Baby Walkers: NO; Safe Strollers: YES

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that babies NOT use a walker. They are considered to be very dangerous. Many infants arrive in emergency rooms after baby walker accidents. These injuries are usually serious, including skull fractures and other head injuries.

Many of the injuries are caused by infants falling down stairs in a walker. The stairs either do not have gates on them or the gates are left open.

Not only are they unsafe, baby walkers generally do not help babies learn to walk. Some doctors and researchers think that baby walkers do more harm than good for leg muscle development in most babies.

Strollers, on the other hand, can be useful. When buying or borrowing a stroller, look for one that has:

• A firm backrest to help the baby sit up
• A canopy or covering for the head tall enough that a 3-year-old can sit under it
• A seatbelt that is secure and comfortable
• Wheels that can be locked
• A special latch to prevent the stroller from accidentally folding
• A wide base to prevent tipping

When you use the stroller:

• Never leave the stroller in the driveway or behind a car.
• Keep your baby with you at all times.

New Abilities Create Safety Hazards

Your baby can wiggle out of an infant seat, out of the bathtub, off the changing table, and off the bed.

Never leave your baby alone in the house or a car, or anywhere for that matter. If you do need to leave your baby alone for a few minutes, put him in a crib or playpen.

Your baby can reach and grab. He can grab your coffee cup or stick his hand in your soup. Hot liquids can badly burn him. Keep your baby away from hot liquids and foods.

Children can strangle in the cords of window blinds or draperies.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to ignore the first signs of stress. But if you tune into your body and your feelings, you can learn to read the warning signals and take action to reduce tension.

• Put your baby down for a nap and forget about the things you think you should be doing. Use this time to rest and relax.

• Set realistic goals and prioritize. Trying to do everything, plus taking care of your baby, will wear you out. Pick the most important things and don’t worry about the rest.

• Eat healthy foods, including veggies, fruits, and whole grains.

• Your sleep is as important as your baby’s sleep. You need enough sleep to stay healthy.

• Plan time for yourself. Ask a friend to watch your baby while you exercise or do whatever makes you feel fresh again — energized and relaxed.

When you feel worried or angry, don’t bottle it up. Talk to a trusted friend. If your feelings seem to be getting out of control, or if tension is so high that your partner reacts by harming you, there is help available. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), the National Domestic Abuse Hotline.