Best Baby Walker: 5 Fun Options So Your Baby Can Learn To Walk (And Play!)

The best baby walker does more than help your little one learn to walk. Many modern baby walkers include built-in toys and activities to keep your little one entertained.

If you’re shopping for a baby walker, it pays to know more about your options: like do you want a push toy or a sit-in walker?

To help you choose the best baby walker for you and your baby, we evaluated and reviewed the most popular brands. 

After lots of comparing, contrasting, and testing, we settled on five baby walkers that we know you’ll love. 

Best Baby Walker Options in 2023 - Quick Summary

The Different Kinds of Baby Walkers

There are several different kinds of baby walkers available today. Some parents stick with one style of walker as their child learns to walk. Others start with one walker style and upgrade to a more “advanced” style once their child is better able to stand independently.

Seated Walkers

Seated walkers have a seat with leg holes and are the classic, traditional walker you probably picture when thinking of baby walkers.

The seat is generally surrounded by a ring with a tray in the front. There are wheels at the base of the walker so that your baby can use their legs to propel the walker across the floor.

Sit-in baby walkers are often a good choice for younger babies who are just starting to show interest in standing and using their legs. Since sit-in baby walkers completely support the baby’s weight, they can stand and walk as much or as little as they like.

Sit to Stand Walkers (aka Push Toys)

A sit to stand walker (or push toy) is more like a push cart or shopping cart. Your child can sit in front of the push toy and move into a standing position while holding onto a handle. They can then use the push toy to support themselves as they walk forward. 

Most sit to stand walkers have built-in toys and activities to keep kids occupied. These are often the best baby walkers for toddlers who are already able to stand while holding onto something. Additionally, lots of push toys tend to have activities attached to them — so they’re double the fun!

Convertible Walkers

A convertible baby walker is one that can be folded to work as a seated baby walker or as a sit to stand walker. This type of walker can be a good cost-saver since it will continue to be useful as your child’s skills progress.

Stand Walkers

A stand walker is the most advanced style. It’s essentially like an activity table that is made to be very stable. Your child can use it to support themselves as they walk around it. 

Usually, there are several games for them to play or activities for them to engage with on the tabletop, like wooden toys. As time goes on, your child will begin walking around the table more independently and without holding on as much.

Top 5 Baby Walkers

When choosing baby walkers to feature here, we did our best to share designs suitable for a range of developmental stages. 

Our Best Overall pick is quite versatile, but some of the category winners are specifically suited for infants who are just beginning to crawl or toddlers who are already standing. 

Some parents may want to start with a more infant-focused walker and upgrade to a more advanced one a month or two later.

1. Best Overall: PlanToys Baby Walker

Our Best Overall baby walker is the PlanToys Baby Walker, which we appreciate for its sustainable design and suitability for a wide age range. 

PlanToys describes this baby walker as suitable for ages 6 months and older. It features a long, smooth handle that your child can hold onto for stability as they walk and play.

Inside the cart portion of this walker, you’ll find 13 colored and 11 natural-colored toy blocks. They are made from reclaimed rubber wood, so they are both safe and eco-friendly. Children can pack the blocks into the walker in many different ways. Or, they can create stacks of blocks outside of the walker.

The handle on this push walker is adjustable. As your child grows and becomes better able to stand, you can slowly raise the height of the handle. Holding onto the baby walker and playing with the blocks gives them a chance to develop both fine and gross motor skills.

About PlanToys:

PlanToys uses sustainable materials to create educational toys for children. Their toys are built to fit specific developmental milestones. Some target certain physical skills, such as fine motor skills or tactile senses. Others target social skills, musical ability, or problem solving skills.

PlanToys has won many awards including the Toy Innovation Award in Germany, The Oppenheim Blue Chip in the U.S., and the Good Toy Award in Thailand.

Customer Reviews:

Reviewers say that their little ones fall in love with this toy quickly. Younger babies sometimes start off just playing with the blocks. As they become more stable on their feet, they progress to holding the handle and pushing the cart along the floor. Several customers mention that their babies progress quickly from walking behind this baby walker to walking independently.

The blocks that accompany this push walker receive a lot of praise. Customers appreciate that they are painted in bright colors so they can use them as a teaching tool for color names. 

They also say their children enjoy creating stacks from them. Some parents begin teaching their toddlers about “cleaning up” by having them put the blocks back into the baby walker when they’re done playing.

Pros:

• Made from recycled rubber wood
• Adjustable for children of different heights or as your baby grows
• Encourages the development of fine and gross motor skills
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Many loose parts (blocks) to keep track of

Specs:

• Dimensions: 11.02 x 14.37 x 19.29 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Material: Wood
• Age: 6 months+

Learn more about this walker at ShopHoneyBug.com

2. Best for Infants: Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker

The Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker is a great choice for infants who are still a few months away from walking independently. This is a sit-in walker, so your baby can rest inside of it and use their legs as much or as little as they are able. Chicco recommends this baby walker for babies who are able to sit upright unaided, and who are under 26 pounds and 33 inches.

The Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker has a comfortable, padded seat and a supportive back. The tray that rests in front of your baby plays music and has flashing, colorful lights. It even speaks common phrases in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese. The colorful hippo and lion provide visual stimulation.

We love that the seat on this walker is removable and can be washed. We were also impressed by the compact, foldable design, which makes for easy storage.

This walker can grow with your baby. It adjusts to three different height positions. It is also built to ensure safety. There are brake pads that engage to stop the baby walker from rolling any further if the front goes over a step or big bump.

About Chicco:

Chicco is an Italian baby care company founded in 1958. Their products are popular around the world. The company employs child development researchers to help them understand what babies really need and benefit from when they are sleeping, eating, and playing.

Chicco sells replacement parts for many of their strollers, baby walkers, and larger toys. Their products have received praise from various safety organizations.

Customer Reviews:

Customers like this walker for their younger babies who are just starting to crawl and use their legs. Most say their children initially just sit in the walker seat, but slowly start using their legs to push themselves around after a week or two. Even once toddlers are able to walk independently, some parents continue putting them in this walker on occasion as it keeps them constrained and provides some educational entertainment.

The multilingual feature on this walker receives a lot of praise. Parents also enjoy being able to remove and wash the seat cover. Some parents give their children snacks on the tray of this walker, and being able to wash the seat cover makes cleanup simpler.

Parents also appreciate being able to adjust the height of this walker. Since they can raise the height as their child grows, customers often get several months of use out of this walker.

Pros:

• Teaches common phrases in multiple languages
• Designed with safety brake pads
• Adjustable to three height positions
• Folds for compact storage
• Washable, padded seat

Cons:

• Lots of plastic components; less sustainable

Specs:

• Assembled Dimensions: 31.75" x 26" x 20" 
• Folded Dimensions: 31.75" x 26" x 10" 
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Material: Plastic and polyester
• Colors: Flora and Circles

• Age: Recommended for children who can sit upright and are under 26 lbs. Height should not exceed 33 inches.

Learn more about this walker at PishPoshBaby.com

3. Best Baby Walker Alternative: Wonder & Wise Awesome Activity Table

The Wonder & Wise Awesome Activity Table is our top pick in the Best Baby Walker Alternative category. This activity table gives toddlers something to grab onto and support themselves with as they begin walking and practice standing with more independence. We also appreciate that it is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint, so you don’t have to worry if your child decides to lick or bite it.

This play table features all sorts of different activities and wooden toys to keep your toddler entertained for hours. There is a shape-sorting puzzle, which is great for teaching shapes. There’s a railway to enhance fine motor skills, stackable animals, and a ring game. The table’s legs are detachable, and the set comes with a bag you can use to store them.

We were also impressed by the appearance of this stand walker. The black, white, and natural wood color scheme looks lovely in any room and coordinates with modern or minimalist decor.

About Wonder & Wise:

Wonder & Wise is a toy company that takes play seriously. They understand that play is a child’s way of learning and developing various skills. As such, they aim to make toys that enhance and encourage those skills.

Wonder & Wise makes toys for babies, toddlers, and elementary school-aged children. They make safety a priority with all of their designs.

