Has your child learnt to walk? Great! They're ready to start riding a kids' bike. But are they best off with a balance bike (bike without pedals) or a tricycle?
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We explain why balance bikes have become a must-have for toddlers aged 2 and up. why choose a balance bike? At what age can you use one?
The difference between a balance bike (a bike without pedals) and a tricycle is pretty obvious: on a balance bike, your child is more or less vertical, whereas on a trike they're semi-reclined. The reason? The way each bike is designed. The posture that a child has to adopt on a balance bike - with their legs directly beneath their upper body - is a natural, physiological position. They therefore learn to balance naturally, as they would when learning to walk.
On a tricycle, the position is more stable because of the three wheels, the handlebar is higher than on a bike and, most importantly, the pedals are on the front wheel. Isn't stability good for learning? Not really. 'It's not logical to use,' explains physiotherapist Karine Roulin. 'On a tricycle, the child has their feet in front of them, which also means having their legs straight or pushing with their toes if they aren't very tall. The child can't put much force through the pedals and, on top of that, this position strains the abdomen.'
The great thing about balance bikes is that kids can move along, go up and down pavements, and get themselves off slightly muddy ground unaided. It's because they're lighter and more maneuverable than bikes with stabilizers, giving learner cyclists that bit more freedom. A balance bike is also perfect for learning to brake, provided you buy a model equipped with brakes. Kids will quickly understand that they're the one who controls their bike and that they can do what they want with it.
Some trikes come with a removable pole that parents can use to make sure their child doesn't stray too far and to help them steer.
The fundamental differences are by no means trivial. According to Frédéric Héran, an economist, urban designer and lecturer at the University of Lille 1, the rise of the tricycle dates from the s to the s, 'when cycling was reduced to a recreational activity or a children's game. You could no longer leave kids to play on their bikes out in the street: that space was reserved for cars, the symbol of progress. But tricycles - with a parent pole to aid steering - and bikes with stabilizers stopped kids becoming too independent too quickly by forcing them to stay under constant adult supervision.'
In the era of free motor skills and independent activities, 'the rise of the balance bike reflects the cycling boom and the unrivaled freedom it can offer for even the youngest of children, in cities where traffic levels are finally dropping,' he explains.
When physiotherapist Karine Roulin explains what a balance bike is, she highlights the importance of the posture it forces kids to adopt. 'The child has to find their center of gravity and realize that, if they lift one of their feet, they'll fall. It's all about shifting their weight from one foot to the other, and training the muscles that control posture. But if their posture is wrong, they won't learn to balance.'
But why not start out on a tricycle so you can learn to pedal first?
"Because pedaling isn't actually the hardest part of riding a bike. The hardest thing for a child is learning to balance, and understanding that they have to keep moving if they want to keep their balance," says Karine.
Balance bikes - those little bikes without pedals - are often used by kids aged 2 and up. But what is the advantage of this pedal-less bike? Is it really necessary to begin cycling with a balance bike? We can say for sure that, among other things, it helps kids develop their balance and motor skills.
"Cycling involves coordinating and linking together multiple movements. This is in addition to hand/eye coordination and balance... So altogether there are a lot of things to take into account," Karine.
The balance bike gives children the opportunity to break down these movements. It helps them discover their balance, learn to distribute their weight, and find their center of gravity. The balance bike targets an essential basic skill: balance. '
Pre-requisite: the child should be able to walk. 'The balance bike can be used from 2 years upwards,' explains Karine. But if the child only began to walk at 18/20 months, you should perhaps wait a while' On the other hand, if you feel that the child is ready and confident, why not let them try a bit sooner?'
The issue of size is also important: the child should not be on their tiptoes; they should feel safe and in control.
'With the balance bike, the child discovers exactly what makes cycling so magical: dynamic balancing on two wheels,' summarizes Frédéric Héran. The lightness and simplicity of the bike perfectly suits their small bodies and provides them with extraordinary dexterity.'
