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21 Best Push Toys for Babies of 2024

Updated
Help your baby take the next step with one of these push toys.

Push toys and baby walkers are great for a baby’s development in many ways. They help with walking, strength, and balance and incorporate many activities for learning and fine motor skills. Rather than being restricted to holding onto furniture to navigate around, a push toy can help boost their confidence and refine their balance.

Scores of options are available depending on your child’s age and needs.

In this guide, we’ve researched, sifted through, and rounded up the best push toys on the market to help you find the perfect one for your baby or toddler.

Our Top Picks

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Best Interactive Toy: VTech Sit-to-Stand
  • Removable play panel
  • Over 70 sing-along songs
  • Enhances role-play fun
Best Classic Design: Radio Flyer Walker
  • Furniture-friendly bumper
  • Resistance feature for beginners
  • Award-winning push wagon
Best Educational Walker: Fisher-Price Zebra
  • 2 ways to play
  • Easy-grasp handle
  • Teaches ABCs and 123s
Three-In-One Fun: iPlay, iLearn
  • Product safety certified
  • Speed control
  • Easy to assemble
Best Wooden Walker: Plan Toy Walker
  • Made from all-natural organic wood
  • 24 colored and natural blocks
  • Adjustable handle height and stiffness
Best for Balance: Little Balance Box
  • Eco-friendly design
  • Dual function as toddler table
  • Easy to maneuver
Time To Go Shopping: Little Tikes Cart
  • Easy-rolling wheels
  • Durable construction
  • Provides plenty of space
For the Young Chefs: Bright Starts
  • 4-in-1 shop 'n cook walker
  • Removable cook top
  • 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Learning And Leaning Puppy: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn
  • Grows with your baby
  • Encourages balance & motor skills
  • Interactive learning
Adjustable Height: Delta Children Walker
  • Adjustable height
  • Multi-purpose
  • JPMA certified


Product Reviews

Here are 21 great push toys for encouraging walking.

VTech Sit-to-Stand

Interactive Fun

Babies can use this baby push walker even before even taking their first steps. It’s suitable for ages 9 months to 3 years.

It has a removable activity panel with a shape sorter, piano keys, telephone, lights, sounds, and spinners. What’s even better is that the 70 different songs and sounds can be volume-controlled. You can bet you’ll want to turn the noise down after a while.

Time to walk? Re-attach the activity center, and the sturdy frame will let the baby pull themselves up and push the toy. The rubber-coated plastic wheels work on carpet or hard flooring and have adjustable speeds.


Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Classic Design

This trusty, classic push walker is made by a brand that’s been in business for over 100 years. The resist-push feature prevents beginners from moving too fast, letting your baby build up their balance and confidence. As they build strength, they can fill the middle with toys to push around with them.

The wheels push in a straight line to keep your baby on track, and there’s a bumper that protects your furniture from damage. Important to note is that the wooden sides are removable, which could be an issue if your little one likes climbing. This walker is suitable for ages 1 to 4 years.

Maybe they can use it to clear up their toys at the end of the day.


Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra

Walking and Educational Fun

Get your little one started learning about numbers and the alphabet as early as 6 months old. This two-in-one push toy has a fabulous activity center to keep your baby engaged when sitting and playing. It’s no problem when they’re ready to walk — they can just pull themselves up and push along with encouragement from the zebra.

The easy-grasp handle and wide wheelbase will help your baby with their first steps into the world of walking. Light-up buttons, a book with turnable pages, balls to spin, and dials to twist all add to the fun. Music and educational ABC and 123 songs complete the package.


iPlay, iLearn Baby Walker

Three-in-One Fun

This is a drawing table, a games center for babies, and a push toy for walking, all in one. Start them off on the games center. They can drive with the steering wheel, answer the phone, slide the rattle beads, and so much more.

When they begin to explore, the triangular walker design with adjustable speed will give them stability. Easily change the frame to form legs and reveal the drawing board to fuel their inner artist. I like that this can be used from 6 months and up, with lots of activities to keep little ones interested.


Plan Toy Baby Walker

Traditional Wooden Baby Walker

An old-school style baby walker, this one is made from recycled organic rubberwood. Suitable for babies aged 10 months to 3 years, the handle can be adjusted as they grow. It comes with 24 wooden blocks in different colors for baby to play with.

The wheels can be adjusted to either slow down or speed up the walker. Keep the tension tight when your little one is learning to walk, and then start releasing it as they gain confidence.


Little Balance Box 2-in-1

Walker with a Difference

A walker without wheels, yes, you read that right! This wooden walker is like a small table in shape and has spring-loaded feet. When your baby wants to pull themselves up, it doesn’t roll away from them or restrict their movement.

They can easily move from knees to feet and then push the table around the room. The table’s feet allow it to move steadily and slowly, which is great for babies just starting to walk. It moves on any floor surface and, when not being used as a walker, doubles as an activity table. Keep in mind that parental assistance is recommended.


Little Tikes Shopping Cart

Time to Go Shopping

Imagine the world from your toddler’s perspective. They come to the store with you and sit in the shopping cart while you push it around. Now they can have their own cart for make-believe play.

