Almost all toddlers love a rocking horse - or other rocking animals. These toys are a traditional favourite in the nursery. A good rocking horse can last for years, and be passed down from one child to siblings and then on to friends and family too. That's why we've made it our mission to find the best rocking horses for toddlers.
A rocking horse can be a gateway to all sorts of adventures for a creative, imaginative child; plus, they're great for developing physical skills and balance. Not to mention the fact that they are a huge boost of confidence for little ones learning to rock and roll.
Our guide to the best rocking horses
What sort of rocking horse are you thinking of investing in? Would you like a traditional wooden rocking horse that will take pride of place in your living room or a smaller, fabric horse that is more suitable for smaller children?
How to choose a rocking horse
Not sure where to start when it comes to finding the right rocking horse for toddlers? Here at Mother&Baby, we're here to help you choose the right rocking animal as a baby shower gift or as their first birthday present.
The first thing you need to consider is the type of style you're searching for. From outdoor toys to personalised wooden rocking horses, there's a variety of variations to consider. Wooden rocking horses are a great option if you're looking for a good quality rocker that will last for years to come.
After you've decided on style and design, it's time to consider the size of the rocking horse. Did you know that there are multiple sizes and seat heights for a rocking horse? Depending on your child's age and height, you'll find different rocking horses.
Best rocking horses for toddlers 2024:
Amazon If you want something a bit different to a horse, then why not a plush ride on rabbit seat? They’re right on trend and certainly not traditional or boring.
Pros
- Pleasant pink colour is totally adorable
- Raised back and sides keep your baby safe while they ride
- Well-sized handlebars are simple for your little one to grip
Cons
- Assembly required
- "Bunny" sound is a little vague
AmazonAn outdoor toy for the garden that your little one will love, this plastic rocking horse toy will give hours of fun in the summer. It's available in two lovely colours and has a durable construction that's built to last.
Pros
- Robust, durable materials
- Perfect for encouraging imaginative play
- Usable indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Not as cute as other options
- Less soft than a plush rocker
AmazonThis rocking horse takes the form of a magical unicorn, so perfect for kids engaging in imaginative play around fantasy lands. There is also a traditional horse design, as well as elephant and dinosaur designs for children.
Pros
- We love the variety of designs
- Comes with musical sounds too!
- Comfortable plush materials
Cons
- Quite large, so best for bigger playrooms
- Rather heavy
John LewisHow magical is this rocking unicorn? Aside from the beautiful design, we love that it has been decorated with non-toxic paint and is suitable for ages 12 months and up.
Pros
- Unique design is really charming
- Suitable for use with younger little ones than others on the list
- Natural, child-safe materials
Cons
- High price point
- Not as soft as others
Amazon The elephant rocker is made with soft, plush material, ensuring comfort and safety for your baby. The gentle fabric is perfect for a baby's sensitive skin and provides a cozy seating experience. This product works both as a ride-on toy and a rocker, providing variety in playtime for your baby. This dual-purpose design encourages active play, whether your child is in the mood to rock or ride.
Pros
- Two super cute colours
- Versatile design ensures your little one will get the most out of this one
- Can even play music if you press on the ear!
Cons
- Needs batteries for the sounds to work (though they are included with purchase)
- Not the easiest to clean
The padded saddle on this rocking horse is lovely and comfortable, and the floral pattern is wonderfully detailed. The wooden handles are perfectly sized for little hands too, encouraging a secure grip from your little one as they rock and play!
Pros
- This rocking horse is equipped with a padded seat providing comfort and support to your little one
- It is FSC®-certified, making it environmentally substainable
- Designed with sturdy wooden handlebars, it ensures a secure grip during playtime
Cons
- Some difficulties have been faced with assembling the rocking horse
- Wipe clean only
| Suitable from: | 12 months |
| Dimensions: | 70 x 28 x 55cm |
| Material: | Soft outer material and sturdy solid wood frame and handles |
| Care: | Wipe clean only |
- Padded seat offers support
- Perfectly sized handles for little hands to grip
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning 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 product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Lily Anderson has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Mother&Baby Yours, What’s The Best,Closer, heat and Spirit and Destiny as a Deputy Commercial Content Editor since 2019 and currently works at CPSL Mind as a Deputy Campaigns and Communications Manager.