Almost all toddlers love a rocking horse - or other rocking animals. These toys are a traditional favourite in the nursery. A good rocking horse can last for years, and be passed down from one child to siblings and then on to friends and family too. That's why we've made it our mission to find the best rocking horses for toddlers.
A rocking horse can be a gateway to all sorts of adventures for a creative, imaginative child; plus, they're great for developing physical skills and balance. Not to mention the fact that they are a huge boost of confidence for little ones learning to rock and roll.
Our guide to the best rocking horses
What sort of rocking horse are you thinking of investing in? Would you like a traditional wooden rocking horse that will take pride of place in your living room or a smaller, fabric horse that is more suitable for smaller children?
How to choose a rocking horse
Not sure where to start when it comes to finding the right rocking horse for toddlers? Here at Mother&Baby, we're here to help you choose the right rocking animal as a baby shower gift or as their first birthday present.
The first thing you need to consider is the type of style you're searching for. From outdoor toys to personalised wooden rocking horses, there's a variety of variations to consider. Wooden rocking horses are a great option if you're looking for a good quality rocker that will last for years to come.
After you've decided on style and design, it's time to consider the size of the rocking horse. Did you know that there are multiple sizes and seat heights for a rocking horse? Depending on your child's age and height, you'll find different rocking horses.
Best rocking horses for toddlers 2024:
Amazon If you want something a bit different to a horse, then why not a plush ride on rabbit seat They’re right on trend and certainly not traditional.
Review: "I ordered this item for my son as a Christmas gift and I’m over the moon with it, it’s beautiful to look at well made and I’d absolutely recommend."
AmazonAn outdoor toy for the garden that your little one will love, this plastic rocking horse toy will give hours of fun in the summer.
Review: "Our 10-month-old loves his 'horsey'. His face lights up when we get it out for him. He's always got a big smile when he plays on it, and I feel that it's sturdy enough for him to be on it alone, but not unattended! He's even learned to rock it himself now! We've only had it a couple of weeks. I love seeing him play on it and how much fun he has."
AmazonThis rocking horse takes the form of a magical unicorn, so perfect for kids engaging in imaginative play around fantasy lands. There is also a traditional horse design, as well as elephant and dinosaur designs for children.
Review: "Excellent value for money and looks great. I had a query and the company replied immediately by e-mail outstanding service!"
John Lewiswww.selfridges.com
How magical is this rocking unicorn? Aside from the beautiful design, we love that it has been decorated with non-toxic paint and is suitable for ages 12 months and up.
Amazon The elephant rocker is made with soft, plush material, ensuring comfort and safety for your baby. The gentle fabric is perfect for a baby's sensitive skin and provides a cozy seating experience. This product works both as a ride-on toy and a rocker, providing variety in playtime for your baby. This dual-purpose design encourages active play, whether your child is in the mood to rock or ride.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning 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 product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Lily Anderson has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Mother&Baby Yours, What’s The Best,Closer, heat and Spirit and Destiny as a Deputy Commercial Content Editor since 2019 and currently works at CPSL Mind as a Deputy Campaigns and Communications Manager.