Outdoor Play Toys » child

Balance Bikes they are fun to learn

Olaf Lederer — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:01:11 +0000

There is no better gift or present for a little boy or girl than a balance bike. They are easy to ride, provide lots of fun and they are prefect for kids who aren’t ready for a pedal bike. Balance bikes are usually for children aged from around 2 years (depending on size) up to 5 or 6 years.

This ride-on toy was one of the outdoor toys people could see 0n the 2010 American International Toy Fair in New York City (source Z Recomends). More than 30 toymaker offering balance bikes in the range of $75 to $450. Just a few examples:

Wishbone Limited Edition Bike

Unlike any other balance bikes, the Wishbone bike evolves with a child’s different stages of development. It starts at age 1 as a trike, converts to a running bike as the child grows, and by four to five years old, the ‘wishbone’ frame is flipped, making the Wishbone Bike one of the largest balance bikes on the market. Amazon $299.00

Smart Gear Smart Balance Bike – Classic Style

This wooden Training Bike offers the most effective, fun and safe way for a child to learn to ride. Amazon $89.99

Product features:

Eco friendly wood harvested from a replenish-able source, formaldehyde free glue, non toxic paints and lacquer, carton is made from recycled paper with water based ink printing
Children learn to balance and ride while boosting their confidence, no pedals
Adjustable seat height to grow with your child

LIKEaBIKE Mountain – German Walking Bike

LIKEaBIKE is the perfect introduction to the world of cycling. It’s specifically designed to complement the motor skills of young children, teaching balance and control at a much earlier age than traditional cycles with training wheels. Give your child the earliest opportunity to explore its environment and discover new worlds with LIKEaBIKE. Amazon $315.00Similar Posts:

Choosing A Bike For Your Child

Olaf Lederer — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:59:42 +0000

Getting plenty of exercise is something we need to teach our children from a very young age. One of the best ways for them to get it while having fun is bike riding. Having the right bike though is essential to get the most benefits from it as well as encourage the child to participate in the activity.

With so many different bike styles and brands on the market today, it can be hard to choose the right type of bike for your child. There are some things you want to look for that will help you narrow down your options.

While it is fun to surprise your child with a bike for their birthday or Christmas, you will find that taking the child along with you to shop is a fun experience for both of you. It will also allow the child to test out the bike before you spend your money on it. While it may seem like a good idea to buy one that your child will grow into, they really need one that already fits them well.

Have your child sit on the bike with their hands on the handlebars. The balls of both feet should be able to touch the ground while they are in this position. Pay close attention while they slowly get on and off the bike. They should be able to keep both feet firmly on the ground and still have approximately one inch of clearance from their crotch to the bar in the middle of the bike.

The brake system on a bike is very important. Bikes for younger children have them on the peddles and can be activated by pushing the peddles in reverse. Make sure your child is strong enough to do this. You don’t want them trying to place their feet on the ground to get the bike to stop.

Bikes designed for older children feature the brake controls on the handle bars. You need to make sure they are able to reach them with ease while on the bike. You also want to make sure they are able to grip them tight enough to get them to work properly. If you are looking at getting your child a 10-speed or a mountain bike, make sure they are able to work through all the gears.

You can help keep your child safe while riding their bike if you take the time to get them one that is built for their needs and abilities. It is more important that the bike is well suited for your child than the brand, the color, or even the cost.Similar Posts:

A Tricycle For Your Child?

Olaf Lederer — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:59:24 +0000

A tricycle can be a great gift for your child. Tricycles, by definition, are vehicle with three wheels. They are most commonly referred to in connection with bikes for children. There are a couple of things to consider when purchasing a tricycle for your child.

There are several different styles of tricycles to choose from when you decide it is time to purchase your child’s first trike. Children as young as a year and a half can ride tricycles. However, children won’t be able to properly use pedals until they get a bit older. For young children, you may want to buy a tricycle that is propelled by the child’s feet pushing along the floor.

If you plan to have your child ride their tricycle on driveways, sidewalks or other traffic areas, you may want to consider getting a tricycle that sports a steering bar on the rear. This allows a parent or older sibling to help a young child steer the tricycle or push them along in the event they become tired.

Buy a Tricycle for “your” child!

Take your child with you to the store where you intend to buy a tricycle. You will need to determine what size tricycle your child will be able to ride. If your child is old enough to control a pedal tricycle, you will need to make sure your child is able to reach the pedals.

Shorter children may benefit from extension blocks that are available to attach to the pedals. However, extension blocks can cause the tricycle to be awkward and difficult to control for the child. Your child should be able to reach the pedals with a minimal amount of stretching. Some stretching should be allowed, though, due to the rate at which children grow. Make sure that your child can still reach the pedals when they turn the handlebars. Your child is too big for a tricycle if their needs come close to touching the handlebars at any time.

Safety first…

Make sure the tricycle is low enough to the ground so that you child will not tip over when they turn sharply or drive down hills. It is never too early to teach your child proper safety, so consider investing in a helmet and/or pads for your child.

Tricycles that offer accessories or add-ons can be a nice choice especially for young children. A basket to bring along a favorite toy or a horn can add to your child’s riding enjoyment.Similar Posts: