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Best baby walkers to help your little one get going
If your baby is starting to cruise the furniture then why not invest in a baby walker to help them on their way to freedom? Here are the best baby walkers UK for babies and toddlers.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Dec 23, 2022
Once your baby has moved on from their best baby bouncer and develops a taste for life on two feet, there’s no going back, and they’ll be using anything and everything to pull themselves up and put their legs to work. If you want to buy some kit to help your child take their first proper steps then you have two main options when it comes to the best baby walker: either a seated baby walker, which most of us parents probably had when we were little, or a push-along baby walker.
Seated baby walkers are up for debate in the childcare community over safety concerns, and childminders in the UK have been told by the National Childminding Association not to use them. However, in Europe, the European Standard for baby walkers was amended in 2005 to make them safer by moving less quickly, and many parents are happy that they remain a safe activity for their children.
Push-along baby walkers don’t cause the same concerns as seated baby walkers and are a great way for your baby to practice their moves before learning to walk unaided. Many also double up as toys with activity panels or building blocks, adding to the fun. Like many of the best baby toys, some baby walkers adapt and develop along with your toddler in a way that boosts learning as well as physical development – once your little one has mastered walking, some can transform into ride-ons to help them get ahead with another vital skill.
But which one is the best baby walker to meet you and your child’s needs? We’ve researched a wide range of the best baby walkers and come up with our pick of the best according to Mumsnet users - the largest online network of parents in the UK.
The best baby walkers UK: at a glance
1. Best overall baby walker: VTech First Steps Baby Walker
Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Age suitability: 6 months+ | Batteries: 3x AA
What we love
- Affordable
- Detachable activity panel
What to know
- Music can get a bit irritating
- Detachable phone may get lost
What Mumsnet users say
“VTech First Steps Baby Walker is fab, front panel detaches for playing on floor then can be used as a walker when baby is a bit bigger.” (Rated by Mumsnetter moaningminniewhingesagain)
“I cannot describe the joy that my child got from it! I bought it when they were around age one and we used the interactive station on it. When clipped back on they used the walking part to raise themselves up to play with the interactive part. When they were a few months older, they toddled (sometimes ran) with it. It was so worth it for our family.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Flipflopsaga)
Our verdict
With textured wheels, an easy grip handle and a durable design, this sturdy baby walker from VTech gives your baby all the support they need to take their first steps.
There’s lots of exciting activities, cheerful music and friendly phrases to introduce your little one to numbers, shapes, animals and colours, with the removable role-play phone a particular highlight. The walker comes in both multicolour and pink to suit your little one’s personality, and we think it's one of the best toys for a 9-month-old.
Another highlight is the detachability of the activity panel so your baby can play with it anywhere – even when laid on their best play mat if they're not quite up to walking yet.
It’s a joyful little walker, guaranteed to put a smile on your baby’s face. But don’t blame us if the cheery tunes start to grate on you after a while.
2. Best budget baby walker: Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Baby Walker
Price on writing: £26 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Age suitability: 6 months+ | Batteries: 2x AA
What we love
- Great value
- Teaches letters and numbers
What to know
- Doesn’t grip too well on laminate flooring
- Activity panel can’t be detached from the walker
Our verdict
Any child would be thrilled to have this fab little zebra walker in their world. Not only is it great for helping them learn to walk thanks to its sturdy design, but it’s also equipped with all the bells and whistles they need to get started on their letters and numbers. And there are plenty of interesting things to clack, spin and flip too.
The interactive features will keep them more than occupied and encourage them to sing along to the happy tunes while they learn to make their merry way around the room. However, unlike the Vtech First Steps Baby Walker, The Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra does not have a detachable activity panel so your little one will have to play with it in situ, which may limit your playtime options.
3. Best activity baby walker: Playskool Step Start Walk 'n Ride Active 2-in-1 Ride-On and Walker Toy
Price on writing: £32.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: 9 months+ | Batteries: No
What we love
- Affordable
- Ride-on function is great for toddlers
- Child-proof lock
What to know
- Doesn’t feature as many interactive activities as other walkers
What Mumsnet users say
“DS2 had a Playskool plastic one that turns into a car. He still uses the ride on car all the time even though he's two and enormous.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter BertieBotts)
Our verdict
This 2-in-1 number from Playskool is a sturdy, stable walker that helps babies learn to stand, take their first steps and walk. Then, once they’ve mastered that, it easily converts to a ride-on toy for lots of extra toddler fun. It has a locking mechanism that only parents can activate, so children can't change modes by themselves.
