Learning to control a ride-on toy can be an exhilarating adventure for a child. However, the benefits go far beyond mere fun.
When using a ride-on toy, a child learns the fundamentals of balance and coordination while developing gross motor skills.
Each year, we scour the market in search of the best products for your particular needs to make shopping easier. If you would like to learn what makes a great ride-on toy and see our top-three choices for 2020, keep reading.
When shopping for a ride-on toy for your child, the first thing to consider is if it is age-appropriate. A ride-on toy that is for older kids may be dangerous for a younger child and lead to injuries. If, on the other hand, your child is too old for a ride-on toy, that means he or she will not be able to easily operate it and it might not support their weight. Again, this could lead to injuries. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for age and weight restrictions.
When it comes to fuel, electric ride-on toy can be powered in a number of ways. Some models may need a parent to push the toy, while others require the child to perform some action, such as walking, peddling, or even wiggling from side to side, to propel the toy forward. There is also the option to purchase a ride-on toy that runs on battery power, so it can be driven like any other motorized vehicle. This last option is usually best for older kids.
It is important to realize that some ride-on toys are just vehicles while others have a plethora of features such as lights, sounds, storage space, and more. The number of extras you need will vary from child to child as some will be fascinated by beeps and honks while others will just want to ride.
While we’ve already mentioned size as it applies to the child’s age, parents also need to consider size as it pertains to storage. Some smaller models can easily be stashed away in a closet, but larger models may take up a considerable amount of room in the garage. Be sure you have adequate storage space for the ride-on toy that you are considering.
The last feature you will want to think about is the cost. While it is possible to find a durable child’s ride-on toy for $50, these models will be for the youngest kids, something that may be better suited for a playroom than the playground. As kids get older, their toys become more expensive. It is possible to spend $300 or more on a motorized vehicle that is suitable for an older child.
Parents have the privilege of helping their children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the ways they do so is through their choice of toys. For example, ride-on toys give parents an opportunity to help their children develop balance and coordination, motor skills, and a love of exercise.
We invite you to take a look at our selection of ride-on toys for children ages 1 to 6 years. And while you are browsing, keep in mind the following benefits of ride-on toys for kids:
We all know just how difficult it is for small children to learn to walk. It takes an awful lot of balance and coordination just to sit up straight, let alone learn to stand and put one foot in front of the other. Encouraging your child to play with a ride-on toy helps a great deal here.
Our Giraffe Balance Bike offers a great example. With your help, your child can sit on this toy quite easily. Place the child in the seat, put his or her hands on the handlebars, and then gently hold him/her until you’re comfortable with letting go. Practice will help your child learn to balance on the seat even as he or she holds him/herself up with the handlebars.
In addition to balance and coordination, parents work with their children to enhance their motor skills. This is yet another one of the benefits of ride-on toys for kids. In addition to the Giraffe Balance Bike, consider a tricycles or a scooter. Both of these toys are designed to help children learn to use their legs to propel themselves forward.
Learning to steer the toys enhances motor skills in the arms as well. And of course, coordinating legs, arms, and eyesight pulls it all together.
A third benefit of ride-on toys for kids is encouraging them to exercise. They won’t know that’s what you’re doing but keeping them active with their ride-on toys is a natural and organic way to keep them exercising. And if you can encourage a love for this kind of play when they are young, it will hopefully carry through as they grow.
Ride-on toys are more than just objects for keeping kids entertained. They are toys that teach balance and coordination, enhance motor skills, and encourage exercise. What more could you ask from a child’s toy?