In your hunt for a childrens tricycle, you could well be feeling bemused and bedazzled by the extensive variety of shape and styles on?offer. The latest model might be bright and beautiful, and brilliantly designed -- but wholly inappropriate for your particular child.
There are various things to take into account before you reach for your wallet. Here are 5 questions to help you get clearer on the kind of?trike that would best suit the child in your life.
1 ?What age is your child?
Styles and features of kids tricycles vary considerably. The ideal trike/tricycle for a 5-year-old is unlikely to be the best option for a toddler.?
For a very young child, you may consider a tricycle that does not even have pedals. It's propelled by scooting along the floor with the feet.?As with all children's ride on toys, this type of tricycle enhances a toddler's mobility and early sense of independence, while exercising and?strengthening the leg muscles. At the same time the child ?is also learning the useful art of steering!?
Even older children may not grasp the concept of pedaling straight away and might initially push along the floor with their feet to get?around. That's fine -- a child will pick up pedal power in his or her own good time.
Having said all that, every child is different: what suits one 4-year-old will not necessarily be right for another. So it makes sense to come to?a decision based on what you know of your particular child, and not just on what manufacturers may have put on their websites or?packaging.
2 ?Will the tricycle be ridden inside or outside?
If the tricycle is destined for indoor use, bear in mind that your furniture and precious ornaments may be vulnerable. Some rearranging may be necessary.?Check, is there enough space for your little one to maneuver easily around the furniture? This will reduce the likelihood of a bump resulting in?damage to child or family heirlooms. Make sure the tires won't mark your floors.
As far as the tricycle itself is concerned, if it's purely for indoor riding, then a monster with pneumatic tires that is designed to be raced over?rough terrain is probably not the best choice.
If it's for riding outside, in public areas -- in the park or on the sidewalk -- ?a tricycle with a steering or push bar could be an extremely useful?feature. This is a long handle at the rear, which enables you to hold the trike back or push it forward.?You can keep control when necessary for safety, and take over when those little legs are in need of a rest, while leaving the rider?conveniently in situ (much better than having to lift and carry.)
If you go for a model with a handle, make sure it's removable (most are), as you won't always need to make use of it.
3 ?Is space or portability important??
A tricycle isn't the most convenient item to live with! Do you need it to fit easily into the trunk of the car, or in a closet at home? If space is at?a premium, there are folding models that might be worth considering.?
4 ?Are you a dab hand with a screwdriver?
Something else to keep in mind is the fact that a childrens tricycle will often arrive in parts and require some kind of assembly before it's?ready to ride. To be fair, this is usually quite a simple procedure -- but obviously it does need to be done properly to ensure safety.?
You'll need to factor in some time to do this (it's not a good idea to give?an excited 3-year-old?a tricycle in several pieces.) If you'd prefer not to?tackle this little DIY exercise ?yourself, look for one that comes ready assembled -- or get someone to do it for you.
5 ?What is your budget?
The price is relevant, of course, but it's not advisable to try to save money by buying a tricycle that's too big, with the thought that your child?will "grow into it." On the other hand, it is a good idea to choose a model with adjustable parts -- seat, handlebars etc -- which can be?altered to make a customized fit and ?"grow" with your child.
If you get it right, you'll end up with the ideal children's tricycle -- and a priceless gift: oodles of fun and happy times for a delighted young rider. Taking a little time to consider the options, rather than making an impulse buy that you might regret later, can only make sense. You'll find more information at http://www.childrenstricycle.net/
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