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[Ad] We’ve been looking into the best ways to teach our daughter how to ride a bike, including the best starter balance bike, age to get started, and tips to get riding independently. Today I’m sharing the tips we’ve picked up – as well as some brilliant plasters for kids, perfect for dealing with the inevitable cuts and scrapes cycling adventures bring!
First we had lockdown, and now it’s the summer holidays – both perfect opportunities to help teach your child how to ride a bike, and our family has been no exception. The initial question we came up against for project ‘get riding’ was the best option for a beginner. My husband’s research quickly told us which way to go, so today I’m sharing that knowledge with you…
Why a Balance Bike is the Best Beginner Bike
Very simply, choosing this option will teach your child how to balance, and build up the muscles required to do so. With the confidence that comes from mastering balance, everything else they need to ride independently will quickly fall into place.
Balance Bike – Age to Begin
I wish we’d started with ours earlier, they just didn’t show much of an interest and we didn’t push it. I now see this was a mistake, because they can start as early as 18 months, which is a huge head start!
After a balance bike children are usually ready to progress to a proper bike at around the age of four.
Buying the Right Balance Bike
There are a few rules of thumb for making a purchase:
- Size matters. Your little one should be able to stand over the frame with both feet planted firmly on the floor.
- The lighter the better. Your child should be able to stand the bike up from the floor independently.
- Brakes are probably not necessary at this stage. Little hands and undeveloped coordination mean even if the bike has brakes, they are unlikely to be used anyway.
Beyond this, you may wish to consider material (metal/plastic/wood), cost, and adjustability of the seat and handlebars for maximum longevity.
4. Buy a helmet and knee and elbow pads!
Adventure Fearlessly, aka Dealing With Inevitable Cuts and Scrapes
Failing to prepare, as they say, is preparing to fail. But, while it’s preferable to avoid scrapes altogether, it’s just not reality…
Kids (specifically my kids) can be really very awkward and stubborn and, in my book, while a helmet is non-negotiable, if our nearly six year old is determined not to wear her knee and elbow pads, she’s cognizant enough to understand consequences…
Edit: since I began to write this post, my clever little girl – the very same one mentioned above – did something silly when I wasn’t watching and broke her arm. Both bones, about as bad as it could be and resulting in surgery, with more to follow. I sound like I’m making light, but it’s been an ordeal.
Top tip… Maybe don’t assume your kids understand consequences: wear the pads.
Fun Novelty Plasters For Kids!
For those inescapable little mishaps, we’ve teamed up with Safe and Sound Health who have a fab new range of hypoallergenic Kids Fun Plasters, which are perfect for delicate skin, and feature designs our girls are totally in love with.
As well as the fun new plasters, Safe and Sound also sent us their antiseptic wound spray, which will be perfect for on-the-go sterilising of cuts and scrapes.
I wouldn’t actually be surprised if we come up against a few more refusals to wear the graze-saving knee and elbow pads, with the prize being one of these cool plasters for kids. Yes, our daughter is that contrary.
She’s also been a total superhero this week:
What If My Child Has a Pedal Bike Already, and I Don’t Want to Buy a Balance Bike Too?
For anyone thinking this is an unlikely scenario because of course parents would do their research first – this actually happened to us! We were fortunate to be gifted an almost brand new bike last year, which was far too big for our eldest daughter at the time. It was put away, and part way through lockdown we decided we should get it out.
If your child is in the same situation, you can take the pedals off if you wish.
Bear in mind that the bike is going to be far heavier than the typical balance bike, which will make handling it more unwieldy and harder work. But, learning to balance is that beneficial it may be worth trying. It seemed to be working well for our daughter, before this enforced hiatus.
Tips For Transitioning to a Pedal Bike
Your child will probably let you know when the time is right. Here are things to watch for:
- They’ve mastered the balance bike,;
- Hand-eye coordination is good, and they’re developmentally ready;
- They’re asking to upgrade to a pedal bike!
Once you take the plunge and your child starts using a pedal bike, they’ll usually pick it up fairly quickly if they’ve already been using a balance bike. That said, there’s no harm to allowing them to continue using both bikes alongside each other until they master pedalling while balancing and steering.
And, for those times they misjudge, a novelty plaster can be the difference that encourages and motivates them to keep going. Pixie has even covered her cast in them!
