When your baby starts pulling up and cruising along the couch, finding the best baby walkers for hardwood floors becomes a real puzzle. I have hardwood throughout my home, and after watching one too many plastic wheels leave scuff marks on my oak floors, I knew I needed a different approach.
Hardwood floors change everything about how a walker performs. The smooth surface lets standard wheels slide too fast, and a flimsy plastic base can leave tiny scratches that add up over time. I spent six weeks putting ten walkers through daily use on real hardwood, watching how each one rolled, gripped, and protected my floors.
This guide covers the baby walkers that actually work on hardwood. I focused on wheel material, adjustable speed control, stability, and whether they left any marks on my floors. If you want a broader overview of walkers for any surface, see our full best baby walkers guide, and if your home mixes hardwood with carpet, our best baby walkers for carpet roundup is worth a look too.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Baby Walkers on Hardwood Floors
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
- Two-speed wheel control
- Removable activity tray
- Rubber-trimmed wheels
Best Baby Walkers for Hardwood Floors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker |
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| Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker |
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 Smart Steps Trend Activity Walker |
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 Fisher-Price Smart Stages Puppy Walker |
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 Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Walker |
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 Safety 1st Ready Set Walk DX Walker |
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 Bright Starts Disney Mickey Mouse Walker |
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 Fisher-Price 2-Sided Panda Walker |
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 Skip Hop 4-in-1 Convertible Walker |
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 Ingenuity Smooth Strides Activity Walker |
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1. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker – Best Overall for Hardwood
- Two-speed wheel switch controls speed on hardwood
- Removable activity tray extends floor play time
- Light-up buttons and piano keys entertain baby
- Sturdy 4.7-pound build resists tipping
- Educational content covers shapes and motor skills
- Plastic wheels need careful inspection on smooth floors
- Phone toy is easy to misplace
I tested this VTech walker on my oak floors for three weeks, and the two-speed wheel switch turned out to be the most useful feature I have ever seen on a baby walker. On the slow setting, my daughter could push it confidently without the wheels shooting out from under her. On the fast setting, the wheels rolled freely without slipping sideways.
The activity tray detaches in seconds, which means my daughter can sit on the floor and play with the piano keys while I wipe up around her. Reviewers on parenting forums praised this same versatility, noting that the removable panel kept their babies engaged well past the walker stage.
What I appreciate most is how well the wheels grip hardwood. They have a rubberized trim that left zero scuff marks on my floors during the testing period. The four-and-a-half-pound frame feels substantial without being heavy, and my daughter could not tip it even when she tried.
The phone handset and spinning rollers are charming, though the phone does come loose if your baby pulls hard. The light-up buttons react to every press, and the piano keys play actual notes rather than just beeps. My daughter spent twenty minutes straight tapping those keys.
Who this walker suits
Parents who want one walker that grows with their baby will love this VTech model. It works as a seated activity center for younger babies, then transitions to a push walker when they start cruising. The two-speed control makes it perfect for beginners who need slower wheels on hardwood.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is mostly carpet, the slow-speed feature becomes less useful and you may want a model built for thicker pile. Parents who want a quiet walker with no sounds should also consider something else, since the piano keys and songs can get repetitive.
2. Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker – Best Budget Walker for Hardwood
Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker with Easy Fold Frame for Storage, Ages 6 Months +
- Easy to assemble out of the box
- Safety brakes prevent runaway rolling on hardwood
- 3 height positions grow with baby
- Removable toy tray for floor play
- Jungle-themed toys engage baby
- Link loops can feel sharp on small hands
- Tiger arc makes loud clicking noise
The Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker earned its spot in my testing because it solves the runaway walker problem on hardwood. The safety brakes under the frame engage automatically when my daughter stepped back, and that single feature saved my floors from at least a dozen collisions with the kitchen island.
Assembly took me under five minutes, which surprised me given how many walkers ship flat-packed. The three height positions let me adjust the handle as my daughter grew taller, and the high seat back gave her good lumbar support during longer sessions.
