Pull along toys are a classic staple in the toy box, offering more than just the delight of a companion on a string. Selecting the best pull along toys for your little ones is about striking a balance between playful appeal and developmental benefits.
These whimsical toys come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, each with its unique charm and learning opportunities.
Drawing from my expertise in child development and toys, I’ve towed together a comprehensive guide spotlighting the best pull along toys in the market. This guide aims to walk you through the options, leading you to a pull along toy that resonates with your child’s interests while nurturing their motor skills, balance, and coordination.
Let’s trot through this selection together, pulling in the perfect toy that promises to be a delightful companion for your young one as they explore their world.
Best Pull Along Toys
1. PlanToys Dancing Alligator – Editors Choice
As your child pulls the toy along, watch in awe as the friendly alligator wiggles and dances, adding an element of whimsy and excitement to playtime.
With its eco-friendly construction and engaging design, the PlanToys Dancing Alligator is a perfect addition to your child’s toy collection, offering both entertainment and educational benefits for hours of imaginative fun.
What We Loved
- The Dancing Alligator makes a fun click-clack sound and dances as it’s pulled along by a string, which will keep your child entertained and engaged.
- Made from PlanWood, a unique PlanToys material that utilizes surplus sawdust and wood scraps to create a sustainable, flexible wooden material, this toy is eco-friendly and safe for your child.
- Finished with water-based paint and non-formaldehyde, e-zero glue, the Dancing Alligator is free from harmful chemicals and safe for your child to play with.
What We Didn’t Like
- The Dancing Alligator is a bit small, so it may not be the best option for older children or those who prefer larger toys.
- Some parents have reported that the string on the Dancing Alligator is a bit short, which can make it difficult for younger children to pull.
- The Dancing Alligator may not be as durable as some other pull toys on the market, so it may not last as long as you’d like.
- Safety Score: 4.5/5 The toy is made with organic, water-based coloring and formaldehyde-free glue, ensuring it is safe for toddlers. However, as with any toy with a pull string, there is a slight risk of entanglement, hence the score is not a full 5.
- Educational Value Score: 4/5 This toy is designed to help develop fine motor skills, coordination, and imagination in toddlers. It does not have an explicit educational content, but it supports overall developmental milestones and is the best engaging toy, great for younger kids.
- Durability Score: 5/5 The toy is sustainably produced with rubberwood, indicating a sturdy construction. Customer reviews suggest that it withstands rough play and is durable over time.
2. Tender Leaf Toys Pull Along Duck Family Set – Runner Up
Little ones will enjoy pulling the ducks’ cart along and playing with the interchangeable baby ducks and eggs, which will help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The numbered carriage is also a great way to learn numbers in a fun and engaging way.
What We Loved
- Promotes individual visual learning with numbers
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages active play and sparks creativity
Cons
- The pull string is a little short
- The eggs are small and could be a choking hazard for young children
- Some users reported issues with the wheels not rolling smoothly
- Safety Score: 4/5 The wooden push toy is made with non-toxic water-based paint, which is great for safety. However, there are concerns from customers about the size of the eggs being a potential choking hazard, which affects the safety score.
- Educational Value Score: 4/5 This toy encourages number learning and promotes individual visual learning on the wooden animals, which can help toddlers understand counting as they play. It’s also designed to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Durability Score: 4/5 While the toy is designed for adventure and seems to be durable enough for typical play, there have been customer reports of the axles breaking within a few days of use, which raises concerns about its long-term durability.
3. Janod Tropik Tropical Pull-Along Train – Best Value
The Janod Tropik Tropical Pull-Along Train is an excellent toy for children who love animals and adventure.
The toy’s bright colors and imaginative characters will keep children engaged for hours, while also helping them develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Parents will appreciate the toy’s eco-friendly and safe materials, which make it an excellent choice for families who prioritize sustainability.
What We Loved
- The toy is made of beech wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, making it eco-friendly and safe for children.
- The Janod Tropik Tropical Pull-Along Train is both a construction game and a pull-along toy, which helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- This early-learning toy features imaginative characters, such as a jaguar, parrot, and lemur, that stimulate children’s imagination and reinforce their sense of touch.
Cons
- The Janod Tropik Tropical Pull-Along Train is suitable for children aged 12 months and up, so it may not be appropriate for younger babies.
- Some parents may find the price of this toy to be a bit steep compared to other pull-along toys on the market.
- The toy may not be as durable as some parents would like, as some pieces may come loose after a while.
Safety: 4/5 The Janod Tropik Tropical Pull-Along Train is made from beech wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and finished with water-based paint, indicating a focus on safety and non-toxic materials.
Educational Value: 4/5 This toy is designed to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and stimulate imagination, making it highly educational for young children.
Durability: 4/5 Constructed from durable wood and designed to withstand the usual playtime wear and tear, this toy is built to last, though wooden toys may show wear over time more than some modern materials.
