Baby walkers--an underestimated hazard for our children?
Baby walkers (BWs) continue to be a frequent cause of head injuries in young children. A random sample survey of 240 families with children aged 2-6 years revealed a use rate of baby walkers of 55%. Of the children using baby walkers 20% were found to have suffered a BW-related accident. In a retrospective study we reviewed 172 case reports of infants who suffered a BW-related injury between January 1990 and June 1993. We observed 19 skull fractures, 23 concussions of the brain and 125 contusions and lacerations of the head including 4 teeth luxations and 3 fractures or distortions of the upper extremity. BW-related injuries represent the third most common mode of injury in children aged 7-14 months. We conclude that despite previous warnings BW still represent a frequent cause of severe head injuries in young children. We recommend a general ban on the sale and manufacture of BWs.
Mayr
J
J
Universitätsklinik für Kinderchirurgie, Landeskrankenhaus Graz, Austria.
Gaisl
M
M
Purtscher
K
K
Noeres
H
H
Schimpl
G
G
Fasching
G
G
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors