The Best Push Toys for Toddlers

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?