How To Choose A Balance Bike For Your Little One?

Balance bikes are invaluable for younger budding riders who need to focus on their core strength and steering before moving on to figuring out all the working parts of a push bike. Balance bike can help get your child excited about riding a bike while improving their confidence and self-esteem, which can benefit every aspect of their lives! 

Using a balance bike can improve coordination while also teaching your child the fundamentals of steering. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on choosing the best balance bike for your little one.

But First, What Exactly Is A Balance Bike?

Balance bikes are bikes without pedals that can help your child start cycling early in life. These bikes come with handlebars, wheels, a fork, and a frame. However, they don’t have any drivetrain—sprockets, chains, or pedals. 

In order to move forward, kids have to use their feet to push off the ground. Moreover, kids can stabilize themselves by keeping their feet on the ground. This helps kids work on their coordination and balance without stabilizers. Once your child feels confident enough, they can proceed to using pedals. 

Why Choose A Balance Bike?

So, why should you opt for a balance bike? 

Buying a balance bike early on for your child has several benefits. First, it contributes to your kid’s overall growth and development. After all, these bikes have been designed to help kids learn how to balance and steer before progressing to a pedal bike. 

So, here are some of the most significant benefits of starting early with a balance bike:

• Balance bikes contribute to the development of your child’s motor skills.n
• These bikes encourage outdoor play. 
• These bikes teach kid independent cycling early in their lives. 
• Balance bikes also boost confidence in children. 

At What Age Should You Buy A Balance Bike?

As soon as your child learns how to walk, you can get them a balance bike – trust us, that’s the best age to start cycling with a balance bike. 

Moreover, starting early has multiple benefits regarding your child’s overall development. Also, the average age range for children to start cycling with their balance bikes falls between 18 months and 3 years old – during this time, your child becomes physically and mentally ready. 

But just because there are benefits of starting early, it doesn’t mean if your kid starts at a relatively older age, they won’t be able to enjoy the same benefits. 

Balance bikes are a great exercise mode for children of any age. They improve balance and coordination skills and enhance strength, ensuring a smooth transition to pedal cycles. 

Things to Look for When Buying a Balance Bike

Here are some essential features when buying your child’s first balance bike. 

Weight 

Most children using balance bikes are under five, so the lighter you find a balance bike, the better. This allows your child to push the motorcycle independently without straining their legs, making steering easier. 

Remember that you’ll also spend a lot of time carrying the bike around when your child gets bored, so you won’t want anything too heavy to weigh you down. 

The weight of your balance bike can also keep your little one safer in the event of a tumble. The lighter the bike, the less weight will likely land on them if they tip over. 

Balance bikes aren’t meant to tip over quickly, but stranger things have happened! To be on the safe side, look for a balance bike that’s as lightweight as possible. 

Steering 

Your child will likely be learning two vital skills with their balance bike: steering and core strength. The steering on the bike you choose should be as easy to use as possible to prevent your child from getting frustrated or crashing due to stiff handlebars. 

For best results, look for a balance bike that uses ball bearings rather than plain bearings. This should give your little one more freedom to move the motorcycle how they want, which will teach them what steering does and how they can use it properly. 

For added safety, look for handlebars with secure grips and bulb ends to prevent your child from slipping and falling off their bike. 

Comfort 

The more comfortable your child’s bike is, the more likely they will use it and keep practicing. Look for a saddle that’s slightly concave to prevent your child from slipping forward while they’re riding. 

We’d also recommend looking for a saddle that can be adjusted so you can tailor the bike perfectly for your child and allow it to grow with them. 

Handlebars might also be able to be raised, adding to the comfort of your balance bike. Other comfort features include a footplate for your child to rest on while coasting, a backrest on the saddle, and padded grips. 

Brakes 

Not all balance bikes come with brakes because your child will be able to control the bike with their feet. 

However, some bikes for older riders might include brakes to help them learn this valuable skill that can be transferred when they begin riding push bikes. 

When looking for a balanced bike with a braking system, make sure the lever isn’t too stiff, and they’ll be able to pull it. Remember that most children won’t be able to use brakes immediately, so encourage them to focus on learning balance and steering first. 

Wheels

Balance bikes have several wheels, including plastic, pneumatic, rubber, and more. Pneumatic wheels are lighter and easier to roll, making them good for younger children who might not have the strength to push heavy wheels yet. 

However, rubber and plastic tyres might be best for indoor and outdoor use if you want your little one to practice indoors before tackling the outdoors. 

No matter which wheels you choose, ensure they’re easy to spin, lightweight, and easily maintained. 

Durability

A high-quality balance bike should be able to last your little one until their fifth birthday, so choosing one that is durable and reliable is a must. 

Look to customer reviews to ensure the bearings, frame, wheels, and brakes all meet your expectations, as this will ensure you feel satisfied in the future. You could also ensure the balance bike has an excellent warranty to protect your purchase.

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