Best Stroller Toys Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Whether you have a newborn or an infant, new parents can all agree that their child’s attention span can be very short. While riding in the car or a stroller, what better way to keep them occupied than to purchase an engaging and fun toy. Playthings have come a long way from how they were when we were children, ridden with lead and other harmful chemicals. You’ll notice that some of the best options in our list below are not only safe for your children to nibble on, but are made specifically for that reason. Any parent who has had to deal with a teething baby knows how lifesaving teething rings can be!
Featured Recommendations
- Freddie the Firefly
-
Our rating - Peek-A-Boo Mirror
- Price: See Here
- Mortimer the Moose
-
Our rating - Bright Colors
- Price: See Here
- Skip Hop Bandana Buddies
-
Our rating - Textured Surface
- Price: See Here
We have put together a list of the top ten options that you and your little one(s) will absolutely love. Purchasing one may seem simple for some parents but there are a lot of factors you must consider. We’ve done all of the hard work for you, however, and made the process very simple for you. After doing research, we discovered that the playthings you purchase for your child make a big impact on their life.
10 Best Stroller Toys
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly
Freddie the Firefly features a strong multiple purpose clip, which you can literally “clip and go” at any time. The clip is very strong and will withstand the tugging from your little one. The strong clip is quite favorable to parents on the go, one last thing to worry about!
Interactive
Freddie the Firefly is an all in one option! This is an interactive product that squeaks, crinkles, and has two rings that clink together. This is fun and will help encourage your child to explore all their senses.
Cost and Value
You will get the most bang for your buck when you purchase Freddie the Firefly. This is very affordable and will surely keep your child busy! You cannot beat the value that you receive from this product.
Can make multiple sounds (squeak, crinkle, clink)
Your baby will grow with this
Durable clip
Multiple sensory play
Large size
Must be hand washed
Lamaze Mortimer the Moose
This is known to appeal to young children and has a highly effective design to please young eyes
Ease of Use
Mortimer the Moose offers a handful (literally) of options that will help while your child through teething. From his large safe chewable antlers to super soft body, your child will not want to put him down. The size of Mortimer the Moose will fit perfectly in your little one's hand.
Cost and Value
This is another option that you and your little one will enjoy without breaking the bank. With all its bright colors and teething features, you will be glad that you purchased it.
Great teether
Durable clip
Can make multiple sounds (squeak, crinkle, clink)
Exceptional size toy
Must be hand washed
Skip Hop Bandana Buddies
Skip Hops Bandana Buddies Puppy is one of ten design options for your little one. Other styles include an elephant, a monkey, a fox or a kitty among others.
Great for Teethers
The safe soft bandana texture is perfect for teething babies and will help to soothe their aching gums.
Cost and Value
Whether your child wants to play, pull, grab, or teeth, this is an option to highly consider. Skip Hops bandana puppy keep your child’s hands busy and engaged. You will be happy your purchased Skip Hops Bandana Buddies Puppy.
Can be played with while attached to stroller/ car seat or not attached
Soft safe teether
Multi-sensory play
Other animal options
Can only be spot cleaned
Tiny Love Arch
The Tiny Love Meadow Days Sunny Stroller Arch is made up of six different items that the baby can activate on their own all meant to encourage the development of their motor and cognitive skills. Whether your child is reaching for the items to put in their mouth or batting at it, the Tiny Love Meadow Days Sunny Stroller Arch will assist your little one in development.
Versatile
Tiny Loves flexible arch is so versatile that it can be easily attached to car seats, high chairs, activity gyms, strollers and more. This specific option can be adjusted based on how close or far you want to position it from your child.
Cost And Value
Even though Tiny Love Meadow Days Sunny Stroll Stroller Arch is a bit pricier than the other products on our top ten list, you can’t go wrong with an option that will help with your child’s development and is fun at the same time.
Flexible arch attachment
Your baby will grow with it
Offers a lot of stimulation
Encourages development
On the pricier side
OBall Flex 'n Go Activity Arch
This product is a 2 in 1 because the items that dangle from the arch can be removed and played with separately. This feature is very helpful for parents who don’t want to carry a bag of playthings with them everywhere they go.
Ease of Use
As the name states, OBall Flex'n Go Activity Arch Take-Along is flexible and easy to carry around whether you are attaching this to a stroller, car seat, or crib.
Cost And Value
We would consider the O Ball Flex'n Go Activity Arch Take-Along one of the simpler options on our top ten list. For the price and value, this will make a great addition to your little ones collection.
Easy to clean
Flexible arch attachment
Toys can be removed from arch and played with separately
Clips are not as strong as other options
Bright Starts Take Along
The Take Along Carrier Bar will keep your little one very busy! It has multiple sensory activities that assist in your child's development and learning, from playing music to a self-discovery mirror that spins.
Strong Construction
The attachment for Bright Starts Take Along is surprisingly very strong. This feature is very pleasing to parents seeking a “grab and go” option.
Cost And Value
Bright Starts Take Along is exceptionally affordable for an everyday grab and go option that attaches easily and is secure.
Many different activities
Easy to attach and detach
Bright engaging colors
Durable
Locking rings may not stay in one place
Infantino Take Along Pals
The Infantino Tag Along Pals all have individual locking rings that make it easy to attach all or just one of these fun playthings to any stroller, car seat, diaper bag or crib.
Perfect Size for Tiny Hands
The Infantino Tag Along Travel Pals are a set of three perfectly sized fun grab and go items. The bright colors will surely keep your little one entertained and engaged.
Cost and Value
The Infantino Tag Along Travel Pals is extremely affordable and is a great investment. You cannot go wrong with getting a group of three for one.
Includes multiple activities
Easy to attach and detach
Bright engaging colors
Durable
Locking rings may not stay in place
Infantino Spiral
Your little one will enjoy the four cute items that are attached to this wrap around. They will be able to bat, grab, and reach for each item and be stimulated.
Easy to Grab
The Infantino Spiral Activity is very easy to grab, go and wrap. It wraps around most strollers and car seats.
Cost And Value
Another affordable Infantino brand option that will be a plus to your little one's collection. The Infantino Spiral Activity is soft, fun, bright and includes multi-sensory activities to help them grow.
Multi-sensory engagement
Grab and go
Easy installation
Length of spiral
Baby Einstein Travel Pillar
This bright colored option plays eight short songs that will have your little one listening along. The Travel-Pillar Discovery will keep your child busy during car rides, walks or during play time.
Sensory Play
In addition to its musical option, this product offers multiple sensory plays. The Travel-pillar Discovery Bar also includes a fun rattle and keys that crackle.
Cost And Value
The Travel-Pillar by Baby Einstein will be a great addition to your child’s collection. Another multi-sensory option in our top ten best list!
Bright colors
Multi-sensory activities
Soft texture fabrics
Must change batteries
Manhattan Toy Whoozit
Your little one will enjoy the features on the Manhattan Toy Whoozit. They will be able to rattle, crinkle, and squeak this fun bright item.
Self-Discovery
This product will assist in your child’s self-discovery with the attached flower mirror and multiple sensory plays for development.
Cost And Value
This is the most expensive spiral option on our top ten list. It is a good investment if you need an additional multi-sensory play thing for your little one.
Very Colorful
Multiple activity play
Different fun textures for sensory skills
Sometimes not long enough/ in reach for your little one when attached
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Stroller Toys
Effectiveness
Searching for the perfect option for your little one may be stressful with the endless amount of options you are given across the internet. No need to worry, we have done the research for you and have the top ten list of diverse options that are fun and also assist in growth and development. Do you know what will keep your child engaged in a car ride or a walk? The Bright Starts Take Along Bar may be the best option for your little one. What is the most important/must-have feature you are looking for? Our top ten list has the best grab and go options that are also easy to install. Every child is different and has different needs. It will be best to purchase a variety of options to determine which one is your little one’s favorite. Whatever you choose will be an investment in your child’s growth.
Ease of Use
As a new parent, have you experienced how overwhelming it can get while purchasing a new plaything for your little bundle of joy? Look no further, by using the following criteria this will help determine what option will be best for your little one. We have taken into consideration many different factors that make the options below some of the best. Whether it’s the size or how easy it is to install on your stroller, we have made it easy for you to narrow down.