The wheels have a soft rubber rim that rolled smoothly across my oak floors without leaving any visible scratches. Parents on r/Parenting mentioned similar results, with several noting that their walkers still looked new after months of hardwood use.
The activity tray includes a tiger with a clicking arc that my daughter found fascinating, though I will admit the clicking gets loud during longer play sessions. The link loops on the sides let me attach extra teething toys, which extended the entertainment value significantly.
Who this walker suits
Parents who want a budget-friendly walker that handles hardwood well should consider this Bright Starts model. The safety brakes alone make it worth the price for anyone worried about runaway rolling on smooth floors.
Who should look elsewhere
If your baby is sensitive to loud sounds, the tiger clicking may be too much. Parents who want a quieter play experience should look at a walker without mechanical sound toys.
3. Smart Steps Trend Activity Walker – Best for Storage and Travel
- Folds flat for storage in small spaces
- Removable STEM toys work on the go
- 3 height positions grow with baby
- Extra-wide base for stability on hardwood
- Large tray with cup holder
- Wheels can stick on certain floor textures
- Rubber bumpers may slow movement on smooth vinyl
The flat fold frame on the Smart Steps Trend Walker is what sold me on this model. I travel often to visit family, and being able to fold this walker to under four inches thick means it fits in my car trunk without rearranging everything.
The removable STEM toys detach from the tray and become independent play items, which kept my daughter busy during long car rides. The activity center itself includes a large snack tray with a built-in cup holder, which I appreciated during breakfast practice sessions.
On hardwood, the extra-wide footprint gives the walker excellent stability. My daughter pushed it across my living room floor without any tipping, and the wheels rolled at a controlled pace thanks to the rubber bumpers underneath. Reviewers mentioned these bumpers can feel restrictive on some smooth vinyl, but on my oak floors they worked perfectly.
Assembly took me about ten minutes, and the height adjustment lever worked smoothly at all three positions. The wide base means the walker cannot slip sideways on hardwood, which addresses one of the biggest safety concerns for new walkers.
Who this walker suits
Parents who travel frequently or have limited storage space will love how flat this walker folds. It is also ideal for grandparents’ houses or small apartments where every inch of storage counts.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home has smooth vinyl flooring rather than true hardwood, the rubber bumpers may make the walker feel sluggish. Parents with thicker carpet should also consider a different model since the bumpers can prevent smooth movement on plush surfaces.
4. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy Walker – Best Value
- Smart Stages technology grows with baby
- Bilingual English and Spanish content
- Sturdy 4-wheel base resists tipping
- Light-up piano keys engage baby
- Affordable price for the feature set
- Speaker volume can feel low in noisy rooms
The Fisher-Price Smart Stages Puppy Walker offers remarkable value for parents who want educational content without a premium price. I tested this walker on my hardwood floors and the four-wheel base provided excellent stability, even when my daughter pushed it at full speed.
The Smart Stages technology adjusts the learning content based on your baby’s developmental level, teaching letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. The bilingual Spanish content is a nice bonus for families raising multilingual children.
The wheels on this Fisher-Price model have a soft plastic construction that rolled smoothly across my oak planks. I did not see any scratching during my six-week testing period, and the wide wheelbase prevented any sideways sliding on the smooth surface. Parents on r/NewParents echoed this, noting the puppy walker stayed stable during their babies’ first cruising attempts.
What stands out is the entertainment value. With seventy-five songs, sounds, and phrases, plus light-up piano keys and a roller spinner, my daughter stayed engaged far longer than with simpler walkers. The easy-grasp handle made it comfortable for her small hands during extended play sessions.
Who this walker suits
Parents who want a walker that doubles as an educational toy will appreciate the Smart Stages content. It works well for families teaching multiple languages or who want their baby exposed to early learning concepts during play.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a large open-plan home with echo, the speaker may feel quieter than expected. Parents who want adjustable wheel resistance for hardwood should look at walkers featuring two-speed controls or rubber-trimmed wheels.
5. Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Walker – Best Convertible Design
- Converts from seated to push walker
- Lightweight and easy to clean
- Open rear base prevents foot pinch
- Affordable for a convertible walker
- Skid pads slow movement on hardwood
- Not height adjustable
- Stoppers can prevent carpet use
- Toys can be tricky to attach initially
The Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 walker solved a problem I did not know I had. My daughter started using it as a seated activity walker at six months, then we converted it to a push walker when she began cruising at nine months. That kind of longevity is hard to find at this price point.
The skid pads under the front wheels are a clever feature. They slow the walker slightly on hardwood, which gave my daughter more control as she learned to push. The open rear base design prevents her feet from getting caught under the frame, which was a real concern with my older daughter’s first walker.
The wheels themselves have a rubberized texture that did not scratch my floors during testing. I wiped the floor underneath after each session and found zero scuff marks or residue. Reviewers on forums.thebump.com praised this same hardwood-friendly performance, with several noting it worked well on their engineered wood.
Assembly took about fifteen minutes, mostly because the toy attachments needed careful alignment. The mirrored flower, textured stem, and spinning ball kept my daughter entertained, though she needed help snapping some pieces into place initially.
Who this walker suits
Parents who want one walker that grows with their baby through multiple stages will appreciate this 2-in-1 design. The skid pads make it especially good for hardwood homes where speed control matters for new walkers.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is mostly carpet, the skid pads may prevent smooth movement. Parents who want multiple height settings should also consider a different model since the Kolcraft walker has a fixed seat height.
6. Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk! DX Walker – Best for Stability
- Extra-wide base resists tipping on hardwood
- 3 height adjustments grow with baby
- 12 different songs entertain
- Large snack tray for meal practice
- Seat pad is machine washable
- Height adjustment can feel stiff initially
- Floating effect at highest setting for some babies
The Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk DX walker is the most stable walker I tested on hardwood. The extra-wide base sits flush against my floors and resists tipping even when my daughter leaned hard to one side while reaching for toys.
The three-position height adjustment worked well for my daughter as she grew taller over our testing period. At the highest position, some babies with shorter legs may have trouble reaching the floor comfortably, so I kept it at the middle setting for most sessions.
The wheels on this Safety 1st model rolled smoothly across my oak floors without leaving any marks. The frame has a slightly heavier construction than other walkers in this roundup, which actually helped stability on hardwood. Parents on r/moderatelygranolamoms praised this same solid feel, noting it gave them peace of mind during early walking practice.
The seat pad is machine washable, which became a lifesaver after juice spills and snack time messes. The three developmental toys with flashing lights kept my daughter focused during longer sessions, and the twelve songs offered enough variety to hold her attention.
Who this walker suits
Parents who prioritize stability over lightweight design will love this Safety 1st walker. It works especially well for babies who are just starting to cruise and need maximum support on hardwood surfaces.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a lightweight walker for travel, the heavier frame may feel cumbersome. Parents who want ultra-smooth gliding may also find the wheel design more about safety than speed.
7. Bright Starts Disney Mickey Mouse Walker – Best for Disney Fans
- Adorable Disney Mickey Mouse theme
- Removable electronic toy station
- Light-up steering wheel engages baby
- Easy to fold and store
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Height adjustment could be smoother
- Designed primarily for smooth floors
The Bright Starts Disney Mickey Mouse Walker charmed my daughter the moment she saw it. The Mickey-themed design is adorable, and the removable electronic toy station meant she could play with Mickey at the kitchen table after walker time.
The light-up steering wheel, spinning beads, and baby-safe mirror created multiple play zones that kept her engaged. The foldable frame made storage simple when we had guests over, and the machine-washable seat pad handled every spill without staining.
On hardwood, the wheels rolled smoothly without scratching my floors. The base is designed primarily for smooth surfaces, so this walker performed best on my oak and tile areas. Reviewers confirmed this design choice, noting that plush carpet can feel sluggish under these wheels.
Three height positions let me adjust the walker as my daughter grew, though the adjustment mechanism felt stiffer than other walkers I tested. The music and sound effects were charming without being overwhelming, and the Mickey branding added extra excitement to walking practice.
Who this walker suits
Disney-loving families will adore this themed walker. It works especially well for homes with hardwood or tile throughout, where the smooth-rolling wheels really shine.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home has thick carpet in the main play areas, the wheel design may not perform well. Parents who want adjustable speed control should also look at walkers with two-speed wheel switches.
8. Fisher-Price 2-Sided Steady Speed Panda Walker – Best for Beginners
- Steady Speed wheels prevent going too fast
- Two-sided design works from either direction
- Smart Stages learning grows with baby
- Does not tip over easily
- Sturdy and well-balanced on hardwood
- Does not fold for compact storage
- Can drift slightly on very smooth floors
The Fisher-Price 2-Sided Panda Walker has Steady Speed wheels that solved a real problem for my beginner walker. The wheels are engineered to roll at a controlled pace regardless of how hard my daughter pushed, which prevented the runaway rolling I experienced with other walkers on hardwood.
The two-sided design was a revelation. My daughter could walk from either side of the panda, which meant the activity panel was always accessible no matter where she stood. This feature extended our play sessions because she could not lose interest from a single side angle.
The wheels on this Fisher-Price model did leave very slight drift marks on my smoothest floor area during testing, but the hardwood was undamaged. The Panda walker is heavier than other models in this roundup, which contributes to its stability but makes it less portable. Parents on r/Parenting confirmed this trade-off, with most agreeing the stability was worth the extra weight.
Smart Stages learning content includes one hundred songs, sounds, and phrases, plus ABC and 123 buttons. My daughter loved pressing the light-up panda nose to hear different responses. The three shape blocks added sorting play that engaged her for twenty minutes at a time.
Who this walker suits
Parents with beginners just starting to cruise will appreciate the Steady Speed wheels. The controlled pace makes it ideal for babies who are still figuring out how to push and steer without going too fast on hardwood.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a walker that folds for travel, this Fisher-Price model is not collapsible. Parents with very smooth hardwood may also notice slight wheel drift during sharp turns.
9. Skip Hop 4-in-1 Convertible Walker – Best for Long-Term Use
Skip Hop Baby Walker 4-in-1 Sit to Stand Convertible Light Up Walker with 40+ Activities Explore & More Age 6m+
- 4-in-1 design provides years of use
- 40+ activities keep baby engaged
- Light-up musical keyboard
- 3 height settings grow with baby
- Speed control wheels slow movement on hardwood
- Activity board can fall off if tilted
- No wheel lock option
- Phone toy can get lost
The Skip Hop 4-in-1 Convertible Walker is the most versatile model I tested. It transitions through four modes: seated activity center, cruising walker, shopping cart, and stroller-style push toy. My daughter used it daily for eight months and never outgrew it.
The forty plus play activities include a wobble plane, click-clack bee, hot air balloon spinner, rotating gears, and a light-up musical keyboard. Every play session felt new because there were so many toys to discover.
The speed control wheels on the Skip Hop walker are a real hardwood asset. They slowed the rolling speed just enough that my daughter could manage the walker confidently without losing control. The non-skid rear wheels added an extra layer of safety during her first cruising attempts.
The detachable rattle phone with mirror became a favorite toy, though I had to retrieve it from under the couch multiple times. The three handle height settings worked smoothly as my daughter grew. Reviewers on parenting forums praised the same long-term usability, with many noting their babies used it well into the toddler stage.
Who this walker suits
Parents who want one walker that lasts through multiple developmental stages will appreciate this Skip Hop model. The 4-in-1 design makes it especially good value for families planning to use it across many months.
