Best baby walkers: Tried and tested by tots to help their first steps!

Best baby walkers

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on
Rachel Fitz-Desorgher

Medically Reviewed by: Rachel Fitz-Desorgher

When your baby starts to show the signs of taking their first steps, you may want to consider looking for one of the best baby walkers or a cheap baby walker to help them with the transition from sitting up to standing to walking for the first time. There is a huge range of walkers on the market to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets, so we've rounded up some of the best to help you choose the right one for you and your tot.

The baby walkers and push along toys at a glance:

Best overall: Mychild Roundabout 4-in-1 Activity Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best baby walker on a budget: Vtech Baby Walker - Buy now on John Lewis
Best sustainable baby walker: Janod Sweet Cocoon Wooden Multi-Activity Baby Walker - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best push along with music: Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker - Buy now from Argos

A baby walker is a movable contraption that can help your baby take their first steps. Whether you're looking for a cheaper or a more expensive option to encourage them to get to that walking milestone, there are many different kinds. You can have walkers your baby sits in, or Zimmer-frame-type walkers, sit-and-stride bike types, or jumpers. Their feet touch the floor, and with your guidance, baby can learn to navigate a safe space. A baby walker is usually made of plastic or wood and can be collapsible so that it can be easily folded away and stored.

Best baby walkers 2024:

Best overall

Mychild Roundabout 4-in-1 Activity WalkerImage: Amazon

This innovative walker offers four distinct functions in one, making it a valuable investment. Firstly, it helps little ones take their first steps as a baby walker, and thanks to the secure harness and no-tip build, parents can feel confident their tot is safe to move around. However, it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t perform quite as well on carpet floors, with mum tester Nina saying, " It does not really go on carpets, but on the rest floor surfaces, it is amazing."

There’s also the fun interactive activity centre for your child to play with to help develop their fine motor skills as they find their feet, featuring a range of toys, lights, sounds and games to engage their senses through the use of colourful buttons and different textures, with one mum commenting, “my son loves both ‘walking’ in it and just playing with the toys.” The seat also rotates 360 degrees, meaning they can easily access all the games on offer. 

It can also be transformed into a rocker for a relaxing environment for playtime or nap time. This gentle rocking motion helps to calm and comfort your baby, promoting relaxation and restfulness. 
This versatile walker can also be adjusted to function as a handy feeding chair, allowing your little one to enjoy meals in comfort and convenience. The tray and the seat are both easily removable, making for easy cleaning, while the adjustable height settings ensure a perfect fit for your growing child.

Pros

  • Four functions in one
  • Easy to clean
  • Adjustable height for growing babies

Cons

  • Doesn't glide very well over carpet surfaces
Age:From six months
Size:74 x 66.5 x 44cm
Batteries:2 x AA (not included)
  • 3 x height positions
  • No-tip safety pads
  • Speed restricting wheels
  • 360 degree rotating seat with supportive backrest
  • A range of textures, lights, sounds and melodies

ON SALE - 42% OFF

Best baby walker on a budget

Expert rating:
2.5
Vtech Baby WalkerImage: MOTHER&BABY
Price: £24.99 (was £42.99)

With its removable activity board, the VTech Baby Walker is aimed at little ones of various ages, allowing younger ones to explore with five light up buttons, shape sorter, gears, animal buttons and a role play phone for older ones to enjoy when pushing the walker around. This makes it a great investment for families with multiple children. Mum Nikita particularly found it very convenient for her two children, commenting, “Being able to remove the activity board from the actual walker is great because it means both my under twos can play with one each.”

Our mum testers found this walker very easy to assemble. As mum tester, Karen found, “The walker was very easy to assemble with clear instructions. It also came with batteries, so this is a massive plus if you're like us and never keep batteries in the house!” Mums also loved how portable it was, making it very travel-friendly. Mum tester Laura said, “I love that it can be folded together, which makes transporting it really easy.”

While some mum testers would have appreciated more secure attachments on the activity board to make it safer for little hands, this walker remains a top choice for parents looking for a fun yet functional baby walker.

Mother&Baby Award shortlist 2020 for the best baby toy.

