
The Best Push Toys for Toddlers
- Deirdre E.
- UPDATED April 5, 2019
- in Toddler & baby toys
Melissa & Doug
Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy
If you’re on the market for a toy for your toddler, a push toy makes a great gift! Since toddlers still aren’t the most proficient walkers, a push toy can be a great learning walker tool for them and it’s both fun and functional. Pushing their new toy will help them improve their balance and walking skills and they’ll enjoy doing it! If you’re looking for the best push toys for toddlers, then we have you covered! Below you’ll find eleven fun push toys that your toddler is sure to love. Soon, they’ll be cruising all around with their new toy!
Our Top Picks

Best Overall
Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator

Upgrade Choice
Plan Toys Baby Walker

Best Budget Buy
Hape Push & Pull Lawn Mower
How to Pick the Best Push Toy for a Toddler
When selecting the best push toy for your child, there are a few key features you’ll want to consider. There are numerous push toy options on the market today! Think about what features are most important for you and what you think will be the most enjoyable for your child. Do you want natural materials, fun sounds, or something your child can ride around on? Are you in a tight apartment with limited space? Comparing different features across the types of push toys can help you zero in on the toy that checks the most boxes for your toddler’s needs.
Paying attention to the key features will definitely help make this a much less overwhelming process for you. If you know there is a certain feature that is important to you, or one you definitely do not want the push toy you purchase to have, it can help you eliminate some options. This way, you’ll have fewer choices to decide between.
Here are some key features you can consider when you are shopping for a new push toy for a toddler.
1. Recommended Age
You’ll want to be sure to look at the ages the product is recommended for. You don’t want to choose a toy that your toddler will grow out of quickly. Likewise, you don’t want to purchase a toy that you are planning to use now, only to realize that your toddler is still too young for it.
2. Size
Look at the size of the different push toys and think about the available space in your home. Do you have space to store a large toy? Do you have enough open area for your child to push or ride a larger toy? Or, do you want to look for a smaller or more compact option that will work better in your home.
3. Materials
Consider the materials of the various push toys. Do you want something made from plastic that can easily be wiped clean? Or, would you prefer something made from a more natural material, such as wood. This article from Safari Ltd. discusses choosing between wooden and plastic toys for your child.
4. Sounds
This is often a key factor in decisions parents make about toys for their toddlers and babies. Do you want the toy to make sounds? If you do want it to make sounds, do you want those sounds to be electronic, or just the natural sounds the materials used for the push toy make when they work together. Do you like toys that play music or talk to your little one, or do you prefer that they focus on exploring the toy on their own terms? These are a few of the sound-related decisions you’ll want to make before selecting the perfect push toy for your toddler.
5. Ride-on Capability
Some push toys also double as a toy your child can sit on and ride. You’ll need to decide if this is something you want (or something you want to avoid) before you make your decision about which toy to purchase. To help you make this decision, you can think about whether your child will mostly be using the toy under direct supervision. You’ll also want to consider the size of the space where your child will be playing with the toy when deciding whether you want to select a push toy that your child can also ride on.
6. Sit or Stand to Use
Finally, one last feature you’ll want to consider is whether the push toy is designed to be played with from a sitting or standing/walking position. Think about your baby’s strengths, interests, and balance to help you make this decision. Are they are already a proficient walker? Do they need something to hold onto and walk with to help them keep their balance? Would you prefer to purchase them something they can push from a sitting position?

The Winners
#1
Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator
Best Overall
The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Chomp and Clack Alligator and Activity Walker received the Editor’s Choice Award. When you read about this fun toy, you’ll surely see why! It features wood construction with bright green alligators that ‘chomp’ and clack as your toddler pushes it across the floor. Your child can also play with the walker from a sitting position by spinning the colorful butterflies and lady bugs on the backside of the walker.
- You'll love: Your toddler will love the fun clacking noises the alligators make when the walker is pushed.
- They will also enjoy watching the alligators' mouths move as if they were chomping down on something.
- The walker is very sturdy with a long, horizontal handle your child can easily grasp.
- This walker works well on carpeting and harder floors.
- Watch for: This walker might be better for a toddler who already has some balancing and walking skills rather than one who isn't quite walking yet.
Recommend Age: 12 months to 2 years
Size: 15 x 15 x 11.8 inches
Materials: Wood
Sounds: Yes, the alligators making a chomping sounds as the walker is pushed
Ride-On Capability: No
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to push, or sit to play
#2
Plan Toy Baby Walker
Upgrade Choice
The Plan Toy Baby Walker is designed to be a versatile toy that will keep your toddler entertained. This walker has a fun design; the front looks like a smiling car. The base of the walker is a flat surface that doubles as a space for your toddler to build something fun with the included blocks. This walker was given the Upgrade Choice Award.
- You'll love: The handle height can be adjusted so it is able to grown with your toddler and accommodate children of different heights.
- This toy will keep your toddler entertained for a long time. They can build and play with the blocks as well as pushing the walker.
- You can adjust the tension on the wheels to adjust how quickly the walker can move depending on how proficient your toddler is at walking.
- Watch for: This toy might be better suited for a toddler who is already is able to walk a bit and has some balance.
- Some parents have expressed concerns about the walker tipping over if a child puts too much weight on it trying to stand up.
Recommend Age: 10 months to 3 years
Size: 11.3 x 14.4 x 19.3 inches
Materials: Organic recycled rubber wood
Sounds: No
Ride-On Capability: No
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to push, or sit to play
#3
Hape Push & Pull Lawn Mower
Best Budget Buy
The Hape Rainbow Push and Pull Toy is designed to be a modern twist to a classic toy. You can find it here on Amazon. It features a colorful design with a yellow handle and wheels. In the center of the toy are colorful paddles that form a rainbow design when the center spins as the toy is pushed. This toy is designed to help your toddler develop their balance, coordination, and motor skills.
- You'll love: This push toy is made from solid wood and finished with child-safe paint.
- The clacking sound the toy makes when it is pushed is not very loud.
- Your toddler will be attracted by the colorful design of the toy and entranced by the rainbow they are able to form as they push the toy across the floor.
- Watch for: Some parents would prefer a t-shaped handle since they think it would be easier for toddler hands to hold.
Recommend Age: 1 year to 3 years
Size: 3.9 x 5.4 x 22.3 inches
Materials: Wood (from and FSC-managed forest) and child-safe, water based paint
Sounds: Yes, the wooden color blocks make a clanking sound when the toy is pushed
Ride-On Capability: No
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to use
#4
Sassy Pop n' Push Car
Best toddler push car
The Sassy Pop n’ Push Car is a fun, colorful push car designed to keep your toddler entertained. It has special wheels, that when pulled back, will make the car drive forward. As the car ‘drives’ forward, the beads in the clear center section pop to excite and entertain your toddler. The Sassy Pop n’ Push car was given the award for the Best Toddler Push Car, so it is certain to amuse your little one.
- You'll love: Bright, eye-catching colors that your toddler will love are used in the design of the car.
- Your toddler can entertain themselves by pulling the car and crawling after it.
- There are no loose materials to worry about your toddler choking on.
- The wind up wheel will help the car move far across a hardwood or tile floor.
- Watch for: If your play surfaces are carpeted, this may not work as well as it does on hard floors.
- Some users say the balls in their model don't consistently pop well.
Recommend Age: 6 months and up
Size: 3.1 x 5.8 x 8 inches
Materials: BPA-free plastic
Sounds: Yes, the beads inside the clear top section make a popping sound when the car drives
Ride-On Capability: No ride-on capability
Sit or Stand to Use: Sit to use
#5
Fisher-Price Poppity Pop Turtle
The Fisher-Price Poppity Pop Turtle is designed to encourage your baby to crawl along with it. It has a cute turtle design with a clear ‘shell’. Inside the clear shell are bright colored balls that pop when the turtle moves forward. There are lots of fun, bright colors incorporated in the design of the turtle that your toddler is sure to love.
