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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.

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the VTech Sit-to-Stand
Best Interactive Toy
VTech Sit-to-Stand
  • Removable play panel
  • Over 70 sing-along songs
  • Enhances role-play fun
Product Image of the Radio Flyer Walker
Best Classic Design
Radio Flyer Walker
  • Furniture-friendly bumper
  • Resistance feature for beginners
  • Award-winning push wagon
Product Image of the Fisher-Price Zebra
Best Educational Walker
Fisher-Price Zebra
  • 2 ways to play
  • Easy-grasp handle
  • Teaches ABCs and 123s
Product Image of the iPlay, iLearn
Three-In-One Fun
iPlay, iLearn
  • Product safety certified
  • Speed control
  • Easy to assemble
Product Image of the PlanToys Active Play Baby Walker (5123)
Best Wooden Walker
Plan Toy Walker
  • Made from all-natural organic wood
  • 24 colored and natural blocks
  • Adjustable handle height and stiffness
Product Image of the Little Balance Box
Best for Balance
Little Balance Box
  • Eco-friendly design
  • Dual function as toddler table
  • Easy to maneuver
Product Image of the Little Tikes Cart
Time To Go Shopping
Little Tikes Cart
  • Easy-rolling wheels
  • Durable construction
  • Provides plenty of space
Product Image of the Bright Starts
For the Young Chefs
Bright Starts
  • 4-in-1 shop 'n cook walker
  • Removable cook top
  • 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Product Image of the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn
Learning And Leaning Puppy
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn
  • Grows with your baby
  • Encourages balance & motor skills
  • Interactive learning
Product Image of the Delta Children Walker
Adjustable Height
Delta Children Walker
  • Adjustable height
  • Multi-purpose
  • JPMA certified


The Best Push for Babies in 2024

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.

User Experience

Excellent two-in-one baby walker with interactive features and easy maneuverability. I bought this for my little one, and it quickly became their favorite toy. The removable front toy with lights and sounds keeps them entertained, and the adjustable wheel settings allow them to safely practice walking at their own pace. I particularly appreciate the lockable wheels for added stability. The walker has been invaluable in supporting my child's physical and cognitive development, and I'm thrilled with how much use and fun they've gotten out of it.

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.

Personal Perspective

My little one absolutely adores this walker wagon and it has greatly assisted in their physical development. The wagon is not only sturdy and heavy enough to prevent tipping, but also versatile for various imaginative games, such as pretending it's a stroller or shopping cart. I appreciate that it doesn't require batteries and is free from distracting buttons and noises. The durable design ensures that it can be passed down to future siblings, making it a great investment for our family.

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.

Community Feedback

I recently purchased this push walker for my grandchild who is beginning to crawl and pull himself up. He immediately took a liking to it, and within a couple of days, he started taking steps without the walker. The walker is well-designed with a sturdy base, making it a suitable choice for my little one who is in the 90th percentile for weight. There are fun features such as a spinning ball, a two-sided book, light-up buttons, and a switch that keeps my grandchild entertained. My only suggestion for improvement would be the addition of a wheel lock feature for stationary play.

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.

First-Hand Impression

Got this activity walker for my baby and it quickly became a favorite toy. The sketch drawing board and airplane design were nice touches, and the various activities kept my little one engaged. As my baby grew, we transitioned from walker mode to using it as a table, and it even became a makeshift tent for playtime. The only drawback was that the connecting pieces sometimes came loose, but overall, it's a fun and versatile product for young children.
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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.

User Experience

Bought this walker wagon for my 10-month-old, and it has been quite helpful in building her confidence to take her first steps. The wood is sturdy and durable, and I love that it comes with blocks for her to play with. Although it doesn't turn easily, I consider this a positive since my little one is still unsteady on her feet. The adjustable handle and wheel resistance are great features, ensuring no tipping incidents while she's learning.
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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.

Personal Perspective

My experience with this balance box has been a mix of positives and negatives. On one hand, it has helped my little one develop better balance and coordination, with them fearlessly transitioning from sitting to standing. However, the springs in the table's legs make it somewhat unstable and prone to tipping over, which can be a safety concern. Despite the higher price point, the overall functionality and benefits of the balance box make it a valuable addition to our child's development process.

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.

Community Feedback

My experience with this shopping cart has been nothing short of delightful! It's perfect for my little one who is learning to walk, as they can easily push it around the house on various surfaces, including carpet. The assembly process was straightforward, requiring just a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver, and the end result is a thick, durable plastic cart with solid construction and attractive colors. What sets this cart apart is the option to fill the bottom interior compartment with sand, providing added stability for my pre-walker. Not only is it functional in helping my child learn to walk, but it also serves as a fun toy for their imaginative playtime.

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.

First-Hand Impression

This shopping cart toy has been a fantastic addition to our little one's playtime, as it not only encourages walking but also offers interactive learning features. With its wide base, it provides stability, helping to prevent tip-overs while our child practices walking. The removable top allows for easy playtime on the floor, and the option to switch between English and French languages adds a nice educational touch. However, we did find that it was a bit lighter than expected, which could affect the overall stability when used by a more robust child. Despite this minor drawback, our child absolutely loves this shopping cart and we've seen great progress in their walking skills since introducing it into our home.

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.

