Baby Walker Regulations You Need to Know in 2025

By Elena Fraser, Safety & Compliance Editor | Safety & Standards Column | Childcare Standards Council

Baby walkers have long been a controversial item in the childcare world. While some parents see them as a helpful way to entertain active infants, safety experts have raised concerns over the years about the risks they pose. In response, the UK has introduced updated baby walker regulations in 2025, aimed at reducing injuries and promoting safer use.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or early years provider, it’s vital to understand these regulations to make informed choices and keep babies safe.

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Why Baby Walkers Are Regulated

Baby walkers typically wheeled frames that allow babies to move around while seated have been linked to a high number of injuries, including:

• Falls down stairs

• Tipping over on uneven surfaces

• Access to hazards such as hot drinks, sharp objects, or cleaning products

• Delayed motor development due to restricted movement patterns

  
  

Due to these concerns, several countries have banned or restricted their sale entirely. In the UK, rather than banning baby walkers outright, regulators have opted to tighten safety requirements, improve testing standards, and enforce clearer labelling and user instructions.

Overview of 2025 Baby Walker Regulations (UK)

As of 1 March 2025, all baby walkers sold or used in childcare settings in the UK must comply with BS EN 1273:2020, the updated British and European standard for infant walking frames. The key changes to note include:

1. Mandatory Anti Stair Fall Mechanism

Newly manufactured baby walkers must now include a built in anti stair fall safety mechanism. This could be in the form of:

• Automatic wheel locks when approaching a downward slope

• Non slip friction strips or rubberised stops

• Structural changes to prevent wheeled movement beyond certain gradients

  
  

This is a crucial step in reducing the most severe type of injury associated with walkers.

2. Wider and More Stable Base Design

To prevent tipping and rolling over, the new standard requires:

• A wider base than the upper seating section to avoid fitting through doorways or narrow gaps

• A minimum weight requirement for the base, improving stability

• Enhanced impact testing during certification

  
  

These changes make the walker more stable and less prone to accidents caused by sharp turns or uneven floors.

3. Strict Material and Construction Standards

Manufacturers must now comply with updated requirements for:

• Toxicity: All materials must be free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and other restricted substances

• Structural integrity: No sharp edges, finger traps, or easily detachable parts

• Fire safety: Fabrics must meet flame retardancy guidelines outlined by UK product safety law

  
  

4. Height Adjustability Limits

The updated regulations cap the allowable height adjustment range, ensuring that babies are not able to “squat walk” or bounce excessively both of which have been linked to hip and leg development issues.

Proper posture is now a core consideration in walker design, aligned with guidance from paediatric physiotherapists.

5. Enhanced Warning Labels and Instructions

In 2025, baby walkers must include:

• Prominent safety warnings (e.g. “Never use near stairs”)

• Age and weight guidelines (typically suitable from 6 to 12 months, and under 12kg)

• Clear assembly instructions, with diagrams or digital resources (e.g. QR codes linking to videos)

• Cleaning and maintenance instructions

  
  

Lack of clear guidance has historically been a major factor in misuse these new rules help counter that risk.

What This Means for Parents and Carers

If you’re a parent considering a baby walker in 2025, or already own one, here’s what to do:

Check for BS EN 1273:2020 Compliance

Always look for a label or certificate stating the product meets the current British/European standard. If buying online, don’t rely solely on product descriptions request proof of compliance if it isn’t listed.

Avoid Second Hand Walkers Without Full Safety Information

Older models may not include the updated features or may have degraded over time. If you do use a second hand walker, ensure it:

• Has no missing or damaged parts

• Includes a working safety mechanism

• Is within its recommended lifespan (usually up to 3 years)

  
  

Use Only on Flat, Hazard Free Floors

Never use baby walkers near stairs, in kitchens, or on uneven or sloped surfaces. Avoid use around pets or older children who may cause instability.

Limit Use Time

The NHS and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advise limiting walker use to 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and not relying on them as a replacement for floor based play or supervised exploration.

Responsibilities for Childcare Providers

In registered nurseries and childminder settings, baby walkers are not commonly used, but if they are:

• They must be fully compliant with BS EN 1273:2020

• Staff must receive training in safe usage and supervision

• Walkers must be included in daily equipment checks

• Usage must be risk assessed and justified in line with EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements

  
  

Some providers have chosen to phase out baby walkers entirely in favour of stationary activity centres or floor based physical development resources, which align better with early years guidance.

For Retailers and Manufacturers

If you sell or produce baby walkers in the UK:

• Ensure all products manufactured or imported after 1 March 2025 meet BS EN 1273:2020

• Clearly label products with safety and compliance information

• Provide detailed user manuals and accessible safety content

• Withdraw or recall any models that do not meet the updated requirements

  
  

Failure to comply could result in Trading Standards action, product recalls, or fines under the General Product Safety Regulations.

Final Thoughts: Safer Play, Smarter Standards

The new baby walker regulations in 2025 reflect a broader trend in childcare safety: designing out risk, rather than managing it after the fact. While walkers are still legally available, the emphasis is now firmly on supervised, limited, and safe use.

For many parents and carers, alternatives such as tummy time, baby gyms, or push along walkers (used when babies are developmentally ready) may be more beneficial in supporting physical development without the associated hazards.