Our parent friends are often surprised to hear that pull toys rank high on our children’s favorite lists. These simple string-laden creatures and vehicles offer ease and enjoyment for small children.
It was so much fun to rank the top 12 pull toys for babies and toddlers. We hope you enjoy these dozen playthings as much as we did!
What to look for in a pull toy
Materials
We can be very critical of toy materials, especially when shopping for kiddos under the age of 3 years. As environmentally conscious parents in the year 2021, we’re all for eco-friendly baby gear.
Our commitment to the planet is the reason companies like Hape and PlanToys continue to make the cut. On the other hand, we’re not averse to hard plastic playthings.
After all, plastic is super easy to clean and is about the only material used in battery-operated toys.
Editor’s Note
If a toy contains batteries, ensure they’re tightly secured because small children can swallow or choke on them.
Performance
Well-made pull toys foster both fine and gross motor skills. A toy is not much use if it cannot stand on its own. Wide, grippy wheels give pull toys stability on a variety of surfaces.
Meanwhile, toys with modest flexibility can typically traverse uneven surfaces. What’s more, toys with large, sturdy support bars provide new walkers with confidence-building stability.
A well-made pull toy can improve your child’s strength, balance, and coordination.
Add-Ons
Clever toymakers are always looking for ways to improve simple playthings. Just take a look at our top-ranking pull toys to see what we mean.
From stacking toys to alphabet buttons, there are plenty of educational elements that have been tacked on to traditional pull toys.
Always look for toys that introduce new concepts in a fun and engaging way. All the while, don’t knock the simple things. There are many physical and cognitive benefits to pull toys.
Safety
One of the main elements of pull toys is the string or cord. Tethers can pose risks to your child’s safety and well being.
As such, we strongly recommend that parents keep a close eye on their children when they are playing with pull toys. Keep in mind that short cords are less likely to get caught up in things.
Our top picks of the best pull toy
Best alphabet learning pull toy
Our opinion
This interactive pull-along AlphaPup Toy from LeapFrog (check price on Amazon) is all we’ll ever want in a toddler toy. We were instantly impressed by its colorful design.
The pup has a sweater that’s covered in a rainbow of keys. Each key highlights a different letter of the alphabet. Velvety-soft ears and a bulbous tail finish off the dog’s playful presence.
There’s even a little red bone for children to grasp. This pull-along pup promotes gross motor skills and also introduces the alphabet and letter sounds.
The sound effects can be annoying, but we can’t argue with its educational value.
What we love
- Helps children learn the alphabet
- Soft fabric ears and a tail that wags
- A large bone-shaped pull-handle that’s perfect for little hands
Watch for
- The sound function can become a little annoying
Upgrade choice
Our opinion
The Hape Wonder Push/Pull Toy (check price on Amazon) is an heirloom-quality toy with plenty of potential. This wooden push and pull toy promotes coordination and strength.
There’s a broad bed that can be used to haul favorite toys or small passengers. It features moveable knobs, gears, and colorful balls offering five different activities.
There are loads of adventures to be enjoyed with this wonderful toy. The solid wood design won’t break under pressure. Expect your child to gain strength, dexterity, and pleasure when playing with this pushcart.
What we love
- Serves as extra support for advanced walkers
- Interactive buttons play letter sounds and alphabet
- Durable wood foundation
- Non-toxic finish and child-safe materials
Watch for
- Not suitable for crawlers
Best budget buy
Our opinion
The Ray’s Toys Wooden Pull-Along Set (check price on Amazon) includes a giraffe, an elephant, and a zebra. Each animal has a small string and also has small cutouts that serve as excellent grips for little hands.
Use these wooden animals to teach your child about colors, numbers, body parts, and much more. They’ll love towing these exotic creatures around the house.
This thrilling exercise will help improve their fine motor skills, balance, and coordination.
What we love
- Each toy is individually packaged
- The animals have cutouts that double as handles
- Durable wood wheels remain balanced on hard floors
- Animals are painted with cheerful colors and friendly faces
Watch for
- The thin pull string is difficult to grasp
Best shape-sorting pull toy
Our opinion
We couldn’t help but squeal with delight when we first came across the Hape Walk-A-Long Snail (check price on Amazon). Firstly, its German manufacturer offers only heirloom-quality wooden playthings.
Secondly, this whimsical wooden snail toy is très adorable! And finally, we love that the toy doubles as a shape-sorting device. It’s also worth noting that this toy has won several awards.
We can totally see a toddler gallivanting around the house with this trusty snail in tow. Since the shell separates from the body, it can also be used as a stationary toy.
What we love
- Snail shell has three shape cut-outs that correspond with (included) wooden shape blocks
- Made from durable, sturdy wood
- Smooth, mechanical movements
- Whimsical, colorful design
Watch for
- Lengthy pull-string could be a hazard. Always keep an eye on your child while they play with toys with long strings or cords.
Best classic wooden duck
Our opinion
The BRIO World Pull-Along Duck (check price on Amazon) will quack you up. It has all the qualities of a gold star-worthy toddler toy, while its durable, wooden base can withstand loads of blunders.
The big red wheels work well on virtually all types of flooring. What’s more, the head and wings move, and the duck quacks when pulled. Your little one’s confidence will soar whenever they get the wooden gander to flap its wings.
