As toddlers begin to explore their surroundings, push toys can be an excellent tool to help them develop their gross motor skills. Push toys are designed to encourage toddlers to walk and develop balance while providing them with a sense of independence and accomplishment.
For 18-month-olds, push toys are particularly beneficial as they are in a crucial stage of their development. At this age, they are learning to walk more confidently and may be transitioning from crawling to walking.
When looking for the best push toys for 18 month old toddlers, safety should be the primary consideration. The toy should be sturdy, with a wide base to prevent tipping. It should also be made of non-toxic materials and have no small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
We spent hours researching and testing various push toys to identify the ones that are safe, durable, and engaging for toddlers. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best push toys for 18-month-olds to help parents make an informed decision when purchasing a push toy for their little ones.
Best Push Toys for 18 Month Old
As parents, we know how important it is to provide our little ones with toys that not only entertain them but also aid in their development. Push toys are a great option for 18-month-olds as they encourage them to walk and improve their balance and coordination. We’ve compiled a list of the best push toys for 18-month-olds that are not only fun but also safe and durable. Let’s take a look!
Baby Push Toys: Our Top Picks
Top pick
Vtech Sit to Stand Walker
Supporting your little one from sitting to walking, this interactive walker is a bestseller loved by parents and babies alike!
Editor’s choice
Radio Flyer Wagon Walker
This classic wagon walker is one to pass along generations! Kids love to fill the cart with all their favourite toys so it doubles as toy storage too
Best value
Fisher Price Learn With Me Zebra Walker
This adorable and very sturdy walker brings hours of interactive fun at a budget friendly price point. We love the cute zebra design!
Vtech Sit to Stand Walker
We recently tried out the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker and we’ve been very impressed! The removable activity panel is a great feature, as it allows parents to take the toy out on the go and keep toddlers entertained while we’re out and about.
Pros
- The removable activity panel provides plenty of interactive fun for floor play or on-the-go entertainment.
- The walker is designed to work on both carpeted and hard floors, making it versatile and easy to use in any room of the house.
- With over 70 songs, music, sound effects, and phrases, this toy will keep your child engaged and stimulated for hours.
Cons
- The walker can be a bit difficult to maneuver at first, especially on carpeted floors.
- Some parents have reported that the phone handset can be a bit flimsy and may break easily with rough play.
- The walker is designed for babies and toddlers between 9 months and 3 years old, so it may not be suitable for older children.
The walker itself is also very sturdy and well-made, and we appreciate that it’s designed to work on both carpeted and hard floors.
One thing to note is that the walker can be a bit difficult to maneuver at first, especially on thicker carpeting. However, with a bit of practice, we’ve found that it’s easy enough to push and steer around the house.
We’ve also noticed that the phone handset can be a bit flimsy and may break easily with rough play, so we try to supervise our daughter when she’s using that part of the toy.
The VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker is a great investment for parents looking for a toy that will help their little one learn to walk while providing plenty of interactive fun. With its variety of songs, music, sound effects, and phrases, this toy is sure to keep your child engaged and stimulated for hours.
Radio Flyer Classic Wagon Walker
Sturdy, versatile and well made, this wagon walker will last for years to come. We love the ample cart space where little ones can store toys. This one is best for developing walkers, but provides enough support for those first steps too.
Pros
- The resistance clickers on the wheels allow beginners to build confidence and balance at their own pace.
- The furniture-friendly bumper prevents scratches or wall damage while your toddler learns to walk.
- The wagon doubles as a toy box, so your little one can store their favorite toys for imaginative play indoors or bring them with on walking adventures.
Cons
- The wagon is heavy and may be difficult for some toddlers to push on their own.
- The wooden sides can be removed, which may be a safety concern for some parents.
- The wagon may be too large for smaller living spaces.
The resistance clickers on the wheels of this wagon walker are a great feature, as they allow little ones to build confidence and balance at their own pace.The furniture-friendly bumper is also a nice touch, as it prevents scratches or wall damage while toddlers are learning to walk.
