There is no happier child than the one who gets on a tricycle for the first time. There is no denying that these wheeled toys continue to conquer children, generation after generation. It is an article that never goes out of style, also because it is capable of continually reinventing itself to adapt to new needs.
Just take a look at the most innovative models on the market. What makes a tricycle particularly unique is that it is the first vehicle that a child uses. Even if, in the beginning, the parents will drive the car, the child will still have a lot of fun.
If you are thinking of purchasing one of these baby items, we encourage you to continue reading this guide containing the tips and aspects to consider regarding this product.
Here we had selected the best tricycles for you that are present below.
Tricycles Buyer Guide
Tricycles are games that, sooner or later, you will have to consider. The reason is that these items drive boys and girls crazy, so why not make them happy in this simple way? If you are seriously thinking about buying one, we advise you first to look for information on them.
What Exactly Are Tricycles?
Tricycles, as their name also indicates, are games that have three wheels, created so that children can pedal and move around. Thanks to their design, they are articles that guarantee 100% stability, so, if used correctly, there are very few fall risks.
There are models without pedals, designed for younger children, which are used as strollers. However, the most common tricycles are those that, through the use of the pedals, allow you to move from one place to another.
Depending on the model, an adult may have control of the vehicle through an extendable handle with which he can push and manoeuvre the tricycle. When children enjoy greater autonomy, they will be able to drive and move around on their own.
What Kind of Tricycles Are There on The Market?
Tricycles are games that have changed over time. If until a few decades ago they were very rudimentary toys, today it is possible to find cutting-edge models, equipped with different features.
However, the first type of tricycles is the classic one. It includes simple articles which are generally also the cheapest. Evolutionary tricycles are becoming increasingly popular.
Their main characteristic is that they can be used for many years since they can be removed or added to them to make them adapt to the various growth stages of children.
What Benefits Can Children Get from Using a Tricycle?
Tricycles are not just items that children like, and that makes them have a lot of fun. They are also games that bring countless benefits to their development and growth.
First of all, they favour the coordination of the arms and legs and, at the same time, fortify them. Furthermore, they can remove children from sedentary life and, consequently, from obesity, which is very dangerous at this age.
Another positive point is that with them, children gain safety and improve their reflexes, their sense of orientation and balance. Tricycles help to make sure that the little ones relate to the environment around them, increasing their Spatio-temporal conception. Ultimately, they are perfect games to stimulate their psychomotor system.
What Is the Recommended Age to Start Using a Tricycle?
Thanks to the diversity of models on the market. Tricycles can begin to be used as early as nine months. In this case, the children are too young to ride, but they can still climb the evolutionary walking tricycles and be pushed by their parents.
There are also beneficial options that allow them to familiarize themselves with tricycles. Before the child can pedal on his own, it will be necessary to wait up to 18 or 24 months, even if some recommend waiting for three years.
The most appropriate thing is always to check the indications of the manufacturer of the model you have chosen. Reached three years, however, children will be perfectly able to use the tricycle independently.
What Precautions Should You Take While the Tricycle Is Used?
These games are generally quite safe, although some precautions should always be kept in mind when using them. The first, and most obvious, is that they should always be used under adult supervision.
This means that the child should not be more than a few meters away from you, as it may move away much faster than you could imagine. Even if the wheels of tricycles usually allow it to be driven even on the roughest terrain.
The best thing would be to use them on flat surfaces and, above all, in areas where cars cannot circulate. You must make sure that the tricycle does not have any protruding or pointed parts with which the child can injure himself. According to some specialists, the lights and sounds in tricycles are distractions that would be best done without.
What Are the Indispensable Elements that A Tricycle Should Have?
The most advanced models of tricycles rely on a large number of pieces so that they can be adapted to each phase of the child’s development. Not all of these may be indispensable, but you must always make sure that they include the elements that guarantee their safety.
For example, a safety belt or a five-attachment harness and side protection bars. Another element that could prove essential is a parasol or umbrella that protects the child from solar radiation.