This handcrafted bird will help your kiddo develop balance and coordination.
What we love
- Made from high-quality painted wood
- Funky, modern design with bright colors
- Wheels work on all types of floors
Watch for
- Paint is easily chipped away
Best for dog lovers
Our opinion
The VTech Pull and Sing Puppy (check price on Amazon) is an adorable black-and-white puppy. When you tug at the pup, he plays canine-inspired music and sounds.
The pup has a nose that glows, three interactive push buttons, and a rattling chew toy. There’s even a small compartment for storing the cord.
Other features include volume control and automatic shut-off. We know noisy toys can be bothersome, though this one will delight your little one.
What we love
- Teaches music and math concepts
- Promotes strength and coordination
- Soothing music and lights
- A good distraction for busy parents
Watch for
- The included batteries are only for demo purposes
Our seventh choice
Our opinion
The Hape Turtle Pull Toy (check price on Amazon) doubles as a shape sorter. This ridiculous reptile is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. Real turtles can live to be well over 100 years. If this wooden toy is cared for, it could easily last that long!
Children can tug the turtle by its cord or use its shell to sort the five number shape blocks. This tug toy is suitable for children 12 months and upwards.
What we love
- Turtle shell doubles as a shape sorter
- Wide wooden wheels provide a sturdy foundation
- Includes five numbered shape blocks
- Improves fine and gross motor skills
Watch for
- String frays with use
Our eighth choice
Our opinion
When you pull this sweet, Playful Puppy (check price on eBay), his legs and tail move. His lovable smile will have your kiddo coming back for more and more. We love that this toy encourages little walkers to get their steps in.
If your child loves puppies and strings, they’ll have an absolute blast with this pull toy. All of the pup’s body parts are held together by a stretchy string.
While an elastic may not sound like the best material for a children’s toy, it actually makes the pup more flexible and resilient.
What we love
- Encourages healthy movement
- Tail wags when pulled
- Pup has an irresistible smile on his face
- His wobbly gait is cute to small children
Watch for
- The string is rather short
Best wooden push toy
Our opinion
This foxy Wooden Walker from Cossy (check price on Amazon) is designed to help your little one get around. The large rubber-trimmed wheels provide just the right amount of grip.
Meanwhile, the colorful wooden blocks can serve as inspiration for lots of beneficial activities, such as pushing, pulling, stacking, sorting, and all-around creating.
There’s no limit to where your little one can take this wooden cart. We recommend this product for children as young as 12 months. However, it’s a toy that can be enjoyed at several developmental stages.
The toy’s wooden foundation gives it the potential to survive multiple children!
What we love
- The peeping fox motif makes a great addition to any forest-themed nursery
- An array of colorful wooden blocks
- Promotes imagination, creativity, and problem solving
- Improves fine and gross motor skills
Watch for
- Has the potential to topple over
Our tenth choice
Our opinion
What child doesn’t want to frolic around with a frog? The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Frolicking Frog (check price on Amazon) is a simple, yet satisfying, toy.
The hopping action teaches little ones about cause and effect. Meanwhile, the pull action helps young children develop fine and gross motor skills.
The frog has big wiggly eyes and a large grin. You can’t miss its whimsical green body. Your little one will be thrilled to bring a piece of the pond into their playtime routine.
What we love
- Hops up and down when pulled
- Bright green color and large wiggly eyes
- Nothing cuter than a kid walking their pet frog
- Remains standing when pulled at a slow speed
Watch for
- String is quite short
Best classic pull toy
Our opinion
The Fisher-Price Classics Retro Chatter Phone (check price on eBay) will return you to a simple, more low-tech time. Believe it or not, children love tugging at this ringing rotary phone on wheels. They can even pick up the receiver and engage in a pretend chat.
We know rotary phones won’t make a comeback, but still, this friendly phone gives us a taste of the good old days. At the same time, the pull phone can be an engaging premise for pretend play and moderate exercise. Just be prepared for flashbacks to your childhood!
What we love
- Major vintage/indie vibes
- The dial turns and the phone rings
- The receiver is a great place for your child to practice their conversation skills
- Just like the one in the Toy Story movies
Watch for
- The phone tether is very short
Our twelfth choice
Our opinion
The PlanToys Dancing Alligator (check price on Walmart) is a great fit for any eco-friendly kid. The exotic animal is made from the wood of rubber trees. The alligator’s body consists of rods and slats that clink together when the alligator is pulled.
The serpentine design moves well over uneven terrain. Unlike stationary pull toys, the Dancing Alligator won’t topple over easily.
What we love
- Movement is aided by child’s tug
- All-natural eco-friendly materials
- Promotes an understanding of cause and effect
- Fosters the imagination
Watch for
- Some small, wooden parts might become choking hazards
And our winner is…
We don’t know if it’s our obsession with dachshunds or our passion for literacy, but the LeapFrog AlphaPup Toy (check price on Amazon) is our favorite product on this long list of pull toys.
It was great fun looking at the best pull toys for toddlers because these tug-worthy toys can really help children develop essential skills.
Each push and pull will provide your little one with the opportunity to develop new skills. Plus, these towable toys are just great fun!