Customer Reviews:

Customers appreciate this activity table for their toddlers who have outgrown their sit in walkers. They like that the table encourages more independent standing and walking. Reviewers say their toddlers are able to hold onto the edge of the table and walk around it, playing with the different toys as they go.

The interactive toys included with this stand walker receive glowing reviews. Customers like that toddlers can play with the toys with one hand while using the other hand to hold themselves up. Several parents mentioned how much their children especially love rolling the train along the tracks.

Pros:

• Made from natural wood, metal, and cotton
• Painted with non-toxic, water-based paint
• Features a wide variety of activities
• Legs are removable for easy storage

Cons:

• Not ideal for younger babies who can’t yet stand

Specs:

• Dimensions: 21.5 x 21.5 x 23.5 inches
• Weight: 15.4 pounds
• Material: Rubberwood, cherrywood, metal and cotton, and painted with non-toxic water-based paint

Learn more about this walker at ModernNursery.com

4. Most Portable: Chicco Mod Infant Walker

If you’re looking for a walker that is portable, packable, and easy to take to a friend’s house, we recommend the Chicco Mod Infant Walker. This is a simple, sit to stand walker that prepares babies for their first steps. It only weighs 11 pounds, so you can easily lift it in and out of your vehicle. It folds flat for easy storage and portability. Plus, you can remove and wash the padded seat, as needed.

The Chicco Mod Infant Walker has a BPA-free tray with a cup holder, so you can easily feed your child snacks and drinks while they’re toddling about. This walker also has a brake pad feature, so it will stop moving if your child comes up to a step. As your child grows, you can adjust the height; there are three different height adjustments.

Chicco recommends this walker for children who are less than 26 pounds and 33 inches, and who can sit unaided. The neutral color options should coordinate well with any decor.

About Chicco:

Founded in the 1950s, Chicco is one of the oldest and best-known baby toy companies in Europe. Their toys are made to be safe, interactive, and aesthetically pleasing. Chicco works with experts in childhood development to ensure their toys encourage and enhance age-appropriate skills.

Chicco has a friendly customer service team. Their toys are built to stand the test of time, and they sell replacement parts for many of them.

Customer Reviews:

Several reviewers mentioned keeping this walker in their car and using it at the homes of friends and family members. They appreciate how easy the walker is to fold and unfold; it only takes a minute or two. We also saw several positive reviews praising the removable, washable seat. Parents who feed their babies snacks in this walker appreciate being able to wash the seat to remove food stains and spills.

Reviewers generally say they start using this walker when their babies start crawling. Within a few weeks, their babies typically start using their legs to push the walker across the floor.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Folds for easy storage and portability
• Removable, washable seat
• BPA-free tray with cup holder
• Neutral color options

Cons:

• Does not contain any toys or activities

Specs:

• Assembled Dimensions: 31.57 x 26 x 20 inches
• Folded Dimensions: 31.75 x 26 x 10 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Material: Plastic and polyester
• Colors: Gray and Lavender

Learn more about this walker at PishPoshBaby.com

5. Best Push Toy: Wonder & Wise Baby Activity Walker

While many baby walkers are made with some toys and other entertaining features, we could not find a more entertaining walker than the Wonder & Wise Baby Activity Walker. This push toy walker should provide day after day of fun with its puzzles, ring games, bead games, and shape cut-outs. We love that each activity is placed at a different height, so your child will continually have new activities to enjoy as they grow taller and more better able to stand on their own.

Wonder & Wise Recommends this walker for children ages 9 months and older. It’s a great step-up option from a sit in walker. The handle is long and smooth, so children can grip it easily. The large wheels roll across the floor with some resistance, so the walker won’t slip away from your child.

This push walker is made mostly from wood. Its natural wood, white, and black color scheme looks lovely in most nurseries and playrooms.

About Wonder & Wise:

Wonder & Wise makes toys that are not only fun, but educational. Their toys are generally designed to enhance a certain set of skills, whether that be social skills, problem solving skills, or fine motor skills. The company makes safety a priority and has a friendly customer service team to answer potential customers’ questions.

