Baby Walkers (Banned) and Stationary Activity Centres

Falls down stairs in baby walkers are the greatest cause of serious head injuries for children under the age of two. Babies in walkers can move quickly, run into hidden dangers, bump into furniture, pull on hanging appliance cords, fall down stairs, grab hot items, and tip over.

For these reasons, baby walkers have been prohibited in Canada since April 7, 2004.

Safety Tips

• It is illegal to import, advertise for sale, or sell baby walkers in Canada. It is also illegal to sell baby walkers at garage sales, flea markets, or on street corners.
• If you have a walker, destroy it and throw it away so it cannot be used again.
• Health Canada recommends using a stationary activity centre instead. Although this is a safer alternative, it is still important to be aware of the potential dangers of this product and the steps you can take to avoid the injury of a small child.

For more information

More about baby walkers and stationary activity centres:

• Health Canada is reminding Canadians about the potential hazards of using baby walkers
  A Health Canada Advisory warning people to stop using baby walkers.
• Baby's Stationary Activity Centre
  A fact sheet that explains the hazards stationary activity centres may pose and the safe use of these products.

General information about the safe use of children's products:

• Is Your Child Safe?
  A practical guide to help parents keep their children safe and avoid common childhood hazards.
• Safety with Radar
  An activity booklet for children, highlighting key safety messages.
• Child and Youth Injury in Review, 2009 Edition - Spotlight on Consumer Product Safety
  A report on injuries among young Canadians, with a focus on injuries related to consumer products (in the second half of the report).
• Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
  This guide helps shoppers to be aware of potential hazards that second-hand products may pose.
• For Industry and Professionals
  An index page providing information on related guidance and regulations intended for industry and professional audiences.