Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
- Date: 2010-11-16 - Word Count: 517
Share This!
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike is also a right of passage for many children. If you've decided to purchase a bicycle for your little one, put a lot of thought into this choice. One that is the wrong size will make learning to ride difficult, if not impossible, for your child. Choosing the right bike for your child depends on a wide range of factors, which begin with age, gender and height. Naturally, you want to make sure that your child is safe and comfortable, and with bicycling, this begins with choosing the right style.
If you're just getting started with teaching your child to ride, you'll want to start on a bike with training wheels, which prevent it from tipping over. The overall purpose of training bikes is to get your child familiar with being on a bicycle and pedaling, without them having to worry about balance Bicycles come in a variety of heights that correspond to different age ranges. What you want to remember is that your child should be able to sit comfortably on the bicycle and should be able to touch the ground with both feet while holding the handlebars.
For your child's first bicycle, consider purchasing a bike store, where the staff will help you try several bicycles. Try adjusting the seat and handlebars until your child is comfortable. Once he or she is comfortable make sure that they can touch the ground on either side. No doubt this will be an exciting experience for your child! They may even want to ride a few laps around the store on the bike you're purchasing.
Children's bicycles are typically measured by the diameter of the wheels. If your child measures 34" tall or less, a 12" bike is probably the right size. Likewise, children measuring 34 to 42 inches tall should try a 16 inch bike, and 42 - 48 inches tall should ride a 20" bike. There are also 20" and 24" bicycles for older children. Remember that these sizes are just a guideline - your child may need to go up or down a size to find a comfortable fit.
When do you need to buy a new bicycle for your child? This is best done when your child has grown so much that their old bike is no longer comfortable to ride. Though most bike seats can be adjusted as your child grows, there will come a point when it's time to upgrade.
As an alternative to a bike with training wheels, you may consider purchasing a "balance bike," which is a bike that has no pedals and is designed for kids as young as two years old. Another option, which is particularly great for young toddlers, is a tricycle, pedal car, or other ride-on toy. These toys are a great way to get your child exercising and get them used to the idea of pedaling before they're tall enough for a real bicycle. Most kids are ready for a bicycle with training wheels sometime between the ages of three and six.
If you're just getting started with teaching your child to ride, you'll want to start on a bike with training wheels, which prevent it from tipping over. The overall purpose of training bikes is to get your child familiar with being on a bicycle and pedaling, without them having to worry about balance Bicycles come in a variety of heights that correspond to different age ranges. What you want to remember is that your child should be able to sit comfortably on the bicycle and should be able to touch the ground with both feet while holding the handlebars.
For your child's first bicycle, consider purchasing a bike store, where the staff will help you try several bicycles. Try adjusting the seat and handlebars until your child is comfortable. Once he or she is comfortable make sure that they can touch the ground on either side. No doubt this will be an exciting experience for your child! They may even want to ride a few laps around the store on the bike you're purchasing.
Children's bicycles are typically measured by the diameter of the wheels. If your child measures 34" tall or less, a 12" bike is probably the right size. Likewise, children measuring 34 to 42 inches tall should try a 16 inch bike, and 42 - 48 inches tall should ride a 20" bike. There are also 20" and 24" bicycles for older children. Remember that these sizes are just a guideline - your child may need to go up or down a size to find a comfortable fit.
When do you need to buy a new bicycle for your child? This is best done when your child has grown so much that their old bike is no longer comfortable to ride. Though most bike seats can be adjusted as your child grows, there will come a point when it's time to upgrade.
As an alternative to a bike with training wheels, you may consider purchasing a "balance bike," which is a bike that has no pedals and is designed for kids as young as two years old. Another option, which is particularly great for young toddlers, is a tricycle, pedal car, or other ride-on toy. These toys are a great way to get your child exercising and get them used to the idea of pedaling before they're tall enough for a real bicycle. Most kids are ready for a bicycle with training wheels sometime between the ages of three and six.
Classic Pedal Cars has a full range of pedal cars for the best present a child could wish for! Also check for current specials on Sad Face Fire Engine Pedal Carsn
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b - Should You Give Your Baby A Popular Name?
Most of us do not take the thought of giving good names to babies but it is something we should thin
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl