Baby Walkers Guidelines

OMB Control Number 3041-0029

Appendix 110
September 1993
BABY WALKER INCIDENT
INVESTIGATIVE GUIDELINE
I.
A.

INTRODUCTION
Background Information

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has long
recognized the hazards associated with baby walkers. Efforts
to address injuries associated with these products have
included the publication of mandatory safety standards,
participation in the development and revision of a voluntary
standard, and dissemination of a variety of consumer
information materials. A recent review of data on children's
hazards through CPSC's Hazard Screening Project suggested
baby walker injuries to be a potential area for further study
or future project activities.
In 1992, CPSC was petitioned by the Consumer Federation
of America (CFA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
the Washington State Chapter of the AAP, the National Safe
Kids Campaign, and Consumers Union to ban baby walkers. The
petitioners asserted that baby walkers have been a major
source of childhood injury, and that the voluntary safety
standard for walkers [developed through the American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM)] and numerous consumer
education efforts (by CPSC and others) have had little or no
effect on the number of injuries each year. The petitioners
also alleged that walkers caused adverse developmental
effects on children.
The Commission voted to deny the petition in April 1993,
stating that the record could not support the requested
action. However, the staff was directed to develop a project
for Commission consideration that would contain
recommendations for an appropriate course of action to
address the alleged hazards associated with baby walkers.
The project was approved at mid-year review. This special
study of walker-related injuries is a major part of the
project.

Preliminary findings by CPSC staff indicated that the
risk of walker-related injuries relative to the number of
live births in the U.S. has remained virtually stable since
1984. The literature did not support a conclusion that
walkers caused adverse developmental effects. Nevertheless,
the CPSC estimates that there were about 27,000 walkerrelated injuries to children under 15 months of age treated
in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 1991. About 80 percent
of these injuries involved falls down steps, stairs, or
between levels. About one-third of these injuries could be
classified as potentially serious, in that they included
fractures, concussions, dislocations, amputations, burns, or
internal injuries. In addition, the CPSC staff is aware of
about one death per year involving baby walkers.
The goal of this special study is to more fully identify
the circumstances involved in baby walker incidents.
Information collected will be used to answer the following
questions:
1) Can product modifications be developed to address the
identified hazards?
2) What portion of the injuries would be addressed by
these modifications?
Data collection will continue over a 12-month period. A
sample of about 300-400 cases identified through the National
Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) will be
followed up by telephone investigations to obtain additional
information about the incident. Incidents involving falls
down steps or stairs, as well as other incidents for which
additional detail is required, will be reassigned for on-site
investigation. Analysis of the data is expected to be
completed in the spring of FY 1995.
B.

Product Description

Baby walkers are described by ASTM as "a mobile (or
immobile) unit which enables a child to move forward or
sideward while learning to walk." A baby walker generally
consists of a fabric seat with leg openings mounted to a
rigid plastic deck, often with a feeding tray.

2

The deck is attached to a base with wheels. Walkers
generally can be folded for storage, and may have adjustable
seat heights and a bouncing mechanism. Activity
toys may be attached to the trays. Some walkers have wheellock mechanisms (see figure below).

Illustration of a Typical Baby Walker

3

C.

Specific Items of Interest

Incidents involving falls down steps or stairs are of
particular interest, in that they account for the majority of
injuries. Information on the width of the doorway or
stairway entrance, measured at the narrowest point where the
walker would pass through, is critical to determining whether
product modifications, such as increasing the diameter of the
walker, will be effective in preventing these incidents. It
is also critical to determine whether the walker complied
with the 1986 ASTM voluntary standard or the 1989 revisions
to the standard. Both included safety labeling requirements
including warnings about use near stairs, steps, and
thresholds. The 1989 revision requires a permanent stairs
warning label on each product in a place which will be seen
by the consumer when placing the child in the walker,
"WARNING: Avoid serious injury. NEVER use near stairs." It
is essential to report the age of the walker, as well as the
presence, content, and location of warning labels. The
manufacturer and model of the walker should be reported
whenever available.
For the FY 93-94 special study, a systematic random
sample of cases will be selected for follow-up telephone
investigation from CPSC Headquarters. A portion of these
cases (primarily stair-fall incidents) will be assigned for
on-site investigation for further information. A copy of the
completed telephone investigation questionnaire (see
Attachment 1) will accompany all on-site reassignment
messages. Where appropriate, field investigators should make
corrections and additions to the information reported on the
telephone questionnaire. However, on-site investigations
provide invaluable additional descriptive information about
the product, victim, and circumstances involved, and
therefore should not be limited to the data elements
requested on the telephone questionnaire.
D.

