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Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:3.

Pilgrim child taking his first steps with the help of a baby walker, postcard reproduced courtesy of Plimoth Plantation, Inc, Plymouth, Mass. In the 17th century, baby walkers were sometimes used when it was time for a child to learn to walk. The child is held standing by a ring or hoop that encircles the waist, and this ring or hoop is held by a stationary frame like the one illustrated here. The frames sometimes had trays attached to them to hold the child’s toys. Another type of walker had wheels attached to the feet allowing the baby to walk around the room.

Plimoth Plantation, Inc, is a private, nonprofit, educational, living-history museum of the 17th century. The museum explores the complex historical reality of the Plymouth Colony story from two perspectives: that of the native Wampanoag People and of the English colonists, now known as "pilgrims." Museum audiences are offered multiple learning opportunities to experience these two very different cultures. Plimoth Plantation is located in Plymouth, Mass. For more information visit their website at www.plimoth.org.