Read our full Vtech Baby Walker review

Pros

  • Helps them learn balancing skills when learning to walk
  • Activity board helps sensory development
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Not as durable as others as parents found some bits easily pulled off
Age:6 to 3 years
Size:46 x 40 x 45cm
Batteries:‎AA batteries required
  • 2-in-1 design
  • Textured wheels
  • Easy-grip handle
  • Has 5 light up buttons
  • Also includes shape sorters, gears, animal buttons and a role-play phone

Best sustainable baby walker

Toddler pushing the Sweet Cocoon Wooden Multi-Activity Baby WalkerImage: MOTHER&BABY
Price: £61.99
Alternative retailers
Macy's$89.99View offer
Crate & Barrel$89.99View offer

Ideal for those on the hunt for a more sustainable baby walker option, the Janod Sweet Cocoon Wooden Multi-Activity Baby Walker is designed to help little ones develop their motor skills and balance as they learn to walk. Parent testers found this walker took them only 20 minutes to assemble, and our dad tester was impressed with its stability. "It’s extremely stable, and the walker can support our daughter when she pulls herself to standing both from the activity side and the walking side, unlike other walkers that we have tested where applying weight from the activity side can result in the walker falling backwards. Likewise, we noted that walking while our daughter holds the grip bar over to one side, rather than evenly distributing her pushing force, does not result in the walker being unstable (i.e. tipping sideways)" Chris commented.

It’s designed for withstanding active play for long-lasting and sustainable fun, suitable for young children to move around confidently while offering stability and support. Our testers loved how adjustable the wheels were depending on the little one's age. "The main adjustable feature of this walker is being able to slow down how quickly the rear wheels rotate. Some trial and error was involved in finding the right amount of braking for our daughter."

As for the interactive elements of this walker, there’s a wire rail with beads, a clicking spinner, a ‘scratchy’ button, four coloured recesses for corresponding coloured 3D shapes, a drum and four-bar xylophone with a pair of wooden mallets, spinning cogs, two-sided spinning mirror and a shape maze. We appreciate that thought has clearly been placed into spreading the different activities around the walker rather than focusing the majority of them on the front. "By far, our daughter's favourites are the xylophone and drum, followed by the cogs and bead rail. The only activity she doesn’t use is the clicking spinner as she isn’t currently strong enough to turn it herself." Says Chris.

Read our full Janod Sweet Cocoon Wooden Multi-Activity Baby Walker review here

Pros

  • Parents can decide how quickly the walker rolls forwards
  • Very stable for supporting baby’s first steps
  • Plenty of varied activities to entertain babies
  • Felt-lined shape tray protects 3D shapes
  • Appealing mix of plain wood and painted finishes

Cons

  • Spinning grip rail
  • Rubber wheels collect dust and hair
  • Clicking spinner difficult for baby to use
Age:‎12 months - 4 years
Size:‎43.51 x 35 x 41 cm
Batteries:None required
  • Silent wheels
  • 30 wooden blocks
  • Wooden handle

Best push along with music

Expert rating:
4.5
Image: MOTHER&BABY

Built to withstand climbs and knocks while providing hours of entertainment for little ones. Our mum tester, Georgia, loved how well it performed with her daughter. “My daughter is quite heavy-handed, and yet even after she had pushed this walker into tables and chairs and climbed all over it, there were no signs of breaking,” she said. 

Featuring over 70 activities, songs, and sounds, this fun walker encourages babies to take their first steps as well as engages them in interactive play. Mums particularly loved the bright colours, sturdy frame, and lights that kept their babies entertained, with Mum Kelly saying this feature makes it last longer. “It's interactive and very user-friendly, and around six months old, as they grow, they can explore different features, making it a very good lasting toy.” She said.  

While some mums noted that the price might be a bit high compared to similar products on the market, they loved how durable this walker was and how it grows with the child, accommodating different stages of development from sitting to standing and pushing. Mum tester Sarah also loved how easy it was to travel with and store away, commenting, “The ability to fold the walker after use makes storing and carrying the product very, very easy.”

There were only a few minor downsides our parent testers could identify such as clearer instructions and quieter wheels, with our mum tester Jules saying “I'd just make the instructions a little clearer and easier to understand. The product itself is great, but wheels can be quite noisy on our laminate flooring, though I can imagine children enjoying this feature.”

Mother&Baby Award shortlist 2018 for the Best Baby Toy.

Read our full Little Tikes 3-in-1 Baby Walker and Activity Table review

Pros

  • Featuring over 70 activities, songs, and sounds
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Some testers found the instructions were difficult to follow when setting up
Age:9 months to 3 years
Size:H42.42 x W43.69 x D53.85cm
Battery:3 x AA (included)
  • 3 play modes
  • Includes a glowing light dome and piano keys
  • Lights project as far as 8 feet
  • Folds flat for storage
  • 70+ activities, songs, and sounds

Best baby walker for creativity

Cute stone Sit-to-Stand Learning WalkerImage: Amazon
Price: £43.99

Doubling up as an activity centre and a game table, the detachable panel with shape recognition blocks, an electronic organ, colourful turntable gear, a rattle, and a detachable basketball frame help develop those fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, colour recognition, and shape identification.

This play centre can be used when sitting, walking, as an activity table or as hanging play for easier access. For the walking function, this walker comes with a weight box that you can put sand or water in to increase the weight of the walker to help avoid any falls with baby. 

Made from safe, non-toxic ABS material, this walker encourages your baby's first steps while helping to develop coordination and strength. Other safety features include the anti-slip rubber ring on the wheels to control speed and increase friction with the ground allowing you to fully control the speed your baby can move at. We also love the adjustable handle for your growing tot, triangular table for stability, plus an ergonomic design to promote a proper walking technique to avoid bow-legs. 

Although some testers found the quality wasn’t as good as other walkers, questioning the durability of the plastic, many liked this walker, with mum tester Zara particularly loving all the added safety functions that have been covered with this walker, commenting, “The table function is nice and steady and doesn't tip or collapse so it's perfectly safe. With the wheels on, the walker can be pushed via the handle to help steady baby and help teach them how to walk. I like that the wheels aren't overly flexible so that kids can't zoom around too quickly and end up falling over. The weight bottle on the back also helps with this.”

Pros

  • Adjustable handle height
  • Features non-slip shock-absorbing soft rubber ring which increases the friction with the ground to control speed

Cons

  • Activity table legs are a bit short for taller tots
Age:‎12 months - 6 years
Size:43.61 x 34.19 x 17.2 cm
Batteries:‎2 AA batteries required
  • 3-in-1 design
  • 10 light-up buttons
  • Light-up nose
  • They can feed balls to lion

ON SALE - £55 OFF

Best baby walker for independent movement

Expert rating:
4.0
Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby WalkerImage: Online4Baby
Price: £39.95 (was 94.95)

www.online4baby.com

Offering both fun and walking support for your toddler, the Puggle In the Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker features a fun play tray with rattles, a toy bar, and a musical/light-up removable toy tray with 12 melodies to keep your little one engaged, providing an element of fun as they learn to walk.

We love how this walker folds flat for easy storage when not in use and the three adjustable height settings mean it can accommodate your baby's growth. Our parent testers also loved how easy it was to set up and how comfortable their child was in the spacious seat. It was also very easy to clean and maintain, thanks to the removable seat and wipeable plastic exterior. One of our parent testers said, "It’s so easy to fold away and pop up when needed. I also feel that it’s a comfortable fit for my baby with the soft seat and backrest so my child isn’t hurting themselves on the go. It is also easily cleaned as the seat can be removed and washed and the plastic exterior is easily wiped clean too."

Although there’s not as much going on in the form of entertainment and bright colours compared to other baby walkers, this is a brilliant baby walker for assisting your baby to gain independence when walking. 

The Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker was awarded Bronze for Best Baby Toy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Read our full Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker review

Pros

  • Easily cleaned
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Adjustable height settings

Cons

  • Requires batteries
  • Not as colourful as others on the market
Age:6-24 months
Size:53 x 68 x 59cm
Batteries:2 x AA batteries (not included)
  • 3 Adjustable Height Positions
  • No-Tip Safety Pads
  • Detachable Play Tray
  • Fold Flat Feature
  • Supportive, removeable and easy wipe clean seat
  • Fun filled toy station packed with features including a rattle, toy bar, 12 exciting melodies and 2 LED’s
  • Can be used as a push along to support babies 1st steps

ON SALE - HALF PRICE

Best quality baby walker

Expert rating:
3.5
VTech Baby Push and Ride Alphabet Train 2Image:MOTHER&BABY
Price: £32.50 (WAS £65)

www.argos.co.uk

This multi-functional baby walker offers four play modes - sit-down play, walker, pull-along wagon, and ride-on train - providing your tot with a variety of different activities to keep them entertained. Packed with features such as letter blocks, light-up piano keys, a turning book, and beads and cogs, it offers fun, interactive learning experiences.

While our parent testers loved how entertaining their children found this walker as well as the educational benefits it offers, some parents found it a little too loud and flashy. They did, however, love how easily it grows with their child, making it good value for money. Our mum tester, Jennifer, commented, “We considered ‘losing’ the batteries after five minutes. It’s very loud and flashy. He's a bit small for riding it, but it’ll grow with him, so it’s good value for money.” Another tester also noted that it doesn’t have steering capability, a feature our mum testers missed.

Read our full VTech Push and Ride Alphabet Train review

Pros

  • Including 4 sing-along songs and 10 different melodies
  • Encourage strength and balance development

Cons

  • Doesn't allow steering
Age:From 12 months
Size:17.8 x 58.5 x 40.6cm
Batteries:Requires 3 x AA batteries
  • 13 double-sided letter blocks and a magic tunnel
  • 3 sing-along songs and 10 melodies
  • 4 different design modes
  • Removable activity panel
  • Light up number pad
  • Also includes turning book and manipulative gears

SAVE £14

Best baby walker for small spaces

Expert rating:
4.5
Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Baby WalkerImage: MOTHER&BABY
Price: £17.99 (was £31.99)

www.very.co.uk

With four play modes including sit-down play, walker, pull-along wagon, and ride-on train, the Fisher-Price Learn With Me Zebra Walker offers a range of interactive activities to keep little ones entertained including light-up piano keys, turning book, beads, and cogs, providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Our parent testers were fans of this walker’s educational value and sturdy construction, but some were disappointed that it couldn’t easily fold away compared to other walkers on the market. They did, however, find it very easy to assemble and found it really helped their babies strengthen their legs and improve balance. Mum tester Harriet said, “I'd definitely recommend this product to anyone with a little one who is starting to move around. It is extremely easy to put up, only taking around five to ten minutes.” 

Compared to other walkers on the market, this one is particularly compact and lightweight, meaning it’s ideal for most house sizes as well as transporting to grandma’s house. Parents would have liked it more if it had the capacity to fold up too. Our testers also loved that it’s wipe-clean, something mum tester Harriet said ‘is essential with baby toys!’ and we couldn’t agree more. 

Mother&Baby Award shortlisted in 2018 for Best Baby Toy.

Read our full Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker review

Pros

  • Easy-grasp handle
  • Compact for smaller spaces

Cons

  • Doesn't fold up
Age:6 months and older
Size:H46 x W42.4 x D54cm
Batteries:‎2 AA batteries required
  • Sturdy 4-wheel base 
  • Easy-grasp handle
  • Includes light-up buttons
  • 2 ways to use
  • Also features phrases, music and sounds

ON SALE - 24% OFF

Best lightweight baby walker

Fisher-Price 2-Sided Steady Speed Baby Walker Push AlongImage: MOTHER&BABY
Price: £26.99 (Was £35.63)

Lightweight and stable, the Fisher-Price 2-Sided Steady Speed Baby Walker helps keep your baby entertained whilst sitting with the various activities, songs and sounds. With four wheels, our mum tester found her 9-month-old was confidently able to pull herself up to stand from sitting using the top bar without the walker falling on top of her. "She particularly loved posting the shapes into the holes on the side of the walker and moving the gear stick up and down whilst moving the steering wheel from side to side," mum tester Lauryn said.

Featuring 10+ busy hands-on activities, it also includes stimulating music and lights too. Little ones have the choice of either sitting and playing, or standing and finding their feet with this walker. It's designed to develop their motor, balance, coordination, movement, motion and problem-solving skills.

Smaller than other walkers on the market, it makes it easy to store, so it is ideal for homes with minimal storage. It's also at a more affordable price point compared to other models making it great value for money. Our mum tester, Lauryn, found it very easy to put the walker together thanks to the simple instructions. "It could, however, do with a screw to hold the top bar in place as it comes off when picking the walker up to put away." She added. Lauryn also adds that she would have liked options on the wheels to change the speed for early walkers as the walker does move quickly for those who are still a little unsteady. There is also no volume button, so it's very loud.

Read our full Fisher-Price 2-sided Steady Speed Walker review here

Pros

  • Easy to store
  • Various activities included for baby to play with
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy when the baby is pulling up on it to stand
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put together

Cons

  • Speaker is too loud
  • Not steady speed pace for younger babies
  • Other buttons and levers don’t make any noise
  • Style
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Ease of cleaning
    5.0
  • Durability
    5.0
  • Worth the money
    5.0
  • Safety features
    3.0
Age suitability: 6-36 months
Batteries required: 3 x AA (not included)
Product dimensions: 50.2L x 40.6W x 43.2H centimetres
Weight: 1.7 Kilograms

Best baby walker for car fans

My Child Coupe 2-in-1 Baby WalkerImage: Amazon
Price: £74.99

Designed to resemble a car for car-loving babies, the My Child Coupe Walker features a steering wheel, gear stick, lights, music, and a horn, to provide interactive entertainment to keep your child’s imagination engaged. It has two main functions - walk mode and rock mode and its able to adapt to your child's needs as they grow.

Parents appreciate this walker’s safety features, including the speed-restrictive wheels and a soft padded seat, ensuring your child will stay comfy as they move. The walker folds flat for easy storage, making it convenient for homes with limited space or if you’re travelling with the walker. 

The walker's supportive footpad and removable padded seat make cleaning and maintenance hassle-free for parents. Suitable for babies from 6 to 24 months, the seat is fully adjustable with three different options for different heights.

Pros

  • Can be folded away
  • Supportive footpad
  • Converts into rocking mode

Cons

  • Quite large when set up in smaller spaces
  • Batteries don't last very long
Age:From 6 months
Size:‎72 x 57 x 75.5 cm
Batteries:Needs batteries
  • Can be folded away
  • Supportive footpad
  • Rocker mode
  • Cute car theme
  • Detachable play tray
  • Available in three colours

Best baby walker with doll

Fisher-Price Princess Mommy Gift SetImage: Amazon
Price: £46.88

This lovely little baby walker set includes the Fisher-Price Princess Musical Walker and a cuddly Princess Chime Doll, ideal for imaginative play. This walker features a wide base and an easy-to-grasp handle for stability. Parent tester Debbie commented that it was ‘Great quality and very stable for walking.’ 

We love that as baby pushes the walker along, it plays fun music and the bright lights are activated, encouraging your little one to keep moving, making it great for their physical development, a feature parents found really helped children want to walk. 

This walker also features hands-on activities including beads and a flip book, to engage baby's senses and fine motor skills. Additionally, the included Princess Chime Doll is a  soft and cuddly companion for babies. Squeezing or shaking the doll produces sweet sounds, capturing little one’s attention and helping their auditory development.

Pros

  • Includes a chime doll
  • Plays music

Cons

  • No volume control on music and it is a bit loud
Age:9 months +
Size:47 x 40 x 43cm
Batteries:Requires 3 x AA (not included)
  • Music and lights activated when baby pushes it
  • Includes soft chiming doll and magic wand
  • Wide base and easy grip handle
  • Encourage and supports baby's first steps

Best stylish baby walker

Little Dutch Multi Activity WalkerImage: ScandiBorn

For something that’s going to look stylish in the home while offering a fun way for your tot to learn how to walk, the Little Dutch Wooden Activity Walker is available in three charming themed designs - Little Farm, Sailors Bay, and Flowers and Butterflies - this walker is crafted from quality wood, providing a sturdy base for your little one's first steps.

Designed to stimulate their cognitive development, the walker features interactive features such as shape sorters, bead mazes, and gear wheels. These will help encourage your little one’s imagination, aiding both their physical and mental development in young children.

