Sizing Up Pedal Toys

Children will undoubtedly love their first pedal toy no matter what the design. The sense of excitement and entertainment achieved when your child is racing a friend or sibling will be one of the greatest childhood memories. And, these toys offer a good outlet for physical exercise.

Children can usually start enjoying riding toys around the age of three. Nowadays, there are many kinds of toddler pedal toys including tricycles, pedal cars, pedal tractors, pedal fire trucks, and pedal planes.

The Age of Pedaling
When it comes to sizing up your toddler with their first pedal toy, you don't need to over think this pairing. Several physical factors affect the age level for using pedal toys. For some pedal toys, this is balance. A wide bodied design will afford your toddler the most balance. Rotational speed of the wheels is another factor to consider. Wheels that turn very easily can move faster, possibly increasing the difficulty level for control purposes. The following are some factors to consider for 2 and 3 year-olds.

• Two year-olds are learning to pedal and some children may start using tricycles with pedals--especially during the latter half of this age period. However, they have not mastered this skill yet.
• Three year-old children enjoy tricycles and four-wheeled vehicles propelled by pedaling. Tricycles should be sized to the child, and 12 or 13-inch wheels are about the right size for these children. They can use a small bicycle with training wheels, but foot brakes are preferred because these children cannot yet use hand brakes.