Are walking helmets or backpacks safe for toddlers?

Most pediatricians and child development experts advise against using walking backpacks or soft helmets. These tools can inhibit a toddler's ability to learn how to balance and understand the consequences of a fall, which are essential parts of their natural development. Toddlers are naturally resilient; provide plenty of practice on varied surfaces like grass or turf, and encourage them to find their own balance through trial and error.