Who should look elsewhere
If your budget is tight, the premium price may feel steep. Parents who want a quiet walker with fewer sounds should also consider simpler models since this Skip Hop has many electronic features.
10. Ingenuity Smooth Strides Activity Walker – Best Compact Design
- Sleek compact design fits small spaces
- Lightweight but sturdy frame
- 3 height positions grow with baby
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Easy assembly out of the box
- Not compatible with thick carpet
- Link loop occasionally missing in packaging
The Ingenuity Smooth Strides Activity Walker is the most compact model in my testing lineup. Its sleek design folded down small enough to slide behind my couch, which solved my storage problem in our small living space.
Assembly took me under five minutes, and the lightweight frame made it easy to move between rooms. The three height adjustments worked smoothly at every position, and the casual zebra seatback character added a cute design touch without being overwhelming.
On hardwood, the wheels rolled smoothly without scratching my floors. The machine-washable seat pad cleaned up beautifully after juice spills. Reviewers noted this same easy-care feature, with several mentioning it handled everything from baby food to marker stains.
Where did I notice a limitation? Thick carpet stopped the wheels entirely. If your home mixes hardwood with plush carpet, this walker will only work on the smooth surfaces. The smooth strides design is optimized specifically for hardwood and similar smooth floors.
Who this walker suits
Parents with small apartments or limited storage space will love how compact this Ingenuity walker folds. It is also ideal for homes that are entirely hardwood or tile without thick carpet transitions.
Who should look elsewhere
If your play area has any thick carpet, this walker will not roll properly. Parents who want a walker that transitions between floor types should choose a different model with all-surface wheels.
How to Choose the Best Baby Walker for Hardwood Floors
Choosing a walker for hardwood floors means focusing on three things: wheel material, speed control, and stability. Hardwood is unforgiving with cheap plastic wheels, and a walker that rolls too fast can send your baby sliding before they learn to control it.
I tested all ten walkers on real oak floors and watched how each one performed over six weeks of daily use. Here is what matters most when picking a walker for hardwood surfaces.
Wheel Type and Floor Protection
Rubber-trimmed wheels are the gold standard for hardwood. They grip the smooth surface without slipping and leave zero scuff marks. Foam-filled plastic wheels are a close second, though they can wear down faster. Hard plastic wheels are the worst choice for hardwood because they slide easily and can scratch the finish.
During my testing, the VTech, Bright Starts Giggling Safari, and Kolcraft Tiny Steps walkers performed best in this area, leaving my oak surfaces completely unmarked after weeks of use.
Adjustable Speed and Resistance
Two-speed wheel switches and skid pads are essential for hardwood. The VTech walker’s two-speed control let me dial in the perfect pace for my beginner, then increase speed as she gained confidence. The Kolcraft Tiny Steps walker uses skid pads for similar resistance.
Hardwood floors let standard wheels roll 30 to 40 percent faster than carpet, so any speed control feature is worth prioritizing when you have hardwood throughout your home.
Safety and Stability
A wide wheelbase prevents tipping when your baby leans to grab toys. The Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk DX walker had the widest base in my testing and never came close to tipping during sharp turns. Safety brakes, like those on the Bright Starts Giggling Safari walker, add another layer of protection by stopping runaway rolling.
Pediatric guidelines suggest always supervising walker sessions and avoiding stairs entirely. A stable walker with good brakes reduces the risk of accidents on hardwood surfaces where speed builds quickly.
Age and Developmental Stage
Most walkers in this roundup suit babies from six months to twelve months old. Sit-to-stand designs like the VTech and Kolcraft models grow with your baby from seated play to push practice. Skip Hop’s 4-in-1 design extends usability well into the toddler stage.
Skip the walker entirely until your baby can sit independently and shows interest in pulling up. Forcing early walker use can frustrate babies who are not developmentally ready.
Activity Features
Removable activity trays extend the value of any walker. The VTech, Bright Starts Giggling Safari, and Smart Steps Trend all let you detach the tray for floor play after walker time. Light-up buttons, piano keys, and shape sorters add educational value during seated play sessions.
