Buying The Right Ride On Toy
Ride on toys are a favorite of many children. They get them out of the house and exercising too. The problem is that there are tons of choices. Some are great for toddlers and others for children who are a bit older. The following is a guide to choosing age appropriate ride ons.
Consider manufacturer recommendations. Because every child develops at a different rate, only you can really judge if a toy is going to be age appropriate for your child. When in doubt choose according to the manufacturer’s age and weight recommendation. Toys are typically designed so that they can be easily employed by children of the age and weight recommended by the manufacturer. Most often this is based on the height, the complexity of use, or the safety of the ride on toy. So do not discount the manufacturer recommendation.
Consider your child’s physical capabilities. Ask yourself if your child is developmentally capable of doing all the things required by the toy. Strive to choose something that your child will be able to use without much difficulty. For example, a child under three may have trouble steering and remaining balanced on a bike, so a lower to the ground, foot push ride on toy might be better than a toy that requires pedaling. Consider looking for a ride on toy that has a high seat back or a push bar, or for a four wheeler or tricycle. Consider a battery powered toy if you think they aren’t quite ready to steer and pedal simultaneously. This way all they need to do is steer. Just because something is recommended for their age, your child will progress at their own pace, and you should choose your child’s ride on toys based on their individual abilities, rather than age averages.
Consider the size of the ride on toy. The size of the ride on toy matters a great deal because they need to be able to maneuver it and reach the pedals or ground easily. In addition, if it is too small, their knees might be hitting the handle bars or steering wheel, or be cramped up to keep them from dragging on the ground. The proper ride on toy size for your son’s frame, stature, and height is key to their enjoyment of the toy. Look for toys that can be adjusted. This makes the toy more versatile in terms of who can use it and also means your child can use it longer before they outgrow it.
Consider the complexity of the toy. Some ride on toys are just toys that you sit on, and push with your feet. Others have pedals. Others have mechanical operations, such as a button you push or a pedal you depress (like a gas pedal in a car), some move forward and backward, some only forward. Some have hand brakes, and some have the backward push brakes. Choose a ride on toy that fits the complexity your child can handle. If they won’t remember the hand brakes, get a bike that has the backward push pedals. Many times these are easier for children to remember and operate.
CRAZY BIG FOOT TOY!!!!!