10 Best Pull-Toys for Toddlers

My one year old son has finally moved past the Frankenstein phase of walking and can now turn around and stop with relative ease. So, to help stimulate his walking development this Holiday Season we searched for a Pull-Toy. These great toys help establish equalibrium and encourage children to walk by providing stimulating cause and effect sounds and motion.

I thought that I would be able to pick one out with relative ease – after all, how many choices could their really be? It turns out that there are hundreds of different types of pull toys out there! The 10 I’ve found here are some of my favorites. One of them will make it under the tree this year.

Colorful and Educational Pull Along Snail Shape Sorting Fun Toy
– by Baby Toys

This first pull toy stood out because it also doubled as a shape sorter and a ball. I love a toy that can be used in several different ways, and in particular ones that grow with the child. This pull toy also wobbles back and forth as he rolls along which appealed to my son. The rope is short – for safety – but unfortunately, that also reduces it’s use. Struggling walkers like my son find it difficult to pull with such a short rope. It is, however, great for active crawlers.

Giggle Take Along Elmo Car
– by Fisher-Price

My son loves Elmo, which made this pull-along perfect. The Elmo version opens up to reveal Cookie Monster as your child walks along. This pull toy also has a great price, a definite bonus for those of us who are shopping on a budget this year. While kids love the high pitched giggle, you may not want another giggling Elmo toy to contend with around the house.

Tractor N Trailer Pull Along Farm Set
– by MotorMax

I absolutely love this tractor themed pull toy! The tractor pulls a trailer which holds four animals that squeak. The animals also have shapes on the bottom, creating a simple shape sorter out of the trailer. It’s also nice and chunky which is perfect for when my son wants to push the toy back and forth. Railings on the tractor are removable and can be used to make a corral. Definitly a pull toy with more than one use!

Pull-Along Lamb
– by Ravensburger

My second son never took much to a bottle, so I wish I had this little gem of a pull-along when my first son started walking. It has a great bottle holder, complete with insulation, to keep your childs bottle warm and toasty or cool and refreshing. Wheels come off and the lamb can be washed. Yet another wonderful multi-use pull toy.

Wobbly Dino Pull-Along
– by Discovery Channel

This appears to be the grand-daddy of all pull toys. The head wobbles back and forth as it is pulled and the baby dinosaur on the back bobs up and down. As if that wasn’t enough for your 1 year old, this toy also plays songs and the number buttons flash to the beat. It says random phrases, roars and can be used to teach your child the numbers from 1 to four. I do like multi-use toys, but this one seemed to have a few too many different uses. Even I had sensory overload after five minutes!

Thomas Carnival Fun Pull-Along
– by Shylling Toys

Thomas the Train is a big favorite among small boys, and this circus train is no exception. Perfect for children who cannot yet put trains onto rails, this pull along has enough interaction to encourage walking development: the clown turns in his wheel and the elephant pops up and down. Train can switch from engine sounds to popular songs from the show. The only minus – toy comes with demo batteries only. Make sure to have some extra on hand for Christmas morning!

Caterpillar Wooden Pull-Along Toy
– by Wonderworld

I found this pull toy to be incredibly cute! The wheels go up and down in a silly motion and it made an adorable sound when my son pulled it along. Bonus for eco minded moms: this toy is made from rubber wood and the vibrant colors are all non-toxic water based paint.

Dancing Alligator
– by Plan Toys

This was my favorite of all the wooden pull toys. The unique construction causes the allegator to move in and out as if it’s dancing and the “joints” in his tummy make a wonderful rhythmic clacking noise as he’s pulled along. My older son had a fun time trying to get it to clack fast and slow as he raced or sneaked by. Bonus for small children: wheels have rubber tread for better traction and a wide stance so it remains upright.

Roll-Along Pals Turtle
– by Fisher Price

Of all the plastic multi-use pull toys out there my son liked this one. Like some of the other toys it also teaches numbers and shapes, but it has a big chunky construction perfect for his small fingers. It’s also very durable, rolls easily and was easy to clean up with a damp cloth. Plays music as your child pulls it along.

Pull-Along Snail
– by Plan Toys

If I was going to have a pull toy exclusively for myself it would be this one. The snail is too cute! The smooth gliding motion mimics that of an actual mollusk. The wheels have bright colors and rotate as the toy moves along. The other reason I would keep it for myself, the super adorable eyes could be a choking hazard if you’ve got a really strong toddler. Eeks!