Reddit mentions: The best push & pull baby toys

I wanted to do mostly wooden and open ended toys, but my son adores the plastic ones. We buy things he likes. One favorite was this musical walker my parents got him for Christmas. https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK

It was the only thing that made our last 20 our road trip bearable as the activity center detaches and can be played with in the car. 3 or 4 hours of different melodies as my kid experimented between stops for food and gas.

His current favorite plastic toy is a step 2 toolbench and a plastic drill that turns when he presses a button. His favorite non plastic toy is literally any doll.

With most toys my son either wants to be doing whatever I'm doing or he wants a toy that interacts with him or resembles something he knows. He loves cats and dogs and usually has good manners with them. He isn't interested in stuffed animals. He likes using his tools to mimic me with mine. He likes to pretend to cook and help clean. He loves to drive his cozy coupe around. He likes wooden puzzles, and his wooden duck push toy, but he adores his fire truck that lights up and makes siren noises. That one came about because we met a firefighter at the fair and got to see the truck up close. The next day my son saw several pass us on the highway with sirens blaring. Since then, he's been fascinated. My husband loves to encourage curiosity, so the loud firetruck came home. It's the new favorite car toy.

Personally, the noise doesn't bother me. My son rarely makes noise for the sake of noise.l, so we let him play with whatever he seems to enjoy most. TV and tablets are largely ignored where other kids love them. I think this is one of those things that depends on your kid.

• Diapers Sensitive skin runs in our family and the regular brands made her break out something awful but cloth, babyganics and [up & ups] (http://www.target.com/p/diapers-bulk-plus-pack-select-size-up/-/A-15121671 ) worked great. Pull Ups for older ones.
  
  
• Potty Training We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C431NRE/ref=twister_B01E930B16?_encoding=UTF8&th=1) and [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F667QS2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1)
  
  
• High Chair like this
  
  
• [Stroller] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8MQBFQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1) its well padded and is comfy for even the older kids.
  
  
• Carrier We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Positions-Carrier-Detachable-Included/dp/B01IUS08FK/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478452855&sr=8-4&keywords=mei+tai) and a ring sling that I still use but I wish we had bought one like [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Cuddle-Ergonomic-Hoodie-Carrier/dp/B01B45KW0C/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478453079&sr=1-6&keywords=carrier) It would be easier to put on.
  
  
• [Nursing pillows] (https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Nursing-Pillow-Positioner-Peaceful/dp/B00HMGBJCS/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478458541&sr=1-4&keywords=nursing+pillow) my husband used it all the time and this is her favorite spot to cuddle up still
  
  
• Pack n Play
  
  
  
• Bouncer chair I believe ours was the previous model.
  
  
• [Swing] (https://www.amazon.com/4moms-rockaRoo-Baby-Swing-Classic/dp/B00I0BVQFO/ref=sr_1_27_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478452147&sr=1-27&keywords=swing&th=1) We have one similar to it the other ones tend to be a pain to move around.
  
  
• Some sort of walker This or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Around-Activity-Zippity/dp/B00OC8B1IQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-6&keywords=activity+jumper) or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-ExerSaucer-Learn-Jumper-Jungle/dp/B006PB2H4A/ref=sr_1_7?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-7&keywords=activity%2Bjumper&th=1)
  
  
• Some sort of activity toys like This, This,
  
  Comfy rocking chair
  
  When it comes to cribs, pack n plays, rock n plays, bouncers and swings its upto the childs taste. Out of my nieces and nephews 1 always napped in a rock n play, 1 in the swing, 1 would sleeps anywhere, 1 would sleep on mommy or a boppy, 1 in the crib and my daughter would only sleep in the carrier or being held. She never used the rock n play, crib or pack n play but loved the bouncer and occasionally accepted sitting in the boppy or swing. They are all so different. With our little girl her reflux was so bad that if she was laid flat she would immediately throw up.
  
