The Rocking Horse makes a great gift and toy for babies and toddlers. However, there are many different features, options and versions to choose from. Here is a Rocking Horse Buying Guide that will help you so that you can pick just the right rocking toy.

Rocking horses have quite a tradition, dating back hundreds of years. Through the years they have been and continue to be a favorite toy for babies and toddlers.

As well, parents love these toy horses that rock for many reasons. Children want to rock and play on them and remain content for long periods of time. The activity required to use a toy horse like this is a simple pulling and pushing motion-so it is not difficult to use.

When children are on a toy horse like this they get much needed exercise and develop their motor skills. The effort put into the rocking motion also is very helpful for the growth and improvement of a child’s balance.

So now that we know why they are so great, what is available in terms of variety?

The original rocking horse from years gone by was made of wood. Today the classic style of the wooden rocking horse is still available. If you are looking for something simple and looks great as a piece of furniture in the room of a child or a nursery, this style of horse makes a lot of sense.

But now there are versions that come stuffed with plush material. The plush rocking horse is soft. comfortable, and often comes in a variety of color choices.

Some of these plush horses have versions that, at the touch of a button make horse noises, sing songs or even talk to their rider. I will tell you that kids love these versions that make sounds or songs.

It will be important when getting a toy like this to make sure it will handle the size of the child. Some versions are intended for children more of a baby size while others are intended for bigger toddlers.

To add to the choices there are even rocking animals that are available. Rocking toys made to resemble dinosaurs, panda bears, elephants, bulls and giraffes are very popular.

Like all toys it is always recommended that an adult supervise when the child is playing. The same goes for when children are using rocking animals. Now that you are armed with this valuable buying decision what is stopping you from shopping for a child’s favorite toy-the rocking horse!

Availability of rocking horse plans varies greatly. With varying sizes and styles, choosing the right rocking toy plan could prove to be more tedious than the actual process of making the rocking toy. Sizes can vary from toddler to adult. Detailed plans can allow your rocking toy to be transformed into knight’s battling horse, or a carousel horse, or even a circus horse. If more than one horse is desired, plans for rocking teams of horses are also available. If a rocking horse does not meet your needs, plans are also available for rocking donkeys and cows and even a rocking Harley motor cycle.

Age Appropriate

Age is always a consideration when building a rocking toy. Height and materials should all be considered when choosing age appropriate designs. Toddler safety should be considered when choosing height. A rocking toy too tall could pose a safety hazard if the toddler falls, and certain materials used could pose a choking hazard to younger children. However, pre-school children would not be able to rock appropriately if the size is not correct. Some plans will provide helpful information as far as age appropriate designs. Woodworking plans for rocking toys, provide many details and pictures to assist you in choosing the right plan to provide hours of enjoyment for children of all ages.

Wood

Rocking toys can be constructed from many different types of wood. Pine is one of the easiest woods to work with, and very inexpensive, making it great for beginners. Since some horses, such as circus and carousel horses, will be painted, the grain of more expensive wood will be covered and hidden underneath the paint. Once the plans become familiar, uniqueness of the rocking horse can be achieved by using different types of wood, such as, ash, cherry, oak and/or walnut. Using different types of wood will not only add to the uniqueness of your rocking toy, but the stability as well. Heavy hardwood will help to add durability and stability to the bottom of the horse while lighter wood that is not as dense provides easier movement of the rocking horse.

Finishes

Finishes for rocking horses vary as much as the individual unique plans for them. Wood stains, varnishes, oils and paint are just a few ways one could consider when it comes to finishing touches. Many rocking horse plans will include changes, tips and suggestions. Stains are the perfect choice to show off the wood used to make the rocking horse, and stains are easy to match any decor. Finishing oils will produce a softer natural finish on the horse, while varnishes provide shiny finish. Uniqueness can be added to any rocking toy by using paint. These finishes make it possibly to construct that perfect knight’s steed for at special little boy, or that vibrant, bright carousel horse for a precious little girl.

Finishing Touches

Rocking horses are unique children’s toys with endless possibilities to customize them just right. Some rocking toy plans list unique and different materials to help your project come alive. Finishing touches allows creativity to be expressed in the creation of the perfect rocking horse. Ropes and yarn can used to create a tail and mange for your rocking horse. Leather can be used for a seat cover and reigns if a western rocking horse is desired. Fur is great for that soft look and feel, and also aids in protecting younger children from bumps and bruises caused by the hard surfaces.

Rocking toy plans are bountiful, easy to find and available online no matter what skill level of woodworking is present. When considering the right plan age and gender can help in your choices. Getting ideas from the child that will be receiving the rocking toy will also aid in choosing the correct plan to use.