The Best Baby Walkers (2023 Review)

The first year with your newborn goes so quickly. One moment you’re cuddling that tiny new little one in your arms, and the next they’re scooting, crawling and standing! Before long your tiny baby will be graduating to a baby walker. There are so many options to choose from! Read on for some of the best baby walkers on the market today, including the best baby walkers for carpet and the best baby walkers for hardwood floors, too! (Updated for 2023)

It’s such a magical time when your baby starts expressing an interest in moving around on his or her own! You might find yourself wondering about adding a baby walker to your line up of baby gear.

When it comes to baby walkers, not all are created equal. While sit-in baby walkers are still very popular for many families, there are a few reasons why I recommend you check out push walkers on this list of the best baby walkers for carpet and the best baby walkers for hardwood floors.

Push walkers (also know as a “push toy”) are a wonderful tool for helping your baby develop walking skills without being strapped into something. These are the types of walkers where your baby or toddler walks behind the toy, versus sitting inside of it.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports thousands of babies are injured each year using sit-in walkers. Babies aren’t able to understand danger, and sit-in baby walkers typically do not come with a wheel lock. You could turn your back for a second and your baby could find themselves in dangerous, scary situation fast in a sit-in walker.

Sit-in walkers can give babies mobility before they’re really ready. As a result, they may be at a greater risk of accidents like falling down the stairs, tipping over, and getting trapped. So I highly recommend that when it comes to baby walkers, that you look at push walkers first.

Even with a push baby walker, you still want to always monitor your baby when they are using it. They will start moving faster and faster before you even know it! My boys are notorious for being very sneaky and snagging things easily off counters and tables. Be sure to add extra baby proofing!

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.

When Can a Baby Use a Push Walker?

The age range for most push walkers on the market is between 6 months to 3 years old. The average age manufacturers recommend seems to be between 9 months and 18 months.

I recommend you rely on your own baby’s physical abilities. If your infant is showing no signs of being interested in a baby walker, there’s no rush! With both of my boys I waited until they could balance and pull up on their own to a standing position.

What to Look For in a Baby Walker

There are a variety of options when it comes to baby walkers these days!

Think about how mobile your baby is. Some of the walkers on this list are geared towards little ones who are already cruising, while some are good for seated play as well.

Budget is another consideration. You can absolutely get an a well-made baby walker for under $20, but there are also options for over $100! Every walker on this list of top baby walkers falls under $100.

I also recommend thinking through your home. If you have carpet you’ll want to look for a baby walker that can move easily on the pile. If you are trying to keep a Montessori-style play space, you might want to shy away from the walkers that include loud sound effects and music.

Keep in mind also if you plan on keeping the baby walker at just your home, or if you would like to easily travel with it. Not all of the push walkers out there fold down easily!

For the most part, the baby walker you choose comes down to personal preference! As you read through my list of recommendations and top picks, be sure to click on each photo and link to learn more details about each individual model.

Top Baby Walkers

Here are some of the top baby walkers of 2022! I’ve included details about each model, as well as a general idea of how much they cost.

The Top Baby Walkers Under $50

These are my picks for the top baby walkers out there that are under $50.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Learn with Puppy Walker

Available many places for under $20, this is the push walker our family personally used with both of our boys and is perfect for those first steps. They called him “Walking Puppy” and this push walker became one of their very favorite toys. This is our favorite overall baby walker, and is also one of the best baby walkers for carpet, too.

The Good:

This push walker allows for your baby to play seated, standing and walking (which is great for little ones who aren’t quite at the cruising stage yet)
It comes with a huge variety of songs, sounds and phrases that cover. colors, shapes, the alphabet and more. It also has a Spanish setting if you’re incorporating learning different languages, and the shape sorter look is so fun.
The handle is easy to grasp and push, and the light up parts on the front keep baby’s attention easily.

The Bad:

The music can get REALLY old. We fixed this by not replacing the batteries after they died! haha
This push walker isn’t one that can easily fold up for travel, so be aware of that.
This one can also go a little *too fast* on wood flooring before baby is ready, so try it on carpet first.

Shop Here >>> Get the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Learn with Puppy Walker

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

A favorite for many parents, this push walker is such a great option and usually found for under $35. With tons of buttons and activities, this bright walker is so much fun with the detachable activity center! The interactive toys will give your little hours of fun just playing, too.

The Good:

The removable insert play panel is such a cool option and allows it to also function as a stationary activity center.
Wheels work easily on carpeted or hard floor.
Pretend telephone handset and mechanical elements enhance the fun!
Over 70 sing-along songs, music, sound effects and fun phrases with lots of ways for baby to play
Designed for babies and toddlers 9 months to 3 years old.