For children who are not yet able to pedal, the tricycle must count on a handle that allows it to be pushed. The footrests are handy accessories, especially in those moments when the child gets tired of pedalling.
Purchase Criteria
The tricycle market offers more options every day, so some users may find it challenging to find the model that best suits their needs. To help you choose, we have developed this list that explains in detail what are the essential purchase criteria to consider, such as the age of the child and the design of the article.
- Age of use
- Safety
- Dimensions
- Ease of Use
- Wheels
- Design
- Optional
Age of Use
The first aspect to consider is undoubtedly the age of the child who will have to use the tricycle. It is not enough just to choose a model suitable for your age, but also its height must be taken into account.
In general, tricycles are accompanied by the manufacturer’s indications regarding this aspect, so just take a look at the packaging of the article. If you look carefully, you will find not only the recommended age but also the height and maximum weight supported by the tricycle.
You should consider these aspects if you want to select an appropriate model. Sometimes the child may be taller or shorter than the average of his age and, therefore, he needs another model more suitable for his physiognomy.
Safety
Safety must be a significant factor when talking about these articles. The baby will always be supervised while using his tricycle, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
As for the safety elements that this game must incorporate, you must not forget the belt, which will keep its body well glued to the seat. There are even safer models, which include a five-attachment harness, such as those that are mounted on other items for children, such as strollers or car seats.
Another handy accessory is the side protection bars, which will prevent the child from falling off the sides. It is essential that the pedals are non-slip and that the handlebars are also so that the child can hold on.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the tricycle are, in some way, related to the recommended age. Without a doubt, you need to make sure that the model in question is good for your home. As with any article for children of a certain size, you should check that it passes through the doors and that it is suitable for the corridor of your home.
Remember that many times the tricycle will be used inside the home, so you will need to make sure that your child has enough room for manoeuvre. It should be checked that the size does not affect the stability of the tricycle. Some small models are very robust and stable, capable of guaranteeing safety and the right level of fun at the same time.
Ease of Use
A key aspect regarding tricycles is their ease of use. Sometimes, you may be attracted to more complete models that include tons of accessories. But it is possible that children may find it challenging to handle them because of their excessive weight.
Many times it is better to opt for a simpler and easier to handle tricycle. At first, the parents will make the tricycle move through the push of the handle, but, little by little, it will be the child who will be able to take control of it independently.
To be able to drive the vehicle correctly, the child should be comfortable on the seat and reach the pedals. It would be better if the steering wheel were height-adjustable and ergonomic so that with its little hands it could hold it well.
Wheels
Wheels are fundamental elements in tricycles. The quality of the driving experience will largely depend on them. In broad terms, we can say that the ideal would be that these were large and wide, to guarantee the stability of the vehicle.
You will also have to take into account the material with which they are made. You might be concerned that the wheels are relatively quiet, especially if you expect your child to use the tricycle at home and you don’t want to risk disturbing the neighbours too much.
Another important detail is that they have built-in brakes. As for the distribution of the wheels, the classic models mount three, but others have four to guarantee greater stability of the tricycle.
Design
The design is a factor you can’t forget. You should take into account the tastes of the boy or girl as much as possible. The first thing you need to do is understand if you want a traditional or an evolutionary tricycle.
The aesthetics of the former are much simpler, but this does not mean that they are less attractive to the eyes of children. As for the evolutionary models, however, they are used to being very showy, since they have many removable elements that will undoubtedly attract the attention of the little ones.
On the market, we can find wooden tricycles with a vintage air, but also some metal ones with a more modern design. Think about what your baby would like most.
Optional
Finally, we cannot conclude our guide without talking about the various extras that tricycles can have. For example, it is easy to find models that have an umbrella or a parasol to block the sun’s rays, more ergonomic, adjustable and reclining seats, a basket, or a footrest, among other accessories.
Tricycles for the little ones usually have a push handle which, in many cases, is also adjustable. Some models rely on lights, sounds, and other options that contribute to enriching the child’s experience. Therefore, consider whether one or more of these extras are included in the model you have chosen.
