Best Pull Along Toys for a 1 Year Old | Jaques of London
There is a particular wobble to a new walker. Arms out, knees soft, a look of fierce concentration as one foot ventures ahead of the other. Then comes the moment they reach for something to take with them, and a small wheeled friend trundling behind suddenly makes every step worth taking.
A pull along toy gives that early walking a purpose. The child is no longer just moving; they are leading, checking over their shoulder, slowing down and speeding up. That is balance, coordination and cause-and-effect practice rolled into one happy lap of the living room.
Any toy bought for this age should be properly tested. Under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, every toy sold in the UK must carry the CE mark and meet essential requirements for mechanical, physical and chemical safety. It is the baseline worth insisting on before a toy ever reaches small hands.
What to Look for in a Pull Along Toy for a 1 Year Old
The first thing to consider is the string. A pull cord wants to be long enough for a toddler to hold while standing, but not so long that it tangles around legs or furniture. A gently weighted, rounded handle helps a small fist keep its grip.
Next, look at the wheels. Steady, free-running wheels follow a child without lurching or tipping, which matters enormously when their own balance is still settling. The NHS notes that most children walk independently somewhere between 9 and 18 months, so a toy that suits a brand-new walker should be forgiving of stumbles.
Weight is the quiet detail people overlook. Too light and the toy skips and flips; too heavy and it refuses to budge. A well-judged middle keeps it upright as it is dragged across rugs and thresholds.
Finish counts too. Smooth, rounded edges and child-safe paint are non-negotiable at an age when everything is explored by mouth. Our wooden toys are made with this in mind, and you will find similar thinking across our educational toys for toddlers.
Finally, think about appeal. A one year old will walk further for a friendly face than for a plain block on wheels. An animal with character gives them a reason to keep going, and that motivation is half the developmental work done. Browse our children toys for ideas that hold a toddler's attention.
Which Types of Pull Along Toys Are Best for New Walkers?
For a brand-new walker, the best pull along toys are the simplest ones. A single friendly animal on four steady wheels gives a clear reward for forward movement without overwhelming a child who is still concentrating hard on staying upright.
Animal shapes tend to win. There is something instinctive about a toddler wanting to bring a little creature along, and the wagging, bobbing motion as it rolls adds a touch of life that keeps them looking back and laughing.
Some pull along toys add movement as they travel, with heads that nod or legs that pad along. These are lovely, but they are best once a child is steady on their feet, because the extra motion can distract a very new walker from the task in hand.
Size matters for little arms. A toy that sits low to the ground and tracks closely behind is easier to manage than a tall figure that threatens to topple on the first bump in the carpet.
The World Health Organization's milestones guidance places most first independent steps between 12 and 15 months, which is exactly the window these toys are designed for. Choosing one that matches that early stage means the child succeeds quickly and wants to try again.
If you would like to compare a wider range by type, our guide to the best pull along toys for toddlers sets them out side by side. For slightly older children ready for the next challenge, the ideas in our Montessori toys for a 3 year old pick up naturally where walking toys leave off.
Our Favourite Pull Along Toys for 1 Year Olds
Three of our pull along friends suit this age especially well, each with its own character.
Felix The Fox Pull Along Toy at £16.99 is a fine first choice. His low, steady body tracks closely behind a toddler, and his bright colouring draws the eye, encouraging those first determined laps of the room.
For an all-rounder with a bit more personality, Dylan The Dinosaur Pull Along Toy, also £16.99, brings a shape children seem to adore. He rolls smoothly and holds attention well as walking becomes more confident and journeys grow longer.
If you are buying for a birthday or as a special gift, Dolly The Dachshund Pull Along Toy at £19.99 is the one to reach for. Her long body ambles along behind in a way that makes children giggle, and she looks every bit as charming on a shelf as she does on the move.
Each of these is made from wood, finished smoothly and designed to survive the enthusiastic handling a one year old brings. They sit happily alongside the rest of our wooden toys, so a first pull along can grow into a wider collection as the child does.
As children move beyond walking toys, the same love of a well-made companion carries into games and puzzles. You will see that progression in our board games, which become firm favourites a few years down the line.
Are Wooden Pull Along Toys Worth It Compared to Plastic?
Wooden pull along toys earn their keep. The weight of timber gives them a reassuring stability, so they stay upright and track steadily rather than flipping over at the first tug, which plastic versions can be prone to doing.
Durability is the clearest difference. A wooden toy tends to shrug off the knocks, drops and door frames of toddler life, often passing from one child to the next. Many families keep a wooden pull along long enough for a younger sibling to inherit it.
There is a tactile quality too. The grain, the weight and the honest feel of wood give a child something satisfying to hold, and the gentle sound of wooden wheels on a floor is far kinder than the rattle of thin plastic.
Repair is simpler. A cord can be replaced, a wheel re-fixed, a scuff sanded. A cracked plastic joint usually means the end, whereas a wooden toy can be kept going with a little care.
The pull along toy itself is remarkably old. Wheeled pull-along animals dating to around 1000 BCE have been found at archaeological sites in Mexico, among the earliest known wheeled toys. The form has lasted thousands of years because it works, and wood is the material it has always worked best in.
As the world's oldest games and toys maker, established in 1795, we have always favoured timber for exactly these reasons. You can see that preference running through our educational toys for toddlers, and it continues into the toys children reach for later, such as those in our guide to toys for a 4 year old.
How to Keep Your Child's Pull Along Toy Safe and Long-Lasting
A well-chosen pull along toy will last for years with a little attention. Start with the string, since it takes the most strain. Check the knot where it meets the toy and give the cord a gentle tug now and then to be sure it is secure.
Keep an eye on the wheels and axles. Dust and carpet fibres can gather around them over time, and a quick clear-out keeps the toy rolling smoothly. A tiny spot of trouble is far easier to sort early than once a wheel has worked loose.
Wood prefers dry conditions. Wipe the toy with a slightly damp cloth rather than soaking it, and let it dry fully before it goes back in the toy box. Left wet, timber can swell, and painted surfaces can lift.
Store it somewhere the cord will not wind around other toys. A loose loop over a hook or a simple basket keeps the string tidy and ready for the next adventure.
When buying, always confirm the CE mark and that the toy meets the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. Those rules cover the mechanical, physical and chemical safety that matters most at an age when a toy is handled constantly and, inevitably, tasted.
Cared for this way, a pull along toy from our children toys can see a child through their walking years and beyond. When they are ready for the next stage, the ideas in our Montessori toys for a 4 year old and our toys for a 6 year old carry the same promise of lasting quality.
£16.99 · value · tested to UKCA/CE
£16.99 · all-rounder · tested to UKCA/CE
£19.99 · gift · tested to UKCA/CE
Shop the range: Best Pull Along Toys for a 1 Year Old
Our most relevant picks, made by a British family company since 1795.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pull Along Toys For 1 Year Old
What is the best pull along toy for a 1 year old?
The best pull along toy for a 1 year old is one that is sturdy, lightweight, and visually engaging — a brightly coloured wooden animal on wheels is a classic choice. Jaques of London, established in 1795 and the world's oldest games and toys manufacturer, produces pull along toys crafted with quality and longevity in mind. Look for smooth edges, a cord long enough to hold comfortably but short enough to avoid entanglement hazards, and a design robust enough to withstand enthusiastic toddler use. Always ensure the toy carries the CE mark, as required under The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
What age are pull along toys suitable for?
Pull along toys are generally recommended from around 12 months of age. This aligns with the typical developmental window when children begin walking independently — the NHS notes that most children start walking between 9 and 18 months, while the World Health Organization's developmental milestones guidance indicates most take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months. Always check the manufacturer's age recommendation on the packaging, and ensure the toy complies with UK toy safety regulations, including CE marking required under The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Are wooden pull along toys worth buying?
Wooden pull along toys are widely considered worth buying for several reasons. They are typically more durable than plastic alternatives, meaning they can withstand years of play and even be passed down between siblings. Wood is a natural material that many parents prefer, and quality wooden toys often feature non-toxic finishes. Jaques of London, the world's oldest games and toys manufacturer founded in 1795, has long championed well-made wooden toys. When purchasing, verify the toy meets UK safety requirements, including CE marking under The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, regardless of the material.
How do I choose a pull along toy for a baby learning to walk?
When choosing a pull along toy for a baby learning to walk, prioritise safety first — check for CE marking as required by The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which covers mechanical, physical, and chemical safety. Select a lightweight toy so it moves easily when pulled without toppling. The cord should be short enough to minimise trip or entanglement risk. Bright colours and moving parts, such as spinning wings or bobbing heads, add visual interest. Opt for a reputable manufacturer; Jaques of London, established in 1795, has extensive experience producing quality toys for young children.
What should I look for in a pull along toy for a toddler?
For a toddler's pull along toy, look for: CE marking confirming compliance with The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011; smooth, rounded edges with no sharp points; a sturdy construction that won't tip when pulled at speed; a cord of appropriate length — long enough to hold while walking but not so long it creates a trip hazard; non-toxic paint or finishes; and an age-appropriate design. Sound or movement features, such as rattling beads or spinning parts, help maintain a toddler's interest. Quality of manufacture matters greatly for longevity and safety.
Are pull along toys good for child development?
Pull along toys support several areas of early child development. Pulling a toy whilst walking requires coordination, balance, and spatial awareness, helping to build gross motor skills during the window when, according to the World Health Organization, most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months. The act of pulling also encourages cause and effect understanding. Additionally, push and pull play supports core strength and body control. The concept has proven its value across millennia — wheeled pull along animals dating to around 1000 BCE have been discovered at archaeological sites in Mexico.
What is a safe pull along toy for a 12 month old?
A safe pull along toy for a 12 month old must carry the CE mark, confirming it meets The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which covers mechanical, physical, and chemical safety requirements. Choose a toy with no small detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard, smooth edges, non-toxic finishes, and a cord that is neither so long it creates a strangulation or trip risk, nor so short it is impractical. Lightweight wooden designs are a popular choice. Always follow the minimum age guidance printed on the toy's packaging.
How long will a 1 year old play with a pull along toy?
A well-chosen pull along toy can remain engaging for considerably longer than the early walking phase. Most children begin walking independently around 12 to 15 months, according to World Health Organization guidance, but the appeal of pulling a toy continues well into the toddler years as children develop more complex imaginative play. A quality wooden pull along toy from a reputable maker can last through multiple years of play and, if well made, can be stored and used again by younger siblings. Value therefore extends well beyond the initial walking-development stage.
Can pull along toys help babies walk sooner?
Pull along toys are not designed to accelerate walking — they are most effective once a child has already begun taking independent steps. The World Health Organization notes that most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months, and the NHS states walking typically develops between 9 and 18 months; this variation is largely driven by individual development rather than specific toys. Pull along toys support and encourage practice once a child is already walking, building confidence, coordination, and balance. They are a complement to natural development, not a shortcut to it.
What is the difference between a push along and a pull along toy?
A push along toy is propelled ahead of the child, who holds a handle and pushes it forward — these are often used slightly earlier, as they can provide some physical support whilst walking. A pull along toy is connected to the child by a cord and dragged behind or beside them as they walk, requiring the child to already have sufficient balance and coordination to walk independently whilst managing the cord. Both toy types encourage gross motor development and active play, but pull alongs generally suit children who are already gaining confidence walking, typically from around 12 months.