Ride on Toys

The Melissa & Doug Plush Rocking Horse has a soft, cuddly body and neck that little ones can hug and pet, and they take joy in doing just that. This little horse is strong and durable, while being soft and cushiony at the same time. Pressing the horse’s ear will get a “whinny” in response – talk about making a child’s day! A horse to ride, cuddle, and one that will “talk” to you as well is ideal for most little ones. Batteries hidden under the horse’s tummy ensure that the horse will make noise.

They are a great draw to get a child’s immediate attention. They look inviting and appeal to little ones to climb onboard. The recommended ages for the Melissa & Doug Plush Rocking Horse is two years old and up. From the testing session our staff initiated, age two is just the right age to begin enjoying this toy.

Some parents felt this toy was more realistic-looking than the straight wooden kind. The features on the face, the noise, the ears, the flowing mane and tail, are more life-like and more closely resemble the horses on TV. The hand holds at the side of the horse’s head are a good size for little hands to grip. A few parents did express the wish that this horse had foot rests for little ones to place their feet. However, during the trials nothing was observed that indicated this was a problem for the kids. In several cases, the feet of the children aged 2 ½ to 3 years could almost touch the base as it rocked and this provided a resting place for feet.

The undercarriage contains well-placed slats and runners to assist with the rocking motion. This toy is well-made and sturdy and should give your child years of play. The company who makes this toy, Melissa & Doug, are well known by most parents as they offer a plethora of educational and quality toys. At the testing session, parents arrived with a certain expectation of the quality that the toy would present and they were not disappointed.

They are good toys to make memorable moments with your child. They love rocking and pretending they are riding a real horse. Our staff reports that assembly is pretty simple with only a handful of parts and pieces. However, there is a choking hazard warning not to let children under the age of three around the smaller pieces before the toy is assembled.

The Melissa & Doug Plush Rocking Horse can also have a calming effect on children. One youngster at the testing session was having an “off” moment and, after a few minutes of rocking on the horsey and petting the horse’s mane, he seemed to be soothed. A few pulls on the ear to get the horse to make noise and the little one was laughing. This toy can be a good friend for your child and can be a good friend to parents, too, with the calming effect of the rocking motion.