  
  (I will edit to add more when I get a minute)

We love the activity table we picked out!
https://www.target.com/p/infantino-go-gaga-sit-spin-38-stand-entertainer-360-seat-38-activity-table/-/A-52210103

I thought walkers were a little unsafe for our daughter and she loved sitting up in the activity table at 3 months old (we propped her up with little pillows)

She is 5 months now and still loves it! This one is really well designed and has little crunching pieces around the fabric seat so she never got frustrated when she couldn’t reach a piece

We have a push “walker” that’s more like an old persons Walker for when she gets old enough to really hold herself up comfortably

VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging), Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRSXMW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_o9OnYSUhgtDiW

This comes apart and is a floor activity until she can push it. Our baby loves the phone rattle and the piano. I felt like it was a lot of toys combined into one and a good value. We wanted to go easy on light up and singing toys!

My son was a fairly early walker (9.5mo), but here's what we did to encourage him once he started cruising:

• No socks, no shoes. Even now, after walking for 2.5 months, I only put socks/shoes on him when he will be walking around outside the house. Even then, it's not a strict rule. I feel this has given him outstanding balance. Shoes inhibit it a little, but he's getting better.
  
  
• We bought him a push wagon. This one to be exact! He took off like a little rocket across the floor the second we got the handle attached. He still LOVES anything he can push ahead of him. Boxes, plastic storage bins, literally anything that will slide on the carpet or hard floor.
  
  
• We ran away from him. When we would play, we'd play peek a boo from down the hall for a while and then tell him 'come get me!'.
  
  
• Bathtub 'dancing'. We bathe with our son (we take turns, our tub isn't that big!) and we would hold him upright and sing a little song about him being a 'dancin man'. At first he just bobbed up and down, then he started lifting his feet up and down too. I think it was good practice for walking.
  
  All that being said, at 14 mo, it's ok if they're not walking on their own just yet. They may just not be emotionally ready to literally 'let go'. My kid wants to do everything, all at once, by himself (mostly). His father and I were both early walkers too. Maybe there's a genetic component? Anyway, he'll get it sooner than you think. They can't un-learn it. Enjoy the pre-walking time. I can barely keep up w/ Ben w/o nailing his feet to the floor.

I’m broke, but I am a mom. They friggin love measuring spoons, Tupperware, boxes. Throw some plastic beads in a plastic bottle and super glue the lid on to make your own rattle.

You probably have more stuff laying around the house that can be a ‘toy’ than you realize.

Most actual toys are played with for a minute, then just lay around. But... this is definitely a worthy investment:

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK

(Not sure if it’s on your wish list, but it should be.)

my kid is only a little one 5 month's she turned 5 months on the 19th of this month. But my stations include:

• water mat
  
• jumper
  
• all the toys on the floor (the best one is made for a high chair and is clear on one side with larger beads and a mirror and then the other side it is beads and a weird maze so when you spin it the beads go in different directions). basically, if the toys are clear and have some stuff going in on the inside they are fascinating.
  
• The next is really just the swing.
  
• When all else fails just having her out and about in a store/mall to stare at things makes her happy for hours.
  
  Things to maybe try:
  
• clear toy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0NNV8G/?coliid=I2BR5MIOACRHHK&colid=2YFPX4OWJ8YE&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
  
• Ball toy: (my godson was in love with these still plays with it and he is 4). https://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Explore-Grow-Busy-Popper/dp/B00U5U5VWM/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=ball+toy&qid=1559164546&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-6
  
• Otherwise, if you have a children's museum by you go there they have a ton of things to do for all ages.
  
• cool whip paint (just add food coloring on like a disposable table cloth, sand (various textures to try).

In terms of toys we've actually spend money on, we've gotten more mileage out of a set of baby Einstein rattle balls than anything else. And if you've got a noise maker on your hands, for the love of all that is good do yourself a favor and buy a tuned glockenspeil

Applique'd hand towels are great for different textures. Linking rings, too.

And for a big ticket item, we love our wood walker wagon- most importantly it's sturdy enough for a toddler to climb on and sit in, not to mention drive across the house at alarming speed.

Usborne "That's not my...." books were very popular with my 1 year old. They are short board books with bright, high contrast pictures and sensory integration. They give a parent a lot of teaching moments - colors, shapes, identifying animals or vehicles or whatever, textures, etc. We had about 10 of them and my son would bring them to me over and over to read.

My favorite thing in the world, which my son loved at 1 and still loves at 3, is basic wooden blocks like these (probbaly available cheaper, we got ours at a yard sale). Fine motor skills, building, balancing, creativity, shapes, counting... lots of developmental teaching there.

Another good thing for a 1 year old are push walker toys. Here's one that comes with wooden blocks.

Ok. So very early on my daughter insisted on standing as much as possible. By 3 months she always wanted to be standing, with me holding her arms or by her waist. And, I indulged her.

To get her to sit up I would lay her on the bed(in the middle) and reach down and take both her hands and pull her into a sitting position. Slightly more forward. I would let go and stand in front of and make a big deal about her balancing, and she fell over to the side or backwards. I would clap and jump up and down. She loved. We played this game every day for 25 minutes or so. And every day, she got a little better and a little better at it.

And then I discovered This Vtech Sit to Stand Walker....Holy shit...She plays with this damn all friggin day!

I put the back wheels against the wall, so it doesnt move and i sit in front of it with my legs extended on both sides. Then she sits in front of me between me and the walker. Thats all it took. She was reaching and touching it like crazy. and when she discovered the removable phone I would stand her up and she would lean forward and hold onto it for support.

The front panel of the walker comes off and can be layed flat on the floor as well.

As far getting my daughter to sit and stand, this thing cant be beat. Its under $30 I would easily pay twice that. We have two, one in our house and one in grandma's house. If you want to motivate your son to sit up and reach try this toy. Its what really got my daughter reaching and pulling.

I have some pics kicking around. When I get to work ill send you some.

"Welcome to our learning farm!"

My daughter (10 months) loves this thing: https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK

... and I love that she loves it. But my heavens, is it annoying. If I hear the cow moo in the barn once more I may lose it. As called out elsewhere here, it lacks a dedicated volume control. It has a little switch that toggles between loud and STFU.

It also has a little slide-whistle sound effect that goes off N times depending on what you hit. Press "3" and it happily screams, "THREE! Whoop ... whoop ... whoop." That sounds seems pitched perfectly to slice through any other audio coming from elsewhere in the house.

This is awesome! I love dressy my tiny lady up all fancy. :)



This cute purple owl is something I think she would enjoy.

owl backpack I have one of these bags (the monkey one) and I have used it as my diaper bag for a long time and now my son likes to carry his cars in it

owl pull toy These are lots of fun

Melissa&Doug flapping owl Always loved M&D toys for my son

owl percussion set Musical owl instruments!

busy bead tree This one is 21.75 but they are fun for kids

I could do this all day...love too find gifts for people :)

I don’t know if it’s available in the UK, but we purchased this one from Amazon and it’s great. All wood, good weight to it, and a lot of fun activity stuff for when they get bored of walking around with it.

I wouldn't get a baby swing unless it's free or really cheap. Once the baby can start crawling or use a jumper, it's utterly useless.


Our son is almost 8 months old, and here are the toys he enjoys the most:

Luv U Zoo

Kick and Play Piano Gym

Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

The Kick and Play they can enjoy from birth. The Sit to Stand works once they have some arm and hand control (3 to 4 months and above).

We put our son in the jumper once he was able to hold his head up and stand on a pillow (3 months). This is a little earlier than recommended, and you must not let a baby hang in a jumper or seat due to the risk of hanging baby syndrome (thrombosis/clots).

A $3.00 mylar balloon and $197 check for their college fund.

One of these push toys (some kids love these things)

I got my daughter this around that age and she loved it (and so did every other child aged 6 and under who ever came to our house and saw it.

A bubble machine

A sandbox (if this is ok with the parents)

A toy shopping cart or baby stroller

(anything that is a smaller version of an adult thing, that makes noise and is easy to push around)

We have a play pen since he started crawling, now he mostly holds the walls of the pen and stands there looking at me lol I am in there a lot. We got him a sit to stand toy http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK he started playing on his tummy. Then sitting. Now he pulls himself to stand and I'm teaching him how to push it. I think it's a good investment and has a good assortment of activities.

We got my son a nice push walker (like this) with blocks in it, though there are lots that have fun activities to do as well. I prefer the wooden ones that don't have lights and noise and whatnot, just for my own sanity. He loved it and still occasionally pushes things around in it!

These are great!

Also, something like this - she should be getting pretty mobile now, so things like this are great.