Suitable from 2 years upwards, the cart has a seat in the shopping basket, just like the ones at the store. Add some play food items and a favorite doll or teddy, and your toddler will have loads of shopping fun. There’s even a secret storage area beneath the basket for your little one to hide their treasures.


Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet

For the Budding Curtis Stone or Rachel Ray

From about 6 months, your baby can sit and play with the detachable cooktop activity center on this push toy. There’s a sliding lever to pop the sandwich up, a button to push for cooking sounds, and a spinning “egg roller.” Once they can stand, the lockable wheels allow it to become a stationary play table.

The wide base wheels can be unlocked when your baby starts to walk. They can then use the shopping cart design to collect toys and other items, just like Mom at the store. The plastic wheels might work better on carpet than hardwood floors.


Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy

Learning and Leaning Puppy

This push/ride toy provides three-in-one action for your little one. They can sit in front of the puppy and play with the many activities, including letters and numbers. Feed the puppy by putting blocks in its mouth, which then pop out below while it talks to your child.

Once your baby starts walking, the seat becomes a handle to push along and, when they’re ready, a sit-and-ride. Mr. Puppy will sing some songs and give encouraging remarks while they move. The wheels don’t lock, so supervision is necessary once your baby starts trying to pull themselves up.


Delta Children Walker

Adjustable Height

This is a great toy as your baby learns to walk or as they learn better stability as a toddler. The adjustable height means it’s suitable for kids weighing 25 to 30 pounds. The ladybird design serves various purposes, such as a baby rocker, an activity center, a bouncer, or a walker.

On the walker itself is a huge amount of fun things to play with. There are several toys attached to teach colors and shapes, including a mirror and textured flowers. There are also flashing lights and sounds to increase engagement.


Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Walker

Push and Pull for Older Toddlers

Aimed at slightly younger walkers aged 6 months and up, this push-and-pull wagon is filled with more than 75 songs, sounds & phrases. Allow your kids to learn the alphabet, shapes, colors, and numbers while having fun.

The sturdy construction is designed for stability and all materials are safe for your child.


Hape Wonder Walker

Gears and Knobs for Fine Motor Skills

Hape brings us a sturdy wooden push-and-pull for little ones aged 12 months to 3 years. Built into the cart are gears for turning and balls for spinning. The handle incorporates sliding knobs to add to the fun.

The wood is sourced from sustainable forests and painted with bright, non-toxic colors. The rubber-trimmed wheels will protect floors while your toddler pushes this around. Sturdy enough to pull themselves up, the base also has storage for your toddler to take teddies along for the ride.


Kolcraft Tiny Steps Baby Walker

Grows with Baby

I love that this walker can accommodate babies from 15 pounds who can hold their heads up and are trying to support themselves on their legs. The adjustable seat lets them sit and play, or walk along while supported. Once they’re ready to pull themselves up and walk, it converts to a push toy.

Activities including a flower mirror with crinkly petals, a bead bar, and a spinning ball keep your baby entertained and develop fine motor skills. The wheels cannot be locked for speed, but the walker can be folded flat for storage.


Fisher-Price Busy Activity Walker

Space Saving Push Toy

This push toy can start folded as an activity center for your baby, where they can sit and play. It has colorful sliding, spinning beads, flipping doors, turning gears, and a large roller ball. When your little one is ready, unfold the handle and let them pull themselves up and steady themselves as they walk along.

The easy-grasp handle and wide wheels will have them zooming around in no time, giving them hours of play and walking fun.


Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower

For the Future Landscaper

Kids love to help, and there’s nothing better than being able to mow the lawn alongside mom or dad. Suitable from 18 months, this Little Tikes mower will encourage your toddler to walk around the yard.

It has a pull cord with an engine sound, popping beads that make a noise as your little one mows, a movable throttle, and a clicking key. There’s even a removable gas can for filling with fuel. I love that all the sounds are mechanical, so there’s no need to worry about batteries running out.


Kiddery Toys Wooden Learning Walker

Tumbling for Tots

This push-and-pull wooden walker, made from top-quality materials, is designed to help toddlers develop their motor skills. The fun, colorful design encourages creativity and social skills, since kids can interact with the toy and each other.

There are many activities on the walker, including beads, numbers, a xylophone, a maze, and a little window. You can count on hours of fun for your little one, while they’re simultaneously learning something new!


Labebe Orange Owl Push Toy

Take the Toys for a Walk

With an eye-catching orange owl design painted on the side, this wooden walker is suitable for children between 1 and 3 years old. The sturdy cart has non-slip wheels which can be easily maneuvered.

Fill the walker with baby’s favorite toys and let them walk them around. When they get tired, they can sit down, take the toys out and play with them. The broad base will let your baby pull themselves back up when they’re ready to walk again.


Hape Lilly Musical Walking Bird

Good First Wooden Push Toy

This simple wooden walker is an ideal starting place for your baby, at about 1 year old when they’re ready to start exploring. The sturdiness lets your little one pull themselves up, and the wheels leave unnoticeable marks on wooden floors.