Customer Reviews:

Customers say this walker comes partially assembled and is easy to put together. Several reviewers mention being impressed by how long their children stay engaged with this toy. They start using it as they are learning to walk, but they often keep playing with the toys for months after they learn to walk independently.

Parents especially like the number blocks that come with this push walker. Several reviewers mention using them to introduce their children to the idea of counting.

Pros:

• Features a wide variety of activities at different heights
• Large wheels roll with some resistance
• Easy to wipe clean
• Lightweight: 7.5 pounds

Cons:

• Not suitable for babies under 9 months of age

Specs:

The Wonder & Wise Baby Activity Walker weighs 7.5 pounds and measures 18 x 19.5 x 14 inches.

Learn more about this walker at ModernNursery.com

How We Found the Best Baby Walker Options

There are many different baby walkers on the market today, and choosing just five of them to recommend here was not easy. 

The first step in our process was to read product descriptions for every walker we could find. In doing so, we looked for baby walkers that offered the following features:

• Appropriate safety mechanisms to prevent falls and injuries
• Designed for the child’s comfort
• Easy to assemble – or no assembly required
• Developmentally appropriate for children who are learning to walk

While we didn’t require that all walkers were made sustainably, we did award “bonus points” to baby walkers made with more natural materials, like wood and cotton. We also considered the company’s reputation. Has the company been around a while? How much emphasis do they place on safety? Did they consult any child education or development experts when designing their baby walkers?

Once we had narrowed down our list to a few dozen baby walkers, we started reading customer reviews. We looked for baby walkers that parents found not only functional, but engaging. We really liked it when we saw reviews that mentioned a walker actually helping a child walk sooner or with more confidence. However, we were also impressed when reviewers mentioned that a certain walker was entertaining or fun.

Finally, having read many reviews, we assigned our testers to various baby walkers and asked them to provide us with feedback. After a few weeks of testing, our testers (and their little ones) had some clear favorites. We looked at the best baby walkers more closely and were able to choose winners in the five categories you see above.

When Should You Introduce Your Baby to a Baby Walker?

Babies can usually start using a baby walker around the age of 6 months. 

Before they are introduced to the walker, they should be able to sit up independently and hold their own head up. Every baby develops at a different rate. So, some babies may be ready to start using a walker closer to 4 months of age, and others may not be ready until they’re 8 months old.

Check the age recommendations on the specific walker you are considering, too. Sit in walkers are often safer for younger babies since babies who are not ready to walk yet can just sit inside. Push walkers and stand walkers are often the best baby walkers for older babies who can already stand independently or with a little assistance.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Baby Walker

With so many baby walkers to choose from, what features should you focus on when comparing the best baby walkers? 

Here are the key qualities and features we recommend considering when hunting for this baby gear:

Age Suitability

Different baby walkers are suitable for babies of different ages. Most reputable toy companies include age range recommendations on their products. Look for a walker that is recommended for children in your baby’s age range. 

For example, if your baby is only 4 months old, a walker recommended for ages 4 months and older is likely a better choice than a push walker recommended for babies ages 7 months and older.

Safety Features

In the past, injuries from walkers that lacked safety features were unfortunately common. Thankfully, baby companies have since introduced many safety features to prevent falls, caught fingers, and other common problems. Look over the safety features that the walker offers, and make sure they are ones you are comfortable with.

If you’re looking at a walker with wheels, make sure it has some sort of brake system to prevent your little one from rolling down a step. Other good safety features seen on the best baby walkers include some sort of cover on the wheel’s moving parts, non-toxic paint, and no-pinch fasteners.

Materials

If sustainability is a priority in your home, you may want to choose a walker made from recycled or natural materials. There are some lovely, wooden stand and push walkers made by top brands.

If a walker is made from plastic, check that it is BPA-free. BPA is a chemical found in some plastics that may have negative effects on hormone production or the body’s ability to use insulin. Babies are known to lick and bite things, so you want to avoid baby walkers made from plastics containing BPA.

Cleanability

Is the walker easy to clean? The best baby walker is one that you can wipe clean with a damp rag. If there are any cloth components, such as a cloth seat, make sure those components can be removed and washed in the washing machine.

