Balance bikes for children have a different shape from ordinary children's bicycles, because these bicycles do not have pedals. Not only unique designs, balance bikes are also said to provide various benefits for children.
In the past, children used to learn to ride a bicycle using a tricycle or a four-wheeled bicycle. However, now there is a new model of bicycle for children to learn to ride a bicycle, namely the balance bike.
In contrast to bicycles in general, balance bikes do not have chains and pedals. To ride it, the child only needs to push it with his feet and keep his body balanced.
The saddle or bicycle holder on the balance bike is made low, so the child can put his feet on it. This bicycle can be introduced to children since he can walk and run, which is around the age of 18 months.
Balance bikes also have a lighter weight than regular children's bikes, making them easy for toddlers to ride. Even so, this bike can still be used until the child is 4 years old.
Benefits of Balance Bike for Children
Balance bikes can provide various benefits for children's growth and development and health. Some of the benefits of balance bikes for children are:
1. Train your child to ride a bicycle
Balance bikes can be used to help children learn to ride a bicycle before switching to a child's bicycle with pedals.
Using a balance bike is considered more effective than a tricycle or four-wheeled bicycle, because children can train their balance. This makes the transition to two-wheeled bicycles with pedals easier.
2. Practice balance
In daily activities, children need a good balance. For example, when walking, running, and bending over to tie shoes.
To support the balance of the body, it takes strong back, leg, and leg muscles. These muscles can be trained when the child is actively moving or exercising. One good choice of exercise to train a child's body balance and strengthen the back, leg and leg muscles is a balance bike.
3. Practice coordination
Riding a balance bike can train your child's ear, eye, joint and muscle coordination. In addition, forward, backward, turn, and stop movements will hone children's focus and concentration.
4. Build emotional closeness
Learning to ride a bicycle with parental guidance can be an activity that can build emotional closeness. The first moment a child rides a wheeled bicycle is often an unforgettable childhood moment.
5. Healthy physically and mentally
Doing fun physical activities, such as practicing using a balance bike, is not only beneficial for children to train physically, but also as a means to express themselves, build self-confidence, and explore the surrounding environment.
Regular exercise can also reduce stress in children and make them happier, so their risk for depression will be lower.
Research shows that children who regularly play outside or around the house have a lower risk of developing nearsightedness. In addition, exposure to sunlight while playing outside the house can also increase vitamin D levels in the child's body.
Some parents may worry that their child will fall. However, when it falls, the child will learn to coordinate his body movements well.
To prevent children from getting hurt or injured, parents can wear personal protective equipment, such as helmets, elbow protectors, and knee protectors, when they play balance bikes. In addition, adjust the saddle according to the child's height, so that it is easy for him to get on his feet.
Also remember to always supervise children when playing with good balance and do not let children play alone without supervision.
Being able to ride a two-wheeled bicycle is one of the important skills for children to master. However, not all children can quickly learn it, especially if he has a balance disorder or growth problems.
If your child seems to have difficulty using a balance bike for children or if he has certain medical conditions, you should consult a doctor. That way, the doctor can conduct an examination and determine the type of game or other sport that suits the condition and needs of the Little One.