Rocking Horses

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Little Bird Told Me

Rocking horses have a fascinating history - the dappled horse became a favourite in the late 19th century because it was Queen Victoria’s favourite. A secret compartment in the horse’s belly could be used like a time capsule - locks of baby hair, photos and other momentos were stored inside - and because rocking horses were handed down through generations, the items might be discovered many years later.

Rocking horses are still a big ticket item, but these days they are affordable enough for many ordinary families to buy - although they may still be treasured and passed down to younger family members. For this reason, the toys stocked by Baby Brands Direct are chosen not only for their child-appeal but also for their quality.

Our wooden Janod rocking horses have a retro styling that manages to look bang up to date, while the Little Bird Told Me horses sport stunning prints that will fit into any nursery.

These nursery products are manufactured to last, where quality really is a key component of the brand and is therefore very well suited to be sold via an independent store. Consumers often visit their local stores in the hope of finding something different that speaks quality and delivers a unique pleasure in its discovery; this brand delivers exactly that.

Stephen Hey, comments, ‘We have a strong relationship with Baby Brands Direct, having worked with the specialist wholesaler since 2009. They share our enthusiasm to make the world of little people and grown-ups that little bit more special and highly value the market positioning of the Little Bird Told Me nursery brand.’


Why do rocking horses sell so well?

Rocking horses are an aspirational toy. They represent a very desirable toy that at one time would only be found in the nurseries of the wealthy. Although times have changed, the idea that a rocking horse is something special continues, and so consumers are keen to treat their children or grandchildren with one. Luckily, they are far more affordable than they were for the Victorians, so plenty of parents or grandchildren will look to buy something special for a birthday or Christmas. A good rocking horse - like the ones we supply at Baby Brands Direct - should last for many years, so can be enjoyed by siblings and can become a modern-day heirloom. Our rocking horses are not too big, so fit well into modern homes - and they all look fantastic, so can take pride of place in a bedroom, playroom or even the living room.

What are the benefits of rocking horses?

It’s hard to find a toddler that doesn’t love a rocking horse. There is something very special about climbing into the saddle of your very own pony that enthralls small children. Some may even be instilled with a lifelong love of horses and riding, but even if their enthusiasm for horse riding doesn’t extend beyond toddlerhood, the rocking horse can be beneficial in a number of developmental ways. The most obvious of these is motor skills. Gross motor skills and muscle strength can be developed as the muscles used to help keep a child upright are exercised while they sit on the horse. They must also work on their coordination. Fine motor skills also come into play as they concentrate on holding on to the handle or reins, and ensuring hands and feet are in the correct place.

Balance is a vital skill - it will improve their ability to walk and run, and eventually ride a bike and take part in sports. For babies and toddlers, learning to balance on a rocking horse is part of this process. Also, did you know that rocking can stimulate the vestibular system? This has a major part to play in brain and motor development, and stimulating this area can help not only with balance but also sitting, crawling, walking, and posture. Rocking can also be very soothing - great for babies, but also useful for children who are neurodiverse and find it hard to self-soothe.

Rocking on a rocking horse also helps to introduce rhythm - it allows the brain to identify fast and slow movements - and the body can also work out how to use its muscles to work the rocking horse on their own. It also encourages imagination and a sense of adventure. Little ones can start to invent their own make-believe games and imagine they are riding off on their own adventure. Once they are able to operate a rocking horse by themselves, they can develop confidence and self esteem as they learn how to control their own play. Rocking horses can also introduce a very valuable concept - everyone will want to have a go, so they will have to learn to share!