BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Toys & Games Pretend Play

Best Push and Pull Baby Toys

Updated January 2023

Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Melissa & Doug

Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy

Walk and Play

A multi-tasking push toy that doubles as a walker for tots ages 12 months and up. A variety of fun features keep babies engaged as they work on coordination and motor skills.

Check Price

Check Price at Amazon

Walk and Play

Bottom Line

A multi-tasking push toy that doubles as a walker for tots ages 12 months and up. A variety of fun features keep babies engaged as they work on coordination and motor skills.

Pros

Sturdy construction offers enough support to help little ones gain walking confidence without doing all the work for them. Adorable alligators reward each step with a satisfying "clack." Chunky spinning beads improve fine motor skills. Built to last. Non-skid wheels are safe for hardwood floors.

Cons

Younger babies who rely on a good deal of leverage to pull themselves up may tip it over.

Best Bang for the Buck

Cute design allows little ones to take their "puppy" for a walk. Music, sounds, and lights are activated by tugging the cord. Buttons help develop fine motor skills and introduce numbers and colors. Features over 60 songs, phrases, and sounds. Moving ears and legs are a novel touch. Comes with volume control and shuts off automatically when not in use.

Cons

Pull cord is on the short side and might need to be extended for taller children. Requires batteries.

Hape

Walk-Along-Snail Wooden Push and Pull Toy

Versatile Fun

A charming little snail with a removable shape sorter for a shell. Two-in-one design grows with little ones and is suitable for a variety of age groups, ranging from 12 months to 4 years.

Check Price

Check Price at Amazon

Versatile Fun

Bottom Line

A charming little snail with a removable shape sorter for a shell. Two-in-one design grows with little ones and is suitable for a variety of age groups, ranging from 12 months to 4 years.

Pros

Shape sorter shell rolls when the snail is pulled, creating an interesting visual and auditory effect. Snail and shell can be used separately. Protruding soft-touch eyes seem to enthrall younger babies. Tail moves from side to side. Appeals to tiny tots and older children. Solid wood construction is durable enough to withstand years of use.

Cons

Getting the shell onto the body correctly can be somewhat tricky for little hands.

Plan Toys

Dancing Alligator Pull Toy

Most Eco-Friendly

This wiggling alligator is made of all-natural, sustainable materials and features plenty of sound-producing moving parts to keep little ones entertained. Oodles of fun and eco-friendly to boot.

Check Price

Check Price at Amazon

Most Eco-Friendly

Bottom Line

This wiggling alligator is made of all-natural, sustainable materials and features plenty of sound-producing moving parts to keep little ones entertained. Oodles of fun and eco-friendly to boot.

Pros

Crafted from rubber trees that have ceased to produce latex. Organic and eco-friendly. The body "clacks" and the jaws "snap" while the alligator is in motion. Comes with a long, sturdy cord for fuss-free pulling. Made by an award-winning company that's known for its environmentally conscious practices.

Cons

Wheels can be somewhat loud on hard floors, and the clacking body and chomping jaws aren't particularly quiet.

Fisher-Price

Brilliant Basics Corn Popper Push Toy

Timeless Design

An all-time classic with a simple but highly entertaining design that somehow never gets old. Whether you choose it for the price or because of nostalgia, this push and pull toy is bound be a hit.

Check Price

Check Price at Amazon

Timeless Design

Bottom Line

An all-time classic with a simple but highly entertaining design that somehow never gets old. Whether you choose it for the price or because of nostalgia, this push and pull toy is bound be a hit.

Pros

Uncomplicated design encourages imaginative play and can easily become a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower in the right hands. Colorful popping balls delight most kids and keeps them coming back for more. Long handle grows with kids.

Cons

Popping mechanism works best on carpet. Noise delights kids, but may drive some parents crazy.

Why trust BestReviews?

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights

First Reviewed

January 06, 2022

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Shop Similar Products Get the best products related to our top picks

Learning Resources

Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register

Dreams Soother Sound Machine

Check Price

Written by Eliza McGowen

Updated January 2023

Playtime is fun, but it's also a great way for little ones to learn and develop new skills. Push and pull toys encourage babies to work on gross motor skills and many have features that improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as well. When choosing push and pull toys it's important to look for age-appropriate options that won't cause frustration or pose a safety hazard. Handles, bars, and pull cords should be sturdy and lengthy enough to handle with ease. Vibrant colors, noise-making elements, and moving parts can all help boost interest and ensure that toys will be enjoyed for a long time to come.

Get emails you’ll love.

Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.

Our Top Picks