Balance bike is a wonderful toy. Children can have hours of fun with this. But it is much more than that besides toys. It is a way for children to discover the sense of balance. From the first year of life, children can tour around safely on a balance bike. There are also bicycles with three wheels.
Balance bikes from 1 year
Children can therefore tour around on a balance bike from their first birthday. Of course, it is good to start with a bicycle with three wheels. This will help your child get to know the sense of balance. From the age of 2, some children can make the step to a balance bike with two wheels, depending on the motor skills of your daughter or son.
Why every child should have a balance bike
A balance bike is good for gross motor development: your son or daughter learns to keep balance, to move freely and in the meantime also to control the bike.
In addition to balance, your child also learns to estimate distance and speed. Even more than if he/she were just walking. Your child learns to deal with that speed and to estimate the environment. So, don’t bump into anything and brake in time for a bend.
Learning is fast. Your child will quickly learn to use the balance bike and you will also see that he or she already knows how to achieve a good pace with it. Confidence grows in order to eventually switch to a ‘normal’ bicycle with pedals.
A balance bike is a beautiful piece of outdoor toy (or indoor) for the child itself.
Choose the right size bike
How to buy the right size bike for your child? The balance bikes have a certain saddle height, which is also adjustable in most models. By measuring your child’s leg length, you know which saddle height is suitable. You do this by measuring the inside of your child’s legs: from crotch to the floor. Compare this size with the height of the saddle to see if it is suitable for your son or daughter.
In most cases, children will not switch to a bicycle with pedals within a few years. It is therefore advisable to buy a balance bike that is adjustable in height. Both the saddle and the handlebars. A low entry, good grips and a good set of tires are also important.
The tires of the balance bike
Have you found the right size bike? Also take a look at the tires of the balance bike. Does your child mainly cycle indoors? Then tires made of plastic or rubber are the best. These leave no scratches on the floor. They are quiet and they do not leak. Is your child mainly going to ride it outside? Then choose pneumatic tires. These have a lot of cushioning and are much more comfortable for outdoors. After all, it is not everywhere as flat as the inside.