So my son turns one on Dec 17 and is going to have a Star Wars themed birthday.. We are going to try and get his birthday presents seperate from his Christmas present but we will see how the money goes. It would be awesome if he could get a bunch of educational and coordination toys.. with some Star Wars ships for his birthday!! Hes also starting to walk so hed love walking stuff!

I listed a few things we were going to try and get him..

• Green Toys Dump Truck
  
• Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy
  
• Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Corn Popper Push Toy
  
• Star Wars ABC
  
• Tolo Toys Rolling Shape Sorter
  
• Radio Flyer Sport Coupe Red
  
• Playskool Playskool Poppin' Park Eelefun Busy Ball Popper
  
• Revell Obiwan's Jedi Starfighter
  
• Revell Star Wars Republic Gunship
  
• Revell Star Wars -Millennium Falcon
  
  Anything else that could be educational/fun im sure he would love as well!
  
  Thanks!! Your the man!

I have the Fisher Price lion walker. Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Y9854-Musical-Lion-Walker/dp/B00BNQEVWS

My neighbors went outside with us almost every afternoon also and we all brought the walkers out. Our sons would always end up trading. Theirs was the Vtech one:

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Learning-Lavender-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK?th=1&psc=1


Her baby is older and was already walking but he always wanted to push one around since my son was doing that haha. I think the Vtech one was more entertaining and a bit taller. Anything works though, the babies just want to push it.

This may bend your budget a bit, but this would be amazing for a 4-5 year old f1 fan.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/F1-Ferrari-Foot-to-Floor/dp/B0018RFO78

we just got this one for our 6 mo. old (https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1510862595&sr=8-5&keywords=vtech+toys) - once he can fully sit unassisted i think it will be better, but it lasts into toddler years and so far he loves hitting the removable part with buttons!

She is adorable. I have two ideas for you.
[One practical and educational] (http://www.amazon.com/VTech--Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1369763265&sr=1-2)
[And one that is more of a precious memory and is kind of expensive] (http://www.campusquilt.com/order/t-shirt-wee-quilt.html)

I would return. They aren't safe or helpful for walking, plus it's huge and something that can only be used for a short amount of time. Instead get a push walker (this V-tech one is popular) and was actually recommended to us by a PT to help encourage walking indepedently.

Like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fOdXDb6TERHYN

If so nope! I'll add one to the list. I least like our LO will definitely walk before a year, or at least stand. She has very strong legs and can stand now at 2 mo by holding onto my hands. 😳

Mine will be 7 months old the day after Christmas and I'm asking for:

• Sleepers in 12 and 18M
  
• Board books
  
• Walker - Not for walking really, more for the things on it.
  
• Poppin Pals - A classic!
  
• Stacking Cups
  
• Textured Balls
  
• Wooden Car
  
  My in-laws are getting us a convertible car seat. We are picking out the one we want and they're ordering it. Memberships would be good too! We have an aquarium close by that would be a good place to go when it's rotten outside. Which is pretty much all summer here!

Water table is HUGE with my kiddo.

Tunnel

sit to stand

I could suggest more but hopefully that will kick start some ideas!

Green toys makes some good trucks. My son’s favorites are the dump truck and the recycling truck. Many times they go on amazon lightening sale and you can get them for 40% off.

Do you have any kind of play space you can take him to? I remember that age as being particularly awful for the reasons you state; I think they just need a lot more stimulation and new stuff. I would take my daughter to some indoor play spaces that had infant/wobbler play areas; it gave her a chance to see new stuff and most of them also served coffee so it was a chance for me to get out and enjoy myself a little more.

Failing that, just take him out to new places: grocery store, zoo, the mall, etc. It will help YOU if you're not stuck in the house with him, and any novelty is good for them as well. FWIW, it got a little less awful once my daughter was walking (just before 11mo), but we still needed to get out and do things so no one got bored.

