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Best Rocking Horse for Children

Published May 26th, 2020 10:46AM EDT

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You’re going to have your hands full if you’re a parent. But when your child is only a few years old or even just a year old, they take up most or your undivided attention and with good reason. It’s your job to provide for them and to make sure they are getting all that they need. But you also sometimes just want to have a nice calm afternoon where you can let them play and you can rest a bit. If you get them a rocking horse for your home, it is proven that they can be occupied for a long time while enjoying the motion. A rocking horse is a timeless piece that adds a wonderful aesthetic to any home. Plus, you won’t have to bring them to the mechanical ones that you may see in strip malls that cost a dollar or so. This can be a fun addition for your child and we’ve highlighted five of the best we’ve found on the market. Take a look and then take in the smile on your child’s face as they rock back and forth.

Give your child their horse of choice

Best Animal Variety

If your son or daughter is into unicorns, elephants, peacocks, or pretty much any other type of animal, you’ll be able to get them a rocker in that shape, courtesy of Animal Adventure. This is perfect for the ages of three and up and is extremely well-crafted for everyday usage. This has soft embroidered details and added seat accessories that help bring personality to each and every character. The reins are movable and perfectly sized for small hands to give your child the full effect. You can choose between 17 different characters or animals, with even Scooby Doo as an option. They typically all measure around 28″ x 12″ x 22″ and can withstand a child up to 75 pounds. Each one is delivered already assembled and you only need to spot clean it if it gets dirty. The materials are durable and made from polyester fabrics.

Key Features:

  • Comes in 17 different animal options
  • Can hold up to 75 pounds
  • Reins are perfectly sized for small hands
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Help your son or daughter gain important balance skills

Best Developmental Rocker

Learning how to balance and stay upright is something toddlers can struggle with. With the help of the B. toys by Battat Kazoo Wooden Rocking Zebra, your child will improve motor skills. This is a plush ride made in the classic wooden style. This is a cuddly and durable addition to your home. The handles are made from natural hardwood so they are easy to grab. There is a wooden ball inside the rocker that makes a clip-clop sound as it rocks, making it sound like a real horse. This has been tested and meets the highest safety standards.

Key Features:

  • Plush ride made in the classic wooden style
  • Hardwood handles are easy to grab
  • Wooden ball inside that makes a clip-clop sound
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Your child can rock indoors or outdoors

Best for Inside or Outside

Great for a bedroom or the lawn, the Little Tikes Rocking Horse Magneta is sure to be your child’s new favorite toy. This is one of the most classic Little Tikes toys and it is a small size, so it can easily fit in your home. The saddle is low, meaning your child will be able to remain stable while riding. The seat is designed to prevent the child from falling forwards or backwards as they rock. The handles are larger and thicker, making them easy to grip. It can hold up to 50 pounds and all parts of it are smoothly rounded, so there won’t be any sharp edges.

Key Features:

  • Low saddle for stability
  • Large and thick handles
  • Can hold up to 50 pounds
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Pass down a rocker from child to child

Best Multi-Generational Rocker

If you have multiple kids, you’re not going to want to buy a new rocker for each kid. With the Happy Trails Giraffe Plush Rocking Animal, this can handle many years of use. This is meant for ages two years and up and provides a high seating area, thanks to the 19″ high seat. It is extremely durable, with a weight capacity of 80 pounds. Overall is measures 30.5″ x 14.25″ x 30″, so it will take up some room to give your child a more complete ride. It is soft and plush to the touch but is made from a wood core on sturdy wooden rockers.

Key Features:

  • Meant for ages two and up
  • Provides a high seating area
  • Weight capacity of 80 pounds
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Get a rocker that’s meant for kids of all sizes

Most Realistic

Built to last and remain through many uses, the Melissa & Doug Plush Rocking Horse is a quality purchase. This sturdy rocker features ultra-soft fur and a realistic saddle and bridle. It makes a galloping noise when the ears are pressed, giving your child a fun rocking experience. This is easily mounted on a solid wooden rocking base that can accommodate 150 pounds. There is great attention to detail and it is recommended for ages two and up.

Key Features:

  • Features ultra-soft fur and a realistic saddle and bridle
  • Easily mounted on a solid wooden rocking base
  • Can accommodate 150 pounds
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Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.