When your baby starts to show the signs of taking their first steps, you may want to consider looking for one of the best baby walkers or a cheap baby walker to help them with the transition from sitting up to standing to walking for the first time. There is a huge range of walkers on the market to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets, so we've rounded up some of the best to help you choose the right one for you and your tot.
A baby walker is a movable contraption that can help your baby take their first steps. Whether you're looking for a cheaper or a more expensive option to encourage them to get to that walking milestone, there are many different kinds. You can have walkers your baby sits in, or Zimmer-frame-type walkers, sit-and-stride bike types, or jumpers. Their feet touch the floor, and with your guidance, baby can learn to navigate a safe space and learn to walk and transition from a sitting position to a standing position. A baby walker is usually made of plastic or wood, and it can be collapsible so that it can be easily folded away and stored.
The best baby walkers at a glance:
• Best overall: Mychild Roundabout 4-in-1 Activity Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best baby walker on a budget: Vtech Baby Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best sustainable baby walker: Janod Buggy Wooden Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best push along with music: Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
It allows them to explore areas by themselves and helps their legs become stronger in preparation for future walking, developing muscles and coordination skills. Walkers should be used for around 20 minutes a day so as not to put too much strain on underdeveloped muscles.
When choosing a baby walker for your little one, you'll need to make sure that it's the right size and age range for your little one, plus you'll need to select the type of walker you want. There are wooden baby walkers and baby walkers with wheels, some they can sit in, some with baby toys for children aged 6 months and up and some can be pushed along. It may seem like there is a lot to consider, but don't worry, we've done the hard part for you.
We've found the best baby walkers currently available to buy in the UK to suit every budget, style, and need - many of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award winners.
Are baby walkers safe?
Wondering if baby walkers are safe? Well, there has been a lot of speculation about the safety of baby walkers because even though it should go without saying, a baby left unattended in a baby walker is never safe. In fact, the sale of baby walkers is banned in Canada. In the UK, this is a matter of parent discretion, and there are safety tips you can follow to minimise potential dangers. The NHS says, "If you do use a baby walker, bouncer, or seat, it's best to use them for no more than 20 minutes at a time."
Activity centres offer an alternative that babies can sit in without the ability to scoot around.
Baby walker safety tips
• A baby walker should only be used under adult supervision, and a baby in a walker should never be left unattended.
• Most baby walkers are suitable for ages six months and up or when your doctor says it's OK.
• Check what's now within your baby's reach – can they now reach dangerous items or even a cup of coffee?
• Do not let your baby use a walker anywhere near stairs or steps.
• Make sure your baby can't reach electrical sockets.
• Make sure there aren't any cables your child can pull on.
• All walkers should have the safety mark BS EN 1273:2005.
The Best baby walkers and push along toys for 2024
Best overall
This innovative walker offers four distinct functions in one, making it a valuable investment. Firstly, it helps little ones take their first steps as a baby walker, and thanks to the secure harness and no-tip build, parents can feel confident their tot is safe to move around. Although it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t perform quite as well on carpet floors, with mum tester Nina saying; “Does not really goes on carpets but on the rest floor surfaces it is amazing."
There’s also the fun interactive activity centre for your child to play with to help develop their fine motor skills as they find their feet, featuring a range of toys, lights, sounds and games to engage their senses through the use of colourful buttons and different textures, with one mum commenting, “my son loves both ‘walking’ in it and just playing with the toys.” The seat also rotates 360 degrees, meaning they can easily access all the games on offer.
It can also be transformed into a rocker for a relaxing environment for playtime or nap time. This gentle rocking motion helps to calm and comfort your baby, promoting relaxation and restfulness.
This versatile walker can also be adjusted to function as a handy feeding chair, allowing your little one to enjoy meals in comfort and convenience. The tray and the seat are both easily removable making for easy cleaning while the adjustable height settings ensure a perfect fit for your growing child.
Pros
- Four functions in one
- Easy to clean
- Adjustable height for growing babies
Cons
- Doesn't glide very well over carpet surfaces
Age: | From six months |
Size: | 74 x 66.5 x 44cm |
Batteries: | 2 x AA (not included) |
- 3 x height positions
- No-tip safety pads
- Speed restricting wheels
- 360 degree rotating seat with supportive backrest
- A range of textures, lights, sounds and melodies
Best baby walker on a budget
![best-baby-walkers-Vtech Baby Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/2022/06/best-baby-walkers.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
With its removable activity board, the VTech Baby Walker is aimed at little ones of various ages, allowing younger ones to explore with 5 light up buttons, shape sorter, gears, animal buttons and a role play phone for older ones to enjoy when pushing the walker around. This makes it a great investment for families with multiple children. Mum Nikita particularly found it very convenient for her two children commenting; “Being able to remove the activity board from the actual walker is great because it means both my under twos can play with one each.”