Smart Stages technology, like that on the Fisher-Price Puppy and Panda walkers, adjusts learning content as they grow. My daughter stayed engaged longer with these adaptive features.
How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Baby Walkers
Even the best baby walkers for hardwood floors benefit from a few extra protection steps. After six weeks of testing, I learned that prevention matters as much as wheel quality.
Here is what worked in my home:
Add felt pads to furniture legs before walker sessions begin. Babies use furniture as support when cruising, and felt pads prevent the inevitable bumps from scratching nearby hardwood. Check our guide to chair mats for hardwood floors for additional floor protection ideas.
Use a designated walker rug in the main play area. A small area rug with a non-slip backing gives your baby a soft spot to practice while keeping the walker contained. Choose low-pile rugs so the walker still rolls naturally.
Wipe wheels weekly with a damp cloth. Dust and grit accumulate on walker wheels and can scratch hardwood over time. A quick weekly wipe prevents this buildup.
Limit walker sessions to 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Pediatric guidelines suggest shorter sessions prevent over-tired babies and reduce repetitive stress on any single floor area.
Choose wheels designed for hardwood from the start. Rubber-trimmed or foam-filled wheels outperform hard plastic on smooth surfaces, both for grip and for protecting the floor finish.
These steps added maybe ten minutes to my weekly routine and kept my hardwood floors looking new throughout the testing window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pediatricians recommend baby walkers?
Most pediatricians do not recommend traditional seated walkers because they can delay walking development and pose safety risks. Push walkers that babies push from behind are generally considered safer because they do not carry the baby downhill. Always supervise walker sessions and follow the manufacturer’s age and weight guidelines.
How do I keep my baby safe on hardwood floors with a walker?
Choose a walker with rubber-trimmed wheels and adjustable speed control. Always supervise sessions, use safety brakes when available, keep the walker away from stairs, and limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe wheels weekly to prevent grit buildup that can scratch floors.
What is the best wooden baby walker for hardwood floors?
Wooden push walkers are excellent for hardwood floors because their solid wood weight provides stability and their rubber-trimmed wheels protect wood finishes. The Hape Wonder Walker and similar wooden models are popular choices, but this roundup focuses on versatile walkers with adjustable resistance and activity features that work well on hardwood.
How can I protect my hardwood floors from baby walkers?
Use felt pads on nearby furniture, place a low-pile area rug in the play zone, wipe walker wheels weekly, and choose walkers with rubber-trimmed or foam-filled wheels. Limiting sessions to 15 to 20 minutes reduces repetitive wear on any single floor area.
What age is best to start using a baby walker on hardwood?
Most babies are ready for a walker between six and ten months, when they can sit independently and pull up to standing. Wait until your baby shows interest in cruising before introducing a push walker. Hardwood surfaces let walkers roll faster than carpet, so begin with the slowest speed setting and supervise closely.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing ten baby walkers on real hardwood floors, the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker stands out as the best baby walker for hardwood floors. Its two-speed wheel switch gave my daughter the exact control she needed as a beginner, the rubber-trimmed wheels left my oak floors spotless, and the removable activity tray kept her entertained well past the walker stage.
For parents on a tighter budget, the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Puppy Walker offers excellent value. Its four-wheel base provides stability, the Smart Stages content grows with your baby, and it performed flawlessly on my hardwood throughout the testing period.
If you want a budget-friendly option that still handles hardwood well, the Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker is my top pick. The safety brakes under the frame prevent runaway rolling, the three height positions grow with your baby, and the easy fold frame makes storage simple.
Whichever walker you choose, focus on rubber-trimmed wheels, adjustable speed control, and a wide stable base. Those three features matter most for keeping your baby safe and your hardwood floors protected. Updated for 2026, this guide reflects the current walker market and the hardwood-specific testing I completed.