Helping your child to learn how to drive a bike is an important step in his life. Also, it can be a good memory and a great experience where both you and the little one can have a lot of fun. However, there are some important things to learn before you get the bicycle. Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice.
1. Choose the Right Size
When it comes to the size, the age can play an important role. The common mistake many people are making is when they buy a larger bike thinking that it might be a good choice since the kid can ride it for a much longer time.
However, the issue is that small kids might find it difficult to control some larger model.
Therefore, focus on the age first. If you are looking for a bike that will represent first driving steps of your child, there are some models available for youngest generations that are only one or two years old. For more information about such models, check this website.
2. Find the Right Producer
There are many companies that are selling bikes today. However, the problem can be when you are not paying enough attention to the quality. For example, there might be a company that is well-known for selling high-quality models, but they simply don’t pay so much attention to those options suitable for little kids.
Therefore, even if they are offering small versions of bikes, these options might not be suitable since they might be more difficult for controlling, or lack some important safety features. In that matter, you should research the market and look for those brands with more focus on younger population and suitable models that have the ability to add a third-wheel assistance, have various safety features, and more.
3. Don’t Forget the Safety
Even if you are planning to be near your child all the time while it is making its first steps on a bike, keep in mind that losing control is quite simple for someone without skills and experience. Also, falling is part of the learning process, and instead of focusing on preventing the fall so much, a much better solution is to equip your child with proper protection. Therefore, be sure to get a protection of the head and knees.
The combination with third wheel, helmet, and knee protectors will help you be more relaxed as well, and let your child to gain more freedom much faster. Letting it to feel more free and start rolling the pedals without you holding it for the whole time is the only way for the kid to learn how to drive the bike.
Moreover, the problem with small kids is that they might feel frightened if they fall and get injured. This might prolong their interest in learning to drive the bike for a couple more years. However, when they are well protected, this process will be faster and easier for both of you.
4. Find a Suitable Design
As we already mentioned, there are models suitable for small kids that resembles the same models available in adult size. It might be interesting for kids to have such models, but they might not be the best solution for making the first steps.
The age plays a big role in this part. If you have a 2-years old kid, the best option is a bike without any pedals and three wheels. The benefit of this model is that the kid will learn how to maintain the balance, which is essential in riding a bike.
Furthermore, you can let the kid to enjoy in riding such a model for some time, and when you are sure that it has no issues in holding balance, you can start looking for a model with pedals. In most cases, kids are able to ride bikes with pedals after the age of 3 or 4.
However, third wheel should remain as a safety feature until you are sure that the kid is able to ride without a chance of falling.
Be Patient With Your Kid
It is crucial to never show any signs of nervousness and impatience when you are helping your kid in learning its first steps on a bicycle. For example, if you are too harsh when the kid is constantly falling, you will only result lower confidence and issues in learning. That is the main reason to choose a model with suitable safety features so the kid can be safe in case of falling.
The fact is that falling down is the usual part of the learning process, but if you decide to hold the kid while on the bike for the whole time, this process can be even harder and longer. It should be entertaining and you have to secure it to stay that way.
Another important thing is to be sure that the kid is interested in learning the bike in the first place. There is no way to determine the right age for this. Some kids might want to ride a bike when they are three years old, while some other kids might be interested in other activities.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, choosing the right first two wheels for your child is not a difficult process.
However, it is essential to focus on some key factors that are related to comfort, safety, and assistance in riding. Also, be sure to make the right choice when it comes to the size and weight, and ensure that the kid will be able to control such model without any issues.
Also, it can be a mistake if you are looking for some long-term solution, especially for the kids of young age like 3 or 4. Keep in mind that they will overgrow their first model very fast, but getting the suitable version is the only way for them to develop essential skills like control and balancing. In the end, never rush with your decision, and check the experience of other parents if you are not sure which model is the right option.