Little lily bird sings a lullaby while your little one walks with the toy around.


Cossy Wooden Baby Walker

What Does the Fox Say?

Crafted by professional German designers, this wooden walker is made from top-quality Dutch wood, and the water-based paint used is safe for babies. The wheels are made of TPR material which helps to increase friction, thus saving your hardwood floors from damage.

There are removable building blocks to teach shapes, colors, and even counting numbers.


Fisher-Price Corn Popper

Retro Push Toy

This is one I remember from my early years, as well as those of my kids. Its simplicity has stood the test of time, with balls that pop and make a noise as it’s pushed along. The faster your little one goes, the quicker they pop and the more noise they make.

The clear glass dome lets the little ones follow their movement, helping baby to learn cause and effect and encouraging them to walk.


Melissa & Doug Alligator Push Toy

See You Later Alligator

Three alligators sitting in a swamp are the centerpiece of this push toy, suitable for children aged 12 months and over. As the toy is pushed along, the gators open their mouths and make a clacking noise. This encourages your little one to walk while holding the sturdy handle.

It has a hardwood construction with rubber-coated wheels. Non-toxic paints make it safe for little humans. Three spinning ladybugs and butterflies on the back of the toy help to keep enquiring minds amused.

The speed cannot be adjusted, so take care when your baby first starts walking, especially on hard floors.

Why Use Push Toys?

Push toys can help your baby develop important skills, like balance, strength, and coordination. Not only will it help them learn to walk, but they’ll become more confident in their walking abilities.

You can start with sturdy push toys to help your baby stand. They’ll teeter along behind it as they find their feet. They might need some help from you at first – and a nice cushioned diaper for all those times they fall back on their bottom!

Stand your baby up and place their hands on the push-along bar. Practice will make perfect, and they’ll soon be off scooting around the home independently.

Many push toys resemble items that your baby sees you pushing around, such as shopping carts, lawn mowers, or vacuums. They’ll love to think they are helping — these toys fuel their imagination and stimulate fantasy play.

Many also have educational or stimulating toys built in, including counting games, songs, noises, shape sorters, building blocks, and more.

Make Sure the Push Toy Is Age-Appropriate

Push toys are great for helping babies learn to walk, but they need to be suitable for their age. Giving your baby a push toy that is not age-appropriate might frustrate them. They might pull themselves up, but the baby walker is too heavy for them to push.

It’s a slow progression from standing, to walking and pushing. Maybe start with a push toy that doubles as a ride-on. They can use their legs to scoot along and progress to pushing it when their legs strengthen and coordinate.

Be ready to pick them up when they fall and give them a reassuring cuddle.

At about 15 months old, your toddler might be confident and strong enough to push along a sturdy toy with wheels. From around 18 months, they’ll push a toy, like a broom or a vacuum, along the floor.

By the age of 2, your toddler will likely have mastered the art of pushing and pulling toys. This is when you need eyes in the back of your head since there’ll be no stopping them!

What to Consider When Buying a Push Toy

Apart from being age-appropriate, there are a few other considerations when choosing a push toy.

  • Height: Make sure it’s not too short or too tall for your baby. Take the height and width into account when choosing your push toy.
  • Sturdiness: You don’t want it falling over on your little one as they try to pull themselves up.
  • Wheels: Check what the wheels are made from and how easy or hard it might be to push the toy across your floor. Carpet will offer more resistance than hard flooring.
  • Brakes: Some toys have a brake, or the wheels can be adjusted to limit the speed.

FAQs

What are Push Activities For Toddlers?

Push activities for toddlers involve toys or items that a child can push along the ground, helping them develop balance, coordination, and strength. Common push activities include using toy lawnmowers, shopping carts, and push-along walkers.

What is the Difference Between Push and Pull Toys?

Push toys are designed to be moved forward by pushing from behind, often aiding toddlers in walking or standing.

Pull toys, on the other hand, are typically attached to a string and are meant to be pulled behind the child. Both types of toys encourage movement and motor skill development.

What is the Difference Between a Push Toy and a Walker?

A push toy is any toy that can be pushed, which might include cars, animals on wheels, or pretend equipment. A walker is specifically designed to aid with walking, providing a sturdy handle at the right height for toddlers to hold onto and gain support as they take steps.

How Do I Teach My Baby to Use a Push Toy?

To teach your baby to use a push toy, first ensure they are ready and able to stand with support. Show them how to hold onto the toy and gently guide it forward. Encourage them with smiles and positive words as they experiment with pushing the toy on their own.

Can Push Toys Delay Walking?

Push toys generally do not delay walking when used appropriately. In fact, they can encourage walking by providing support and motivation for movement.

However, it’s important for toddlers to have plenty of opportunities for free movement and practice walking without assistance as well.


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Headshot of Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Reviewed by

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN is an oncology nurse navigator and freelance medical writer. Mary has 4 years of experience as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. including emergency/trauma, post-anesthesia, and deployment medicine.