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Baby development

The Best Baby Walker Picks 2024

Ready, set, walk—these baby walkers make it fun!

The Best Baby Walker Picks 2024

Photo: iStockPhoto

A baby walker can be an incredibly helpful tool in early development, but choosing the right one isn’t easy. There are so many different walkers out there, which why we vetted through the most popular ones. From standing to sitting and even walkers that convert to scooters—these are our favorite picks so you can find the best baby walker.

Remember, after using their walker, it’s probably going to be nap time. Be sure to check out the best baby cribs. If you’re currently expecting and looking for a walker to add to your registry, our newborn checklist is a helpful resource.

What to look for in the best baby walker

“We want to make sure they are getting lots of time on the floor, and learning to roll, crawl and stand," says Emily Silver, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of NAPS, an online platform for pre and post-natal education. "Having these opportunities in the day helps kids develop their muscles, get strong and meet milestones. Using things in moderation and finding the balance that works for you and your family.”

  • Something sturdy: Silver says a sturdy walker is key because it can be passed down. “A lot of baby gear is short-lived—meaning your baby or toddler only uses it for a short period, then they outgrow it. I used the same baby walker for all three of my girls.” This helps ensure babies use walkers safely.
  • Activities: Go with a walker with all the bells and whistles, says Silver.  “I love the walkers that have buttons to push and music on them. I found my kids didn't just use them for walking. They sit and play using the buttons on the front.”
  • Music: Music keeps kids entertained, which can give parents a much-needed break as little ones learn to walk. “The music might be a little annoying, but if it buys me 20 minutes of them playing, I will take it.”

Please note that some Canadian agencies called for a ban on baby walkers, so it's important to talk to your pediatrician before choosing a walker.

Best baby walker picks 2024

Best overall

Skip Hop Baby Walker

Skip Hop Baby Walker, best baby walker Merchant

More than just a walker, the Skip Hop Baby Walker is designed to grow with your little one. Use It seated, cruising, or as a shopping cart and stroller. Created with development in mind, this walker has everything you need to improve your child’s balance and fine motor skills as well as encourage pretend play.

With more than 40 features including songs, sounds, and lights—babies can stay entertained for hours (or at least minutes) at a time. There’s even a removable toy panel that can used for easel or floor play. We also love this brand's baby swing options.

Pros

  • Trusted brand
  • Durable so it can be used for multiple children or handed down
  • H​​elps to encourage balance and mobility
  • Improves sensory development, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination
  • Ideal for solo play at six months, 12 months and even well into the toddler years

Cons

  • Wheels don’t lock

Best budget

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Baby & Toddler Toy Smart Stages

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Baby & Toddler Toy Smart Stages, best baby walker Merchant

Kids are expensive, so finding great gear at an affordable price is always a win. The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy Walker is a smart buy yet has enough features to keep your baby entertained. Ideal for children who like music and sound—this walker has over 75 songs, noises, and phrases that teach shapes, letters, numbers, colors, and even Spanish words.

It has seven hands-on activities including piano keys that light up, a puppy nose, a roller, flip pages and a spinner. We used this walker with our own children. By about 15 months it turned into a stationary activity centered they'd laugh and giggle at for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Pros

  • Bargain price
  • Enjoy for years
  • Trusted brand
  • The handle is easy to grasp
  • The four-wheel base makes it sturdy and comfortable
  • Ideal for ages six through 36 months

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted it was a little light-weight
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Best design

Joovy Spoon B Baby Walker & Activity Center

Joovy Spoon B Baby Walker & Activity Center, best baby walker Merchant

Most walkers aren’t designed to blend in with the home's decor scheme. But with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the sit-in Joovy Spoon B wins for best design. The seating comes in a choice of three vibrant colors and is super soft with extra padding for maximum comfort.

Ultra-safe, this walker has a rear-wheel parking brake system so it can be used for stationary play. The ultra-wide base is engineered for strength and stability. It's also better for finger safety. It also has three adjustable heights to fit babies up to 30 pounds and 33.5 inches.

Pros

  • The back wheels are removable for easy cleaning
  • Extra large tray has a removable, dishwasher-safe insert
  • Because it’s free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, it’s a less toxic opinion than other walkers on the market
  • The package includes a placemat, plush toy and book
  • Adheres to modern safety standards

Cons

  • No built-in activities

Best rated

VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker

VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker, best baby walker Merchant

With an Amazon rating of 4.8, it’s easy to trust that the VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker is an excellent choice and one of our favorite-ever baby products. Designed with development in mind, this walker has it all at a great price. With two adjustable speeds, it’s designed to grow with the baby. This also aids sensory development.

In addition to a removable tray, the walker has an activity center that has five piano keys along with a telephone handset. With three shape sorters, buttons that illuminate, and spinning rollers—this walker also helps with motor development.

Pros

  • Good for both carpets and bare floors
  • Affordably priced
  • Designed for kids nine months to three years old
  • Use it both sitting and standing
  • Approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Ensures baby walks happily

Cons

  • Could be overstimulating for some children
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Best features

iPlay, iLearn 3 In 1 Baby Walker

iPlay, iLearn 3 In 1 Baby Walker, best baby walker products Merchant

If you’re looking for a baby walker with wheels that has it all, go with the iPlay, iLearn 3-in-1 Baby Walker. Designed for kids six to 36 months, use it as a play activity center, push walker and even as a ride-and-sit.

As a stand-up walker, it can help increase balance and increase leg strength. As a ride-on toy for older kids, it’s extra fun. It's one of our favorite types of baby walkers thanks to engaging activities and added hand-eye-coordination skills. We also think it's safer than typical wooden walker options.

Pros

  • The wheels are adjustable
  • The piano keyboard can detach for floor play
  • Durable product
  • Easy for parents to assemble and configure
  • Fun push toy style

Cons

  • A bit on the expensive side

Best Walmart

Safety 1ˢᵗ Ready, Set, Walk!

Safety 1ˢᵗ Ready, Set, Walk!, best baby walker Merchant

If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced walker from Walmart, Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk is a fantastic choice. This developmental walker was designed for babies up to 30 pounds and has three adjustable height positions. With an extra-wide leg base, there’s plenty of support and stability for even wobbly legs.

It also stores away easily—just fold it up and lock it. You can even travel with this walker. With built-in toys and 12 songs, it helps keep kids entertained. We're also fans of the brand's convertible car seat options.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • The grip straps are designed to reduce momentum on uneven surfaces
  • Lightweight
  • Available in two colors
  • One of the classic types of walkers that never goes out of style

Cons

  • Reviewers noted the back wheels were a bit stiff
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Experts:

  • Emily Silver, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of NAPS, an online platform for pre and post-natal education and support.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

This article was originally published on Oct 12, 2023

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Amanda Lauren is an interior designer, lifestyle expert, content creator and media consultant with over a decade of experience. In addition to Today’s Parent, she contributes to Forbes, Real Simple, and Yahoo among other publications. Amanda is based in Los Angeles and East Hampton. 

After experiencing a miscarriage, three IUI procedures and two and a half rounds of IVF, Amanda naturally conceived her daughter, Carlin, who was born in April 2023. As a working mom, she embraces the challenge of balancing it all, sharing tips, tricks, ideas and products that make life easier.

A strong advocate for a non-toxic, aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, Amanda enjoys sharing her favourite finds and educating parents on the importance of “better-for-you” products.

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