Our mum testers found this walker very easy to assemble, as mum tester Karen found, “the walker was very easy to assemble with clear instructions it also came with batteries so this is a massive plus if you're like us and never keep batteries in the house!” Mums also loved how portable it was, making it very travel-friendly, with mum tester Laura saying, “I love that it can be folded together which makes transporting it really easy.”
While some mum testers would have appreciated more secure attachments on the activity board to make it safer for little hands, this walker remains a top choice for parents looking for a fun yet functional baby walker.
Mother&Baby Award shortlist 2020 for the best baby toy.
Read our full Vtech Baby Walker review
Pros
- Helps them learn balancing skills when learning to walk
- Activity board helps sensory development
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not as durable as others as parents found some bits easily pulled off
Age: | 6 to 3 years |
Size: | 46 x 40 x 45cm |
Batteries: | AA batteries required |
- 2-in-1 design
- Textured wheels
- Easy-grip handle
- Has 5 light up buttons
- Also includes shape sorters, gears, animal buttons and a role-play phone
Best sustainable baby walker
![best-baby-walkers-Janod Buggy Wooden Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/2022/06/best-baby-walkers-6.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Ideal for those on the hunt for a more sustainable baby walker option, the Janod Tatoo ABC Buggy Wooden Walker is designed help little ones develop their motor skills and balance as they learn to walk. Parent testers found this walker easy to assemble and they loved how the weight of the blocks and high-grip wheels meant their child could lean into it without it tipping under their weight.
Constructed from sturdy pine blocks, MDF and plywood, it also features rubberised wheels for smooth and silent pushing, allowing children to move around confidently without noise disruptions. It’s designed for withstanding active play for long-lasting and sustainable fun, suitable for young children to move around confidently while offering stability and support.
This walker also comes with 30 wooden blocks featuring both upper and lower case letters of the alphabet, numbers, and an abacus, providing educational opportunities for older kids. The biggest downside is that there’s no safety break, so your little one will need very close observation, as they would when using any baby walker.
Pros
- Made from sustainable materials
- Silent wheels for quiet play
- Includes educational blocks
Cons
- No safety break so younger children may struggle to stop this
Age: | 12 months - 4 years |
Size: | 43.51 x 35 x 41 cm |
Batteries: | None required |
- Silent wheels
- 30 wooden blocks
- Wooden handle
Best push along with music
![Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2024/06/Little-Tikes-3-in-1-Activity-Walker.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Built to withstand climbs and knocks while providing hours of entertainment for little ones. Our mum tester Georgia loved how well it performed with her daughter. “My daughter is quite heavy-handed, and yet even after she had pushed this walker into tables, chairs and climbed all over it, there were no signs of breaking.” She said.
Featuring over 70 activities, songs, and sounds, this fun walker encourages baby to take their first steps, as well as engaging them in interactive play. Mums particularly loved the bright colours, sturdy frame, and lights that kept their babies entertained, with Mum Kelly saying this feature makes it last longer. “It's interactive and very user-friendly from around six-months-old and then, as they grow, they can explore different features - making it a very good lasting toy.” She said.
While some mums noted that the price might be a bit high compared to similar products on the market, they loved how durable this walker was and how it grows with the child, accommodating different stages of development from sitting to standing and pushing. Mum tester Sarah also loved how easy it was to travel with and store away, commenting, “the ability to fold the walker after use makes storing and carrying the product very, very easy.”
There were only a few minor downsides our parent testers could identify such as clearer instructions and quieter wheels, with our mum tester Jules saying “I'd just make the instructions a little clearer and easier to understand. The product itself is great, but wheels can be quite noisy on our laminate flooring, though I can imagine children enjoying this feature.”
Mother&Baby Award shortlist 2018 for the Best Baby Toy.
Read our full Little Tikes 3-in-1 Baby Walker and Activity Table review
Pros
- Featuring over 70 activities, songs, and sounds
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Very durable
Cons
- Some testers found the instructions were difficult to follow when setting up
Age: | 9 months to 3 years |
Size: | H42.42 x W43.69 x D53.85cm |
Battery: | 3 x AA (included) |
- 3 play modes
- Includes a glowing light dome and piano keys
- Lights project as far as 8 feet
- Folds flat for storage
- 70+ activities, songs, and sounds
Best baby walker for creativity
Doubling up as an activity centre and a game table, the detachable panel with shape recognition blocks, electronic organ, colourful turnable gear, rattle, and a detachable basketball frame help develop those fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, colour recognition, and shape identification.
