So it’s no surprise that push cars are a favorite of parents and babies alike. Most adults will never forget their own first pretend car, so when it comes to buying our babies’ first set of wheels, it’s important to find the perfect push car. There are many factors to consider—of course, safety always comes first, but durability, affordability, and the fun factor aren’t far behind. Here are Truly Mama’s picks for the most popular push car selections to help you in your search.
In this Article:
Best Overall Push Car: Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
For ages: 18 months to 5 years
Solidly built with a budget-friendly price, Truly Mama’s top pick is an old favorite. Chances are, when you think about a toddler car, you’re thinking of a Cozy Coupe. It’s a classic for a reason and features like a gas cap, ignition switch, and doors that open and shut are sure to spark your child’s imagination.
One of the most exciting features of the 30th-anniversary edition Cozy Coupe is its removable floorboard, so your toddler can use it on their own as they grow. And when you want to use the push car, there’s a handle on the back for the pusher’s convenience, and the floorboard will keep your child’s feet tucked safely up and inside.
Best Push Car for Parents: Step2 Push Around Buggy 10th Anniversary Edition Kids Ride On Toy Push Car
For ages: 12 months to 3 years
We love this classic push-car buggy because it’s affordable and incredibly parent-friendly. Truly Mama editor Chaunie Brusie (who doubles as a working super-mom) owns this push car for her toddler and can attest that it steers both indoors and outdoors through grass and gravel just fine. “I love the seatbelt to keep my daughter safe, and she the lift-up storage areas have kept her entertained long enough for me to clean the kitchen or squeeze in a workout,” she comments. “My daughter isn’t a huge fan of a traditional stroller, but she LOVES this push car and gets a huge kick out of turning the steering wheel.”
The handle on this push car is the perfect height for comfortably pushing around your baby, and even big siblings can push it with ease. If you’re looking for a straightforward push car that will buy you a few minutes of fun for your little one (and maybe a minute for you to drink some coffee), this is a great option you can’t go wrong with.
Best All-in-One Push Car: Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike
For ages: 9 months – 4 years
While this one is one of the priciest items on our list, with an age range of nine months to four years, you’ll get your money’s worth. Designed for four stages of your infant and toddler’s development, the Little Tikes Perfect Fit will grow with your child.
With a harness, guardrails, and sunshade, your child’s safety is a major design feature with this push car. But all of the bells and whistles designed for parental ease on family walks can also be removed, converting the car to your child’s first tricycle. However, since the Perfect Fit has no horns or play accessories attached to the toy itself, your child may not be as entertained until it has been transformed into a tricycle. Another drawback to consider is that assembly is required and a bit more time-consuming than some of the other items on this list.
Best Portable Push Car: Step2 Whisper Ride II
For ages: 18 months to 4 years
With a roomy interior, safety belt, and a horn your little can actually toot, the Whisper Ride II gets full marks for fun and safety. But we especially love that it features a handlebar that is easy-fold, making the car easy to transport. Assembly directions are straightforward and not overly time-consuming, and users agree that the product is as solid as it is sturdy.
However, the Whisper Ride II has a closed floorboard, so it’s exclusively a push car and your toddler will only be able to use this push car with the assistance of an adult or as a wagon-like vehicle to pull around on their own. This is a great option for strolls through the neighborhood, but not as an alternative to a tricycle or other ride-on toys designed for independent play. And despite the claims of its name “Whisper Ride,” reviewers report that while the wheels can be loud, which is a factor to consider if it’s being used for family walks.
Best Wooden Push Car: The HABA Walk & Roll Wooden Walker Wagon
For ages: 1 – 2 years
Stylish and sophisticated, the Haba Walk and Roll Wooden Walker Wagon might be one parents enjoy having in their nurseries, but reviewers agree that its durability and overall quality make it much more than just a chic wooden toy.
The Walk & Roll is designed as both a stroller and a walker, but thanks to the low bar meant for 12-month-olds and an under-sized seat, it functions best as a walker. It’s a safe and well-made toy, with rubber-coated wheels that prevent the walker from rolling forward too fast. One factor to consider is that this toy is primarily a learn-to-walk toy and will likely not grow with your child as long as some of the other options.
Best Luxury Push Car: 2-in-1 Licensed Mercedes Benz AMG Kids Ride On Push Car
For ages: 18 months – 3 years
Does it get more luxurious than making your child’s first car to be a Mercedes Benz? With a long handle designed for comfortable adult pushing and guard rails to keep your child secured safely inside, this is a fun and fancy option for neighborhood strolls. Bonus: the guard rails and push handle are removable, leaving your toddler with a ride-on toy perfect for independent play.
This miniature Benz does require two AA batteries to operate the noise functions on the steering wheel, horn, and music play. You can also expect some simple and straightforward assembly. One thing for families to consider, however, is that while the Benz is designed to grow with your child, many reviewers feel that the space between guard rails isn’t wide enough to function as a push car for a growing toddler.
Best Just-for-Fun Push Car: Fisher Price 3-in-1 Sit, Stride, and Ride Lion
For ages: 6 months – 3 years
This funny little lion is different from the other options on this list because it’s primarily meant for indoor play, and it certainly isn’t designed for walks through the neighborhood. However, with flashing lights, an ignition switch to twist, a mouth to feed brightly colored balls, and numerous buttons to push for learning activities, the Sit, Stride, and Ride Lion is a great choice for early independent play.
As your infant develops into a toddler, they can go from spinning spinners and bopping to music to pushing, riding, and eventually walking with their lion—boosting their fine and gross motor skills. This toy operates on two AA batteries that come included in the package. One note: because this toy is lightweight for your child’s ease of play, it does pose a risk of tipping over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the push car help my baby learn to walk?
There are a lot of benefits to ride-on toys, walkers, and even stroller-style push cars when it comes to your child’s physical development. Push cars can encourage balance, muscle growth, and spatial awareness, which all play important roles in your baby’s first steps.
How do I clean my baby’s push car?
Whether you’re using your baby’s push car indoors or outdoors, keeping it clean is an important part of maintaining the quality and safety of your toddler’s push car. Since the push cars on this list are made of mostly plastic and wood, wiping the push car with warm soapy water is a gentle and efficient way to keep your child’s toy clean.
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