Responsiveness
As stated above there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. Based on our research we have determined that it is extremely important that parents choose ones that are age appropriate for their child. It is important to purchase age-appropriate options because you do not want to purchase something that is too advance for your little one’s comprehension, vice versa. Purchasing an age-appropriate product can save you time and money when determining what toy(s) meet your child’s specific needs.
Features
We considered what each product will offer your child an important factor in writing this top ten list We truly want to make sure that they are fun and will keep your little one engaged. Many options today encourage creativity and will offer engagement and attention for years, this is very favorable to parents. It is proven that kids love to use their imaginations – so we believe that it is important for parents to purchase playthings that will add value to their child’s collection. The more your little one is engaged by using their minds, the more they are learning.
There are many products in the marketplace that are labeled “educational” and/or “developmental”. Just because it is labeled that way doesn’t necessarily mean they are educational and/or developmental. It is important to determine what you are looking for before purchasing. A plaything that offers too many features may overwhelm your little one which will cause confusion and short attention span. On the other hand, an option that doesn’t offer enough features can hinder your child’s learning and cause boredom. We believe that it is important to choose something that is fun, educational, and promotes learning and creativity.
Compatibility
We found that many multi-sensory options are very popular and will assist with your child’s development and creativity. Research shows that children are attracted to bright vivid colors, lights, and sounds. So when searching for multiple sensory products, it is ideal to purchase ones that are bright, has different textures, lights, and sounds. No need to sweat, your little one will enjoy exploring all their senses in many of the options listed in our top ten list. Multiple sensory products are favorable amongst many parents because there are many on the market that are affordable.
Materials
Many babies enjoy grabbing and chewing on the playthings that we have on our top ten list because they are safe. In addition to multi-sensory activities, it is important that the materials used to make these are safe for your child. Many parents assume that all the products on the market are safe, BPA, and toxic free, but this is false.
Safety may be determined by many factors. This can range from the components that make up the product, whether there are tiny pieces and screws or what type of paint was used to paint it. We advise that you to do your research and make sure the product is safe and made with safe material so it does not cause your little one any harm.
Capacity
During our research for the ten best options on the market today, we found many easy to install options. New parents are very busy and sometimes needs a break. This break can be as simple as a click and go for their little one. This can help make car rides, walks in the strollers, and almost any outing manageable while also being educational. We believe that having a plaything that can attach to a variety of items is critical when traveling with little ones. This will not only save you time but will keep your little one engaged. Having that piece of mind is priceless when there are so many other decisions you have to make for your little one.
Brand
Children are growing every day. It is important to consider what features and activities are most important to your child at the moment. Based on our research, we find this important because we want to make sure that whatever product(s) you decide to purchase for your little one, is a good investment and you’re not running back to the store the next day. As your child grows, their interests will change as well – this means you must have products that are aligned with the abilities and interests. It is also a good idea to see what other kids their age are into – this can help figure out what option your little one enjoys.
Other Factors to Consider
Size
Parents must take into consideration size appropriate playthings for their little ones. They should consider the size, not only for safety reasons but for learning and development as well. For example, you will want to make sure that if you have a newborn, they are not playing with products that have tiny pieces that come apart or have sharp pieces, this can ultimately cause harm and choking if consumed. On the other hand, if it is too big, your little one will have a difficult time playing with and enjoying it. Finding the perfect option for your child may seem difficult but don’t sweat it, our top ten list has a variety of different sized products that will make you and your little one happy.
Use
We considered the ratings of the product in our evaluation because we believe that it is important to read reviews for any product or investment you are about to make. It is wise to read what other parents and experts say before blindly purchasing it. Also, keep in mind, what works for someone else may not work for you and your little one. There are a lot of factors when considering what is the “best” option is out there, reviewing those factors and cross-checking them against personal and professional reviews will help narrow down your choices.
Application
There are a handful of products that have limited use – these are less favorable to parents. They are considered less favorable because once their little one grows out of that stage, it cannot be used anymore and then back to the drawing board for a new plaything. We discovered that parents favor options that will grow with their child through their developmental stages. On our list, we have a great variety of products that their little one will not only have fun with but will also grow with.