We also love that the wagon doubles as a toy box. Little ones will enjoy storing their favorite toys in it and taking them with them on walking adventures around the house. The natural all-wood body and removable wooden side panels create a classic look that we appreciate.
While this classic push walker is sturdy and well-made, it is quite heavy and may be difficult for some toddlers to push on their own. Additionally, the wooden sides can be removed, which may be a safety concern for some parents. Lastly, the wagon may be too large for smaller living spaces.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon to parents looking for a sturdy and versatile push toy for their 18-month-old.
Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker
With a series of catchy tunes and learning phrases, this fantastic little walker will keep your little one happy as well as helping them develop their walking skills.
Pros
- The two modes of play, “Sit & Play” and “Stand & Walk,” make this toy versatile and able to grow with your child.
- The hands-on activities, including a book page to turn and light-up buttons to press, are engaging and educational.
- The phrases and sing-along songs teach letters of the alphabet and numbers, helping to develop early language skills.
Cons
- The walker can be a bit noisy when pushed on hard floors.
- Some parents have reported that the toy is not sturdy enough and can tip over easily.
- The handle may be too short for taller toddlers.
The two modes of play offered by this zebra walker provide different activities for toddlers to enjoy, and they will just love pushing it around the house.
The hands-on activities are engaging and keep children entertained, and we appreciate that they are educational as well. The sing-along songs and phrases are catchy and help to reinforce early language skills.
One downside to the toy is that it can be quite noisy when pushed on hard floors, which can be a bit annoying. Additionally, some parents have reported that the toy is not as sturdy as they would like and can tip over easily. Finally, the handle may be too short for taller toddlers, which could make it uncomfortable for them to also use push toys.
Multi-function baby walker
iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand Toy
The activity table is a great way to introduce your child to identifying scenes and animals while developing their motor skills.
Classic Wooden Walker
PairPear Wooden Baby Walker.
Classic wooden walker for parents who want a compact first walker for their little one. Suitable from sitting to standing and walking.
iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand Toy
We love a toy that is packed with extra features, and this baby walker certainly ticks that box! As well as helping your little one walk, this interactive walker features a drawing board, buttons, a wheel and more, to help them learn and also develop fine motor skills.
Pros
- The activity table is designed with various scenes and animals that can help stimulate and develop your child’s motor skills and intelligence.
- The walker encourages your child’s first steps and invites them to keep moving with inspiring music.
- The drawing and writing board allows kids to draw, stamp, or scribble on the board, encouraging their imaginations to create more fun with this magnetic doodle board.
Cons
- The triangular structure of the walker may be difficult for some children to maneuver.
- The activity table may not be sturdy enough for older toddlers who are more active.
- The sound levels of the music and sounds may be too loud for some parents.
The first walker toy is easy to use and encourages your child to take their first steps, while the drawing and writing board is a fun way to encourage creativity.
One downside is that the triangular structure of walking toys and the walker may be difficult for some children to maneuver, and the activity table may not be sturdy enough for older toddlers who are more active. Additionally, some parents may find the sound levels of the music and sounds to be too loud.
The iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand Toys is a great gift idea for infants, babies, toddlers, and newborn boys and girls. It’s a versatile activity center that can help your child develop their fine motor skills and intelligence in a fun and engaging way.
PairPear Wooden Baby Walker.
Wooden walkers are often the most sturdy option for those first few steps and so are popular first birthday gifts. Pre-walkers will enjoy playing with the blocks, beads, cogs and ball roller on the front of the walker. This classic design will look stunning in the nursery too.
Pros
- This walker is made of premium high-quality natural wood, allowing your baby to build confidence and balance as they learn to walk.
- The PairPear baby walker comes with 9 activity toys, including a rotatable mirror, abacus, spinning gears, shape sorter, and much more baby learning toys, encouraging toddler’s imaginative play.
- It is easy to assemble and adjustable, working with the child’s natural growth. Babies could put their favorite toys at the back of the walker.