The Bad:

According to reviews, it’s not the sturdiest as it only weighs 5 pounds.
This one is also known for making a ton of noise (which can of course be fixed by not replacing the batteries!)
Also it sounds like the activity pan can snap off and be an issue.

Shop Here >>> Get the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy

The Melissa & Doug brand is known for making high quality classic style toys, and this one doesn’t disappoint. This simple design is so cute and retro!

The Good:

Solid wood construction
With the chomping alligators, cute fish and spinning ladybugs and butterflies, there are many ways for baby to play
The walker makes noise when your baby pushes it, helping to encourage baby.
Fantastic Montessori-style push toy option.
Non-slip grip on the wheels to help as your baby pushes (making it one of the best baby walkers for hardwood floors).

The Bad:

Not really designed for use until your baby is over 12 months.
While a good baby walker for hardwood floors, the non-slip grip on the wheels can make it difficult on carpet.

Shop Here >>> Get the Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy

The Top Baby Walkers Over $50

These are my picks for the top baby walkers out there that are over $50, but UNDER $100. While there are some really cool options over that price, I personally know that spending more than $100 on a baby walker is out of the question for our own family!

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

This tiny push wagon is such a cute push walker for your little one to tote around his stuffed buddies at the same time! Plus the classic Radio Flyer look is sure to bring back memories from your own childhood. This is a great walker for uneven surfaces, as it’s sturdy wheels and easy storage help to distribute weight more evenly.

The Good:

With the weight at the front of the wagon, it makes it easier for your little one to propel it forward.
It includes built in storage for toys and can hold up to 35 pounds.
This push walker also weighs 14 pounds, making it a sturdier option than some of the others on the market.
Comes with a sturdy handle, molded wheels with grip and a furniture bumper.

The Bad:

This push walker is designed for over 12 months, so it’s not a good option for younger babies.
A few parents have complained about splinters from the sideboards, so be sure to thoroughly check those!

Shop Here >>> Get the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Hape Wonder Walker Push and Pull Toddler Walking Toy

Winner fo the 2011 Parent’s Choice Approved Award, this best-selling walker is a parent fave. Moveable knobs, gears and colorful balls turn it into a busy-box on wheels. The storage base offers room for plush friends to come along for the ride, and the durable child-safe paint finish and solid wood construction stands up to the abuse our little ones dish out and will last for a long time. Another fantastic Montessori baby walker option.

The Good:

Moveable knobs, gears, and colorful balls offer five different activities
Develops coordination and fine motor skills
Carefully designed rubber-trimmed setback wheels are rubberized to protect your floors and ensure that the wheels last longer while your little one scoots around
Can be assembled quickly and easily.
Hape is an environmentally friendly business focused on sustainability.

The Bad:

It’s not heavy enough to for little ones to pull themselves up without it tipping.
Can be a little large to turn in small spaces.

Shop Here >> Hape Wonder Walker Push and Pull Toddler Walking Toy

cossy Wooden Baby Walker

With its vibrant colors and attention to detail, the cossy Wooden Baby Walker is a great addition to this list. With a cute activity center on the front, it gives your baby two different heights to hold onto.

The Good:

Sturdy enough for baby to pull up on
Fun activity station on the front
Ability to grow with your little ones as they grow.
Rubber-trimmed setback wheels help to protect wood floors

The Bad:

For some reason this is marketed as for ages 18 months and up.
The xylophone doesn’t make noise according to reviews.

Shop Here >> cossy Wooden Baby Walker

Little Balance Box 2-in-1 Baby Push Walker and Toddler Activity Table

The Little Balance Box 2-in-1 Walker and Activity Table is completely unique and unlike any other baby push walker that’s out there.

This push walker doesn’t have any wheels, but instead comes with spring feet that are loaded to move up and down. This is meant to help your baby with a more natural transition to walking.

The Good:

Moves easily on wood floors, tile and carpeting
Made of bamboo and can double as a toddler table
The clear table top means baby can see his feet
No sharp corners or edges

The Bad:

This walker is pricey for what it includes: no activities, no extra bells and whistles etc.
It’s too small for taller babies.

Shop Here >> Little Balance Box 2-in-1 Baby Push Walker and Toddler Activity Table

The Best Baby Walkers for Carpet

While the above list of baby walkers includes some great general choices, what if your house is mostly carpeted? The best baby walkers for carpet have larger wheels that help your little one maneuver more easily over the pile.