Ease of Assembly and Storage

When your baby outgrows their walker, you may want to store it so you can later use it for your next child. Or, you may want to pack it up and take it with you to a family member’s home. So, make sure the walker you choose is easy to store. Some models fold up so you can easily stand them up against a wall or in a closet. Check the weight, too. The lighter the walker, the easier it will be to transport.

Some of the best baby walkers come pre-assembled. Others need to be assembled once you receive them. Make sure you have the necessary tools to assemble the walker you choose. Most are easy to assemble with basic tools like a screwdriver and wrench.

Activities and Play Features

Do you plan on putting your baby in the walker for just a few minutes at a time? If so, a simple walker without added activities may be the best baby walker for you. If it has a tray, you can set some individual toys and stuffies on that tray to keep your child occupied.

If you plan on using the walker for longer periods, look for one with some built-in toys and activities. Ring games, mazes, and blocks are all common. Built-in activities are also a key feature to look for on stand walkers and push walkers. Walkers with built-in activities are often the best baby walkers for keeping energetic toddlers entertained.

FAQs

Does using a baby walker have a negative impact on child development?

Some parents have expressed concerns that using a walker may actually inhibit their child’s development or interfere with their ability to learn to walk independently. However, research does not seem to support this claim.

One review examined 315 scientific articles about baby walkers. Of those 315 studies, only three showed any sort of delay associated with walker use. The authors therefore concluded that there is not strong enough evidence to suggest that baby walkers have a negative impact on child development.

How long should you leave your baby in a baby walker?

Experts generally recommend leaving a baby in a sit-in walker for no more than 20 minutes at a time. If you have an older toddler who is using a stand walker and playing with the various toys it includes, you can let them use it for longer periods. However, you should be careful to use a walker in addition to other types of play rather than a substitute for them. 

Even the best baby walker should only be one component of a child’s development and learning.

What are some advantages of using a baby walker?

Letting your baby use a walker helps them develop a sense of freedom. They get a chance to explore their environment a little more independently, which engages their sense of curiosity.

The various activities and toys that many of the best baby walkers include are great for the development of fine motor skills. Plus, using the walker to walk and support themselves is good for gross motor skill development.

The best baby walkers can also help parents monitor their child’s safety. For example, if you have more than one child, putting your toddler in the walker for a few minutes is a way to keep them safe and secure while you change a newborn’s diaper.

Are there any downsides to using a baby walker?

Some parents find that using a walker discourages their child from crawling. Crawling is an important developmental milestone, so ideally, your child would not skip this stage. You can encourage crawling by limiting the amount of time your child spends in the walker. Only use it for 20 minutes or so at a time.

Another downside is the risk of injuries. Although the best baby walkers are much safer than those made decades ago, a child could still take a tumble, especially when using a standing walker. To minimize the risk of injuries, supervise your child when they are using the walker. Also, never set up a walker near stairs, a ramp, or uneven surfaces. The best baby walkers are made to prevent falls, but you can never be too careful.

Why isn’t your baby walking in the baby walker?

If you put your baby in a sit-in walker and they don’t move around, just be patient. Your baby’s legs and core may not yet be strong enough for them to propel themselves along in the walker. 

Continue putting them in the baby walker for a few minutes a day, and make sure they have lots of toys to play with while in there. Most babies will eventually start using their legs to bounce up and down. Soon after, they will figure out how to “walk” in the walker. Every child learns to walk at a different rate, so don’t worry if it takes your child a few weeks to figure it out.

Also make sure the baby walker is adjusted to the proper height. Many of the best baby walkers can be raised or lowered, as needed. Set the walker up so your baby is able to reach the ground comfortably with their feet.

Conclusion

The best baby walker can keep your little one entertained and also support their body as they learn to stand and walk on their own. 

Whether you’re looking for a sit to stand walker, a push walker, or a stand walker, we’re confident you’ll find the best baby walker for your little one on the list presented above. 

Little ones grow up quickly, so remember to enjoy this time. Before long, your toddler will be jumping out of her high chair and walking around independently, so make sure to soak up these years.

Summary of the Best Baby Walkers