The Right Time to Buy Your Child his First Tricycle

A tricycle is one of the most attractive playthings for your child. But unless this is bought at the right age, it can be useless. Determining the age at which a child can pedal a tricycle will help parents make an informed decision. Find out the right time to buy a tricycle.

You just can’t wait to buy a fancy tricycle for your child and watch him trundle down the lane on it. But are you sure that your child is ready to ride one? If bought at the wrong time, your little one might not be able to enjoy it. What’s more, the child may completely loathe the idea of riding a tricycle, considering the effort it requires. So, while 37-42 months of age is usually a good time for your child to enjoy this purchase, make sure you analyse the following factors.

When to Buy a Tricycle for Kids – Factors to Consider

Your little one seems to be growing at lightning speed, and now is the time to buy him his first tricycle. Now that you are ready to buy him a tricycle, there are several factors you should be aware of and several questions you must ask yourself before deciding on one. Let’s go through the questions you should keep in mind while buying a tricycle.

1. What’s His Height?

Your little one should be tall enough such that he can comfortably reach the pedals. So, if the child has to stretch to reach the pedals, there is no way he is going to enjoy riding a tricycle. Also, it’s important that his feet touch the ground while he is seated on the tricycle. After all, the braking mechanism of a tricycle involves touching the foot to the ground. In case his feet don’t touch the ground, he might find it hard to stop the bicycle and is even prone to falls.

2. How Strong Is He?

There is no doubt that riding a tricycle can be strenuous, especially if the child doesn’t have the necessary strength. A tot needs to put in a lot of effort to pedal the tricycle. Similarly, he needs considerable strength to turn the vehicle. So, to know when is a child ready for a tricycle, gauge if he has enough strength to pedal and steer it around.

3. Balance Is Key

Just because a tricycle has three wheels doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about balance. It’s important that your tot has enough body balance to get on and off the tricycle without falling down. Also, he should be able to stay upright and stable once he sits in the vehicle. Riding in a straight line requires a sense of balance. So, unless your child can walk and run properly, it wouldn’t be a good idea to buy him a tricycle.

4. Good Coordination

Riding a tricycle isn’t as easy as it seems. Your tot needs to pedal with his foot, look out for hurdles in the way, and steer when need be. This requires a lot of coordination as well as some spatial awareness. Your little one may take some time to get acquainted with it. Thus, buying a tricycle before the child learns to coordinate his body and mind would definitely not work.

Tips to Keep Your Child Injury-Free While Riding Tricycle

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests some tips and tricks to keep their child safe while riding a tricycle (1).

1. Physical Strength: Before getting your child a tricycle, make sure he is ready enough strength wise to ride a tricycle. Children above three years are ready to ride.
2. Low Height of the Tricycle: In the beginning of the cycling days, keep the height of the cycle low to the ground and have big wheels to the cycle. 
3. Keep the Toes Covered: Make your child wear footwear in which the toes are covered so as to avoid toe scraping if they fall from the bike.
4. Helmet: Helmet is necessary – that is one mantra you need to recite to your kiddo before you train them to ride the tricycle. Make sure the helmet is of appropriate size, not too small and not too big. It should fit your child’s head snugly.
5. Avoid Busy Areas: Teach your little one to ride the bicycle in a safe and child-friendly area. Avoid areas near roads, highways, or a busy pedestrian walkway.

FAQs

1. What is the right age to ride a tricycle or bicycle?

The right age to ride a tricycle or a bicycle starts at the age of two when toddlers are building their hand-coordination, gross motor skills, and necessary physical strength. Once the baby has developed and skills to push the pedals, they can be given a tricycle with big wheels.

2. What features should be there in a toddler tricycle?

A good todder tricycle should be of a suitable size according to the baby’s height and weight, durable enough to handle bumps and wear and tear. It should have cushioned seat, sturdy side wheels, adjustable handles, anti-slip tires, and no loose screws.

3. How can riding a tricycle or a bike benefit my baby?

Riding a tricycle is an excellent activity that enhances a child’s gross motor skills, encourages outdoor play, fosters exploration, helps build peer interaction, and boosts self-confidence.

Your child is ready for a tricycle when he can get on and off it and ride it around without any assistance from you. Of course, you can opt for the push-handle vehicle too. However, this is a far cry from the traditional tricycles.

References/Resources:

Ready for a Tricycle?; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Ready-For-A-Tricycle.aspx

Also Read:

Ice Skating for Kids
Best Sports for Kids to Play
Health Benefits of Cycling for Kids
Essential Safety Tips For Toddler Cycling
Easy Tips to Teach a Child to Ride a Bicycle