We were given O’s first bike when on his second birthday, it’s a lovely blue and natural wood balance bike. Unfortunately we didn’t realise that it would be too big for him until he was nearly 3 years old and then he was worried about it being too wobbly. A couple of weeks ago he saw another child on their pedal bike, zooming up and down our street and immediately asked if he could go out on his own bike. So of course I got his bike out and over the last couple of weeks he’s become extremely good and is zooming way ahead of me!
Balance bikes are simply bikes without the pedals, the child simply has to push along with their feet and once they are moving fast enough then they can lift their feet up and zoom along.
There are several good reasons to get your child a balance bike before a pedal bike:
1. It gives them a chance to practice balancing. Once they can balance then all they need is to be able to pedal and they can ride a pedal bike really quickly. This eliminates the need for stabilisers entirely (if they have had a chance to practise pedalling on something else) or they only need stabilisers for a week or so as they practise to pedal.
2. Longer walks are now much quicker as he zooms along on the bike!
3. They can join in with other kids on bikes and scooters, there is a small path/hill near our house that a lot of the kids in our neighbourhood like to zoom up and down on their bikes and scooters. Great for playing with friends!
4. If you get the right sized bike (there are some that will fit 2 year old’s easily, try your local bike shop or Halford’s to test some) then they can get into ‘cycling’ from an early age and can start proper cycling much more quickly without all the fuss over taking off stabilisers.
We’ll be getting A a smaller balance bike for his 2nd birthday and I imagine he’ll be chasing his brother around on his bike too, having lots of fun together!
Have you/will you get a balance bike for your child?
J x
A Cornish Mum says
These balance bikes are a brilliant idea! The hardest part is the balance, so the chance to practice that early on seems great to me!
Stevie xx
Jenny Eaves says
That’s what I’m hoping for! Less of the don’t let go when teaching how to ride a bike! 🙂 x
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
This is really interesting – we got my daughter a scooter last year for her second birthday but she hasn’t been that bothered about it (fortunately it will last a few years yet) so I wasn’t sure if we’d have a similar reaction to a balance bike. #countrykids
Jenny Eaves says
We had similar with the scooter, but then he slowly started to use it after seeing other kids on theirs. If they don’t have someone to watch they might not realise the potential! I think my second is interested already as he watches his brother all the time! 🙂 xx
Coombe Mill says
Looks like there is no stopping O now, funny how kids are so influenced by seeing others doing things. It is also interesting to see that if the bike isn’t the right size it can put them off, looks like you will have 2 whizzing off on their bikes in no time at all! Thank you for sharing with #CountryKids.
Catherine says
Balance bikes are brilliant and make learning to ride a real bike so much easier! I would definitely recommend one 🙂
Jenny Eaves says
I’m hoping that the transition from balance bike to real bike will be quick and easy, but we will have to wait and see later in the year for that! Thank you! 🙂 x
Jade (Raising the Rings) says
I love these and was contemplating getting Toby one for his 2nd birthday, but decided against it – maybe next year instead. I do love them though, and think they’re usually quite retro looking! #bigfatlinky x
Jenny Eaves says
Yeah, O didn’t use his until he was 3, so completely understandable to wait! I know A will be desperate for one by then as he’s already trying to climb on O’s. I’ll report back at how much easier it makes the transition to pedal bike later this year. 🙂 xx
Merlinda Little ( @pixiedusk) says
We dont have balance bike but my husband bought real kid bike and removed the pedals. My son uses that. So true about kids learning how to balance naturally! We cant wait to put the pedals back on =) #countrykids
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks! Yes it was funny as he’s seen lots of kids on bikes, but this particular time he decided to try his bike out! 🙂 x
al says
I literally cannot wait to get Ted one of these. Thanks for linking up #bigfatlinky
Jenny Eaves says
I’m sure he’ll love it! 🙂