Around the time children start walking, they want to move, explore and take things with them. Push and pull-along toys give that energy a purpose. They turn practising steps into a game and encourage children to keep moving.
How they help
Walking with confidence. A toy to pull or push gives children a reason to walk further and practise turning, stopping and starting.
Balance and coordination. Pulling a toy while walking, and looking back to check on it, asks the body to coordinate several movements at once.
Cause and effect. Children see that their movement makes the toy roll, spin or click, which keeps them curious.
Extra learning. Some pull-along toys add shapes, colours or gears, so the play continues when the child sits down. The Pull-Along Shape Sorting Truck combines walking play with shape sorting, and the Pull Along Horse with Gears adds turning gears.
What to look for
- A suggested age that matches your child.
- A stable base that doesn’t tip easily.
- A string or handle of sensible length, and play under supervision.
- No small loose parts for children who still put things in their mouths.
Keep playing as they grow
Once walking is confident, active toys such as the Sport Car keep the movement going.
See Active Play Toys and toys for ages 3–5, or choose “Movement and active play” in the Smart Guide.