Not only do parents love its beautiful craftsmanship and functionality, with one parent noting its stability and effectiveness in supporting her little one’s first steps, parents also loved the noise-free plastic tracks within the wooden wheels, which ensure a peaceful playtime experience for parents and baby, while the rubber wheels protect your floors from scratches.

Designed for toddlers aged 12 months and older, it may take a little longer to assemble compared to other walkers and it’s on the bulkier side to store, but overall, parents loved the look and fun features of this walker.

Pros

  • Three designs to choose from
  • Sturdy and durable design
  • Rubber wheels will protect your floors

Cons

  • May be bulky to store
Age:12months+
Size: 32.5 x 35.5 x 49cm
Batteries:None
  • 8 engaging activities
  • Sturdy wooden design
  • Three design choices

Rachel FitzD, Parenting Expert at The Baby Show and author of Your Baby Skin to Skin, says: “Baby walkers allow a baby to enjoy the experience of being upright and even to move across the floor long before they can crawl or walk. For parents whose arms positively ache from holding their baby standing upright for what can seem like hours, a baby walker feels like a godsend, freeing them up to do other things whilst their little zoomer explores new corners."

It allows them to explore areas by themselves and helps their legs become stronger in preparation for future walking, developing muscles and coordination skills. Walkers should be used for around 20 minutes a day so as not to put too much strain on underdeveloped muscles.

When choosing a baby walker for your little one, you'll need to make sure that it's the right size and age range for your little one, plus you'll need to select the type of walker you want. There are wooden baby walkers and baby walkers with wheels, some they can sit in, some with baby toys for children aged six months and up and some can be pushed along. It may seem like there is a lot to consider, but don't worry, we've done the hard part for you.

We've found the best baby walkers currently available to buy in the UK to suit every budget, style, and need - many of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award winners.

Baby walker safety tips

Rachel FitzD has shared her top baby walker safety tips for parents to follow to avoid any accidents.

• "Never leave your baby unattended in a walker" Rachel says. A baby walker should only be used under adult supervision, and a baby in a walker should never be left unattended.

• Most baby walkers are suitable for ages six months and up or when your doctor says it's OK.

• Check what's now within your baby's reach. "Ensure that anything which can be knocked over or reached that isn’t safe has been removed," says Rachel. Can they now reach dangerous items or even a cup of coffee?

• "Baby walkers shouldn’t ever be used near fireplaces or the top of stairs, or where the ground is uneven - even though they have a broad base, they can topple over on rough ground."

• Make sure your baby can't reach electrical sockets.

• Make sure there aren't any cables your child can pull on.

• All walkers should have the safety mark BS EN 1273:2005.

Baby walker types

The seated walker: For very little ones who are just starting to sit up.

The walking frame: Basically like a baby Zimmer frame for tots who can stand up without trouble if they are leaning on something.

The sit and stride: This walker for a baby could be like a little bike they can sit on and use their legs to move around.

The jumper: A stationary bouncing seat that doesn't move around the floor but it does encourage your baby to use their legs, preparing them for the walker or walking frame stage, again assisting development and helping them build their muscles.

Choosing the right baby walker for your little one

Age range: Babies can start using a walker from six months old, but they must also be able to confidently sit up on their own and hold their head up. Some babies aren't ready until they reach eight months or even nine months.

Safety: As with any toy, you should always keep a close eye on your baby when they're using a baby walker as accidents can easily happen. And as mentioned previously, the NHS advise that "If you do use a baby walker, bouncer, or seat, it's best to use them for no more than 20 minutes at a time."

Your space: A walker with a wider base can prevent your baby from entering areas of the house you'd rather them not go into, like the kitchen and the bathroom. Make sure that the baby walker can move on carpets easily, otherwise your baby will probably just give up trying.

Height and weight: Adjustable height and a padded seat are always good extras to have, depending on the height and weight of your baby. Another good extra would be lockable wheels for when you need your baby to stay in one place.

Cost: The cost of a baby walker can range from about £30 to well over £100.

Are baby walkers safe?

