But with so many designs on the market, how do you find one that won’t fall apart or tangle instantly?
We researched the top options for early walkers to bring you this list of the best pull toys. We evaluated them based on durability, safety features, developmental value, and how much fun they actually offer.
Ready to get moving? Let’s help your little one take their new best friend for a stroll.
- Long-term quality
- Made from high-quality wood
- Completely safe for children
- No batteries required
- Encourages early role-play
- Interactive sounds and motions
- Removable shape sorter shell
- Durable and sturdy wood
- Award winning
- Perfect for boys and girls
- Handcrafted
- Safe, non-toxic paint
- Over 60 songs and noises
- Encourages kids to walk
- Builds motor skills
- Child-safe materials
- No batteries are needed
- 100% solid wood
- Teaches the alphabet and phonics
- 3 learning songs
- Velvet-soft floppy ears
- 24-inch pull cord
- Uses non-toxic dyes and pigments
- From chemical free rubberwood trees
- Encourages active play
- Parents Magazine Best Toys award winner
- Low-maintenance
Why Your Child Needs a Pull Toy
Push toys are fantastic for helping babies find their balance. But once they master those wobbly first steps, they are ready to graduate to a pull toy.
Pull toys require advanced multitasking. Your toddler has to look forward to navigate obstacles while looking backward to ensure their buddy is still following. This builds serious coordination and spatial awareness.
Navigating a room while towing an object boosts gross motor skills, while grasping the string refines fine motor strength. Plus, these toys teach cause and effect. Your child pulls, and the toy rolls, clicks, or flaps in response.
It’s a full-body workout for the brain and muscles. They are pulling, walking, balancing, and problem-solving all at once (1).
How to Choose a Pull Toy
You want a toy that is safe, engaging, and durable enough to handle a few bumps. Keep these factors in mind while shopping:
Check the Age Recommendation
Always stick to the manufacturer’s age guidelines. A toy that is too complex can frustrate a younger toddler, while one that is too simple might bore an older child. The CDC notes that using a pull toy is typically an 18-month milestone, but your child might be ready sooner or later (2).
Consider the Weight
The toy should be substantial enough to stay upright on carpet or hard floors but light enough for your toddler to tow without straining. If it’s too top-heavy, it will tip over constantly, which leads to tantrums rather than play.
Measure the String Length
Safety is your top priority here. The string on a pull toy should be 12 inches or shorter to prevent strangulation risks (3). If you buy a vintage toy or one with a longer cord, cut it down immediately or only allow play under strict supervision.
Skip the Beads
Avoid cords with heavy beads or handles at the end that could form a loop or noose. A simple knot or a small, solid handle that cannot be looped is the safest option for little fingers and necks.
Check String Thickness
A string that is too thin can act like a wire and cut into delicate skin if pulled tight. Ensure the cord is at least 1.5 millimeters thick (about 1/16th of an inch) to keep playtime safe and comfortable (4).
Product Reviews
We’ve rounded up 13 engaging, durable, and safe pull toys perfect for babies and toddlers on the move.
Brio Pull Along Giraffe
Best Overall Pull Toy
This classic wooden giraffe has charmed families for over 60 years. Designed for toddlers aged 12 months and up, it features a clever design where the head and neck nod rhythmically as the wheels turn.
The construction feels solid and substantial, typical of the Brio brand. Parents will appreciate the toxin-free, high-gloss paint finish that holds up well against scuffs. If you want a traditional, battery-free toy that encourages walking without overstimulating the senses, this giraffe is the gold standard.
Fisher-Price Lil' Snoopy
Best Budget Pick
Looking for a “first pet” for your toddler? This budget-friendly pup captures the fun of a real dog without the mess. As your child pulls it, Lil’ Snoopy turns his head, wiggles his ears, shakes his tail, and makes a mechanical barking sound.
It requires no batteries, relying solely on movement to animate. Suitable for ages 12 months and up, it’s perfect for pretend play. You can encourage your child to “feed” or “walk” the dog, helping develop empathy and imagination alongside gross motor skills.
Hape Walk-A-Long Snail
Best Multifunctional Pull Toy
Why settle for just a pull toy when you can have a shape sorter too? Hape delivers excellent value with this multi-purpose snail. The shell doubles as a shape sorter with three wooden blocks, which can be removed for separate play.
We love the smart design details, like the elastic-banded opening that keeps blocks secure while rolling but makes them easy to retrieve. As your 1-year-old pulls the snail, the shell rotates and the tail waves. It’s an excellent choice for parents with limited storage space who want two toys in one.
Best Moving Parts Pull Toy
Best Moving Parts Pull Toy
This PlanToys duck is a masterpiece of kinetic movement. As it rolls, the body undulates, the wings flap, and the head bobs, creating a delightful waddling effect that toddlers find hilarious.
Crafted from solid beech wood with organic pigments, it is an eco-friendly choice for families trying to reduce plastic use. The large red wheels handle carpet better than many smaller competitors. It’s simple, durable, and captivating for children aged 12 months and older.
VTech Pull and Sing Puppy
Best Musical Pull Toy
If your household loves noise and activity, this VTech puppy is a winner. It combines the physical action of a pull toy with electronic learning features. Buttons on the side introduce numbers, colors, and body parts, playing over 60 songs and phrases.