ETA: We didn't use it constantly because of some of the worries about walkers, but a toy like this can really help when they're in the almost-walking stage: https://smile.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1P7PD4SQWPT2M&keywords=walker+toys+for+1+year+old&qid=1569165982&s=gateway&sprefix=walker+toy%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-4

I'd get a push type Walker or a play table he can stand at. I feel like at 6 months old you'd get a lot more use out of something like that rather than a seated type bouncer. He will be on the move soon and not want to be contained. Table walker

Baby walkers where they sit inside a harness thst supports their weight are dangerous and banned in many countries. US pediatricians want to ban them because they account for a large number of infant and toddler injuries. https://www.healthychildren.org/english/safety-prevention/at-home/pages/baby-walkers-a-dangerous-choice.aspx

Walkers that are like push lawnmowers are aok! We have 2- Here is the electeonic one on Amazon, and Ikea makes a cute all wood, non electronic one. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VIBXCbNKZHWT5

This v-tech walker has been awesome - okay, minus the songs... the songs are now featured in many of my nightmares.

Good morning, Not entering this one however, my childhood memory toy is the chatter phone.
This is off my daughter Isabelle's wish list.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014KEDB3Y/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3KJFZ4MAYGVFS&coliid=I1KNYKI4UGHZPO

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK

he loves it. now that hes walking for real he uses it mostly to chase the dog. so we've definitely gotten lots of use out of it.

This walker - it keeps making noise after your kid stops playing with it: VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JNivDbSERAGDE

And this drum set: VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XVYSDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CPivDb37NDZPP

My daughter was very much the same at four months, so we made the switch to a convertible car seat about that time. It was a game changer! I think the click-in bucket infant seat must have been dreadfully uncomfortable because after switch to the convertible, she cried much less.

We let her hold some toys in her lap. This one is her favorite, and we keep it special for the car. If possible, either myself or my husband will ride in the back with her to keep her company and that helps too. Having books to read to her helps pass the time as well.

Henry is 1 and we're going to get him an activity cube. At 9 months, maybe the VTech walker thing would be nice!

This thing and this thing. The walking thing has a bunch of stuff on the front that's good even if she's just sitting.

This... I'd like to burn this...

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Baby-Bat-Wobble-Penguin/dp/B000W3RYQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370376184&sr=8-1&keywords=fisher+price+penguin

I'd go with "less is more". The beauty of simplicity. This one. No frills, no nothing. My kid still plays with it (to transport stuff) and he's 4. My advice would be to stay away from a plastic monstrosity on singing wheels, that has 500 buttons and colours and music and ... Especially if it's labelled "educational".

I want to hurl this thing off the balcony.

How about a sit and stand walker thing?

For $6 you can own your very own replica

Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZYGY8H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_klpXCb4N6XKSM

One of these!

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-CMY10-Corn-Popper-Blue/dp/B014KEDBI4

There's also a similar Ferrari model... http://www.amazon.com/Feber-Ferrari-F2008-Foot-Floor/dp/B0018RFO78/

Edit: Can't find the Lotus one for North American orders.

VTech Walker:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0053X62GK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511033752&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=vtech%2Bwalker&dpPl=1&dpID=51TzUlAjlPL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Explore-Grow-Busy-Popper/dp/B00U5U5VWM

It's from a toy. Maybe a Playskool ball popper or similar. My kids had this ball but I can't remember exactly where it's from, but it's a toy. https://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Chase-Go-Ball-Popper/dp/B01NAJS3AW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1L045VVSLQA2H&keywords=playskool+ball+popper&qid=1566346331&s=gateway&sprefix=Playskool+ball%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-6

this. My kid was pushing that thing all day without bothering anybody. best thing ever.

Soft building blocks like these (althought I'm sure you can find cheaper ones). Is she walking? You could totally get her a push-around toy like this. My kid barely used hers and she didn't walk til she was 17mo, but I've seen other kids go nuts with 'em. Balls. My daughter has always gone crazy for balls of all sizes and textures. some things you already have like tupperware and lids or pots and pans and wooden spoons kinda thing. A fellow redditor has mentioned to me about letting them use shaving cream with food coloring in an empty tub to keep them occupied (I needed a mental health day and looking for ideas to keep her occupied otherwise). But only do that one if she's in your view obviously.

Something I just remembered, she loves brushes. She has a bad habit of climbing my vanity seat and messing with my brushes so I gave her a few of my old cheap ones. Try that, my girl carries them everywhere.

OMG THIS THING: https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK

It has this loud, grating, whiny voice in it that sounds like the NY accent people used to use in old 1940's movies, SO OBNOXIOUS. It'll have them plotting to destroy it in a matter of DAYS.