Balance bikes and tricycles, fun for toddlers and preschoolers
From birth onwards, children go through many phases, most of which are fun. Okay, sometimes less successful, but that's just part of it. Extra fun is the fact that children become more and more independent. As soon as learning to walk is over, it is time for new outdoor toys; a tricycle or a walking bike. Challenging toys which train the strength in their legs even more and allow them to explore the world.
Why a tricycle?
A tricycle is a children's bicycle with or without pedals and three wheels. A tricycle is a good way to further develop motor skills. Your child has to steer and pedal and therefore learns to do two things at the same time. This will take some practice and energy in the beginning, but it is an incredibly good basis for cycling on a real bicycle. On the tricycle, your child will learn
- use his/her arms and legs at the same time
- your child develops strength in his/her legs
- Further develop their eye-hand-coordination by looking and steering.
When to get a tricycle?
Is your little darling getting more and more mobile and can he/she walk well? Then it's time for the cutest outdoor toy for the little ones: a tricycle. We have a very nice collection of tricycles with a retro look. Shout-out to these designers, because they really are 'design' tricycles. So beautiful, in fact, that you can put it in the bedroom as an eye-catcher.
When your child is two years old, he/she is able to walk for a while and gets more and more strength into those lovely little legs. From this age, they will be able to handle a tricycle. The strength in their legs is strong enough to push the pedals forward. In the beginning you will have to help them steer, so a tricycle with a push-bar is ideal. Bear in mind that every toddler develops at his/her own pace. One child might cycle away in no time and the other might need some practice.
But what about a walking bike?
A balance bike is a children's bike with two wheels without pedals. A vehicle with two wheels is all about balance and that is what a balance bike stimulates, keeping balance. In the second year of life, your child learns to keep his balance. By walking on a balance bike your child learns to sit up straight and at the same time to use his/her legs and to steer. So your child learns to do many things at once. Moving around on a balance bike stimulates the development of balance and prepares your child for the 'real' children's bike.
From what age can a child start pedalling on a children's scooter?
Super hot and trending is the kinderstep. A classic toy that is currently back in fashion. When your child is about two years old, he/she can start scootering on a scooter with three wheels. This scooter is stable and your child cannot fall over easily. Scooting is a good exercise for balance. Children aged 5 to 6 who can keep their balance well can start scooting on a scooter with two wheels.