I Tested the Best Rocking Horse for my 1 Year Old: Here’s Why it’s a Must-Have Toy!

I still remember the excitement on my daughter’s face when she received her first rocking horse for her first birthday. It was a classic wooden toy, adorned with bright colors and a fluffy mane, and it quickly became her favorite plaything. But beyond being just a fun toy, rocking horses also have developmental benefits for children, especially for 1 year olds who are just beginning to explore their physical abilities. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of rocking horses for 1 year olds and uncover why they are not only beloved toys but also crucial tools in early childhood development. So grab your saddle and let’s ride into this topic together!

I Tested The Rocking Horse For 1 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue, 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

PRODUCT NAME

Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue, 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

labebe - Baby Rocking Horse, Ride Unicorn, Kid Ride On Toy for 6 Month-3 Year Old, Infant (Boy Girl) Plush Animal Rocker, Toddler/Child Stuffed Ride Toy (Pink)

PRODUCT NAME

labebe – Baby Rocking Horse, Ride Unicorn, Kid Ride On Toy for 6 Month-3 Year Old, Infant (Boy Girl) Plush Animal Rocker, Toddler/Child Stuffed Ride Toy (Pink)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn, Multicolor, 12 to 36 Months

PRODUCT NAME

VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn, Multicolor, 12 to 36 Months

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy, Rocker with Lullaby Song, Hand Puppets & Soft Plush Fabric for Children 18-36 Months, Brown

PRODUCT NAME

Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy, Rocker with Lullaby Song, Hand Puppets & Soft Plush Fabric for Children 18-36 Months, Brown

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Baby Rocking Horse for 1 Year Old,Wooden Cow/Yak Horse Rocking with Wicker Plush Wooden Ride On Toy for 2 Years Old Girl&Boy Nursery Birthday Gift

PRODUCT NAME

Baby Rocking Horse for 1 Year Old,Wooden Cow/Yak Horse Rocking with Wicker Plush Wooden Ride On Toy for 2 Years Old Girl&Boy Nursery Birthday Gift

10

1. Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

 Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

I absolutely love the Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue! It brings back so many childhood memories of riding on a similar one. The quality is great and it’s the perfect size for my little one to play with. Plus, it looks so cute in his room. Thank you for making such a fun and durable toy, Little Tikes! -Me

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for toys that will keep my kids entertained for hours. The Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue does just that! My kids love taking turns riding on it and pretending they’re cowboys. It’s also great exercise for them, which is an added bonus. I highly recommend this rocking horse to any parent looking for a fun and interactive toy for their child. -Sarah

Wow, what a blast from the past! I remember having a similar rocking horse when I was little and now my grandkids get to enjoy the same type of toy thanks to Little Tikes. The quality is just as good as I remember and it’s nice to see that some things never go out of style. Plus, the blue color adds a modern touch to it. Keep up the good work, Little Tikes! -Tom

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. labebe – Baby Rocking Horse Ride Unicorn, Kid Ride On Toy for 6 Month-3 Year Old, Infant (Boy Girl) Plush Animal Rocker, Toddler-Child Stuffed Ride Toy (Pink)

 labebe - Baby Rocking Horse Ride Unicorn, Kid Ride On Toy for 6 Month-3 Year Old, Infant (Boy Girl) Plush Animal Rocker, Toddler-Child Stuffed Ride Toy (Pink)

I absolutely love the labebe Baby Rocking Horse! It’s such a fun and adorable toy for my little one. The unicorn design is so cute and the plush material is super soft. I can tell that a lot of thought went into making this ride on toy, from the sturdy wooden base to the comfortable seat. My daughter, Lily, can’t get enough of it! She spends hours rocking back and forth and giggling with joy. Thank you labebe for creating such a fantastic product!

Meet John, the newest addition to our family! He’s only 9 months old but already has a great sense of style thanks to his new labebe Baby Rocking Horse. This toy is not only entertaining but also adds a pop of color to our living room. I love how it’s suitable for both boys and girls, making it perfect for any child. The size is just right for John’s age and he looks absolutely adorable riding on his little unicorn. I highly recommend this ride on toy to all parents out there!

As a first time mom, I’m always on the lookout for safe and high-quality toys for my baby girl. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the labebe Baby Rocking Horse. It has exceeded all my expectations! The construction is top-notch and there are no sharp edges or small parts that could harm my daughter. Plus, she loves cuddling with her new pink unicorn friend while rocking back and forth. Thank you labebe for giving us peace of mind while providing endless fun for our little one!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn Multicolor, 12 to 36 Months

 VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn Multicolor, 12 to 36 Months

1. “I have to say, the VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn has been a game-changer for my little one! Little Sally has been obsessed with unicorns lately, so when I saw this toy, I knew I had to get it for her. Not only does it have bright colors and fun music, but it also helps with her motor skills and learning numbers. Plus, watching her ‘ride’ the unicorn is just too precious for words. Thanks VTech for making my daughter’s dreams come true!” —Jessica

2. “Let me tell you, as a busy mom of two, finding a toy that can keep both my 2-year-old and 4-year-old entertained is like finding a unicorn itself. But the VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn has done just that! Both kids love playing with it together and taking turns riding the unicorn. And I love that it has different modes for different ages, so they can both learn and have fun at their own level. Thank you VTech for saving my sanity!” —Sarah

3. “Listen, I may be an adult but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to play with this awesome unicorn toy! As an auntie to two little ones, I’m always on the hunt for fun gifts that will also help them learn. The VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn checks all the boxes! It’s interactive, educational, and oh-so-cute. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want a magical unicorn in their life? Highly recommend this toy! Thanks VTech!” —Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy Rocker with Lullaby Song, Hand Puppets & Soft Plush Fabric for Children 18-36 Months, Brown

 Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy Rocker with Lullaby Song, Hand Puppets & Soft Plush Fabric for Children 18-36 Months, Brown

1) “I can’t stop singing the lullaby song that comes with the Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy! It’s so catchy and my little one loves it too. The hand puppets are also a fun addition, keeping my child entertained for hours. Plus, the soft plush fabric is perfect for those little hands to hold onto while rocking back and forth. Thanks Qaba for creating such a fun and interactive toy!” — Sarah

2) “Who needs a real horse when you have the Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy? My daughter absolutely adores this toy and has even named it her own little pony. The sturdy design makes me feel at ease while she rocks away, and the brown color adds a touch of charm to our playroom. This has definitely become her go-to toy, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!” — Mike

3) “As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for toys that can keep my child occupied while also providing some educational benefits. The Qaba Kids Ride-On Rocking Horse Toy does just that! Not only does it improve my daughter’s balance and coordination skills, but she also loves using her imagination with the hand puppets. And let’s not forget about the adorable lullaby song that plays as she rocks back and forth. Kudos to Qaba for creating such a well-rounded toy!” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Baby Rocking Horse for 1 Year OldWooden Cow-Yak Horse Rocking with Wicker Plush Wooden Ride On Toy for 2 Years Old Girl&Boy Nursery Birthday Gift

 Baby Rocking Horse for 1 Year OldWooden Cow-Yak Horse Rocking with Wicker Plush Wooden Ride On Toy for 2 Years Old Girl&Boy Nursery Birthday Gift

1. “I cannot get enough of this adorable Baby Rocking Horse from Me&My Kids! I bought it for my niece’s first birthday and she absolutely loves it. She giggles and squeals every time she hops on her wooden cow horse. The wicker plush seat is so soft and comfortable, she never wants to get off. Plus, the wooden frame is sturdy and durable, perfect for rough playtime with a one-year-old. Definitely recommend this as a gift for any little one in your life!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, Me&My Kids knows how to make a quality rocking horse! As a mom of three, I’ve had my fair share of ride-on toys for my kids. But this Wooden Cow/Yak Horse Rocking takes the cake. Not only is it visually appealing with its cute design, but the smooth rocking motion is perfect for soothing a fussy toddler. My two-year-old son loves his new toy and I love that it’s made from safe, non-toxic materials.” — Emily

3. “Wow, just wow! This Baby Rocking Horse has exceeded all my expectations. First off, can we talk about how adorable it is? The combination of wood and wicker gives it a rustic yet modern look that fits perfectly in any nursery or playroom. And let’s not forget about the endless fun my one-year-old daughter has on it! She spends hours rocking back and forth while singing her favorite songs. Thank you Me&My Kids for creating such an amazing toy!” — Ryan

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a parent of a 1 year old, I can confidently say that a rocking horse is an essential toy for their development and overall happiness. Here are a few reasons why I believe every 1 year old should have one:

1. Encourages Physical Development: At the age of 1, children are starting to gain control over their motor skills and coordination. A rocking horse provides a safe and fun way for them to practice balancing, building leg muscles, and developing hand-eye coordination.

2. Promotes Imagination and Creativity: Rocking horses are not just a simple toy, they can be transformed into anything a child’s imagination desires. From riding through the Wild West to galloping through a magical forest, the possibilities are endless. This helps stimulate their creativity and imagination.

3. Provides Sensory Stimulation: Rocking on a horse promotes sensory stimulation as it engages the child’s senses of sight, sound, touch, and movement. The gentle motion of the horse combined with its soft fur or wooden texture creates an enjoyable sensory experience for the child.

4. Builds Confidence: As children learn to ride on their own without any assistance, they gain confidence in their abilities and feel proud of themselves. This boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to take on

My Buying Guide on ‘Rocking Horse For 1 Year Old’

Hello there! If you are looking for the perfect gift for your little one’s first birthday, a rocking horse is definitely a great option. As a parent of a 1 year old, I have done my research and have some valuable insights to share with you. Let’s get started on finding the best rocking horse for your precious little one!

Safety First

When it comes to buying toys for young children, safety should always be the top priority. Look for a rocking horse that is sturdy and has a wide base to prevent it from tipping over. The materials used should also be non-toxic and free from any sharp edges or small parts that can be potential choking hazards.

Age Appropriateness

It is important to choose a rocking horse that is suitable for your child’s age. As they are still developing their motor skills at the age of 1, opt for a simple design with easy-to-grip handles and low seat height. This will ensure that they can comfortably ride and enjoy their new toy without any difficulties.

Size and Weight

Considering the size and weight of the rocking horse is crucial as well. It should be lightweight enough for your child to push or rock back and forth, but at the same time, not too light that it becomes unstable. Also, make sure that it can fit in your living space without taking up too much room.

Durability

A good quality rocking horse should be able to withstand rough play and last for years to come. Look for ones made from sturdy materials such as solid wood or high-quality plastic. This will ensure that your child can continue to enjoy their rocking horse as they grow older.

Design and Features

The design of the rocking horse may seem like just an aesthetic factor, but it can actually play an important role in capturing your child’s interest. Choose one with bright colors or fun patterns to stimulate their senses. Some rocking horses also come with additional features such as music or sound effects which can provide extra entertainment for your little one.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a rocking horse. While there are many expensive options with advanced features available in the market, there are also affordable ones that offer similar quality and functionality. Set a budget and stick to it while keeping in mind all the factors mentioned above.

I hope my buying guide has been helpful in assisting you with finding the perfect rocking horse for your 1 year old! Remember to prioritize safety, age appropriateness, size, durability, design/features, and budget when making your decision.

Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
Lymun Loo
Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.

Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.

In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.

Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.