Headquarters Contact(s)
Joyce McDonald - EPHA - 301-504-7331
Debra Ascone - EPHA - 301-504-7403

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II.
A.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Synopsis

Within the synopsis, report the specific hazard pattern
involved, such as falling down a step or stairway, tipping
over, contacting a hot surface or liquid, having a finger or
limb entrapped or pinched, contacting sharp edges or points,
or having the walker collapse. Report the age and sex of the
child, type of injury, body part involved, and any lasting or
permanent effects.
KEY WORDS:
B.

FALL, STEP, STAIR, TIP, BURN, ENTRAP,
PINCH, SHARP, COLLAPSE

Description of the Product
• It is important to find out the age of the walker.
Determine whether the walker was purchased/received
new or used, and the length of time the owner had
possession of the product.
• If the walker was purchased or received other than
new, report how the walker was obtained (e.g., yard
sale, hand-me-down, consignment shop, etc.).
• Report the manufacturer and model of the walker.
• Report the presence, location, and exact wording of
any warning labels on the walker and accompanying
instructional literature. Describe any graphics
present. If possible, document these warnings with
photographs.
• Describe the shape of the base upon which the
wheels were attached (e.g., round, rectangular,
etc.), and report the number of wheels present. If
possible, photograph the walker from front, side,
and overhead views to illustrate the construction
of the walker.
• Describe the general condition of the walker and any
damaged or broken parts. State whether the damage was
present before the incident or resulted from the
incident.

5

• Describe any safety features present such as wheellocking mechanisms.
C.

Description of the Incident Environment

•

Report the type of setting in which the incident
occurred. For example, was the walker being used
in the child's home, a daycare provider's
residence, a daycare center, or some other
location?

•

Determine whether this was a single family home, a
townhouse, an apartment building, a school, or some
other type of building.

•

Report the specific location in which the incident
occurred. For example, did it occur in a kitchen,
family room, stairway, or some other area? If the
incident started in one room and ended in another,
indicate which rooms or locations were involved.
If it occurred on a stairway, specify the rooms at
the head and the foot of the stairs.
• Specify the approximate time of day of the incident
and approximately how many minutes the child was in
the walker before the incident happened.
• Determine who was taking care of the child at the
time of the incident (e.g., parent, relative,
sitter, etc.).
• Did the caregiver see the incident occur? Did any
one else witness the incident? Please specify.
• Determine who (other
same room or area at
what they were doing
report about how far

than the child) was in the
the time of the incident, and
when it occurred. If known,
they were from the victim.

• Please describe what happened just before, during,
and just after the incident.
• Describe any product features or perceived product
failures that, in the opinion of the respondent,
may have contributed to the incident.
• Describe the role of siblings or other children in
the incident, if any.
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• If the injury resulted from contact with a hot
surface or liquid, describe the source of heat and
how the child reached it.
• If the injury resulted from entrapment or pinching,
please photograph or diagram the part of the walker
involved, and obtain relevant dimensions of the
entrapment area.
For incidents specifically involving a tip-over:
• Describe the type of floor or floor covering(s)
under the walker throughout the sequence of the
incident. If the floor was carpeted, describe the
height and density of the pile. Please measure the
height of the pile and photograph the carpet.
• If a threshold strip was present, report the material
from which it was made (e.g., wood, stone, metal, etc.)
and the dimensions of the threshold strip cross-section.
Please photograph or provide drawing.
For incidents specifically involving falls down steps or
stairs:
• Report the inside width (in inches) of the step or
stairway opening. It is important to obtain the
narrowest dimension of the opening at the level the
walker passed through (close to the floor). Please
photograph the opening.
• Describe the step or stair surface(s) and any
differences in the surfaces throughout the sequence of
events (e.g., top step wood, stairs carpeted, floor at
bottom of stairs concrete). If carpet was present,
describe the height and density of the pile. Please
measure the height of the pile and photograph the
carpet.
• Determine if there was a threshold strip on the
floor at the top of the stairs. If so, report or
describe the material it was made from (e.g., wood,
stone, metal, etc.), and its cross-sectional
dimensions. Please photograph or diagram.

7

• Report if there was a door, barrier, or gate at the
top of the stairs at the time of the incident.
Determine if the door, barrier, or gate is usually
closed when the child is using the walker.
• If a gate was present, try to find out how it became
opened (e.g., gate was left open or not fastened
properly, child unfastened or pushed gate, etc.). Note
if there were any problems with the gate installation.
Please photograph.
• If no barrier or gate was present at the time of the
incident, determine if one has been installed since
then.
• If the walker had any safety features such as a wheellocking mechanism, determine if they were in use at the
time of the incident.
• Report the number of steps or stairs travelled by the
walker, including the top step or stair.
• Try to find out the orientation of the walker as it
started down the steps or stairs. Did it go down
forward, backward, or in some other way? Did it
remain upright, or did it tumble over during the
fall. Was the walker upright or tipped over when
it landed?
• Did the child remain in the walker throughout the
incident or did the child fall out of the walker?
D.

Description of the Injured Person
• Verify the age and sex of the injured child.
• Obtain the approximate height and weight of the
child, if available.
• Describe the type of injury and the parts of the
body that were involved. Because head injuries are
of particular interest, provide as much detail as
possible for such injuries (e.g., area involved,
severity, symptoms, etc.).
• Describe the type of treatment received at the
hospital, and state whether there appear to be any
lasting or permanent effects due to the incident.
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If the child was admitted for hospitalization,
report the length of stay. If the child received
any follow-up treatment after the hospital visit,
please describe.
E.

Product Usage/Exposure

In evaluating possible risks of injury, it is important
to examine various elements of the hazard scenario in
conjunction with information about the general use of the
product. Please report:
• The age of the child when he or she first started
using the walker.
• How often the walker was typically used, and how
long the child was in the walker for each use. Did
this pattern of use change over time? If, so
please describe these changes.
• Whether the time spent in the walker was more or less
than the time spent crawling.
• The rooms or locations in which the walker was most
often used.
• Specific times of day or occasions when the walker
was typically used (e.g., when parent was preparing
meals).
• Safety precautions generally taken before the child was
put in the walker as compared to safety precautions
taken before the child was put on the floor (when not in
the walker).
• Any functions of the walker that the caregiver
considered to be particularly important or useful
(e.g. kept the child happy/quiet, helped the child
to get exercise, etc.). If safety is reported as
an important walker function try to find out the
caregiver's rationale.
• Products sometimes used in lieu of the walker (e.g.,
playpen, high chair, etc.).
• Previous incidents the victim or siblings may have
experienced with this or other baby walkers.
Describe such incident(s) and note the nature and
extent of any injuries that may have resulted.
9

• Whether the child used the walker since the
incident, or would be likely to use it in the
future. If not, describe the reasons why (e.g.,
walker broken, caregiver considers the walker too
dangerous, etc.)
F.

Product Safety Standards

1.

Mandatory Standards

Infant walkers are subject to the banning regulation
under 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(6) of the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act unless they meet the criteria described under
16 CFR 1500.86(a)(4). Under the 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(4)
requirements, infant walkers must be designed to:
• prevent injury from any scissoring, shearing, or
pinching when the frame or other components rotate;
• cover coil springs with spaces greater than 0.125
inches;
• guard any holes, slots, cracks greater than 0.125
inches;
• prevent incidental collapse;
• provide the name and address of the manufacturer,
packer, distributor, or seller; and
• provide code mark on the article, package container, and
on the invoice or shipping records.
In addition, walkers are also subject to the mandatory
standards for small parts, 16 CFR 1501; the sharp point
technical requirements, 16 CFR 1500.48; the sharp edge
technical requirements, 16 CFR 1500.49; and the ban of excess
lead-in-paint, 16 CFR 1303.
Hazards not covered by the mandatory regulations could be
addressed under Section 15 of the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act where appropriate.
2. Voluntary Standard
The ASTM voluntary standard, ASTM F977, Standard
Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Infant Walkers,
contains performance requirements addressing stability,
structural integrity, and occupant retention; test methods;
and labeling requirements.

10

The labeling requirements address instructional
literature, product identification, and warnings and/or
graphics on the product. The warnings on the walker are to
be displayed so that they can be seen during some phase of
assembly or product use (see Attachment 2). In general, the
required warnings are:
•
•
•
•

never leave the child unattended;
never use near stairs, steps, or thresholds;
make certain both feet of the child touch the floor; and
avoid burn injuries, by keeping children away from
ranges, radiators, space heaters, and fireplaces.

