A Parent’s Guide to Push Along Cars: Enhance Your Toddler’s Playtime

The main difference between push along ride on cars and electric kids cars is the mode of operation and intended age group. Push-along cars are manually powered by a child’s feet pushing off the ground (building leg strength and encouraging physical activity!) or by a parent safely steering the toy with a handle. Electric ride on cars are powered by a 6v, 12v or 24v battery and can reach top speeds of 8mph. They more closely mimic actual vehicles with extra features like digital monitors, forward and reverse modes and even USB MP3 inputs. However, this increased power and complexity requires the wannabe racer to understand basic safety concepts, such as stopping and steering, making electric ride-ons better suited for older children.

Push along cars are generally suitable for toddlers aged between 1 and 3 years old. Choosing a suitable ride on for a toddler is not just about picking the most colourful toy or the car with the most sound effects and buttons. Of course, these considerations are still key for finding a toy that will become a cherished part of playtime! But put your child’s safety first and place age appropriateness front and centre of your push along selection process.

• Push along car for a 1 year old:

  For the youngest adventurers, safety and stability are number one. Look for push along cars with broad wheels, low ground clearance, and comfortable seats with back support. Plus, at this age, push toys that double as walkers can also encourage those precious first steps.

• Push along ride on toys for 2 year olds:

  Two-year-olds, with their improved balance and coordination, can handle more dynamic models. Cars with steering features encourage the development of these fundamental motor skills — although parent handles remain vital for control and safety!

When it comes to toddlers and their boundless energy, push along cars are a fantastic way for them to explore the world around them. However, as with any activity involving young children, safety must always be the top priority. Here are a few tips to keep your child safe while they drive their push along car:

• Use parent handles: these are indispensable for maintaining vehicle control, especially with younger kids or when using the toy in a busier area. They allow you to steer the car away from potential hazards while your tot enjoys the ride.

Push along cars can be driven both inside and outside in the garden. However, before your child takes their push along the car for a spin, assess the area for dangers first, as hidden hazards can lurk both inside and outdoors.

Create a safe circuit at home by covering sharp edges on furniture with baby-proof corner guards and moving breakable objects out of the way. Open-plan areas like living rooms and playrooms are ideal as they usually have ample space for babies to buzz about without bumping into things and soft carpeted floors to cushion any tumbles.

Push along toy models range from race cars to roller coasters, here are a few of the most thrilling and fun types currently on the market:

Push Along Cars

Classic push along cars come in an assortment of styles, colours, and themes and often replicate Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lamborghini and other iconic brands for an authentic driving experience.

Push Along Tractors

Is your little one fascinated by farm life or big machinery? Then watch them harvest a whole heap of fun with a push along tractor! These robust toys have chunky anti-slip wheels suitable for bumpy terrains and a strong metal frame, providing extra durability.

Some models also include detachable trailers for hauling toys and sand, inspiring creativity as they pretend to care for crops or feed farm animals.

Toddler Roller Coasters

Take the concept of push along toys to the next level with an exhilarating toddler roller coaster! These toys include a small, child-friendly coaster car and a sloping track that you can quickly assemble in your garden or playroom.

Push along cars are a blank canvas for creativity! Use the following ride on games to make cherished memories and bond with your little one. And remember, the joy is not just in the play itself but in the laughter, learning, and love shared along the way.

Mini Road Trip Adventure

Organise a short “road trip” through your house and garden with designated stops, each with a mini activity, such as a snack break, a quick storytelling session, or a simple puzzle.

Traffic Light Game

Teach your child about the highway code with a simple stop-and-go game. Use coloured paper or toy traffic lights to signal red (stop), yellow (slow down), and green (go), testing their reaction times and understanding of safety cues.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Create an obstacle course suitable for push along cars, using cushions, toys, and other non-breakable household items. The course can include areas where the driver needs to manoeuvre carefully, speed up, or even get off and push their car, enhancing motor skills, planning, and problem-solving abilities.

From enhancing your child’s physical abilities to nurturing cognitive and emotional growth, push along cars can make a huge difference in early development. Let’s explore the multifaceted advantages of these engaging toys:

• Fine-tuning motor skills: when babies and toddlers steer their push along car, they learn to coordinate their actions. Plus, many ride-ons have movable parts and interactive features like buttons or levers. Manipulating these elements helps them refine their motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as writing and self-feeding.

• Encourage problem-solving: encountering obstacles during play teaches children to think creatively and solve problems. And, as they steer through different spaces, they gain more spatial awareness and learn to judge distances and sizes.
• Boost confidence and independence: mastering the control of a push along car and successfully navigating their toy around obstructions gives the driver a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to take on new challenges.
• Spark social interaction: ride on toys aren’t only for children to enjoy by themselves — they’re also excellent for adding an extra element of fun to a play date or for siblings to share. In group scenarios, these toys enhance communication and negotiation skills.