The nose flashes and the legs move, simulating a walking dog. It is great for younger babies (6 to 36 months) because the interactive buttons work even during stationary play. If you want a toy that actively teaches vocabulary and keeps a high-energy toddler entertained, this is the one to buy.
Hape Elephant Wooden Push Toy
Best Pull Toy for Little Hands
Sometimes simple is best. This Hape elephant features a distinct “hole” in the center, acting as a built-in handle. This makes it incredibly easy for toddlers to pick up and carry around when they get tired of pulling.
It promotes hand-eye coordination and is painted with water-based, non-toxic dyes. The movement is smooth, and the design is sturdy enough to survive being dropped repeatedly. It’s a low-frills, high-quality option for purists who love wooden toys.
Hape Wonder Walker
Best Push-and-Pull Toy
This isn’t just a toy; it’s a vehicle for your toddler’s other treasures. This classic red wagon lets kids haul their blocks, stuffed animals, or snacks around the house.
The handle locks in an upright position to serve as a stabilizer for new walkers. Once they are confident on their feet, you can unlock the handle to convert it into a traditional pull wagon. It’s versatile, sturdy, and grows with your child’s abilities, making it a smart long-term investment.
LeapFrog AlphaPup Toy
Most Educational Pull Toy
Combine literacy with physical activity using the LeapFrog AlphaPup. As your child pulls the dog, it sings the alphabet, making learning letters active and fun.
Soft fabric ears add a tactile element, while the letter buttons on the back teach letter names and sounds. It’s fantastic for introducing phonics to children aged 12 to 36 months. If you want a toy that teaches while they move, this pup is a top contender.
PlanToys Dancing Alligator
Most Unique Pull Toy
This alligator is famous for its satisfying “click-clack” sound. The unique jointed body wiggles and dances like a real reptile when pulled.
The sound provides instant auditory feedback, encouraging toddlers to keep moving to hear the rhythm. The wheels are designed to grip the floor well, ensuring the alligator actually dances rather than just sliding. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and distinctively designed for kids aged 1 year and up.
Award Winning Pull Toy
Obedient Dog
This Hape puppy allows for more interactive play than standard pull toys. Your toddler can pose the dog to sit, stand, or roll, thanks to its jointed wood construction.
The rubber-rimmed wheels protect your floors and ensure a quiet ride. It’s perfect for toddlers who want a “real” puppy to train. The bright orange or blue colors are engaging, and the build quality ensures it can handle rough play from kids over 12 months old.
Toomies Quack Along Ducks
Best Engaging Toy
This plastic pull toy features a mother duck and two ducklings that quack as they waddle. It’s suitable for babies as young as 10 months, making it one of the earlier options on our list.
The sound is purely mechanical (no batteries required), but fair warning: it is quite loud. Kids absolutely love the noise, which motivates them to keep walking. Being plastic, it’s also much easier to wipe down and sanitize than wooden alternatives.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Frog
Funniest Pull Toy
For pure comedy, this frolicking frog is hard to beat. As it rolls, the frog literally hops up and down while its googly eyes wiggle. It creates a dynamic motion that fascinates toddlers aged 18 months and up.
Melissa & Doug are known for sturdy wooden toys, and this is no exception. The non-toxic paint is bright and cheerful. If you want a toy that elicits giggles and encourages vigorous movement, this hopping amphibian is a great choice.
Fisher-Price Chatter Phone
Best Retro Pull Toy
This icon of the toy world brings major nostalgia. While modern kids might not recognize a rotary dial, they still love the face. The eyes roll up and down as it moves, and the mouth chatters.
It’s a fantastic 2-in-1 toy. It works as a pull toy for walkers and a pretend play station for sitters. Children love spinning the dial and talking into the handset. It’s durable, affordable, and sparks imaginative conversations for kids 12 months and older.
FAQs
What Makes a Good Pull Toy?
A top-tier pull toy offers stability, durability, and smooth movement. It should be weighted correctly so it doesn’t tip over constantly, which can frustrate toddlers. Look for additional features like moving parts, sounds, or shape sorters to keep your child engaged even when they aren’t walking.
What Is the Difference Between Push and Pull Toys?
Push toys have rigid handles and are designed to support a child’s weight as they lean forward, helping them learn to walk. Pull toys have a flexible string and are meant for children who can already walk comfortably; they challenge balance and coordination by requiring the child to tow an object behind them.
Are Pull Toys Safe for Babies?
Yes, provided they are age-appropriate and used under supervision. The biggest safety factor is the string length, which should never exceed 12 inches to prevent strangulation hazards. Always check for small parts that could break off and become choking hazards, especially with older vintage toys.
Do Pull Toys Help With Walking?
Yes, they encourage walking by giving toddlers a fun motivation to move across the room. While they don’t provide physical support like a push walker, they refine walking skills by forcing the child to adjust their speed, navigate turns, and maintain balance while one hand is occupied towing the toy.
How Do I Clean Wooden Pull Toys?
Wipe wooden pull toys with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking them in water or putting them in the dishwasher, as the wood can swell, warp, or crack. If the toy has a fabric string, you can spot-clean it with warm water and air dry it thoroughly before the next play session.