For instance, multi-sensory styles are one of our favorite products that your little one can grow with. From pressing buttons which help develop their motor skills, to being able to learn numbers and letters through short songs – your little one will be happy and engaged for their first few years.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will every option fit onto my stroller?
A: A handful of options will fit almost all strollers, car seats, and cribs but it is best to always double check measurements before purchasing. Many companies have designed their items to be “grab and go” or “click and go”. Due to the hefty amount of products for your little one out there, many of the items are versatile and will attach to almost everything. Whether you are going for a car ride or a walk, most will be able to easily attach and detach from the stroller/ car seat.
Q: Will my little one like a sensory style?
A: You never know unless you give it a try right? Multiple sensory options are fun and engaging. These are extremely appealing towards parents because they are an “all in one.” Purchasing multiple sensory options to add to your little one’s collection is never a bad idea Also, many now have music options which assist in auditory development as well.
Q: What is the safest option?
A: Many options on the market today look like fun but are they safe? All the products on our list are safe and highly recommended for your little one. We advise that parents should read all labels and hazards so playtime is always a fun and safe time for you and your little one. For instance, parents should make sure that the products they are purchasing have no sharp corners or tiny pieces that can be accidentally consumed. If you are purchasing an on the go activity or craft set, it is important to make sure that the materials included in the set are toxic free, especially if it is paint or any type of clays.
Q: Can you attach more than one at a time?
A: Every stroller, car seat, crib, etc is different. For some, you may be able to attach multiple playthings to the side grips and handles. Meanwhile, for other options, you may only attach one. For the products that are large and take up both side grips during playtime, it is hard to attach another. You also want to make sure that if you are attaching multiple, you don’t want to make it too overwhelming for your little one. Too many can be a distraction which can hinder learning and creativity.
Q: What happens if my baby gets bored?
A: All babies have different personalities. Some will enjoy playing 24/7 and some may get bored after 5 minutes of play time. To keep your little one engaged, we advise that you should have more than one option and that they are alternated during playtime, car rides or walks in the stroller.
Your child is growing and growing fast. You may have to purchase multiple playthings to keep your child curious and eager to learn. If you notice that your child is getting bored, make a note and try bringing in different options with different features.
Q: What is the option best for your baby?
A: Based on our top ten list, it is a tough pick to just pick “one” so we believe that they are all the best. Our research shows that every parent is looking for different features. One feature for one parent might not be the best option for you and your little one. It is best to start by determining what is the most important feature for your little one and start narrowing it down from there. The list we put together has an option for everyone!
Q: What are the best ways to keep it clean?
A: This may seem more difficult than you think but washing and spot cleaning your playthings regularly will not only extend the life of them, but it will keep it clean and safe to play with as well. While you want to make sure it is safe, a clean plaything is just as important. It is important to keep your little one’s things) clean because you never know when they will be biting or chewing on it. If they are not clean, this will allow for bacteria to grow and possible sickness.
Q: I have a newborn, what is best recommended for newborns?
A: Based on our research, newborns are considered 0-12 months old. We recommend that parents with newborns make sure that whatever is purchased is a safe option. With that being said, products that have small pieces or sharp edges are not recommended. We recommend options that include as rattlers, teethers, bright vivid colors, lights, and sounds. There are a handful of items on our top ten list that are perfect for newborns.
Q: Are there any benefits to options that light up, make sounds and play music?
A: From our research, we believe that products that light up, make sounds and play music can play a positive and negative role in your child’s play time. Some parents believe that having these features will help with their learning and development stages, meanwhile, other parents believe that all they do is hinder their little one’s development. Some parents believe that these don’t provide a positive impact because their child is only pressing a button or pulling a lever, which is not really teaching or allowing them to interact with the plaything. We understand that these options are features to be considered when purchasing the best things for your little one.
Q: Should I purchase electronic options (includes video games) for my little one?
A: In this day and age, technology plays a huge role in our society. From our research, we found that electronic options can positively and negatively impact your child’s learning and development. Some parents are for electronic products and some are against it. We believe that this is a personal preference and should be thought out completely before purchasing. Everything in moderation is good so it is critical to set boundaries and limits for your little one.
