If your little one is bored with their balance bikes, but not quite ready for a two-wheeler (with or without training wheels,) then it may be time to invest in a toddler tricycle. Not only are tricycles a great way for active toddlers to burn off some energy, but the skills associated with learning how to ride a tricycle are essential for their cognitive and physical development. &#;Riding tricycles is a great learning experience for toddlers because it helps toddlers gain confidence in their body movements and manages their increased need for independence,&#; says Steph Lee, M.D., pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson.
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At first glance, all tricycles are built the same: The body is low to the ground, the wheels are large, and the pedals are often oversized as well, making it easier for small feet to stay on and learn the motions of pedaling. But there are certain features that make some tricycles stand out from others, while also making them better suited for certain kids. (For example, a lighter frame may make it easier for younger kids to maneuver.) There are even some trikes that come with parent-assisted options, allowing you to give your child extra support as they grow and develop the gross motor skills required to ride independently.
As a parent who has gone through six tricycles between three kids, I know choosing the best toddler tricycle can be overwhelming and looking at all the tiny differences can be time-consuming. So I put my experience, as well as the expertise of Dr. Lee, to use and scoured through dozens of options until I found the six best toddler tricycles.
When my children entered the toddler years, they rode many tricycles; some borrowed from friends and family, others purchased by yours truly. I leaned heavily into this experience when finding the best toddler tricycles. That said, safety is a top priority (if not the top priority) when choosing a tricycle for your toddler. To ensure every tricycle was deemed safe, I spoke with Dr. Lee and consulted current AAP guidelines to learn about any safety requirements for tricycles.
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Based on this information, all toddler tricycles on the list that have a parent steering mode, have a five- or three-point harness and high back to ensure your child is securely seated. Additionally, all tricycles have adjustable seats to ensure your child is always in proper placement on the bike. The AAP also recommends selecting a bike &#;that allows the child to sit on the seat and touch both feet to the ground,&#; so I prioritized finding trikes that are smaller in dimension and made for younger kids to allow parents a wider range of options depending on the size of their child.
Additionally, to get a sense of what parents look for in tricycles for their toddlers, I turned to the What to Expect community members. After reading dozens of message boards, I determined the most important factors to buying a toddler tricycle are:
Finally, when it comes to tricycle safety, the most important thing is for your child to wear an appropriately sized helmet. According to Dr. Lee, the best helmet should sit snug and firmly on the top of the head, and the bottom strap should be snug so it cannot slip off without unbuckling. Additionally, it should not expose the forehead or cover your toddler's eyes. We&#;ve included a Best Toddler Helmet category, though you may want to do some additional research.
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