In an 1989 revision of the voluntary standard, an
additional stair warning label was required to be placed on
the walker in a place that will be seen by the consumer when
placing a child in the walker. The stair warning states:
"WARNING: Avoid serious injury. NEVER use near stairs."
The instructional literature is required to include an
additional warning that the child "...should always be kept
in view while in the walker."

11

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING AND DIAGRAMMING THE
INCIDENT SCENE AND PRODUCT INVOLVED.
• Please photograph the walker from front, side, and
overhead views to illustrate the walker base (e.g.,
round, rectangular, etc.) and number of wheels.
• Photograph any warning labels and graphics on the
walker to illustrate their location and content.
• Diagram the room or area in which the incident
occurred to illustrate the path of the walker
during the incident sequence. If the incident
involved a fall down steps or stairs, diagram the
step or stairway opening and provide the inside
width (in inches) of the opening at the narrowest
dimension (e.g., the inside edges of the door
frame) close to the floor.
• Photograph the floor or floor covering(s) present under
the walker during the incident.
• If a threshold strip was present in the incident
location, photograph and provide a diagram of its crosssectional dimensions.
IV.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO
THE INVESTIGATION
• Obtain medical records, i.e., emergency room records
or hospitalization records.
• If a death occurred, obtain all available medical
records and other documentation from the medical
examiner or coroner, police, and other knowledgeable
parties.

12

November 4, 1993
Attachment 1
Task Number: __________________________
Date of Interview: ___
___
___
YY
MM
DD
BABY WALKER TELEPHONE QUESTIONNAIRE
1.

HELLO, ASK FOR PARENT (OR GUARDIAN) OF INJURED CHILD.
SPECIFY RESPONDENT:
1 Parent
2 Grandparent
3 Babysitter
7 Other; specify: ___________________

2.

READ: I'm ______________________ calling for the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In cooperation
with _________________ hospital we're doing a study of baby
walker-related injuries. The Commission is interested in
learning more about these incidents, so that we can find
ways to make walkers safer.

3a.

READ: I understand that ___________________ was treated
recently at the emergency room for an injury associated
with a baby walker. Is that correct?
0 No
INTERVIEWER: END INTERVIEW IF THERE WAS NO INJURY OR INJURY
INVOLVED A DIFFERENT PRODUCT; OTHERWISE CONTINUE.
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN REASON FOR NOT CONTINUING (DESCRIBE IF
INJURY INVOLVED A DIFFERENT PRODUCT)
____________________________________________________________
1 Yes (CONTINUE)

3b.

Are you the person most familiar with the incident?
0 No (INTERVIEWER SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW)
1 Yes (CONTINUE)
*****************************************************************
INTERVIEWER: ASK TO SPEAK WITH PERSON MOST FAMILIAR WITH
THE INCIDENT. IF RESPONDENT FOR THE INTERVIEW IS DIFFERENT
FROM THAT SPECIFIED IN QUESTION 1, SPECIFY RESPONDENT
______________________________________________________
IF NECESSARY, SET UP CALL BACK TIME
CALL BACK TIME:_________A.M._________P.M., DAY OF WEEK
PERSON TO CONTACT__________________________________
IF THE PERSON WHO IS MOST FAMILIAR WITH THE INCIDENT IS
SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE PARENT (E.G., A BABYSITTER) ASK IF
YOU MAY CALL THIS PERSON TO GET INFORMATION AND CONTINUE
INTERVIEW, OBTAINING AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE
1 No (CONTINUE)
2 Yes (CONTINUE)
Name____________________ Relationship To Child______________
1

Telephone____________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused
*****************************************************************
3c.

4.

READ: Would you answer some questions so that we can
find ways to make walkers safer? Of course, your
answers will be kept completely confidential. No names
are associated with the answers. This interview should
take about 20 minutes to complete.
0 No (ASK IF ANOTHER TIME WOULD BE BETTER AND SET UP A
CALL BACK TIME:_____ AM _____ PM, DAY OF WEEK _________ )
1 Yes
Can you tell me as accurately as possible the day
and month on which this incident occurred?
MONTH_____________

DAY______________

IF RESPONSE IS NOT GIVEN IN A MONTH, DAY FORMAT SPECIFY
RESPONSE BELOW:
______________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
5.