4. Fisher-Price Lil’ Snoopy pull-along toy
We love this adorable puppy which is a classic pull toy. The toy’s ears wiggle, tail shakes, and it makes a fun clicking sound as toddlers pull it along, which will keep little ones engaged and entertained.
One of the best things about this toddler toy is that it does not require any batteries, which is a huge plus in our book. It is also lightweight and easy for little ones to pull along, which helps encourage gross motor skills development.
What We Loved
- Encourages gross motor skills development
- No batteries required
- Fun sounds and motions to keep little ones engaged
Cons
- Short leash may be difficult for some toddlers to grasp
- Tail may not wag as described
- No additional features beyond basic pull-along play
Safety: 4.5/5 The Fisher-Price Lil’ Snoopy toy is a well-established brand known for its safety standards. This toy is designed with no small parts to swallow and no batteries, making it a safe option for toddlers.
Educational Value: 3.5/5 This toy encourages toddlers to walk and pull the toy along, which can help develop gross motor skills. The sounds and movements of the toy also provide sensory feedback that is beneficial for cognitive development.
Durability: 4/5 While Fisher-Price toys are generally known for their durability, some reviews suggest that the toy could be improved with a longer leash and a handle for easier grip. However, it is still considered sturdy and long-lasting.
5. Hape Pull Along Frog Family with Anti-Rollover Wheels
We recently tested out the Hape Pull Along Frog Family with Anti-Rollover Wheels, and found it to be a fantastic toddler toy.n The toy is easy for toddlers to pull along, and the rubber-rimmed wheels don’t scratch our hardwood floors.
Pros
- The toy is made of high-quality materials that are safe for children and built to last.
- The anti-rollover design and wide wheels make it easy for young children to pull along without tipping over.
- The toy is a great way to introduce children to the concept of the frog life cycle and get them interested in nature.
Cons
- The toy may not be as engaging for older children who are already familiar with the concept of the frog life cycle.
- The toy is relatively small and may not be suitable for children who prefer larger toys.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other pull along toys on the market.
Safety: 5/5 The anti-rollover design and rubber-rimmed wheels suggest a high level of safety, ensuring the toy is stable and less likely to cause injury or damage.
Educational Value: 3.5/5 This toy is praised for its educational aspect, teaching children about the frog life cycle in an engaging way. It’s suitable for children 12 months and up, making it a valuable tool for early learning.
Durability: 3.5/5 The toy is described as sturdy and well-built, with vibrant colors. However, there are some concerns about parts flipping over, which could indicate potential wear over time or design flaws that might affect long-term durability.
Buying Guide For Best Pull Toys for Toddlers
When it comes to selecting the perfect pull toy for your toddler, there are several key factors to consider to ensure that the toy not only provides hours of entertainment but also contributes to your child’s developmental milestones. Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate the choices:
1. Age Appropriateness and Developmental Stage:
- Ensure the toy is suitable for your child’s age group and complements their current developmental stage. Pull toys are generally aimed at toddlers who are just learning to walk, typically around one year old and up.
2. Safety Features:
- Opt for pull toys made from non-toxic materials, with a sturdy and stable design to prevent tipping over.
- Check for a pull cord that is a safe length to avoid any risk of entanglement.
- Smooth edges and large parts are critical to prevent scratches and eliminate choking hazards.
3. Durability:
- Look for a toy that can survive the enthusiastic play of a toddler. Toys made from robust materials such as solid wood or high-quality plastics are often a good choice.
- Examine the construction quality; toys with screws or bolts should have them well-fastened and out of reach from curious fingers.
4. Educational Value:
- Consider pull toys that incorporate elements of learning, like shapes, colors, numbers, or alphabets to foster cognitive development.
- Toys that have moving parts or require some form of interaction other than just pulling can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
5. Design and Visual Appeal:
- A pull toy that features bright colors, friendly characters, or engaging features can captivate your child’s attention and stimulate their imagination.
- The design should be inviting and fun, making the child want to play and interact with the toy regularly.
6. Portability and Storage:
- The pull toy should be lightweight enough for a toddler to pull without strain and compact enough to easily carry to different locations.
- Consider toys that are easy to clean and store, ideally with no loose parts that can get lost.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be equipped to choose a pull toy that is not only enjoyable for your child but also supports their growth and learning in a safe and durable form. Remember, the best pull toy is one that aligns with your child’s interests and your own values in terms of educational content and design quality.
What is a pull toy?
Pull toys are simple toys. Children love playing them because they’re easy to play yet offer endless fun and entertainment. They can bring them along as they navigate and explore their surroundings. These toys are designed to encourage exploration and movement which is why they are good toys for children who are learning how to walk.
From the name itself, a pull along toy is designed to be pulled along the ground and it has wheels. It has either a string or handle that a child can use to pull the toy. Some pull alongs have moving parts while others make sounds as they are pulled.
