Parents and toy manufacturers understand the crucial role toys play in the physical and social development of children. Toys encourage your little one to participate in open-ended play sessions, which develops their overall cognitive skills.
One of the best ways to sharpen your child’s personality is to provide them with toddler ride-on toys. By getting the best ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids, you are able to embolden them to participate in physical activity.
A ride-on toy is basically a term used by toy manufacturers to describe any toy a child can ride. It can take the form of a simple scooter or tricycle, which a toddler can pedal around the house or the yard. There are more advanced ride-on toys built to resemble a car, tractors, airplanes, etc.
Comparison Table:
When you look for ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids on the internet, I can guarantee you that you will be blown away by the amazing variety. This variety can be a little confusing, especially for first-time parents. To help you make a great choice when it comes to toys, I have compiled this comprehensive and informative buying guide.
Top Picks Ride On Toy for 1-Year-Old
So, here are the top 14 ride-on toys currently available in the market today. Please remember all of these reviews are based on my personal experiences and hopefully, the reviews can help you.
1. Little People Ride-On Toys
One-year-old children are still in the early stages of development. They can crawl around pretty well and some of them even start to walk around the house. If you have a munchkin like this at home, then this Music Parade Ride-On toy is an amazing infant push car.
The toy is shaped like a car and it is soft purple in color, which makes it quite attractive for children. It has a friendly face in the front which certainly amuses a child. The grille of the car has a musical keyboard with 5 brightly-colored keys. Each key is equipped to activate one of the 5 unique marching tunes.
The seat of this product is comfortable and is the perfect size for 1 year olds. It can be lifted to reveal a top-secret storage compartment where your little one can store all their favorite toys and snacks. This parade themed ride-on toy comes fully equipped with a bunch of exciting musical sound effects to engage your child.
The dashboard of the ride-on toy has a drum and a trumpet instead of a steering wheel so your little one can get into the parade and musical mood. I like how this toy car is equipped with 4 stable and brightly colored wheels.
- Has a purple color.
- Equipped with 5 unique marching tunes to engage your child.
- Storage compartment under the seat for storing essentials.
- Brightly colored wheels for better stability.
- AAA batteries are not eco-friendly.
2. AlloBebe Baby Balance Bike
This ride-on toy has a very distinctive appearance and is certainly memorable. For starters, it has an extremely attractive and high tech design that looks like it came from a science fiction movie. This unit has many amazing functionalities that make it one of the best baby ride-on toys.
The floor-to-seat height of this riding toy can be adjusted easily, and this is the kind of toy that grows with your child. It is the perfect ride-on toy for your 1 year old child and continues to be a constant companion for your boisterous little toddler. This toy also helps in developing your child’s coordination.
Along with that, this bike does not have a pedal and is intended as a scooting toy. Your child can sit on the bike and push off the floor with their feet – which aids them to scoot all over the house. The wheels are designed to be silent, and they do not make any bothersome noises. The adjustable seat is very comfy as well.
On the other hand, the turning radius of this scooting toy is only 50 degrees. This means there is no risk of your child losing balance and falling sideways. This baby balance bike is very easy to assemble as the accompanying assembly instructions are simple and intuitive.
- Adjustable seat and height for better seating.
- Easy to assemble.
- The turning angle is small for greater safety.
- The wheels are silent and don’t make bothersome noises.
- There are no emergency brakes.
3. Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘n Trike
This is easily one of the most impressive ride-on toys for 1 year olds and above. I am a huge admirer of the ride-on toys made by Radio Flyer, and this 4-in-1 Stroll ‘n Trike is going to be a constant companion to your little child.
This riding toy actually has 4 modes, which are intended for use by children of different ages. Firstly, there’s a stroller mode which is perfect for infants and babies. Then there are two trike modes for older kids who are learning to ride. Lastly, there is a tricycle mode for older children.
Different from other ride-on toys in this list, this product has an adjustable canopy which protects your little one from UV radiation while they are outdoors. There is also an adjustable and removable push handle attached to the back of the toy for parents’ convenience. The seat comes with a 3-point harness seat belt and a removable footrest for young riders. This is perfect for all kids.
This ride-on toy is perfect for children who are eighteen months old and it is sturdy enough to handle a weight of 50 pounds. The large front wheel of the tricycle comes with pedals that are adjustable and easy to use. The unit has a robust steel frame too.
- Strong steel frame for greater support.
- 4-in-1 functionalities for all ages.
- Able to transform to a push toy.
- Adjustable canopy, footrests and harness seat belt for safety.
- Multiple functionalities as a stroller, a trike, and a tricycle.
- Assembly is time-consuming and confusing.
4. TOMY Scoot Tractor Toy
This Sit ‘N Scoot Tractor is a unique farm-themed ride-on toy. It is designed especially for children who are just learning how to walk around and scoot. This tractor looks exactly like the authentic John Deere tractors, and has the brand’s iconic bottle green and yellow paint job.
This is one of the right ride-on toys for 1 year old boys and girls alike as it comes with a simple and elegant foot to floor mechanism. All they have to do is sit on the tractor’s adjustable seat and scoot the thing all over by pushing with their legs.
I think this is the kind of product that helps your little one to develop their gross motor skills and polish their sense of spatial awareness. It is very important for 1 year old children to get plenty of exercises and open ended play at this tender age. The manufacturer of this ride-on toy also made a big improvement. Because it had been made to be more lightweight and stable for easy maneuverability.
The unit comes with a big steering wheel that your little one can hold on to for support while scooting. You would love to know that the tractor has a large wheelbase designed for extra balance. Even if your child is not properly coordinated, this scooter ride-on toy is not going to tip over. Speaking about the installation, it is easy to assemble as well.
- Iconic John Deere tractor design for a stylish look.
- Foot to floor mechanism for scooting.
- Big steering wheel for better support while scooting.
- Develops motor skills and spatial awareness.
- Large wheelbase for extra balance.
- The front wheels do not turn.
5. VTech Alphabet Train
This ride-on toy train is loaded with many immersive and interactive features, which a developing child certainly enjoys. I love the design of the train engine, which has a lot of chunky buttons and dials. This helps your little one in developing gross motor skills.
This is one of the best sit and ride toys for 1 year old kids and older. The train has a detachable caboose which grows with your child as they progress from infants to toddlers. The caboose can function as a baby walker, a ride-on toy, and a pull wagon at the same time. That is why it is perfect for all ages.
The train engine is loaded with interactive features and can be used as a floor toy itself. Ten unique electronic activities can be accessed by the child by pressing the right buttons. This ride-on toy has a storybook mode and a soothing music mode and the engine comes pre-loaded with more than 100 songs/melodies. All these together can engage your little kid in the best way.
The engine of the train has a steering handle for your child while they’re taking the train out for a spin. Because this is a scooter toy, your child can use the simple foot to floor mechanism to propel their ride. One more thing I would like to add is that VTech includes alphabet blocks, which enhances the cognitive skills of the child.
- Detachable caboose that can store toys.
- The engine can be used for floor play.
- 10+ fun activities and 100+ songs to engage your kiddo.
- Grow with your toddler.
- It is rather expensive.
6. Best Ride on Cars Mercedes
This is a stylish and high-quality stroller cum ride-on toy you can use for your young auto fan. This ride-on toy car is designed to look exactly like a miniature version of Mercedes Benz Coupe. It has a 4-in-1 function which allows it to be used as a stroller.
This toy car comes with a removable handlebar and backrest, which is a very convenient addition for the parents. It has attractive features like working LED lights and battery operated music players, so your child can be entertained. Apart from that, I was impressed with the realistic aux cables and SD card readers, which are all 100% functional and realistic.
If you want to buy ride-on cars for 1 year olds, this is probably the best product you can find. It comes with a bunch of convenient safety features which enable the parents to control the speed of the car. Your toddler can just stay in the seat and have a gala time being pushed around by their parents.
The car has a removable footrest, which can be adjusted according to the height and age of the toddler. As your child grows, you can keep adjusting the footrests so they can push the car around with their feet. The steering wheel and other features are also very cool.
- Realistic and stylish design and appearance.
- Removable handlebar and backrest for pushing.
- Functional LED lights, music player, aux cable, etc.
- Adjustable footrests and steering wheel for better operability.
- Doesn’t have seatbelts.
7. Fisher Price Ride Puppy
Fisher Price has always been a pioneer when it comes to toys for developing children, and this puppy ride-on toy is the cutest thing I have ever seen. This product is built to look like a friendly and adorable puppy that transforms seamlessly from a walker to a simple ride-on toy.
What makes it special is that the toy has a wide wheel base and is equipped with 4 sturdy wheels made of high-quality plastic. They provide a lot of stability and develop the overall balance and coordination of the child. Additionally, the puppy’s head and ears wiggle adorably as the toddler pushes or rides the toy all over the house.
The memory of this dog-themed ride-on car for 1 year old kids is loaded with more than 50 songs, melodies, educational phrases and greetings. These stuffs play whenever your kid scoots around the house with their favorite puppy companion. These rhymes, songs, phrases, etc. enable all parents to get an early start on the overall education of your little one.
The side of the puppy is equipped with holes where your child can insert building blocks. This is a great way to teach them about shapes and numbers. I love the fact that you can actually “feed” the puppy by pushing blocks, shapes, etc. into its mouth. Well, to be precise this helps develop and perfect your child’s gross motor skills.
- Wide wheel base present for stability.
- Puppy’s head and ears wiggle when moved.
- Transforms from walker to ride-on toy.
- Strengthens the leg muscles.
- Wheels don’t work on all surfaces.
8. Disney Minnie Plane Ride-On Toy
If you want to get your little girl a ride-on toy that’s more exciting than a car, then you should get them this Minnie Mouse themed airplane ride-on toy. Minnie Mouse is one of the most enduring legacies of Disney so this adorable toy plane is definitely a wonderful present.
The cockpit of this ride-on toy airplane has many buttons, dials and flashing lights. While sitting in the cockpit, your little one can press these buttons and be enthralled by the ensuing lights and sounds. These enthralling effects are installed to stimulate the developing sensory systems of your growing child. When pressed, the buttons activate sound effects, phrases, etc.
When the key button is pressed, the plane “starts” and the propellers start to spin. Your little one will be 100% ready for takeoff and engage in immersive play due to the realistic sound effects. The propellers spin fast but they are made out of soft foam so there is no risk of injury or harm.
The front wheel of this ride-on aeroplane toy is multidirectional and so you can make turns without losing balance and falling. There is a large rear handle designed to prevent children from falling. Parents can also use this handle to push their little ones around the house.
- Lots of buttons and flashing lights for better engagement.
- Adorable and authentic Minnie Mouse theme.
- Propellers are made out of soft foam for fast spinning.
- Multidirectional front wheel for safe turns.
- The size is small.
9. Paw Patrol Ride-On Vehicle
Paw Patrol is one of the most popular children’s TV shows currently – it has millions of young fans all over the world. If your little one is a fan of this TV show, then this ride-on cruiser is definitely one of the most appropriate ride-on cars for 1 year olds and toddlers.
The car has a very authentic design inspired directly by the TV show. In the front, there is a small action figure of one of the main police officers from the TV show. I love the distinctive police blue color of the cruiser and the blinking LED lights. I can assure you that your kid will love it.
This police cruiser ride-on toy has a handlebar equipped with buttons so your child can recreate the TV show experience at home. Along with that, you can activate the sound effects and tunes by using handlebars. There is a large storage space under the seat where your toddler can store their toys, snacks and other important goodies as well.
Apart from being a fun ride-on toy, you can give this product to a child who is learning how to walk. By hanging on to the ladder push bar, your child can use this ride-on police cruiser as a walker. This definitely develops their gross motor skills and their leg muscles.
- Authentic TV show-inspired design.
- The handlebar is equipped with light and sound effects to attract the child.
- Spacious under-seat storage area for proper storage.
- Can be used as a push car walker.
- It is quite smaller than average.
10. Ancaixin Baby Balance Bike
This baby balance bike is a perfect gift for little children who have just begun to stumble and walk. This stylish and beautiful ride-on toy has been designed to strengthen the child’s leg muscles and improve their gross motor skills. The smooth modular design makes this toy easy to assemble.
The frame of this product is carbon steel, which is extremely lightweight and strong. Even if your baby knocks the ride-on toy, it won’t suffer any damage at all. The seat of this ride-on bike is very soft and comfortable and it is designed ergonomically. Hence, it can easily withstand 50 pounds to 100 pounds of load.
The steering and turning radius is limited to 135 degrees, so your uncoordinated toddler does not tip over by mistake. This balance bike’s wheels are wide and enclosed so they do not accidentally hurt your baby’s feet. This toy develops the leg muscles, balance, etc. of the baby and helps them grow.
This toy subscribes to all the national and international consumer and child safety certifications required by the federal government. This balance bike has a fun foot to floor scooter mechanism, which familiarizes your child with tricycles and bicycles. When the time comes, they’ll be comfortable with a riding toy.
- Sturdy and can handle over 50 pounds of weight.
- Ergonomic and comfortable seat for convenience.
- Modular design makes it easy to assemble.
- Turning radius in 135 degrees that prevents tripping.
- Tends to be a bit unstable.
11. Labebe Baby Rocking Horse
A rocking horse is a very old toy that has been in existence for hundreds of years. However, the appeal of this unit has never lessened and it is one of the most popular toy varieties. This unicorn rocking horse is a marvelous ride-on toy for kids who love animals.
This particular rocking horse toy features an award-winning design which has a very cute plush exterior. The unicorn’s body is soft and cuddly and it has a plush horn on its head. The plush fabric is stuffed with PP cotton, which is sturdy and easy to clean as well. Furthermore, the PP cotton is well stitched.
The rocking mechanism of the horse is made of solid wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is extremely tough and sturdy. It is strong but also light enough to provide the child with a gentle rocking sensation. The workmanship of this rocking horse is of high quality and it is a good ride on toy.
I love how this rocking horse comes with a seat, which is basically intended for children who have trouble keeping their balance. The seat is equipped with safety belts, which keeps your child safe and tethered to the horse while it rocks.
- Soft unicorn with attractive
- Rocking mechanism of solid wood for better stability.
- Seat with safety belts for balance.
- Stuffed with high-quality PP cotton that’s easy-to-clean.
- Quite
12. iPlay iLearn Ride On Horse
This inflatable toy is just perfect for active little children who have started to walk and hop. This ride-on toy has a rubber airbag underneath shaped like a horse. It has a plush horse cover with a comfortable seat for the kid.
The first thing I noticed is the plastic inflatable part of the horse made of the same material as the exercise balls at the gym. This means they are tough and can easily handle the weight of a 1 year old kid. This horse also comes with a convenient and easy-to-use air pump.
The plush horse cover has a zipper design and can easily be removed and swapped with other fun designs as well. The fabric is tough and easy to clean. After a long play session, all you have to do is simply toss the horse in the washing machine and the dryer. The fabric is soft and just right for the baby skin.
I would say this toy helps develop your child’s gross motor skills and leg muscles. It also provides your little one with a way to engage in open-ended play and get loads of fun exercise. This increases the strength of your leg muscles and improves their coordination as well.
- Inflatable material is very tough.
- Comes with an air pump that’s easy to use.
- The plush cover is easy to clean.
- Improves child’s skills and coordination.
- Has a weird smell.
13. Little Tikes Ride-On Toy Car
If you are looking for baby cars for 1 year old girls, then this cozy coupe ride-on toy is the cutest and the best option available. It has a body design that allows your toddler to engage in hours and hours of imaginative and open-ended play.
I love how this car has a removable floor board. If you have a small child, you can push the floorboard in place and seat them in the car. Then, all you have to do is push the car around. Apart from that, if you have an older child who’s learning to walk, then you can take the floorboards out and push them.
The room of this cozy coupe has a handle on top, which allows you to push your kiddo about while you go for a ride in the sun. If your child is too young, just use the push handle to transform to a push car and move them along. This ride-along toy has an ergonomic high seatback and cup holders to provide your baby with extreme comfort.
You would be happy to know that this ride-on toy comes with fun buttons and switches designed to provide your child with a realistic and immersive experience. Moreover, this car is fitted with a horn that can be operated with a button. There is an ignition switch, with realistic sound effects as well.
- Removable floor board for all ages.
- Easy rotation to a push car with a removable handle for parents’ convenience.
- High seat back and cup holder for storage.
- Honking sound and ignition switch for better controls.
- Assembling it is rather complicated.
14. JAXPETY Electric Ride-On Toy
If you are looking for electric ride-on toys for 1 year olds, then I would definitely recommend you to buy this awesome yellow Audi ride-on car. It has an authentic design which will be loved by your toddler. This model has a 12V rechargeable battery, which increases functionality.
This car is filled with lots of enjoyable features that entertains and distracts your child for hours of imaginative play. It is equipped with flashing LED lights, music, honking horn, and a storybook function. This ride-on car also comes with a fully functional FM radio and MP3 player. Specially, the MP3 player has a USB and TF card slot for your convenience.
The interior upholstery of the car is realistic and is made of kid-friendly material which is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Thus you can let your kids play with this product for hours without worrying something can harm their health. The four wheels of this battery-powered ride-on toy for 1 year olds come with durable tires, making this car suitable for outdoor usage as well. Hence, you can even take your child for a ride on the street or sidewalk.
If you want to have ride-on toys for 1 year olds with remote control, then you should consider purchasing this car. With the remote control, you can control the speed of the car. The seat is spacious and comes with a multipurpose safety belt. Both doors have safety locks.
- Authentic and realistic Audi design.
- Offers fully functional FM radio.
- MP3 player has a USB slot for your own files.
- It has a 12V rechargeable battery for better functionality.
- Remote control allows parents to control speed.
- This ride-on toy is rather expensive.
What to Look for When Buying Ride On Toys for 1 Year Old
Many 1-year-old kids have already started walking by now, and so riding toys for kids can make them feel joyful and fun. It’s a fair question to ask what to look for when buying ride-on toys for kids. Choosing the ride toys for kids might not be easy for parents, and that’s why; here are some aspects which I would like to stress upon.
1. Safety
While shopping for battery-powered ride-on toys for 1 year old, safety should always be a parents’ priority. Like all parents out there, I faced a bit of struggle while picking up the right cars for 1 year olds. Even though it would be difficult to find a 100% safe toy, you can look for something with more safety features to protect your child.
Do not look for a ride-on toy that can risk your kid’s life. Choose Harley Davidson toys as they are quite safe, and my child loves Harley Davidson ride-on toys. While opting for bicycles or tricycles, you should check for sensible brakes.
Along with that, the battery of the ride-on should be away from kids. Moreover, ensure that your child is wearing safety gear while riding the vehicle, so they won’t get hurt even if they fall.
2. Balance
The perfect ride-on toys for your kids must have a lower center of gravity. As a result, there is a lesser chance that your 1 year old can get hurt even if the ride-on toy falls. I always prefer getting stronger ride-on toys for my kid so that it supports the body weight.
3. Power Source
The ride-on toys have several kinds of power sources like push toy, pedaling, battery-powered, maneuvered caster wheels, etc. helping the toy move forward. Pick up the right 18 months ride-on toy with the correct power source. Most importantly, consider the kid’s age while getting power source toys.
4. Size
The ride-on toy’s size is an essential aspect, and no way should you neglect it. According to me, you can prefer toys of 44 pounds as it’s safe and babies can easily ride on with these ride-on toys. While getting a bicycle, if you see that the legs are touching the steering wheel, you would need to change the toy. As kids grow soon, you should also be quite careful while purchasing the ride-on toys.
5. No Sharp Object
It is my personal suggestion that you look at the ride-on toys carefully before purchasing them. It should not have any sharp objects that can hurt your child. The Lionheart Wheely bug and Shape sorter can be an excellent choice for your youngster.
6. Age Criterion
Some ride-on toys are specifically designed according to the infant’s age, and you need to stick to that. Research about the toys before purchasing and ensure it’s suitable for your kid. You cannot ignore the fact that the age of the child plays an integral role.