Kids can explore the hands-on activities in both the walker and ride-on modes to see fascinating sights, hear silly sounds and touch interesting textures.
The ability of the Playskool walker to change into a ride-on means this product has a longer life-span than the Vtech First Steps Baby Walker and the Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Baby Walker, all for a similar price.
4. Best ride-on baby walker: VTech Baby Push and Ride Alphabet Train Push Along Toy
Price on writing: £70.23 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: 12 months+ | Batteries: 3x AA
What we love
- Loads of activities to keep baby entertained
- Teaches letters
- Also used as a ride-on
What to know
- Pricey
- Not great for small spaces
Our verdict
Imagine the look on your baby’s face when they see this! Not only does it look pretty spectacular, this cute 4-in-1 train toy from VTech functions as a walker, pull-along wagon and ride-on, has modes for sit-down play as well as plenty of educational features.
There’s 13 double-sided letter blocks and a magic tunnel to load the blocks into the wagon to encourage fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination development, plus lots of songs and melodies to help babies learn about objects, animals, phonics, letters, colours, weather, numbers and much more. Overall, we think it's one of the best sensory toys for babies if you're looking for something all-singing, all-dancing.
Also included are a removable walkie-talkie and number pad, light-up piano keys, a turning book and manipulative beads and cogs.
Although the VTech train is undoubtedly the king of all walker/ride-ons, it is pricey, so the Playskool Step Start Walk 'n Ride Active 2-in-1 Ride-On and Walker Toy may be a better option if you are looking to save some pennies.
5. Best wooden baby walker: boppi Wooden Baby Walker with Shape Sorter and Activity Centre
Price on writing: £44.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: 12 months+ | Batteries: No
What we love
- Comes with handy storage tray
- Rubber wheels don’t scratch or make noise on wooden flooring
What to know
- Can be tricky to assemble
- Accessories could potentially get lost
Our verdict
We’re not in the business of shaming toys, but if you feel your house is getting overwhelmed by mountains of plastic then how about a nice wooden alternative?
The front panel is covered in an array of fun music and sensory activities to keep your baby stimulated and there’s also a handy storage tray to keep the accompanying accessories in one place.
However, even with this storage, there is always the potential for the accessories to get lost. If you are concerned about the drumsticks or wooden shapes going missing, then you may want to consider an alternative wooden walker, like the Tidlo Activity Walker.
If you're looking to incorporate more wood over plastic into your child's toy time, our guide to the best playpen also features information on the best wooden option to keep your baby safe and secure as they play.
6. Best baby walker with blocks: Chad Valley Wooden Crocodile Trolley
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Age suitability: 12 months+ | Batteries: No
What we love
- Good value
- Easy to assemble
- Great introduction to letters and numbers
What to know
- Lots of pieces to tidy up or get lost
- Not as many activities as other walkers
What Mumsnet users say
“My DS had a wooden one with blocks for his first birthday. He's now nearly two, has been walking confidently since 15 months, and still gets his trolley out almost every day.” (Rated by Mumsnetter PeacefulInTheDeep)
“She loves her push along walker with blocks in it, would definitely recommend one of those!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter pispirispis)
Our verdict
This classic wooden baby walker comes with lots of colourful alphabet blocks – perfect for introducing the idea of letters and numbers to your child. Use them for building towers to topple and, when your baby is a bit older, you can start to get them interested in words too.
The only real downside is that the play options are limited with this particular walker. If you were looking for a push walker with a few more bells and whistles, you may want to go for something like the boppi Wooden Baby Walker instead.
7. Best baby walker for hard floors: Tidlo Activity Walker
Price on writing: £58.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: 12 months+ | Batteries: No
What we love
- Made from responsibly-sourced materials
- Non-slip wheels
What to know
- Expensive
Our verdict
This lovely looking, brightly coloured baby walker is perfect for inquisitive children who need a little bit of extra stimulation from their toys.