- You'll love: Your baby will begin to learn about cause and effect relationships by seeing what happens when the turtle rolls along.
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You and your baby can play together by rolling the turtle back and forth to one another.
- The small size will allow your baby to be able to move the turtle easily.
- This is a great choice for babies who aren't walking yet and can't push a taller toy.
- Watch for: If you are looking for a large push toy, this one probably isn't for you; it is quite small.
Recommend Age: 6 months-4 years
Size: 5.9 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches
Materials: Plastic
Sounds: Yes, the beads inside the clear shell pop when the turtle moves forward
Ride-On Capability: No ride-on capability
Sit or Stand to Use: Sit to use
#6
Little People Music Parade Ride-On
The Little People Fisher-Price Music Parade Ride-On is a fun push toy with lots of added features designed to entertain toddlers. You can find it here on Amazon. This push toy doubles as a ride-on car for your child. It also has a keyboard and other instruments that will play sounds as your child rides or walks along.
- You'll love: This toy is very versatile; your child can use it as either a walker or a ride-on toy.
- There is a sturdy handle behind the seat on the car to help your child keep their balance as they walk.
- Your toddler will enjoy the fun sounds, including an engine revving up and various instrument sounds.
- Your toddler can push buttons to play sounds while they are driving on the 'dashboard,' or they can play the instruments from sitting on the floor in front of the car.
- There is a handy storage area under the seat is perfect for bringing a few things along for a fun walk.
- Watch for: Some parents have complained that the sound is too loud and cannot be easily turned down.
- If your toddler is on the larger size, this toy may be a bit small for them.
Recommend Age: 1 year and up
Size: 20.8 x 10 x 15.5 inches
Materials: Plastic
Sounds: Yes, electronic sounds (car engine revving and instrument sounds)
Ride-On Capability: Yes
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to use as a push toy (can also sit to ride)
#7
Hape Push and Pull Ride On
Best push ride on toys for toddlers
The Hape Red Wonder Wagon was given the award for the Best Push Ride-On Toy for Toddlers. When you read about it, you can see why many believe this is a great push toy. It is designed to help your toddler improve their balance, strength, dexterity, along with their sense of adventure.
- You'll love: The multi-functional design will allow your child to use this toy as a walker or a wagon. They'll be able to both push and pull it.
- Your toddler will enjoy pulling around their stuffed animals or other toys in their new wagon.
- The wagon is safe to be used for you to pull your little one.
- Watch for: The handle is too easy to move to a different position and your toddler could accidentally move it and get hurt by it.
- This product is not designed for children under 3 years old, so if you are looking for a product to help your toddler learn how to walk, this might not be for you right now.
Recommend Age: 3 years and up
Size: 22 x 17 x 19.5 inches
Materials: Wood and plastic (with non-toxic materials and child-safe finishes)
Sounds: No
Ride-On Capability: Yes (sitting in the wagon)
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to use as a push toy (can also sit to ride)
#8
Best fisher price push toys for toddlers
The classic design of the Fisher-Price Corn Popper may bring back memories of your childhood! It can be found on Amazon here. This fun push toy has different colored balls inside a clear dome that will make a popping sound as it is pushed across the floor by your toddler. The popping balls are designed to encourage your child to walk, but also to start counting and tracking. This push toy was given the award for the Best Fisher Price Push Toy for Toddlers.
- You'll love: This push toy has a sturdy design to help your child who still needs to improve their balance when walking.
- Your toddler will be engaged by the colorful balls and the popping sounds they make and will want to keep playing and improving their walking skills.
- It will work on both hard and carpeted surfaces.
- Watch for: The popper can be very loud, so if you're looking for a more quiet toy, this one might not be for you.
- Some parents have noted that it doesn't work as well on laminate or other really slick flooring since the wheels can't get good traction.
Recommend Age: 1 year to 3 years
Size: 6 x 8 x 23.2 inches
Materials: Plastic
Sounds: Yes, the balls make a popping noise when it is pushed across the floor
Ride-On Capability: No
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to use
#9
Step2 Whisper Ride II
Best toddler push car with handle
The Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car was giving the award for the Best Toddler Push Car with Handle. You can find this engaging car here on Amazon. This fun car is designed to double as a push toy for your toddler, or a car they can ride in with you pushing them. It is designed to look like a fun and sporty car that your child will love riding in or pushing.
