Learning to ride a bicycle is a universal rite of passage for all children. Babies in strollers have seen their older siblings experience the freedom of controlling their own wheels. They know their time will come, but in a child’s mind, the wait is too long. Parents also look forward to seeing their children successfully navigate on their own two wheels. The problem lies in the fact that the process is not always an easy one.

The European phenomenon, the balance bike, has brought a solution to American parents. Instead of teaching a child to pedal a bicycle first, this toy teaches balancing skills first. Typically, a child’s first bike is a tricycle or a bicycle with training wheels. Children learn to pedal and crave momentum. When the training wheels are removed, the child must start over and learn how to balance.

The balance bike approaches the learning process from the opposite direction. The toy has no pedals or chain and all movement is propelled by the child. Learning to ride a balance bike is a progressive process which can eliminate anxiety and injuries related to falls.

• The balance bike must be small enough for the rider to sit on the saddle with their feet flat on the ground.
• The child first learns to walk and steer the bike without sitting on the saddle.
• Once the child is comfortable with the balance bike, they will learn to walk and steer the bike while sitting on the saddle.
• The same process is repeated while the child runs with the bike.
• Upon successful mastering of the balance bike, the child will be confident enough to rest their feet on the foot rest while the balance bike coasts.

The balance bike allows the child to get used to handling the steering and motion of the wheels before pedals are introduced. This method builds self confidence and encourages the child to advance with the toy. The learning process is less stressful because the child has more control over the toy. Of course, the child can still fall while learning, but they will feel less anxiety learning how to ride because they will not require mom and dad’s help in supporting the bicycle. The child can progress by their own speed and can graduate from walking to running when they are ready.

Parents look forward to seeing their children master the ability to ride a bicycle. They know learning is not easy and now they have the balance bicycle to help their children be more successful. This wonderful toy teaches children balance skills first before they move on to larger and more traditional bicycles. Children learn to first walk and steer before taking on running and coasting on a bicycle with no pedals. The balance bike is a fun toy that will help children develop important skills they will need to move on to larger bicycles. Mom and dad can relax while their child learns control of their own wheels.

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