It sounds as if you are aware that most baby walkers have been recalled in recent years. The primary reason is that the "walkers can fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers can be seriously injured or killed." This being said you are right to be concerned, and stairs are not the only issue.

A recent study found the majority of injuries requiring an emergency room visit were a result of the child being pushed in the walker by another family member or caregiver. Many others were injured as a result of a mechanical defect in the walker or by an adult tripping over the child while in the walker. Head injuries were sustained by the majority of children and included bruising, tooth damage and skull fracture. Suffice it to say, even in a single story home, use of a baby walker can be dangerous.

I would be remiss if I did not reiterate the concern with baby walkers and stairs. The American Academy of Pediatrics has gone so far as to call for a ban on baby walkers with wheels largely because of the number of serious injuries and fatalities associated with them falling down stairs.

A much better solution to keep your infant out of danger is to use a stationary activity center or play saucer. These are similar to walkers but without wheels. In addition to preventing a baby from moving around the house and getting into trouble, since they are stationary, you are less likely to inadvertently trip over them.

Even with the use of a stationary activity center, be sure to still baby-proof your home and use precautions to keep hot, sharp, small, poisonous, heavy and breakable items well out of your baby’s reach.

If you are concerned whether your walker or any product has been recalled, check the Consumer Products Safety Commission website (cpsc.gov) or Recalls.org. If recalled, in most cases you can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. It is also a good reminder to send in your product registration form for any product you purchase as manufacturers are required to promptly notify all registered owners of a safety recall.