Push-along Toys - 6 of the best

Great fun gear to help your little one take his first steps

Posted: 7 May 2009

Babies usually take their first step without any support between the ages of 12 and 15 months. Some walk earlier than that, others later. Before this, little ones will often haul themselves up using furniture (or your knees!) and cruise around while holding on.

What can I do?

* Encourage him to walk but don’t rush him. Walking takes time to learn. It could be months between when your toddler likes to stand up and when he actually walks.
* Give lots of encouragement. If your tot appears to want to try and walk, give him a helping hand or something for support, such as a pushalong toy, but don’t force him if he’s not in the mood
* Go round the house and remove obvious trip hazards. Move furniture with sharp edges to where he won’t fall on it. Be ready to cushion his fall.
* Make sure his feet are bare as it’ll be easier for him to feel the floor and not slip. Studies have shown that children learn to walk quicker without shoes.

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Vtech First Steps Baby Walker, £29.99 6m+.
What you get: Sturdy, four-wheeler; detachable activity centre; moving roller; role-play phone; textured wheels; easy-grip handle.
Helen, mum to Jessica, 14 months, says: “This has been a great help getting Jessica to walk. We can take the detachable activity panel in the car for Jessie to play with separately ”
Stockists: www.vtechuk.com.

Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck, £20 1yr+.
What you get: Painted wooden toddler doll’s pram.
Nicola, mum to Isabella, 16 months, says: “This is adorable and Polly loves to push bears, dolls and anything else in it. When friends come to play, it’s the one toy girls (and some boys) make a bee-line for ”
Stockists: www.elc.co.uk.

Doll's Pram, £54.99 1yr+.
What you get: Painted wooden toddler doll's pram.
Amanda, mum to Polly, 18 months, says: “This is adorable and Polly loves to push bears, dolls and anything else in it. When friends come to play, it's the one toy girls (and some boys) make a bee-line for.”
Stockists: www.lulasapphire.com.

Chicco Baby Steps Activity Walker, £29.99 9m+.
What you get: Four-wheeled walker, toy and activity panel with games, lights and sounds, movement-activated music.
Diane, mum to Elsie, 12 months, says: “This is excellent. It plays music that stops when Elise does, encouraging her to keep going. I can lock the back wheels too. ”
Stockists: www.chicco.co.uk.

Playskool Step Start Walk 'n' Ride, £14.99 9m+ .
What you get: Self-assembly baby walker that converts to ride-on toy; parent-activated lock; activity panel.
Georgina, mum to Joseph, 19 months, says: “Stable, well-made walker that had Joseph up and walking and looking very pleased with himself! Pushes well on carpet as well as on wood. ”
Stockists: www.argos.co.uk.

John Lewis Deluxe Wooden Labrador Baby Walker, £39 1yr+ .
What you get: Push-along Labrador walker; can also be used as a ride-on toy.
Sarah, mum to Isaac, 13 months, says: “Lovely, retro style, well made and sturdy, it's a beautiful toy that Isaac loves pushing around. I hope we can keep it to pass down to grandchildren. ”
Stockists: www.johnlewis.com.

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