As babies grow and develop, they become more active and curious about their surroundings. One of the key developmental milestones for infants is learning how to stand and eventually walk. While of course every child develops at their own pace, most babies will begin standing with support around 6-9 months old. To aid in this process, many parents turn to baby standing toys or walking toys to provide their little ones with the support and stimulation they need to build the strength and coordination required for standing and walking.
Baby standing toys come in a wide variety of styles and designs, ranging from simple activity centers to more complex play gyms with multiple levels and interactive features. In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of using baby standing toys, the different types available, and some factors for you to consider when choosing the right one for your child.
KIDDERY TOYS Wooden Push and Pull Learning Walker
This sturdy walking toy helps to build coordination and promote gross motor skills. It’s perfect to support your little one with their first steps. The front panel of the wooden walker features a maze, spinning blocks, a xylophone, and shapes to sort to keep them engaged and entertained. It is also easy to assemble.
Baby Einstein Around We Grow 4-in-1 Walker
This is one of the best toys to help your baby get a sense of independence over time. It is made for kids 6 months and up and grows with them. It can be used as a walk around discovery center, a play table, and a sit-and-play activity center, and removable floor toys. The height can be adjusted and the seat can go all around the table helping learn to walk. The toy is great for the senses and gives auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation.
Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center
This activity center is great for young children aged 1 year and up. It’s unique but sturdy design is awesome! It is shaped like a tree with a variety of features that will keep your child busy and happy. Kids love the gliders, springy flaps, spinning dials, bead runs, and shape recognition activities. Your baby can hold on to the table and practice steps as they go around to other parts of it.
iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand
We love love versatile toys! This is an activity table, walker, and drawing board all in one! With the bright and bold colors an a big range of interactive toys this toy is sure to capture your child’s attention and provide hours of play. It’s a great toy for learning to walk and when you push the walker, it makes music.
LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table
The activity table is designed to grow with your child. It can be used as a floor toy by removing the legs, and then replacing them when your baby is ready to stand. It features 70+ songs, tunes, and learning responses that introduce numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and more to children. The toy allows children to explore sounds, songs, and instruments such as the piano and drum. It also includes classic children’s tunes like “Old MacDonald” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Jonti-Craft 0619JC Coordination Mirror
This is a great option for helping babies learn to stand and walk. The mirror and rail are designed to grab your baby’s attention as they see their reflection. They learn to pull up and balance, helping to develop their motor skills, balance, and coordination. It is also made with safety in mind, with rounded edges and corners and a sturdy wood construction that is durable enough for daily use. The mirror may not be as clear as a regular mirror, but it is shatterproof and distortion-free, making it safe for children to use.
Benefits of Using Baby Standing Toys
Build Strength and Coordination: Baby standing toys provide a stable and sturdy base for your babies learning to stand and walk. As they grip the toy and push themselves up, they’re building the strength and coordination they need to eventually stand and walk independently.
Encourage Exploration: Many baby standing toys come with a variety of interactive features, such as buttons, levers, and spinning wheels. These features encourage babies to reach, grab, and explore, helping to develop their fine motor skills.
Stimulate the Senses: Baby walking toys often come with bright colors, different textures, and a variety of sounds and music. These sensory experiences can help to stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development.
Provide Safe Support: One of the biggest advantages of baby standing toys is that they provide a safe and stable platform for your child to practice standing and moving around. This can help to prevent falls and injuries, giving parents peace of mind while their child explores and learns.
Types of Baby Standing Toys
Activity Centers: Activity centers are typically designed for younger babies who are just starting to explore their environment. They usually come with a variety of interactive toys and features, such as mirrors, rattles, and spinners, that are positioned at a comfortable height for your child to play with while standing.
Walker Toys: Baby walkers are great toys to help babies practice taking their first steps. A push walker will usually come with a handle for your child to hold onto while they push the toy forward, providing the support they need to stay upright as they move.
Play Gyms: While not exactly standing toys, play gyms are larger, more complex toys that can also promote balance while standing and playing. They often have multiple levels and interactive features. They can include things like tunnels, slides, and ball pits, as well as various toys and fun activities for your baby to explore.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Standing Toy
Age and Developmental Stage: Consider your child’s age and developmental stage when choosing a baby standing toy. Younger babies will benefit from simpler toys with basic features, while older babies may need more complex toys to keep them engaged.
Safety: Safety is a top priority when it comes to baby standing toys. Look for toys that are stable and sturdy, with no small parts or sharp edges that could pose a choking hazard.
Interactive Features: The interactive features of a baby standing toy are what will keep your child engaged and stimulated. Look for toys with a variety of textures, colors, and sounds to provide a range of sensory experiences. Babies love flashing lights or sound effects but you also don’t want to overstimulate them all at once.
Once you’re child is older, is more comfortable and has good balance, you can look to see if you want to get them climbing toys to further keep them active and explore what they can do.
