Tricycles & Ride On Toys

Ride-Ons Tricycles

The first tricycle was invented more than two centuries ago. Since then, it has become a well-known children's toy that provides exercise as well as developmental skills. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and brands.

Riding bikes and trikes is an integral part of many childhoods. A tricycle is a good first bike for your child to practice on. Knowing what features are available to you when you purchase a trike for your son or daughter can be helpful. Here are some of the features available for tricycles:

• Umbrellas: Some trikes come with the built-in sunshade of an umbrella. This can come in handy if you plan on being out in the sun a lot with your son or daughter.
• Safety: Look for a trike that is lower to the ground and has bigger wheels to provide more balance and stability for your child when pedaling.
• Push bar: Push bars are another feature you'll find on trikes. This bar enables you to push or guide your son or daughter as they travel on their trike. Push bars can be very convenient if you will be using the tricycle in a busy place or if your kid is just starting out and learning how to operate the pedals. Most push bars are detachable so that you can remove them once your son or daughter no longer needs them.
• Storage buckets: Younger kids are often known for wanting to cart their favorite toys or other items around with them. Some tricycles come with storage buckets, usually found in the rear, where kids can place all of their special items that need to come along with them.

Not only does your son or daughter get the benefit of physical exercise when they ride a tricycle, they can also grow in other ways developmentally. Tricycles can help your child with:

• Gross motor development: Your child’s large muscle groups are used and developed when riding. Gross motor skills, such as running and balance, are learned before fine motor skills, like holding a pencil or using a zipper.
• Learning direction: Riding a tricycle can help your son or daughter learn left from right and how to turn the steering wheel in those different directions. It helps the brain differentiate between sides. Learning these skills will help your kids with later developmental stages, such as when they are learning to read.
• Independence: Children of tricycle-riding age are generally drawn to independent activities because they want to do things for themselves. Riding gives them an opportunity to accomplish something without help and to be in control.