Are you the person who was taking care of ________ (child's
name) when the incident happened?
0 No, (SPECIFY PERSON:___________________
RELATIONSHIP TO
CHILD:________________________________________(SKIP TO 7)
1 Yes (CONTINUE)

6.

How well do you remember the incident? Do you remember
it..(READ CHOICES)
0 Not very vividly
1 Somewhat vividly
2 Moderately vividly
3 Very vividly
4 Exceptionally vividly

2

7.

Please tell me how the incident happened and what you
think may have caused the incident. (PROBE FOR PREINCIDENT, INCIDENT AND POST-INCIDENT EVENTS)
PRE-INCIDENT________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
INCIDENT____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
POST-INCIDENT______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

3

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
***************************************************************
INTERVIEWER: IF RESPONDENT HAS NOT INCLUDED WHAT WAS HAPPENING
BEFORE THE INCIDENT ASK THEM TO DESCRIBE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING UP
TO THE INCIDENT.
****************************************************************

****************************************************************
INTERVIEWER: REVIEW THE MAIN POINTS OF THE SUMMARY WITH THE
RESPONDENT. ASK IF YOU MISSED ANY IMPORTANT
DETAILS. IN RETELLING THE RESPONSE, MAKE SURE THAT
IT MAKES SENSE. ASK RESPONDENT TO EXPAND ON PARTS
THAT ARE UNCLEAR.
*****************************************************************

*****************************************************************
READ: I'd like to ask you some more questions about the area
where the incident happened, the walker, and about the injury.
If you've already talked about an item that I ask you about, I
may repeat it to make sure I haven't missed any important
details.
***************************************************************

4

8a.

READ: First, I would like to ask a few questions about
where the incident happened.
Where did the incident happen? For example, was it in the
child's home, a daycare center, daycare provider's home or
some other location?
1 Child's home
2 Daycare provider's home
3 Daycare center or nursery school
7 Other; specify: _____________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

8b.

Was this a single family home, a townhouse, an apartment
building, a school, or some other place?
1 Single family home
2 Townhouse
3 Apartment building
4 School
7 Other; specify____________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

8c.

Is the place where the incident happened a... (READ LIST)
1 Single level home or place with no basement
2 Single level home or place with a basement
3 Multi-level home or place with no basement
4 Multi-level home or place with a basement
5 Other, specify______________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

9a.

READ: In what room(s) or areas did the incident occur?
If the incident started in one room or area and ended
in another, please tell me all rooms or areas involved.
For example, the walker may have started in the kitchen
and fallen down a flight of stairs into the basement.

5

ONLY ONE ROOM OR AREA INVOLVED, SELECT ROOM/AREA:
1 Kitchen
2 Bedroom
3 Family room, dining room, living room
4 Hallway or foyer
5 Stairway
6 Porch or deck
7-1 Other outdoor location;
specify:___________________________________________
7-2 Other; specify:____________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
MULTIPLE AREAS OR ROOMS INVOLVED:
BEGAN IN
PASSED THROUGH
ROOM/AREA
ROOMS/AREA(S)
______________ ________________________
9b.

END
ROOM/AREA
_______________

Is the room or area where the incident happened most often
where the walker is used? (IF MULTIPLE ROOMS/AREAS INVOLVED,
CLARIFY THAT THE ROOM WHERE THE INCIDENT STARTED IS THE ROOM
IN QUESTION)
0 No, (SPECIFY USUAL ROOM(S) AND LOCATION(S))
Room____________________________________
Location_________________________________
1 Yes
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

10a. Where was the caregiver in relation to _______ (child's
name) when the incident happened?__________________________
_________________________________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused
10b. Did anyone see the incident happen?
0 No
1 Yes, specify who saw the incident occur and describe
where they were in relation to the child.
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

6

11.

During the incident, did _______(child's name)..
(READ CHOICES BELOW, CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
1 Fall down a step or stairway
2 Tip-over while in the walker, without a fall down a step
or stairway
3 Contact a hot surface or liquid. Specify type (e.g.,
space heater, iron, coffee pot, etc.):___________________
__________________________________________________________
4 Entrap or pinch a finger or limb. Specify area on
walker that caused the injury:____________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7 Other; specify:___________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
***********************************************************
o TIP-OVERS CONTINUE
o STAIR FALLS SKIP TO Q 13a, PAGE 7
o ALL OTHERS SKIP TO Q 25a, PAGE 10
************************************************************
12a. TIP-OVER INCIDENTS: What do you think caused the walker to
tip over? (READ ITEMS, CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
1 Uneven floor surfaces; please describe:__________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2 Walker seemed unstable; describe:________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
7 Other; specify:__________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
12b. Did the walker tip over because of a threshold or doorsill
on the floor? That is, was there a raised strip of wood,
stone, metal, or other material present on the floor?
0 No
1 Yes; ASK: How high would you say this threshold or
doorsill is? (PROBE FOR A NUMERICAL ANSWER SUCH AS 1/4")
________________________________________________________
****************************************************************
INTERVIEWER: SKIP TO Q 25a, PAGE 10
****************************************************************

7

13a. STAIR-FALL INCIDENTS: READ: Now I'd like you to think
about the step or stairway opening where the incident
happened.
How wide would you say the step or stairway opening is? To
help you estimate, you might keep in mind that the width of
a normal front door is about 3 feet.(SPECIFY UNITS OF
MEASUREMENT GIVEN, E.G., INCH, FEET)
_______________________________________________
13b. Can you tell me how you came up with that number?
In other words, what did you think of when you made your
estimate?_________________________________________
___________________________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused
14a. Was there a door at the top of the stairs?
0 No (SKIP TO QUESTION Q 15a)
1 Yes; READ: Describe the door, was it a
swinging, a folding, or a regular door on hinges?
__________________________________________________(CONTINUE)
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 15a)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 15a)
14b. Was the door open or closed just before the incident:
1 Open (SKIP TO Q 15a)
2 Closed (CONTINUE)
8 Don't Know (SKIP TO Q 15a)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 15a)
14c. How do you think the door was opened?
1 Door was improperly fastened or closed by an adult
2 Child unfastened or pushed door
3 Latch did not work right
7 Other; specify:_________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
15a. Was there a threshold or doorsill on the floor at the top of
the step or stairs where the incident happened? That is,
was there a raised strip of wood, stone, metal, or other
material present on the floor at the top of the stairs?
0 No (SKIP TO Q 16)
1 Yes, describe:
__________________________________________________(CONTINUE)
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 16)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 16)

8

15b.

How high would you say this threshold or doorsill is?
(PROBE FOR A NUMERICAL ANSWER SUCH AS 1/4")
_____________________________________________________

16.

At the time of the incident, was there a "gate" at the top
of the stairs?
0 No (SKIP TO Q 19)
1 Yes (CONTINUE)
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 19)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 19)

17.

Was the gate open or closed just before the incident?
1 Open (SKIP TO Q 19)
2 Closed (CONTINUE)
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 19)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 19)

18.

How do you think the gate was opened?
1 Gate was improperly fastened or closed by an
adult
2 Child unfastened or pushed gate
3 Latch did not work right
7 Other; specify:_________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

19.

Had anything else been placed in the area to restrain (for
example, a chair, or board) the child from the step or
stairway?
0 No (SKIP TO Q 21)
1 Yes, describe restraining item and how it was placed in
relation to the step or stairway. (CONTINUE)
____________________________________________________________
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 21)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 21)

20.

How was__________ (child's name) able to get around this
restraining item?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

9

21a.

Now I'd like you to think about the step or stairs where
the incident happened.
Describe what the stairs are made of and any covering on the
stairs, for example, wood stairs with carpet runner down the
middle.
INTERVIEWER: IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE ITEMS ON THE
SURFACE OF THE STAIRS, SPECIFY IN "OTHER" THE COMBINATIONS
ON THE SURFACE
1 Wood
2 Vinyl, linoleum
3 Concrete
4 Carpet
7 Other; (SPECIFY OTHER SURFACE COVERING AND DESCRIBE
MULTIPLE COMBINATIONS HERE, LISTING MATERIALS FROM THE
CLOSEST TO THE FURTHEST FROM THE WALKER AND CHILD)
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

21b.

Was the surface or covering on the floor at the top of
the stairs different from the other steps?
0 No
1 Yes; please describe what surface and/or covering and how
it is different from the other steps:
___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

22.

On what type of surface, for example, wood floor, cement
floor did the child land on when the walker and/or child
stopped?
1 Wood
2 Vinyl, linoleum
3 Concrete
4 Carpet

10

7 Other; (SPECIFY OTHER SURFACE COVERING AND DESCRIBE
MULTIPLE COMBINATIONS HERE, E.G., CARPET OVER CEMENT
FLOOR LISTING MATERIALS FROM THE CLOSEST TO THE
FURTHEST
FROM THE WALKER AND CHILD)
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
23.

What direction was the walker going when it started down the
steps--forward, backward, or some other way?
1 Forward
2 Backward
3 Sideways
7 Other; specify:___________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

24.

While __________ (child's name) was in the walker, about how
many steps did the walker go down?
ENTER NUMBER GIVEN______*
7 Other; (IF CHILD CAME OUT OF WALKER AND CONTINUED OUT OF
THE WALKER DOWN THE STAIRS, DESCRIBE)
___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
88 Don't know
99 Refused
*ASK THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STAIRS IN STAIRWAY IF CHILD ONLY
WENT DOWN PART OF THE STAIRWAY
TOTAL_______
88 Don't Know
99 Refused

25a.

ALL HAZARD PATTERNS, CONTINUE HERE. Next, I have some
questions about ___________(child's name) injuries.
Please describe the injury and parts of the body
that were involved.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
11

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
25b.

How were these injuries treated at the hospital?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

25c.

After leaving the emergency room or hospital, did
__________(child's name) see a doctor or receive any other
medical treatment for this injury?
0 No
1 Yes,describe___________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_____
____________________________________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

12

25d.

Has __________(child's name) fully recovered from (his/her)
injuries?
0 No, describe (ASK: DO YOU EXPECT HIM/HER TO HAVE ANY
LASTING OR PERMANENT PHYSICAL PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE
INCIDENT)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
1 Yes, fully recovered
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

25e.

Had ___________ (child's name) experienced previous
injuries or incidents with this or other baby walkers?
0 No
1 Yes; please describe and specify when these occurred:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

13

26.

Now, I'd like you to think about the walker involved in
the incident.
In your opinion, was there anything wrong with the walker,
like a product feature or some damage to the walker that may
have helped to cause the incident?
0 No
1 Yes; please describe:____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

27. READ: Walkers manufactured in recent years are supposed to
have safety labels on them. Were there any labels on the
walker?
0 No (SKIP TO Q 29)
1 Yes (CONTINUE)
8 Don't know (SKIP TO Q 29)
9 Refused (SKIP TO Q 29)
28a.

Can you tell me what is written or drawn on the label and
what it looked like?
0 No
1 Yes, describe____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

28b.

29.

Where were the labels located? (READ ITEMS, CIRCLE ALL THAT
APPLY)
1 Seat, describe__________________________________________
2 Tray, describe___________________________________________
3 Base, describe___________________________________________
7 Other; specify:__________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
If you own the walker, how did you obtain the walker? That
is, did you buy it new, buy it used, obtain it as a hand-medown, or receive it as a gift or obtain it some other way?
Respondent does not own the walker,
specify owner_______________________(SKIP TO 31 a)
1 Bought new
2 Bought used ASK: About how old do you think it is?______
3 Obtained as hand-me-down ASK: About how old do you think
it is?____________
14

4
7
8
9
30.

Received as gift(new)
Other; specify:___________________________________________
Don't know
Refused

About how long have you (or the owner) had the walker?
LESS THAN ONE MONTH, SPECIFY AS ONE MONTH.
___ Months
___ Years
88 Don't know
99 Refused

15

IF

31a.

I have just a few more questions. These relate to the
general use of the walker by _____________ (child's name).
About how old was the child when (he/she) first started
using the walker?
____Months
88 Don't Know
99 Refused

31b.
32a.

How old is (he/she) now?_______Months
When the incident happened, was this the first time
__________(child's name)used the walker?
0 No
1 Yes
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

32b. About how often did (he/she) use the walker?
1 Once a week or less
2 Several times a week
3 About once a day
4 More than once a day, estimate about how often______________
7 Other; specify:__________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused
33.

For each use, about how long did the child typically stay in
the walker?
1 Less than 30 minutes
2 About a half an hour to an hour
3 Longer than one hour
7 Other; specify:___________________________________________
8 Don't know
9 Refused

16

34.

Now for each question I'd like you to think about the walker's
most useful functions.
Do you think it ... (READ EACH ITEM BELOW, CIRCLE ONE
RESPONSE FOR EACH QUESTION)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Keeps the child happy/quiet
Teaches the child to walk
Helps the child to get exercise
Gives the child freedom/independence
Provides a feeding place for the child
Keeps the child generally safe
Provides a place to put the child
while caregiver is otherwise occupied

NO
0
0
0
0
0
0

YES
1
1
1
1
1
1

DK
8
8
8
8
8
8

REF
9
9
9
9
9
9

0

1

8

9

35.

Since the incident, has the child used the walker again?
0 No, specify reason___________________________________
1 Yes
8 Don't know
9 Refused

36.

Do you still have the walker in your possession or know where
it is located?
0 No
1 Yes, still have walker
2 Yes; walker is located at: __________________________
_____________________________________________________
8 Don't Know
9 Refused

*****************************************************************
INTERVIEWER: FOR STAIR OR STEP FALLS CONTINUE, ALL OTHERS SKIP TO
Q 39 UNLESS THE WALKER IS NOT IN RESPONDENT'S POSSESSION, THEN SKIP
TO Q 41
******************************************************************
37.

READ: It is very important for us to know the width of the
stairway opening. This will help us determine if walkers can
be changed so they cannot go down stairs.
I would like you to measure, in inches, the narrowest inside
width of the stairway opening, at a level near the floor.
Would you be willing to do this while I wait?
0 No (CONTINUE)
1 Yes; specify width:______ feet ______inches (SKIP TO Q 39
UNLESS WALKER IS NOT IN RESPONDENT'S POSSESSION, THEN Q 41)

17

38.

If this is not convenient to do now, may I call you back later
for this information?
0 No (CONTINUE UNLESS WALKER IS NOT IN RESPONDENT'S
POSSESSION, THEN Q 41)
1 Yes;
(SET UP CALL BACK TIME)TIME______A.M._____P.M._______DAY______
(CONTINUE UNLESS WALKER IS NOT IN RESPONDENT'S POSSESSION,
THEN Q 41)

39.

READ: It is very important that we get detailed
information about any safety labels on the walker to
determine if the manufacturer is meeting the requirements.
INTERVIEWER CHOOSE APPROPRIATE PARAGRAPH:
If you remember seeing a label on the walker, I'd like you to
look at the baby walker and tell me where the label is located
and what is written or drawn on it. Would you be willing to
do this while I wait?
If you don't remember seeing a label on the walker, could you
look at the walker again. Sometimes manufacturers put labels
under the tray or on the wheel base of the walker. I'd like
you to look at the baby walker and tell me if there is a label
located in either of these places or anywhere else and what is
written or drawn on the label. Would you be willing to do
this while I wait?
0 No (CONTINUE)
1 Yes: writing and any graphics on label (NOTE IF THERE IS ANY
DAMAGE TO THE LABEL)_______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
LOCATION OF
LABEL______________________________________________________
BRAND/MODEL OF WALKER___________________________(SKIP TO 41)

18

40.

If this is not convenient to do now, may I call you back later
for this information? (SET UP CALL BACK TIME)
0 No (CONTINUE)
1 Yes; (SET UP CALL BACK TIME)_____________________________

41.

Thank you very much for your cooperation in this effort to
make baby walkers safer. If I missed anything may I call you
back?
0 No
1 Yes
8 Don't know

19

BABY WALKER SPECIAL STUDY
September 1993
TASK NO.: ________________________
HOSPITAL ID:

INTERVIEWER ID: _____________

____________________

DATE OF ER VISIT:

____/____/____
YY
MM
DD
AGE: _________ MONTHS

SEX:

1 MALE
2 FEMALE

RECORD OF CALLS

DATE
YY/MM/DD
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__
__/__/__

DAY OF
WEEK

EASTERN TIME

RESULT

SUGGESTED
CALL BACK TIME

______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___

______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___
___:___

RESULT CODES:

AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM

AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM
AM/PM

C=COMPLETED
T=TERMINATED
R=REFUSAL
B=LANGUAGE BARRIER
W=WRONG NUMBER
N=NON-WORKING NUMBER
NA=NO ANSWER
LB=LINE BUSY
CB=CALL BACK
LM=LEFT MESSAGE

COMMENTS (ATTEMPTS TO FIND CORRECT PHONE NUMBER, REASONS FOR
REFUSAL, ETC.): _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________