21 Jul 2016 | 6 min Read
Preeti Athri
Author | 117 Articles
Cycles easily top the list of must-have toys for kids. Why? They’re a great way for them to develop motor skills, get some exercise and they’re fun.
As a 3-year-old, I remember having a red tricycle which was then replaced by the big kid cycle with training wheels. But now, with ride-ons, balance bikes and EzyRollers, parents can actually design a cycling timeline for their kids right from the time they celebrate their first birthday. Here’s a handy guide that gives a lowdown on the types of cycles available in the market and what’s right for your child according to his age and skills.
Tricycles such as these come with plenty of fitments, and are ideal to introduce your little one to cycles. Most models come with a parent handle, a foot rest, a safety bar so your toddler can seat himself as an adult can wheel him around. Some models come with a canopy and a basket.
Age group: 1 year plus
Where you can buy them: Most cycle shops and online stores
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Mini cycles are wonderful indoor toys. They can keep your little munchkin busy and mobile on rainy days. They’re light and great to develop foot to floor paddling skills, which is an essential gross motor for gross motor development. Some cozy cars for little ones work on the same principle.
Image source: littletykes.co.uk
Age group: 18 months plus
Where you can buy them: Specialty toy shops and online stores
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Imagesource:ebay.co.uk
Ride-Ons are a hit with kids as they’re smooth and zoom across with minimum effort. Ride-on toys (four-wheeled mini cars) and swing cars (pictured) works on the twist –and-go principle, wherein the child can glide around the place easily whilst resting his feet on.
Age group: 2 years plus
Where you can buy them: Specialty toy shops, online stores, cycle shops
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Image source: kidselectriccars.co.uk
Scooters are a great alternative to conventional cycles. They can come in two or three wheel options and can be used by a child over a long period. Scooting is a high-energy activity, so it allows good exercise. A good range of scooters are available in the markets today.
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Age group: 3 years plus
Where you can buy them: Specialty toy shops, online stores, cycle shops
Image source: amazon.in
Balance bikes are pretty new to the market but have become the rage. These resemble normal bicycles but have sturdier wheels and no pedals. This helps the child push and move around an area while improving on balance skills. Balance bikes are considered as an ideal transition phase between toddler tricycles and bicycles.
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Age group: 18 months plus
Where you can buy them: Few specialty toy shops, Online stores
Image source: mumzworld.com
The hottest new toy in the block is the Ezyroller. It is a low-lying seat mounted on three wheels with adjustable foot -powdered steering that helps the user curve around smoothly. It comes without chains, pedals or other conventional cycle parts and is super fun even for adults.
Cons:
Age group: 3 years plus
Where you can buy them: Few specialty toy shops, Online stores
Image source: Kmart.com
They have been around for years and are the toy of choice for most parents and kids. They can be adjusted in height and once balance is mastered, training wheels can be removed, making this a long-lasting choice. There are plenty of models and varieties to choose from.
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Age: 3 years plus
Where you can buy them: Widely available in sports shops, toy shops, online stores
Explore the entire collection of articles: Toddler Fun, Fun Read
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