ALBANY, NY (March 3, 2026) — Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin to increase product safety for children by prohibiting the use of infant walkers in childcare facilities has been signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Paulin, a Democrat from Westchester and chair of the Assembly Health Committee, announced that the measure (Ch. 629 of 2025 and Ch. 13 of 2026) bans infant walkers in childcare settings across New York state.
“Infant walkers have caused horrific tragedies,” Paulin said. “Parents and caregivers who use them logically assume that they are safe for infant use. The reality is that they are not. Walkers give caregivers a false sense of security. Yet there have been instances where a baby has seriously hurt themselves because in a walker they can move faster than an adult can reach them to keep them safe. With this ban, parents can be confident when they drop their child off at a daycare or school knowing that evidence-based safety standards are being upheld and walkers will not be used.”
According to the announcement, infant walkers send children to the hospital every year. While they may give caregivers the illusion that a baby is safe enough to allow attention to other tasks, infants can fall down stairs or reach harmful objects that might otherwise be out of reach. Research has also shown that infant walkers do not promote independent walking and that babies who use them experience delayed development of skills needed to pull themselves up, balance and take unsupported steps.
State Sen. Cordell Cleare, the Senate prime sponsor of the legislation, said the law represents an important step in protecting children in childcare facilities.
“Today, we take an important step forward in securing the safety of our precious young ones in childcare facilities,” Cleare said. “Products made to help facilitate the movement, development and interaction of our toddlers hold great potential but safety has to continue to be our primary concern. This legislation implements the recommendations of parents and pediatricians and it will save young lives.”
The New York State American Academy of Pediatrics also praised the measure.
“NYS American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Paulin, Senator Cleare and the legislature for advancing this critical law,” said Vanessa Salcedo, MD, vice-chair of the NYS American Academy of Pediatrics. “Infant walkers are not safe and delay motor skills. Pediatricians see firsthand the injuries that infant walkers cause. Banning these products in childcare facilities is a clear, evidenced-based, and practical step to protect babies.”
“This new law is a victory for child safety in New York State,” Paulin said. “I want to thank Governor Hochul, Senator Cleare, and the advocates who helped make this legislation a reality. We have a duty to turn hard lessons into action. Today New York has done this, and has strengthened protections for our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The legislation, sponsored in the New York State Senate by Cleare, goes into effect 90 days from enactment.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.