Effect of Baby Walker Use on Developmental Status based on Ages and Stages Questionnaire Score (ASQ)

Abstract

Objectives Baby walker is a popular device, which parents use for entertainment, keeping infants safe and walking promotion. We aimed to determine whether baby walker usage has any effect on the development using Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Materials & Methods We evaluated 107 one-yr-old infants in each baby walker user group and non-users (214 participants) using ASQ test of 12-month in Isfahan health centers for vaccination in 2017. We re-evaluated 168 infants at the age of 18-month using ASQ test of 18-month. The data of these groups were compared. Results Girls use baby walker more frequently (P=0.02). Baby walker usage was not significantly associated with parent's educational state, mother employment, birth rank of infant and delivery method. The starting age of baby walker use was 6.61 +/- 1.46 months. ASQ results in area of gross movement and fine movement were not significantly different in users and non- users at age 12 and 18 months. Conclusion Most parents believe baby walker can promote earlier walking, but based on current evidence this belief might not be true. Although most studies showed no developmental delay in baby walker users, parents should become aware of their possible negative effects and hazards.