This play centre can be used when sitting, walking, as an activity table or as hanging play for easier access. For the walking function, this walker comes with a weight box that you can put sand or water in to increase the weight of the walker to help avoid any falls with baby.
Made from safe, non-toxic ABS material, this walker encourages your baby's first steps while helping to develop coordination and strength. Other safety features include the anti-slip rubber ring on the wheels to control speed and increase friction with the ground allowing you to fully control the speed your baby can move at. We also love the adjustable handle for your growing tot, triangular table for stability, plus an ergonomic design to promote a proper walking technique to avoid bow-legs.
Although some testers found the quality wasn’t as good as other walkers, questioning the durability of the plastic, many liked this walker, with mum tester Zara particularly loving all the added safety functions that have been covered with this walker, commenting, “The table function is nice and steady and doesn't tip or collapse so it's perfectly safe. With the wheels on, the walker can be pushed via the handle to help steady baby and help teach them how to walk. I like that the wheels aren't overly flexible so that kids can't zoom around too quickly and end up falling over. The weight bottle on the back also helps with this.”
Pros
- Adjustable handle height
- Features non-slip shock-absorbing soft rubber ring which increases the friction with the ground to control speed
Cons
- Activity table legs are a bit short for taller tots
Age: | 12 months - 6 years |
Size: | 43.61 x 34.19 x 17.2 cm |
Batteries: | 2 AA batteries required |
- 3-in-1 design
- 10 light-up buttons
- Light-up nose
- They can feed balls to lion
Best baby walker with doll
![Fisher-Price Princess Stroll-Along Baby Walker and Doll Gift Set](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2024/02/Smyths-Toys-buggy.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
This lovely little baby walker set includes the Fisher-Price Princess Musical Walker and a cuddly Princess Chime Doll, ideal for imaginative play. This walker features a wide base and an easy-to-grasp handle for stability. Parent tester Debbie commented that it was ‘Great quality and very stable for walking.’
We love that as baby pushes the walker along it plays fun music and the bright lights are activated, encouraging your little one to keep moving, making it great for their physical development, a feature parents found really helped children want to walk.
This walker also features hands-on activities including beads and a flip book, to engage baby's senses and fine motor skills. Additionally, the included Princess Chime Doll is a soft and cuddly companion for babies. Squeezing or shaking the doll produces sweet sounds, capturing little one’s attention and helping their auditory development.
Pros
- Includes a chime doll
- Plays music
Cons
- No volume control on music and it is a bit loud
Age: | 9 months + |
Size: | 47 x 40 x 43cm |
Batteries: | Requires 3 x AA (not included) |
- Music and lights activated when baby pushes it
- Includes soft chiming doll and magic wand
- Wide base and easy grip handle
- Encourage and supports baby's first steps
Best baby walker for independent movement
![Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/Untitled-design-2023-11-30T132141.704.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.online4baby.com
Offering both fun and walking support for your toddler, the Puggle In the Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker features a fun play tray with rattles, a toy bar, and a musical/light-up removable toy tray with 12 melodies to keep your little one engaged, providing an element of fun as they learn to walk.
We love how this walker folds flat for easy storage when not in use and the three adjustable height settings mean it can accommodate your baby's growth. Our parent testers also loved how easy it was to set up and how comfortable their child was in the spacious seat. It was also very easy-to-clean and maintain thanks to the removable seat and wipeable plastic exterior. One of our parent testers said, "It’s so easy to fold away and pop up when needed. I also feel that it’s a comfortable fit for my baby with the soft seat and backrest so my child isn’t hurting themselves on the go. It is also easily cleaned as the seat can be removed and washed and the plastic exterior is easily wiped clean too."
Although there’s not as much going on in the form of entertainment and bright colours compared to other baby walkers, this is a brilliant baby walker for assisting your baby to gain independence when walking.
The Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker was awarded Bronze for Best Baby Toy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Read our full Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker review
Pros
- Easily cleaned
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Adjustable height settings
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Not as colourful as others on the market
Age: | 6-24 months |
Size: | 53 x 68 x 59cm |
Batteries: | 2 x AA batteries (not included) |
- 3 Adjustable Height Positions
- No-Tip Safety Pads
- Detachable Play Tray
- Fold Flat Feature
- Supportive, removeable and easy wipe clean seat
- Fun filled toy station packed with features including a rattle, toy bar, 12 exciting melodies and 2 LED’s
- Can be used as a push along to support babies 1st steps
Best quality baby walker
![V-tech baby walker train - baby walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/V-tech-baby-walker-train.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
This multi-functional baby walker offers four play modes - sit-down play, walker, pull-along wagon, and ride-on train - providing your tot with a variety of different activities to keep them entertained. Packed with features such as letter blocks, light-up piano keys, a turning book, and beads and cogs, it offers fun interactive learning experiences.
While our parent testers loved how entertaining their children found this walker as well as the educational benefits it offers, some parents found it a little too loud and flashy. They did however love how easily it grows with their child, making it good value for money. Our mum tester Jennifer commented, “we considered ‘losing’ the batteries after five minutes. It’s very loud and flashy. He's a bit small for riding it, but it’ll grow with him, so it’s good value for money.” Another tester also noted that it doesn’t have steering capability, a feature our mum testers missed.
Read our full VTech Push and Ride Alphabet Train review
Pros
- Including 4 sing-along songs and 10 different melodies
- Encourage strength and balance development
Cons
- Doesn't allow steering
Age: | From 12 months |
Size: | 17.8 x 58.5 x 40.6cm |
Batteries: | Requires 3 x AA batteries |
- 13 double-sided letter blocks and a magic tunnel
- 3 sing-along songs and 10 melodies
- 4 different design modes
- Removable activity panel
- Light up number pad
- Also includes turning book and manipulative gears
Best baby walker for small spaces
![Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Baby Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/Fisher-Price-Learn-with-Me-Zebra-Baby-Walker.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
With four play modes including sit-down play, walker, pull-along wagon, and ride-on train, the Fisher-Price Learn With Me Zebra Walker offers a range of interactive activities to keep little ones entertained including light-up piano keys, turning book, beads, and cogs, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Our parent testers were fans of this walker’s educational value and sturdy construction, but some were disappointed that it couldn’t easily fold away compared to other walkers on the market. They did however find it very easy to assemble and found it really helped their babies strengthen their legs and improve balance. Mum tester Harriet said, “I'd definitely recommend this product to anyone with a little one who is starting to move around. It is extremely easy to put up, only taking around five to ten minutes.”
Compared to other walkers on the market, this one is particularly compact and lightweight, meaning it’s ideal for most house sizes as well as transporting to grandma’s house. Parents would have liked it more if it had the capacity to fold up too. Our testers also loved that it’s wipe-clean, something mum tester Harriet said ‘is an essential with baby toys!’ and we couldn’t agree more.
Mother&Baby Award shortlisted in 2018 for Best Baby Toy.
Read our full Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker review
Pros
- Easy-grasp handle
- Compact for smaller spaces
Cons
- Doesn't fold up
Age: | 6 months and older |
Size: | H46 x W42.4 x D54cm |
Batteries: | 2 AA batteries required |
- Sturdy 4-wheel base
- Easy-grasp handle
- Includes light-up buttons
- 2 ways to use
- Also features phrases, music and sounds
Best baby walker for car fans
Designed to resemble a car for car-loving babies, the My Child Coupe Walker features a steering wheel, gear stick, lights, music, and a horn, to provide interactive entertainment to keep your child’s imagination engaged. It has two main functions - walk mode and rock mode and its able to adapt to your child's needs as they grow.
Parents appreciate this walker’s safety features, including the speed restrictive wheels and a soft padded seat, ensuring your child will stay comfy as they move. The walker folds flat for easy storage, making it convenient for homes with limited space or if you’re travelling with the walker.
The walker's supportive footpad and removable padded seat make cleaning and maintenance hassle-free for parents. Suitable for babies from 6 months up to 24 months, the seat is fully adjustable with three different options for different heights.
Pros
- Can be folded away
- Supportive footpad
- Converts into rocking mode
Cons
- Quite large when set up in smaller spaces
- Batteries don't last very long
Age: | From 6 months |
Size: | 72 x 57 x 75.5 cm |
Batteries: | Needs batteries |
- Can be folded away
- Supportive footpad
- Rocker mode
- Cute car theme
- Detachable play tray
- Available in three colours
Best baby walker for designs
![Little Dutch Multi Activity Walker](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/LD7132_20Multi_20Activity_20Baby_20Walker_201.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.scandiborn.co.uk
For something that’s going to look stylish in the home while offering a fun way for your tot to learn how to walk, the Little Dutch Wooden Activity Walker is available in three charming themed designs - Little Farm, Sailors Bay, and Flowers and Butterflies - this walker is crafted from quality wood, providing a sturdy base for your little one's first steps.