Of course, if a ride-on toy is made for a 10 years old, can you imagine things will happen if you get it for your child. Therefore, consider the age criterion for great user experience.
7. Staying Power
Once your kids have seen the ride-on, they are not going to leave it for some time. Additionally, if they love it, they would like to spend more time with the toy. Therefore, you should ensure that your child can use it for a long time. Thus, look for toys that do not get spoiled, even if your kids use it for an extended time.
8. Problem-Solving And Exploration
While purchasing ride-on toys, I prefer to get toys that help my kids to learn new skills. In this aspect, why don’t you follow the same? While playing and enjoying, they can learn something that can be useful afterward. Such ride-on toys help youngsters develop fine motor skills, which would be quite beneficial in the future.
How Do I Keep My 1 Year Old Entertained
Keeping a 1-year old entertained is a challenging task as they do not seem to be convinced of everything you offer. Until the time the kids feel interested in some toys or some activity, it would challenge you to deal with them. Here are some ways through which you can keep your child entertained.
1. Record Rhymes And Play
The best thing is that your little ones love to listen to music and rhymes. In this aspect, you can play some rhymes which not only keeps them engaged but they can learn from it. Encourage them to play with the Mickey Mouse soft toy.
2. Go For Outing
Like indoor games, outdoor games are important for your child; I used to take my little one outside to play with water and sand. As a result, we get to spend some time with him, and he loves playing with it. It is a fun activity that mostly all toddlers like to do.
3. Play Cartoons
No one can deny how much kids love cartoons. Even when we were kids, we loved watching cartoons. Allow your kids to watch cartoons for some time as they love it. There would be one character with whom they fall in love with. Your little one might tell you to get a similar character toy for them.
4. Pour Water
Pour water with your kids and see their reaction; whether they try to do the same with you or not. Instead of taking a regular bath, you can take your kids to your garden area and enjoy playing with water. Once your little one gets tired, then you can get them inside. It is one of the ways you can make their day beautiful.
If you have a toddler, all above ideas definitely keep them busy. These ideas are easy to execute, and there is no danger, as well. I have seen that when you give your toddler exposure to watch cartoons and listen to rhymes, they learn a lot of things on their own. As a result, it would be easier for you to keep your kids entertained.
What Should A 1 Year Old Be Playing With
Most parents today give smartphones to their children and get busy in their life. But this is not right as it’s essential to spend time with them.
Personally speaking, I have never allowed my 1 year old to even touch my phone and have offered him with as many toys as I can. Not only that, I also have tried my best to spend more time with my kid.
Being parents, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you spend as much time as possible with your toddlers. Here are some games you can encourage your child to play in.
1. Color Matching Game
This game is perfect for toddlers as it uses pompoms. As a result, it helps your little one to learn some new colors while playing. My kid has loved this game and if you haven’t got it for your child, make sure you get it.
2. Ride-On Toys
Ride-on toys keep them engaged for a long time, so you can get some battery-operated toys, bicycles, etc. They love playing with such ride-on toys, keeping them more engaged. Moreover, by playing with these ride-on toys, your 1 year olds can be able to develop their skills as well as coordination.
3. Gardening
Nowadays, most of the time, kids stay inside the house, and as a result, they do not like to opt for outdoor games as they grow old. But being parents, it’s your responsibility to take your kids outdoors.
The other best way would be to do gardening with them. Make your kids understand how important it is to live in a greener environment and how trees are important to us. Water the plants and teach the importance of planting trees.
Well, there are no hard and fast rules you need to stick to the things mentioned here. You are a free bird, and you would know what’s good for your child. Thus, I would just tell you to go ahead with it.
Conclusion
This is all the information you must know to pick up the best ride on toys for 1 year old. Giving the right toy to your kid is essential, as it will keep them safe and entertained. The list mentioned above includes the best ride-on toys safe for kids.
By offering the kids exclusive toys, you help them develop fine motor skills. They can understand what they like and dislike. It helps their brain to grow and be more active instead of sleeping and relaxing the entire day.
I would love to see your kids enjoy the ride-on toys. Most importantly, ensure that you are keeping these aspects in mind while purchasing the ride-on toys. Overall, these awesome toys will keep your little one engaged.