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What you choose will depend on your aims: if you want your child to learn to ride a bike or improve their motor skills, opt for a balance bike. ~If it's just for play, why not choose a trike? Certain models even come with a little plastic container hooked onto the back wheels, or a front basket that kids can put their toys in.
And when they're a bit older your child can begin to ride kids' bikes that resemble adult bikes very closely. Many have a chain guard for added safety. And when you're ready for one, too, we've got you covered.
Tricycles are a valuable tool for physical, cognitive, and emotional development in children. It's why investing in a tricycle is a strategic way to support your child's growth and set them up for success. Both a significant childhood milestone and a wonderful experience for your child, there are numerous benefits that come from riding a tricycle.
The US Department of Health advises that daily physical activity is important for the healthy growth and development of babies, toddlers and preschoolers. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, preschoolers should be physically active for at least three hours each day. Riding a trike is the perfect way to keep your energetic toddler active and healthy. We've outlined the specific ways riding a trike supports your child's physical development below.
Muscle development in toddlers is crucial for their overall growth, as it establishes a strong foundation for healthy physical development throughout childhood. Typically, toddlers begin to sit up on their own around 6-9 months, and by age 2, they often have the balance and coordination needed to start riding a tricycle.
Riding a trike aids in building and strengthening these muscles, making tricycles the best stroller alternative for toddlers. Unlike sitting in a stroller, pedaling forward is active and strengthens leg muscles, while the repeated steering motions help strengthen their arms and shoulders. Over time, the continuous practice of riding a tricycle nurtures your child's gross motor skill development.
To master riding a trike, children need to learn how to steer and maintain stability while moving. This involves developing important skills like coordination and balance. With practice, your child will slowly get accustomed to the movements necessary for riding, enhancing awareness of their bodies and boosting their physical control.
This heightened body awareness benefits other activities, like walking, dance, sports, and general movement. It can also lead to improved handwriting skills as the coordination between their eyes and hands becomes more refined.
Cognitive development in toddlers is a crucial aspect of their growth. Between the ages of 1 and 2, children begin to explore their environment more actively to try and make sense of the world around them. Riding a tricycle plays a significant role in this process by supporting the development of important cognitive skills, one of the many reasons why a tricycle is the perfect 1st birthday gift.
Many people don't realize that riding a tricycle assists toddlers in understanding concepts like space and distance. As your toddler practices riding, they automatically learn to make sense of their surroundings, boosting their cognitive growth and spatial reasoning skills.
This enhanced awareness of space can benefit subjects like mathematics and other areas that involve spatial thinking. Additionally, it lays the foundation that equips them with practical skills for everyday life, like walking, playing sports, or even parking a car.
Tricycles offer toddlers a range of challenges, like navigating turns and steering clear of obstacles. This encourages the development of problem-solving skills, nurturing independent thinking, self-awareness, and logical reasoning. These important cognitive skills extend to other aspects of life as children mature.
Riding a trike provides toddlers with opportunities to learn how to manage their emotions. At the formative ages of 1 to 2, toddlers often experience a mix of emotions but have limited ability to regulate them. The experience of riding a trike allows your child to explore their independence, promoting self-confidence as they learn to navigate on their own. Because riding a trike is also a fun and enjoyable activity, it fosters emotional learning in a positive way.
Tricycles allow toddlers to explore on their own, promoting a sense of independence and confidence that is crucial to building their self-esteem. Riding independently helps children become self-sufficient and enhance their decision-making skills. Liki Trike grows with your child, providing a steady transition into each new phase of development. With five modes of use, Liki Trike's unique features provide a safe and enjoyable way for your child to explore and gain independence.
The positive challenges associated with riding a trike help toddlers work on emotional regulation. When they encounter frustration from a fall or difficulty steering, they begin to recognize and manage these feelings, practicing coping strategies and testing their emotional resilience.
Understanding and regulating emotions are vital life skills that impact relationships, academic success, and mental health. By learning to cope with their emotions through a playful activity, children establish a positive foundation for their emotional intelligence.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of children tricycle manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.