- You'll love: The versatile design allows this to be used as a push toy by your toddler, while also serving a functional purpose of letting you push your toddler when you go for a walk.
- The seat has a safety belt to ensure your toddler is secure.
- The handle folds under the car to minimize the amount of storage space that is needed.
- The car's hood opens up to hold some toys or other essentials.
- Watch for: Some parents have noted that the car can be very noisy, especially when being pushed at a quick pace.
Recommend Age: 18 months to 4 years
Size: 45.5 x 19 x 34 inches
Materials: Plastic
Sounds: No
Ride-On Capability: Yes
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to use as a push toy (can also sit to ride)
#10
The VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker is a fun and colorful push toy designed to keep your little one entertained. You can find it here on Amazon. This walker is designed to allow your child play from a seated position, as well as using it to perfect their walking skills. There are fun buttons and gadgets on the front of the walker that play music and make sounds to entertain your little one.
- You'll love: Your toddler will love the music and sounds that the walker plays. You'll love the fact that there are 70 different songs and sound effects so you don't have to listen to the same song over and over again,
- The front panel of the walker features many things to engage your toddler. There is a piano keyboard, a phone, and a shape sorter.
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The walker is sturdy and can help your little one bring themselves to a standing position.
- The wheels have two settings so you can adjust the tension to slow the speed down for newer walkers.
- Watch for: The phone on the front of the walker isn't attached, so it could easily be lost.
- If you're looking for a quiet toy, this isn't for you. It makes a lot of different sounds and plays lots of music.
Recommend Age: 9 months to 3 years
Size: 16.5 x 14.2 x 18.1 inches
Materials: Plastic
Sounds: Yes, electronic sounds
Ride-On Capability: No
Sit or Stand to Use: Stand to push, sit to play
FAQs: All you need to know
QWhat are the different types of push toys to choose between?
AThere are many different types of push toys you can choose between. Some of the push toys you can choose are ones that your child will push or pull when they are sitting on the floor. Many push toys are designed to be used like a walker to help give your child something to hold onto when they are walking. Some push toys have a single, longer handle for a more proficient walker to push. Additionally, some push toys you’ll see are designed to be used both as both a walker and a toy they can ride while you push them.
QHow does a push walker help a baby walk?
A push walker can help give a baby who isn’t ready to walk on their own additional support. It gives the baby something to hold while they walk. This article from What to Expect goes over some of the additional benefits a push walker can have for toddlers including inspiring their imagination and helping them improve their gross motor skills.
QAt what age can a baby begin to use a push walker?
AThis will vary from child to child. Some babies may be showing signs of being ready to walk as early as 8 months, others may not be ready to start walking or using a walker until after a year.
QWhat is the difference between a push walker and a baby walker?
A
A baby walker is a walker where your child sits in a seat with their feet touching the floor. The seat they are in is on wheels, so if they move their feet, they will ‘walk’ and move the walker. With a push walker, a baby uses the walker for additional support, but walks in a more normal position. Baby walkers can be hard on a baby’s hips and don’t let them walk in the natural position.
Quick Decision
Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy – Best Overall
The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Chomp and Clack Alligator Wooden Push Toy and Activity Walker earned this award due to the stylish design, engaging sounds, and the fun clacking alligators.
Plan Toy Baby Walker – Upgrade Choice
The Plan Toy Baby Walker earned this award due to its versatility of being able to be used as both a walker and a building surface with the included blocks.
Hape Push & Pull Lawn Mower – Best Budget Buy
The Hape Push & Pull Lawn Mower earned this award because is very fun and engaging for new walkers, but comes at a very reasonable price that won’t break the bank!

BEST BABY DOLL STROLLERS
Here’s our list of the 13 best baby walkers that we could find, as well as some features to look for.

Deirdre E.
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