User Experience

When I first introduced this interactive toy to my young granddaughter, she instantly fell in love with it and began pushing it around the room. The gentle, yet entertaining sounds it produces were pleasant for both her and the adults in the room. She particularly enjoyed feeding the puppy and listening to it sing. As she grows, I'm confident this toy will aid in her transition from crawling to walking, and I appreciate the sturdy construction. Although it doesn't turn easily, it serves as an excellent starter toy for young children learning to walk and engage with their surroundings.

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.

Personal Perspective

I've been using this walker for a while now and it's been a fantastic experience. It was simple to assemble and the height adjustment feature is perfect for my growing baby. The toys included are engaging, and my little one loves exploring the house with it, thanks to the rubber stoppers that prevent it from going down the stairs. I appreciate that it can be easily switched between a walker and a bouncer, and the seat can rotate all around.

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.

Community Feedback

When I first introduced this interactive toy to my young granddaughter, she instantly fell in love with it and began pushing it around the room. The gentle, yet entertaining sounds it produces were pleasant for both her and the adults in the room. She particularly enjoyed feeding the puppy and listening to it sing. As she grows, I'm confident this toy will aid in her transition from crawling to walking, and I appreciate the sturdy construction. Although it doesn't turn easily, it serves as an excellent starter toy for young children learning to walk and engage with their surroundings.

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.

First-Hand Impression

This walker has been a wonderful addition to our home, providing both entertainment and support for our little one's development. The assembly was a breeze and the wooden design with vibrant colors is both visually appealing and sturdy. Our baby loves playing with the various attachments and enjoys being pushed around the house in it. Although the wheels don't turn easily, making steering a bit difficult for a beginner walker, it's also a great incentive for our child to practice walking independently. The walker's activities and wagon part for storing toys keep our baby engaged and entertained.

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.

User Experience

This walker is durable and easy to clean, but may be challenging to move on carpet due to the guards on the bottom. My daughter, being on the shorter side, took a few weeks to comfortably put both feet flat on the ground even on the lowest adjustable setting. It works well on wood floors, outside, and in large open areas, allowing babies to move around freely. The attached toys aren't too big and my daughter enjoys playing with them as she grows.

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.

Personal Perspective

I'm a bit torn about this walker toy. On one hand, my 1-year-old grandson absolutely loves it and has a blast playing with it. However, I've noticed that if he puts too much pressure on the handle, the white part easily detaches from the base, causing him to fall. It's crucial to ensure the handle is properly screwed in, but even then, it could use some improvements to prevent tipping and better support little ones learning to walk.

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.

Community Feedback

I'm really happy with this Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower for my child. The realistic features like the turning key, throttle, pull cord, and pretend gas can make it an engaging toy. However, it's not suitable as a walker for a child learning to walk, as it tips over easily and doesn't provide enough support. One downside is that it's a bit difficult to push in thick grass, but overall, it's a great toy for a child who is already steady on their feet.

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!

First-Hand Impression

This walker toy has been a fantastic purchase for my 8-month-old, who was instantly drawn to the engaging activities on the front. It took a bit of time and patience for him to learn to control the speed and keep the walker upright, but now he's unstoppable, walking and turning with ease. I particularly appreciate the design that incorporates shape blocks in a small cart, allowing him to play and carry his toys while walking. The only downside is that one of the shape blocks is incorrect, with two yellow quarter circles and a missing cross block, but overall, we still love this product.

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.

User Experience

This walker has been a delightful addition to our home, providing both entertainment and assistance for my one-year-old. It's sturdy and well-made, perfect for storing toys and pushing around the house. However, the walker did have a few minor issues, such as difficulty with assembly due to un-drilled holes and a short distance between the wheels, causing potential tipping. Adding a bit of weight to the cart helps prevent any accidents and makes it safer for my little one.

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.

Personal Perspective

My experience with this toy has been delightful, as it plays soothing melodies while my early-walker child pushes it around. The well-made, colorful design is not only visually appealing, but also helps my toddler gain more confidence in walking. I did have to secure the orange felt piece and yellow ring with some glue to prevent the rod from falling off, but it wasn't a significant issue. My child enjoys playing with this toy, pushing it forward or pulling it backward, making it a great addition to our collection.

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.

Community Feedback

My experience with this walker has been mostly positive. My 10-month-old son enjoys using it, and it's easy for him to pull up and push. The rubber wheels grip well and the blocks are great for playtime. However, it can be a little fast on hardwood floors, so I'd recommend supervising your child while they use it. The only downside is that the wheels could have more grip for better traction, but overall, my son loves it and it has helped him learn to walk.

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.

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this classic toy for my nephew, and it brought back fond childhood memories. Although the clear plastic globe appeared a bit worn, the toy still functioned well and provided hours of entertainment. My nephew, now 18 months old, enjoys "vacuuming" with it just like his mom. However, be prepared for the loud popping noise, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.

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.

User Experience

I'm thrilled to share my experience with this alligator walker, which has been a fantastic aid for my little one's walking journey. This walker is well-designed to prevent tipping, thanks to the vertical support and extended back base. As my child gains confidence and takes more steps, the colorful alligators and their gentle clacking noises keep them entertained and engaged. However, there are a few aspects to consider. The low clearance of the walker can make it difficult to push on plush carpets, and its long wheelbase can make turning a bit challenging for small users. Additionally, when my child pulls the walker backward, the base tends to dip into the carpet, making it slightly harder to move. Despite these minor issues, this alligator walker has been a valuable and delightful investment in my child's development, providing both stability and entertainment.

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.