Cons
- The walker can easily tip over if your baby leans on the front of it just playing with the items.
- The wheels are quiet and non-slip, but they may not work well on carpeted floors.
- The walker may be too small for taller toddlers.
We love the PairPear Wooden Baby Walker because it is not only a push toy but also an activity center for your baby. The classical design is perfect for any home decor, and the smooth surface and rounded corners ensure your baby’s safety. The rubber wheels won’t damage the floor, and the wooden walker itself is tested to meet ASTM F963 and EN71 Toy Safety standards.
The PairPear Wooden Baby Walker is presented in a beautiful gift box, making it a great gift for boys and girls aged 1-3 years. It is also lightweight, making it easy for your baby to move around the house. We highly recommend the PairPear Wooden Baby Walker for any parent looking for a high-quality wooden push toy, that encourages imaginative play and helps their baby build confidence and balance.
Buying Guide- How to Pick the Best Push Toy
When looking for the best push toys for 18 month old babies, there are a few things to consider to ensure you find the right product for your little one. Here are some features you should look at:
Safety
Safety should be your top priority when choosing a push toy for your toddler. Make sure the product you choose meets all safety standards and regulations. Look for toys that have smooth edges, non-toxic materials, and sturdy construction. Also, ensure that the toy is easy to grip and maneuver for your child.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the push toy are also important factors to consider. The toy should be lightweight enough for your child to push and maneuver without getting tired quickly. It should also be the right size for your child’s height to avoid any strain or discomfort.
Design and Features of Baby Walkers
The design and features of the baby push walker or push toy can also make a big difference in your child’s enjoyment and development. Look for toys that have bright colors, fun shapes, and engaging features like buttons, knobs, or sound effects. These can help stimulate your child’s imagination and promote cognitive development.
Some even double as a pram or ride on toy to inspire pretend play. The best baby walker is one that is versatile and will be a fun toy for your little one for years to come.
Durability
Lastly, you want to choose a push walker that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Look for toys made from high-quality materials that can withstand rough play and frequent use.
In summary, when choosing the best walker and push toys for your 18-month-old, safety, size, design, and durability should be your top priorities. By considering these factors, you can find a toy that is both fun and beneficial for your child’s development.
FAQs about Baby Push Toys
What age range is suitable for baby push toys?
Baby push toys are generally designed for children aged 6 months to 3 years, but specific toys may have narrower age ranges depending on their features and complexity.
Is Melissa & Doug a good brand for baby push toys?
Yes, Melissa & Doug is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality and engaging toys for children between 2 and 5 years old.
How can baby push toys help develop fine motor skills?
Baby push toys with pull cords allow children between 1 and 2 years old to practice their fine motor skills by pulling the toy along as they walk.
Can baby push toys assist in baby’s walking development?
Yes, baby push toys, like toy strollers or sturdy walkers, can provide support and stability for babies who are learning to walk on their own, usually between 1 and 3 years old.
Are baby push toys suitable for wooden floors?
Yes, many baby push toys are designed with rubber-trimmed wheels, which prevent them from scratching or damaging wooden floors.
What are shape sorters on baby push toys?
Shape sorters are features found on some baby push toys that allow children between 1 and 2 years old to practice matching different shapes with corresponding holes.
Can baby push toys help in a baby’s development?
Yes, baby push toys can aid in a baby’s physical and cognitive development, helping them improve their walking skills and fostering interactive play and learning.
Do all baby push toys have plastic wheels?
No, some baby push toys are made with solid wood and have sturdy grip handles for better support, making them suitable for early walkers.
What are the play modes on a baby push toy?
Some baby push toys may offer different play modes, such as music mode, learning mode, or free play mode, allowing children to explore and enjoy various activities.
Are push and pull toys a great choice for toddlers?
Yes, push and pull toys are often considered great choices for toddlers as they promote physical activity, hand-eye coordination, and overall development.
Remember to always consider the child’s age and developmental stage when choosing a baby push toy, and supervise playtime to ensure safety and enjoyment.
