Application of baby walkers in Russia: epidemiological aspects

As per various research data, from 42 to 90 % families all over the world use baby walkers. There are some data implying that baby walkers prevent motor skills from their natural development and are to a certain extent dangerous for infants' health. Prevalence of damages associated with baby walkers varies from 7 to 50 % according to different estimations. Our research goals were to determine reasons for application of baby walkers in Russia and their prevalence in Russian families; to assess levels and structure of children injuries caused by baby walkers and their influence on motor development and on walking pattern formation. We performed three cohort pieces of research with pseudo-retrospective design. The overall sampling included 749 children; "baby-walker" groups consisted of 363 infants. We also performed an anamnestic questioning of parents with specially designed anonymous questionnaires. The research was accomplished on typical Russian territories (Rzhev and Rzhev district in Tver' region, population amounts to approximately 60...