Which push / ride-on toy to buy for 1 yo?

[CharlotteMommy]

I'm looking for a ride on toy that I can use to push my 1 yo for walks in the neighborhood. Any recommendations?

The Step 2 Push Around Buggy gets good reviews, but has many comments regarding its small size. I'm worried that she'll outgrow it soon.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11217999

The Step 2 Whisper Ride Buggy also has good reviews, but many have commented that it has a poorly made handle that falls apart after a few weeks / months.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2763857

Anyone have any experience with these toys or any other recommendations? TIA!!

[jam224]

I HIGHLY recommend the Step 2 Sportster (http://www.step2.com/p/Easy-Steer-Sportster)! I just bought it a couple of months ago for my 15mo and she LOVES it!
*It's bigger/roomier than the popular Push Around Buggy.
*The handle folds underneath the car for easy transport.
*The caster wheel in the front makes this car turn on a dime! It is seriously SO NICE to push!
*While on a neighborhood walk, another parent commented on how quiet it is, compared to the one they have (don't know which car that is).

Personal preference, but I actually really like that it looks like a CAR and not a cartoon. It is very solidly built; I can definitely see this lasting more than one kid. Or being able to sell very well on Craigslist.

I ended up buying it through the Step 2 site because unfortunately, not very many vendors carry it. Step 2 has the most reasonable shipping cost, by far.

ETA: I forgot to add one minor thing. While I'm very impressed with the car overall, I will say that I was slightly disappointed that they skimped on the horn. The horn is one of those squeaky-type horns; it's awfully wimpy. However, we remedied that with this Little Tykes keychain (http://www.littletikes.com/kids-toys/discoversounds-keychain) I found on sale at my local TJ Maxx. The keychain is hooked onto the steering wheel and the button is large and easy for DD to push for a more realistic horn & engine revving sound. Makes the car a little more fun! ;)

[katydid1971]

The 30th Anniversary Cozy Coupe has a handle and a floor you can take in and out. I think it would be played with longer.
http://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-cozy-coupe-30th-anniversary-edition/-/A-11134588?ref=tgt_adv_XSC10001&AFID=shopping_df&LNM=|11134588&CPNG=toys&ci_src=13736960&ci_sku=11134588&

[candaceb]

We have a Step 2 buggy that was a hand-me-down, and my friend got it as hand-me-down too, so it has been through several kids. It is a little worse for wear but still works well and DS has been using it for over a year. We also have Radio Flyer push car that looks really cute but it no longer pushes well - the front wheels get stuck in one place.
http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Sport-Coupe-Red/dp/B000U1VFMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345568145&sr=8-1&keywords=radio+flyer+push+car

[Giantbear]

DD love her Step 2 Push Around Buggy, but i have to admit, the step 2 sportster looks cool. I would not get the cozy coupe for walks around town, we have that too and pushing it is a pain. It is great for her to play in, but not push

[CharlotteMommy]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up buying the Step 2 Whisper Ride Buggy II, which I believe is an upgrade from the original. It seems to be relatively new. The limited reviews out there seem to be pretty positive, so I decided to give it a try. We already have the 30th anniversary edition Cozy Coupe, which is great for playing in our driveway and short walks in front of our house. I was looking for something with a larger parent handle for longer walks in the 'hood. Thanks again -- I'll let you know how it turns out once we put it together and the kids have their way with it. :)

[jam224]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up buying the Step 2 Whisper Ride Buggy II, which I believe is an upgrade from the original. It seems to be relatively new. The limited reviews out there seem to be pretty positive, so I decided to give it a try. We already have the 30th anniversary edition Cozy Coupe, which is great for playing in our driveway and short walks in front of our house. I was looking for something with a larger parent handle for longer walks in the 'hood. Thanks again -- I'll let you know how it turns out once we put it together and the kids have their way with it. :)

Oh my goodness! That looks nearly identical to the Sportster, wow! It just doesn't have the caster wheel... but for $10 cheaper, you probably won't miss it! ;) Definitely must be new -- it wasn't an option when I was shopping around in June. I hope you (and the kids!) love it! :thumbsup: