(also posted to misc.kids.pregnancy and misc.kids.breastfeeding with
OT in subject line)

I don't think I've seen this posted here yet so here it is...

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...abywalkers_col

Canada First Country to Ban Sale of Baby Walkers

Wed Apr 7, 1:00 PM ET


OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada became the first country in the world to ban
the sale, advertising and import of baby walkers on Wednesday, saying
too many children were being injured by the devices.

Baby walkers, also called infant walkers, are much like a chair on
wheels, designed for use by small children who are able to sit up but
not yet able to walk on their own. Children sit in the walker and
propel themselves along with their feet.

"Health Canada has determined that these children do not have the
necessary skills, reflexes or cognitive abilities to safely make use
of these products," the health ministry said in a statement.

"Typically, incidents linked to baby walkers involve head injuries
that result from falls down stairs," it added, advising parents with
the devices to dispose of them.

Canadian retailers have imposed a voluntary ban on the sale of baby
walkers since 1989 but the health ministry said more and more were
being imported.

"Canadians must know about the dangers posed to infants through the
use of baby walkers... I am pleased to announce that Canada is the
first country in the world to ban the sale of these products," said
Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew.

The ban also applies to the sale of baby walkers as second-hand items
at flea markets or garage sales.