Designed to stimulate their cognitive development, the walker features interactive features such as shape sorters, bead mazes, and gear wheels. These will help encourage your little one’s imagination, aiding both their physical and mental development in young children.
Not only do parents love its beautiful craftsmanship and functionality, with one parent noting its stability and effectiveness in supporting her little one’s first steps, parents also loved the noise-free plastic tracks within the wooden wheels, which ensure a peaceful playtime experience for parents and baby, while the rubber wheels protect your floors from scratches.
Designed for toddlers aged 12 months and older, it may take a little longer to assemble compared to other walkers and it’s on the bulkier side to store, but overall, parents loved the look and fun features of this walker.
Pros
- Three designs to choose from
- Sturdy and durable design
- Rubber wheels will protect your floors
Cons
- May be bulky to store
Age: | 12months+ |
Size: | 32.5 x 35.5 x 49cm |
Batteries: | None |
- 8 engaging activities
- Sturdy wooden design
- Three design choices
Baby walker types
The seated walker: For very little ones who are just starting to sit up.
The walking frame: Basically like a baby Zimmer frame for tots who can stand up without trouble if they are leaning on something.
The sit and stride: This walker for a baby could be like a little bike they can sit on and use their legs to move around.
The jumper: A stationary bouncing seat that doesn't move around the floor but it does encourage your baby to use their legs, preparing them for the walker or walking frame stage, again assisting development and helping them build their muscles.
Choosing the right baby walker for your little one
Age range: Babies can start using a walker from six months old, but they must also be able to confidently sit up on their own and hold their head up. Some babies aren't ready until they reach eight months or even nine months.
Safety: As with any toy, you should always keep a close eye on your baby when they're using a baby walker as accidents can easily happen. And as mentioned previously, the NHS advise that "If you do use a baby walker, bouncer, or seat, it's best to use them for no more than 20 minutes at a time."
Your space: A walker with a wider base can prevent your baby from entering areas of the house you'd rather them not go into, like the kitchen and the bathroom. Make sure that the baby walker can move on carpets easily, otherwise your baby will probably just give up trying.
Height and weight: Adjustable height and a padded seat are always good extras to have, depending on the height and weight of your baby. Another good extra would be lockable wheels for when you need your baby to stay in one place.
Cost: The cost of a baby walker can range from about £30 to well over £100.
Are baby walkers good or bad for development?
Once your baby has had plenty of tummy time and strengthened those all-important tummy muscles they need for crawling, they'll soon be pulling themselves up into a standing position, using furniture to support themselves. Once you notice your baby reaching this point in their physical development, then you can introduce a baby walker to help develop these skills further.
A baby walker will help build your baby's confidence up before they take those all-important first independent steps. The only thing you should be aware of is any injuries your little one might incur while using a walker. Avoid using the walker for more than 20 mins at a time so their tip toes don't get sore.
How Mother&Baby selected the best baby walkers
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our growing army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right products, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group#mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.
For the essential products, our annualMother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Testing the best baby walkers
When it comes to the best baby walkers, the safety of your little one is our top priority. We also look at a variety of budgets, age suitability, what to avoid, and of course, the quality of the products we go on to feature.
The Mychild Roundabout 4-in-1 Activity Walker came out as the best overall thanks to its easily adjustable height settings, making it ideal for growing tots. Having said that, it doesn’t perform brilliantly over carpet, so if you do have mostly carpeted floors, then the Fisher-Price Learn With Me Zebra Walker First Steps Baby Walker is probably more suited to you. These walkers are on the bigger side however, so if you’re in a smaller space and need something that can easily store away, then a foldable option like the Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker might be better suited as it folds completely flat.
For an option that’s easy to assemble by yourself, the Vtech Baby Walker is a classic budget-friendly model kids love, that also helps them to balance when taking their first steps, some parents however weren’t so impressed with its durability, preferring the Little Dutch Multi Activity Walker instead with its sturdy design.
For younger tots, you’ll want something a bit safer like the My Child Coupe 2-in-1 Baby Walker with its supportive footpad to keep little feet safe is a great choice, although it is on the bulkier side, so for a similar yet foldable, more portable version, there’s the
Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker. For parents looking for a more sustainable option, there’s the Janod Buggy Wooden Walker, it doesn’t however feature music and songs like the Fisher-Price Princess Mommy Gift Set which might be more to your little ones liking.
Emily Gilbert is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.