It has a cute nature scene motif, a spinning cage rattle, a mini abacus, a spinning mirror, matching blocks and more to entertain.
There is even a handy storage tray at the back so Teddy can come along for the ride too. The wheels are non-slip making them perfect for hard floors.
The only real downside to the Tidlo Activity Walker is the price. If you have your heart set on a wooden walker, then the Chad Valley Wooden Crocodile Trolley or boppi Wooden Baby Walker are more affordable options.
8. Best baby walker for additional features: Little Tikes Fantastic Firsts 3-in-1 Activity Walker
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Age suitability: 9 months+ | Batteries: 3x AA
What we love
- Huge number of activities to enjoy
- Table and sit-down mode offers play options
- Folds flat so easy to store
What to know
- There is a risk of tipping if baby pulls themselves up without adult help
Our verdict
The 3-in-1 activity walker from Little Tikes is a baby walker, standing activity table, and sit and play activity centre all in one. It has lights which project from the dome when your baby uses it to walk to encourage her to take more steps and features over 70 activities, songs and sounds, providing hours of fun.
What’s more, this walker folds flat for easy storage, so it’s perfect if you’re short on space.
As far as activities go, it’s a very impressive walker. But if you are saying no to plastic, there are wooden alternatives which offer a good range of activities.
9. Best sit-in baby walker: MyChild Roundabout 4-in-1 Walker
Price on writing: £79.50 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: 6 months+ | Batteries: 2x AA
What we love
- Enhanced safety features included
- Lots of activities to keep baby entertained
- Washable seat covers
What to know
- Walker does not fold down for storage
- Expensive
Our verdict
With this sit-on walker, your little one can enjoy 360 degrees of fun, interactive entertainment with melodies, lights and sounds, with plenty of things to clack, rattle, slide, chew and push.
This walker adjusts to three different heights, meaning it can grow with your child. Safety features include no-tip safety pads and speed-restricting wheels to give parents peace of mind.
Mindful of the problems that encouraging ‘toe walking’ can bring, the manufacturer recommends this sit-in walker is only used by children who can put their feet flat on the floor.
Unfortunately the MyChild Roundabout does not fold down, which means it is not a good choice if you are looking for a walker to take away with you or if you are limited on storage space.
What age do babies use walkers?
The lower age limit for baby walkers varies from six months up to 12 months. However, as with all things to do with babies, there is no definitive answer as to when your child can use a walker as all infants develop in their own time.
Some will be on their feet from as early as eight months whereas others are happy to sit and crawl until 18 months.
Generally, however, as babies approach their first birthday they will have begun to pull themselves upright where they can, and some will be starting to ‘cruise’ around which means that they are moving on their feet while leaning on furniture.
At this point, you may wish to introduce a push-along baby walker to help your baby get used to the action of walking and to encourage them to take their first unaided steps.
Looking for more baby products? We've also written an in-depth guide the best baby nasal aspirator, as recommended by real parents on the Mumsnet forums.
Are baby walkers safe?
The safety of seated baby walkers is up for debate in the childcare community. In 2007, baby walkers were banned in Canada due to reported and potential dangers, and childminders in the UK have been told by the National Childminding Association not to use them.
Physiotherapists have also warned the use of baby walkers could actually hinder a child's ability to learn to walk and the NHS recommends they are only used for up to 20 minutes at a time.
However, in Europe, the European Standard for baby walkers was amended in 2005 to make them safer by moving less quickly, and many parents are happy that they remain a safe activity for their children. The certification to look out for when buying a sit-in baby walker is BS EN 1273:2005.
The most important thing is that your baby is supervised at all times, and that the baby walker is not used anywhere near sockets, stairs, or other dangerous objects which could be reachable.
Push-along baby walkers don’t generate the same concerns as seated baby walkers. Your baby is required to concentrate on keeping upright by themselves, rather than being held in place, and their hands are always occupied holding onto the handle bar.
Push-along walkers are a great way for your baby to strengthen their leg muscles and work on their coordination skills in preparation for walking unaided.
Do baby walkers help with development?
Seated baby walkers do not help a baby to learn to walk, although that is not to say that they don’t entertain a baby.
Evidence shows that babies who use a seated baby walker actually sit, crawl and walk later than those that didn’t and also score lower on the Bayley Assessment which looks at a child’s mental development and language development as well as motor skills.
Baby walkers hinder or, in severe cases, prevent the child from crawling and keep the child in an upright position which interferes with the natural brain development of the child.
The brain works in a criss-cross pattern with the left brain controlling the right arm and leg and the right brain controlling the left arm and leg. Crawling is an important activity in encouraging this criss-cross pattern in the brain to develop, although don’t worry if your baby doesn't crawl – many miss out this stage.
However, in a seated baby walker, babies lose opportunities to learn important movement and perception skills such as distance and depth, and key concepts such as in or out and on or under.
By contrast, there is no evidence that push-along baby walkers hinder development and they are an excellent way of encouraging your baby to take steps using natural motion. Babies cannot use push walkers until they are physically capable, and can abandon the toy by themselves when they are tired.
What type of walker is best for babies?
Mumsnetters are big fans of push along walkers, particularly as they promote independent walking and are recommended by bodies such as the National Childminding Association and physiotherapists over a seated option.
However a sit-on walker can be lots of fun and can give babies their first taste of independence and help to reduce frustration. Just remember to use them no longer than 20 minutes at a time, as recommended by the NHS, and always under close supervision.
What month should a baby start using a walker?
All babies learn at their own pace. There is no hard and fast answer as to when they should start using a walker. But you should always check the minimum age for whichever walker you are thinking about buying.
What are the advantages of a baby walker?
Baby walkers help your child to get their first taste of independence and encourage them to take their first wobbly steps into toddlerhood. Most push and sit in walkers come with fun toys to keep kids engaged.
What are the disadvantages of a baby walker?
Sit in baby walkers encourages walking on the toes and doesn’t help babies learn to pull themselves up to standing or balance their weight. Push baby walkers often need more adult help, as some can be difficult to turn. Some walkers don’t work as well on certain surfaces, for example, thick carpet.
Do paediatricians recommend baby walkers?
Paediatric research has shown that sit-in baby walkers may have an impact on baby’s development and impact on gait and posture.
Can baby walkers delay walking?
Sit-in baby walkers and bouncers encourage babies to stand on their tiptoes. The NHS says this can delay walking if they are used too often.
What are the benefits of a baby walker?
A baby walker helps to give your little one a sense of independence. The toys and activity centres that come with baby walkers help with mental and visual development. As well as being lots of fun to play with!
How do you choose a baby walker?
As discussed, it’s not a good idea to buy a sit-in baby walker for your baby and a push-along walker is a better option.
When purchasing a push along walker the main consideration is that the toy is the right height for your child. Some walkers have adjustable handles to assist with this, so look for this feature.
Some walkers feature lots of additional activities, so consider whether you want your walker to include games and make sounds. Some, more traditional baby walkers are simply trays containing blocks which can be excellent fun for your child.
Finally, consider the footprint of the baby walker. Most do not fold up and will take up space in your home.
What is the best baby walker?
We recommend the VTech First Steps Baby Walker as the best push-along baby walker for your child. Thousands of happy parents report that this walker is both great quality and excellent value for money and has proved a useful walking aid for their children.
Here's a reminder of the best of the rest:
- Best budget baby walker: Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Baby Walker
- Best activity baby walker: Playskool Step Start Walk 'n Ride Active 2-in-1 Ride-On and Walker Toy
- Best wooden baby walker: boppi Wooden baby Walker with Shape Sorter and Activity Centre
How we chose our recommendations
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations.
From the best baby nail clippers to the best bath toys, when it comes to buying for your little one, we write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
Recommendations from real parents
Before we recommend new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s a lot of honest, impartial advice.
Expert guidance
We always ensure our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so you can rely on it, and we research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to scrutiny. Here we consulted reputable sources such as consumer watchdog Which?, as well as the NHS, and took note of what they looked for in baby walkers and which ones they were recommending to their readers.
Consumer feedback
We also scour the internet, leaving no stone unturned to check out real reviews from customers who have bought the products themselves and given both positive and negative feedback.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to make a longlist of the best baby walkers currently on the market.
From this list, we chose a shortlist of the 10 best baby walkers that we felt offered a range of design, functions and price points, to ensure there was something for everyone.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Lead image: Little Tikes Fantastic Firsts 3-in-1 Activity Walker