I always get such great advice here! Figured this is the best place to ask.
What age is best for a balance bike? LO turns 2 soon and was wondering if this would be a good gift. Or would it be better suited for age 3?
If not the right age yet, any suggestions?
apricot / 399 posts
Both of my kids started on balance bikes at age 2. I think it’s a great second birthday gift!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
We got ours last summer when my son was 21 months. He wasn't very interested yet, but did use it to scoot around a little. I think 2 is good too start, and they can grow into it.
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
I think 2 is good but it depends on the kid whether they will take to it. I have heard 4 is too old to start with a balance bike so 2-3 is probably the sweet spot. I got a used one for my youngest’s 2nd bday and she’s never used it much - not sure she ever will - I think my son would have liked it though.
As an alternative / additional item, both my younger two loved scooters by age 2 (we have micro minis which are easy to learn). My son is 6 and still loves that same scooter so much!
pear / 1718 posts
DD got hers at 26 months and was riding a 2 wheel bike (no training wheels) by 4.5. Last summer at 5.5 she would go for 4 mile rides regularly. I highly recommend going for it now!
The first summer with the balance bike, she def didn't cruise, but the second summer she was hell on wheels
pomelo / 5573 posts
Agree with everybody else that the interest will depend on the kid but 2 is a good age. My older son loved it, could glide like a maniac, and went to a 2 wheeler with no hesitation. My little guy isn’t as into biking in general, never really wanted to use the balance bike, and now has no interest in losing the training wheels.
persimmon / 1023 posts
Definitely kid dependent as others have said, but 2 is good. My older never took to it whatsoever but he learned to ride a regular bike within a week and absolutely loves biking now at age 6. My younger started using the brand new hand me down balance bike at 18 months and was gliding up and down hills at a dirt bike track we go to before he turned 2! It was legit shocking.
I definitely think the balance bike is the baby led weaning of the bike world ha! It’s the ‘thing’ so many modern parents think is the best thing ever and you just gotta do it, but in reality it doesn’t always work out. Try it and see! Both of them also love the adjustable kettler trike with big wheels if the balance bike isn’t your kids thing. Even the 6 yo can use it!
clementine / 920 posts
We gave my DS a balance bike for Christmas when he was 27 months and he immediately started riding it around the house. It has been great for him as the weather is warming it has been getting lots of use.
pomegranate / 3272 posts
Neither of my kids took to a balance bike but I love seeing kids scooting like crazy on them!
pomelo / 5621 posts
I got one for DS2 last spring at about 21 months. He loved it right away. By the end of the summer when he turned 2 he was cruising pretty good and he loved that he was riding bikes with the big kids.
persimmon / 1095 posts
My kids both started with their balance bikes around 18 months. At first, they just walked over it and didn't sit on the seat or glide. All of a sudden, it would click and then they were off and gliding! Start them as early as you can! We gave my daughter a pedal bike whe she turned 4 and took right off on it. I literally ran her up and down the street once and she told me to stop holding onto her and left me in the dust. It's all because she developed balance on the balance bike. My 2.5 year old could probably use a pedal bike now but we're waiting until this summer to give it to him.
clementine / 854 posts
Thanks everyone! We went with a strider sport!
Is there anything we should look for specifically in a helmet? Can we get a basic one from Walmart, etc?
cherry / 247 posts
@Umbreon: Just find one that fits! Probably easiest to go to an actual bike shop so they can help you make sure it fits correctly.
Also- both of my kids REALLY resisted the helmet at first. But if you absolutely insist NO RIDING WITHOUT A HELMET it will soon become a non-issue. But do not give in even a single time! Or it will be a life-long battle!
clementine / 854 posts
@SteelerGirl: thanks for the advice! It will be non negotiable for sure. Soooo not worth the risk!
pomelo / 5621 posts
@Umbreon: I had a hard time finding a toddler helmet last year but ended up finding one with an adjustable band which is perfect.
Hope the bike is a hit!
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