While many baby walkers (especially sit-in walkers) do roll easily over the carpet, many many not work if your carpet is extra plush. Many of the sit-in styles that are the best baby walkers for carpet have additional safety features that keep them from rolling over door frames or getting stuck in other places. However, this also means that they may stop the walker from rolling over thick carpet, too.

If you are looking for one of the best baby walkers for carpet, choose a model that has larger, multi-directional wheels that roll well. This will help your little one from getting stuck in one place.

My #1 choice for the best baby walkers for carpet is the Joovy Spoon Walker, and is the ONLY sit-in walker on this list!

Best Baby Walker for Carpet: Joovy Spoon Walker

Functioning as both a high chair and walker, this was the sit-in walker that my boys personally used and loved when it came to scooting around our carpeted house. In fact, the photo above shows both of my boys enjoying ours!

It has big, oversized wheels that move in multiple directions, and non-slip stair pads that grab the front wheels if they go over a ledge. This walker is also one of the best baby walkers for hardwood floors and outdoor surfaces too.

The large tray is perfect for snacking and playing with toys, and. the seat and tray are both removable. This makes clean up so much easier, as the tray is dishwasher safe and the padded seat is also machine washable. I personally also really liked that when you’re not using it, the Joovy Spoon walker can be folded flat for storage or travel.

The large wheels and wide base also mean that this walker has a reduced risk for tipping. However, as with any sit-in walker, be sure you keep an eye on your little ones at all times while using it!

Our family LOVES Joovy products because they are safe and reliable. Check out the Joovy Qool Review and Joovy Scooter X2 Review if you’re curious about their stroller options.

The Good

Extra large tray that’s easily cleaned and great for playing and snacking
Seat pad is easily removed for a thorough clean too
Non-slip stair pads and grip strips underneath for added safety
Three adjustable height positions to choose from
Navigates carpet and different types of flooring easily and is available in different colors

The Bad

If you have narrow hallways, the tray might get stuck
Walker design is on the shorter side, so best for younger babies and toddlers
Depending on how thick your carpet floors are, this might still get stuck

Shop Here>>> Joovy Spoon Walker

A Few More FAQ’s about the Best Baby Walkers

Are baby walkers safe for my baby?

While safe in many ways, baby walkers can also be responsible for many accidents. Many of these have to do with stairs, pinched fingers, running into objects, tipping over etc. Babies aren’t old enough to know what is dangerous, which means you need to give your baby 100% of your attention when they are using their walker.

The majority of baby walkers on the market do NOT include wheel locks. To keep your baby as safe as possible, always keep them within your line of sight and only use a baby walker on the bottom floor of a house with no access to ledges or stairs.

At What Age Can my Baby Use a Walker?

This varies from baby to baby. With a push walker, your baby will need to be able to at minimum push themselves up into a seated position. There’s no rush! If your baby isn’t ready for a walker right now, they might be next week. Each baby is different.

The age range for most push walkers on the market is between 6 months to 3 years old. The average age manufacturers recommend seems to be between 9 months and 12 months.

Will a baby walker help my baby learn to walk?

Your baby will walk when they are ready to. Most babies start walking by a year and a half old, though some start as early as 8 months.

Your baby can learn to walk without the assistance of a walker, but they are a fun way to help your baby feel more confident. Both of my boys loved the sturdiness of their push walkers as they worked on their balance.

Your baby will walk when he or she is ready. My oldest didn’t even begin cruising on furniture until he was 11 months old; my youngest started that at just 8 months old!

Every baby is different. If you are concerned about your baby not walking and they are over a year old, your pediatrician is the best person to consult with!

Which style baby walker is best for my baby?

My personal recommendation for the top baby walker for your baby is a push-walker. Push walkers help babies with balance, but the baby still has to hold himself or herself up to use it. They are working on gross motor skills, balance and muscle development when using a push baby walker.

When a baby uses a sit-in baby walker, it offers them mobility but not the benefits of developing their muscles. Sit-in walkers are also prone to many more accidents and dangerous situations with babies, and are viewed as inherently unsafe by many doctors.

A 2019 study also found that sit-in walkers can detrimentally affect posture and gait patterns in babies learning to walk. They can also hinder their natural transition to independent walking.

Even if you are watching your child closely, a baby can get hurt in a second in a sit-in walker that has tipped over, fallen down the stairs or gotten trapped. There are so many different types of baby walkers on the market. At the end of the day, what is the best walker? It’s the best walker for your individual family.