Balance-Bikes

How to Balance Fun and Safety with Balance Bikes

Learning to ride a bike can be both fun and challenging, particularly for younger children. Most parents want their kids to have fun when learning to ride a bike. According to the good folk at Woom, one of the best ways to do this is by introducing them to a balance bike for kids at a young age.

Balance bikes are particularly useful for helping children to grow in confidence. It teaches them how to develop their balance and coordination. And most importantly of all, balance bikes are fun. But as a parent, it is important to try to get the balance of fun and safety just right.

How Balance Bikes Work

You may already know this, but balance bikes do not have any pedals. They have two wheels, handlebars, and a saddle and they are designed to be propelled forwards by the child’s feet. Children firstly learn how to walk the bike between their legs, holding on to the handlebars and steering as they go. They might then sit down while doing this, before moving on to running, while sitting. As the child grows in confidence and has learned how to balance the bike, she might lift her feet and allow the bike to glide along. She can stop the bike by putting her feet back onto the ground.

How to Keep Your Child Safe When Learning to Use a Balance Bike

As with any bike, there is the risk of falls and minor scrapes and injuries. As a parent you can show your child how to stay safe while learning. The following are a few things you can do:

  • Make sure your child is always wearing appropriate protective gear such as a helmet, and pads for the elbows and knees.
  • Teach your child to use the bike in a safe area where there is no traffic or other dangerous obstacles. A local park is a good idea.
  • Show your child how to get on and off the bike safely.
  • Make sure that you check the bike is in good working order before every use. You may need to tighten some components from time to time.

Making it Fun

Children learn when they are having fun, so once you have taken the above safety precautions you can teach your child how to have fun on her balance bike by cycling with her as she learns. There are other things you can do to make it more exciting, such as creating a little course for her to navigate. Place markers or small cones on the ground and encourage her to move through them to improve her coordination and steering.

Conclusion

A balance bike for kids is something that can make learning to ride a bike fun and exciting. Children naturally know how to use balance bikes, and progressing through the stages of walking, running, and gliding is something that comes easy to them.

Parents who want their child to have fun while staying safe should encourage their child to wear protective gear, in particular a helmet and pads. It is important too that your child learns how to use the balance bike in a safe area that is free from obstacles and hazards such as traffic.

Making it fun for your child will mean she is more eager to learn. If you can, cycle alongside her and make sure she is following safety rules. To make it more fun and engaging, consider setting up an obstacle course using cones or markers and have her move through it, praising her as she goes.

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