Wondering if baby walkers are safe? Well, there has been a lot of speculation about the safety of baby walkers because even though it should go without saying, a baby left unattended in a baby walker is never safe. In fact, the sale of baby walkers is banned in Canada. In the UK, this is a matter of parent discretion, and there are safety tips you can follow to minimise potential dangers. The NHS says, "If you do use a baby walker, bouncer, or seat, it's best to use them for no more than 20 minutes at a time."

Expert Rachel says it's very important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks when it comes to baby walkers. “By raising the baby up to standing, a baby walker allows them to reach things that may cause harm. They can get up quite a speed, accidentally knocking things flying as they go and reaching work surfaces. In a split second, a baby can reach up for a knife or pull a kettle lead.

Activity centres offer an alternative that babies can sit in without the ability to scoot around.

Are baby walkers good or bad for development?

Once your baby has had plenty of tummy time and strengthened those all-important tummy muscles they need for crawling, they'll soon be pulling themselves up into a standing position, using furniture to support themselves. Once you notice your baby reaching this point in their physical development, then you can introduce a baby walker to help develop these skills further.

A baby walker will help build your baby's confidence up before they take those all-important first independent steps. The only thing you should be aware of is any injuries your little one might incur while using a walker. Avoid using the walker for more than 20 mins at a time so their tip toes don't get sore.

According to expert Rachel, however, it's important to be aware of some of the downsides of baby walkers when it comes to development. “Babies love being on their feet, and it is easy to assume that a baby walker might speed up learning to walk. However, physiotherapists warn that the opposite is true - because the baby does not have to work hard using their muscles to get up and stay up, walking can actually be delayed. Furthermore, babies tend to walk on their toes in a baby walker and lean forward, neither of which helps develop good walking skills."

“All this being said, sometimes as busy parents we really do need our arms free for a short while so we can make lunch or simply brush our hair and, if we are the proud but exhausted owner of a baby that is only happy when stood upright, being able to pop our budding explorer in a walker is great and as long as we are very thoughtful and super-careful our baby should come to no harm and enjoy some moments of upright independence." Rachel continues.

How Mother&Baby selected the best baby walkers

The best baby walkers being tested by babies for Mother&Baby
©Mother&Baby

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our growing 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 products, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group#mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

For the essential products, our annualMother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best baby walkers

When it comes to the best baby walkers, the safety of your little one is our top priority. We also look at a variety of budgets, age suitability, what to avoid, and of course, the quality of the products we go on to feature.

The Mychild Roundabout 4-in-1 Activity Walker came out as the best overall thanks to its easily adjustable height settings, making it ideal for growing tots. Having said that, it doesn’t perform brilliantly over the carpet, so if you do have mostly carpeted floors, then the Fisher-Price Learn With Me Zebra Walker First Steps Baby Walker is probably more suited to you. These walkers are on the bigger side, however, so if you’re in a smaller space and need something that can easily store away, then a foldable option like the Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker might be better suited as it folds completely flat.

For an option that’s easy to assemble by yourself, the Vtech Baby Walker is a classic budget-friendly model kids love, that also helps them to balance when taking their first steps, some parents however weren’t so impressed with its durability, preferring the Little Dutch Multi Activity Walker instead with its sturdy design.

For younger tots, you’ll want something a bit safer like the My Child Coupe 2-in-1 Baby Walker with its supportive footpad to keep little feet safe is a great choice, although it is on the bulkier side, so for a similar yet foldable, more portable version, there’s the Puggle In The Jungle Speedy 2 in 1 Baby Walker. For parents looking for a more sustainable option, there’s the Janod Sweet Cocoon Wooden Multi-Activity Baby Walker; it doesn’t, however, feature music and songs like the Fisher-Price Princess Mommy Gift Set, which might be more to your little ones liking.

About the expert

Rachel Fitz-Desorgher is an active birth teacher, parenting consultant and author of Baby Skin To Skin, with over 30 years working as a midwife and as a parenting consultant. Part of our Mother&Baby expert panel, Rachel is based in Berkshire, near London, and has appeared on numerous radio programmes, talking about various issues from infant feeding to smacking to humanist parenting. She co-created Henley Birthcare, a unique freelance midwifery and doula service offering bespoke care.

Emily Gilbertis a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.