Let me just say this upfront: no toy in the world replaces love, cuddles, and the wild encouragement we give our babies every day. But when my daughter was learning to crawl, and later, to walk, there were a few toys that actually made a difference.
This isn’t a list I googled or copied from Pinterest. These are the real-deal, hands-on toys we used at home — the ones that got her moving, giggling, tumbling, and trying again.
If you’re in that stage where you’re staring at your sweet little baby thinking, “Is it too early to crawl? Should I be doing something more?” — I see you. I asked the same thing.
Here’s what helped us, and maybe it’ll help you too.
🐣 First Things First: Every Baby Moves at Their Own Pace
I had to remind myself of this constantly.
My friend’s son started walking at 10 months. Mine? She waited until 14. And that’s completely fine. Babies aren’t robots. They’re little humans learning how to trust their own bodies — and that takes time.
So before I share the toys that helped us, just know: you’re doing great. Your baby is doing great. The goal isn’t rushing. The goal is supporting.
💛 The Toys That Encouraged Crawling in the Sweetest Ways
1. That Magical Light-Up Ball
I still remember the first time I saw her scoot forward for this. It was a colorful, bouncy ball that lit up and rolled away just far enough to tempt her. No pressure. No lessons. Just curiosity.
And that’s what did it.
Why it worked for us:
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It rolled, lit up, and made sounds (so she had to chase it)
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It kept her entertained long enough to try again and again
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It turned crawling into a game
That ball lived in our living room for months. Worth every penny.
2. Tummy Time Mirror Mat
Tummy time was a fight at first. She’d fuss, whine, and bury her face into the mat. Then I got a soft mirror with dangling toys and crinkly sides.
Game. Changer.
Why it helped:
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She could see herself (and babies are fascinated by faces)
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The sounds and colors kept her interested
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It made tummy time less about "doing the thing" and more about play
She went from hating it to staying down for 15–20 minutes. Total win.
3. Scooting Turtle Pull Toy
This one still makes me smile. It was a little plush turtle on wheels with a soft cord. At first, I pulled it while she watched. Then she started chasing it. Then she tried to pull it herself.
It was like a little crawling coach dressed as a turtle.
🚶 The Toys That Helped Her Walk (Without Me Hovering Every Second)
Walking is a whole different journey. It’s messy, exciting, and honestly, a little scary. These toys gave her something to hold onto, push around, and lean on—without relying on my hands every step of the way.
1. Sit-to-Stand Walker With Activity Panel
If I could recommend just one walking toy, it’s this.
The front had buttons, music, spinning things—and the back had a sturdy handle. She started by sitting in front of it. Then one day, she pulled herself up and pushed it across the room.
I cried. Not even kidding.
What I loved about it:
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Grows with your baby (sitting ➝ standing ➝ walking)
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Wheels are adjustable so it doesn’t zoom off
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It became her favorite thing to “drive” around the house
2. Ride-On That Converts Into a Push Toy
This one doubled as a car she could ride and push.
Sometimes she’d sit and scoot. Other times she’d stand and push it like a tiny boss. It gave her confidence and made her feel independent, which was the biggest win of all.
Bonus: We still use it today (and she’s almost 2). It lasted through all the phases.
3. Classic Wooden Block Walker
If you like the old-school stuff, this is gold. It’s literally a wooden cart filled with blocks. No lights, no sounds. Just solid, beautiful simplicity.
It was heavier than the plastic walkers, so it gave her more control when she was still wobbly. And when she got tired of walking, she’d sit and build towers.
💡 What I Learned (That No Toy Could Teach)
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Give them space to fall (safely). It’s part of the process.
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Cheer every step—even the wobbly ones that end in a bump.
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Celebrate the little victories: one knee forward, one toe tap, one second of balance.
Babies don’t need to be pushed. They need to be encouraged.
The toys helped, yes. But your voice? Your smile? Your excitement when they crawl two inches? That’s what they remember.
A Note for the Overwhelmed Mama (Because I Was Her Too)
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Am I doing enough?”—please hear me: You already are.
Buying every toy isn’t the goal. Giving your baby a safe, loving, and curious environment is.
Use what works. Ignore what doesn’t. Laugh through the chaos. And soak in these tiny, unforgettable moments… because the crawling stage? It flies.
