. “It really keeps her entertained.”

Safety experts said it’s important to remember that no matter how safe a product seems supervision is the best way to keep your child out of harm’s way.

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