Take a Toy for a Walk

1. 1

   Choose a favorite pull-along toy with wheels. Invite your child to hold the string and take the toy for a walk.

2. 2

   Pulling a toy calls for several movements at once: your child grips the string, pulls with their arm, walks, and sometimes looks back to adjust their pace or direction.

3. 3

   The toy may tip over, get stuck, or leave the string tangled near your child’s feet. These small problems give your child a chance to try a solution.

4. 4

   Give them time to adjust the toy or try a different movement. If they keep trying without success, step in and help.

What to notice

• Pulls a wheeled toy while walking Fine Motor
• Tries a different approach when the pull-along toy gets stuck Reasoning and Problem-Solving

Tips

• If your child is unsure how to begin, demonstrate by pulling the toy for a few steps.
• Any sturdy wheeled pull-along toy can work. The key experience is using the string to control how the toy follows.

Developmental benefits

• Movement: Holding the string while walking and changing direction helps your baby coordinate hand control with whole-body movement.
• Cognitive: Trying a new action when the toy or string gets stuck gives your baby practice adjusting their approach to solve a simple problem.