My Top Tips for moving from a Trike to Balance Bike

By Nicole Pates

Moving from a Trike to Balance Bike

Once your little one has mastered the trike, negotiating corners, downhills, uphill's and some high speed… they may be ready to move to a balance bike.

You will also notice that they are running, climbing and starting to jump.

If you are a Toddler Play Academy member - I break it down for you all here

A trike and a balance bike are very different.

The trike, having 3 wheels, is very easy for your little one to balance on.

Which is great while they figure out how to propel themselves and steer.

When you progress to a Balance Bike... its much harder to balance.

And everyday I have parents message me, when they have converted their trike to a balance bike, that their little one now avoids the balance bike.

This is common. Put the balance bike away for a little bit, then bring it back out.

Here are my TOP Tips to help with the transition.

Before We Start

Let's preface this with a couple of points...

You know your child best. Following their lead with their interests is key to engagement. However trikes and balance bikes can be a bit scary at first, and your kiddo might not take to it straight away. Miss C took a good 4 months moving from the push trike to the balance bike because she wasn't used to keeping her balance. The tips I share below have really helped us (and many other parents too)!

Remember, your job is to provide opportunity and security. That can look like opportunities to ride out at the park. But it could also look like offering access to a trike or balance bike in a safe, comfortable environment, like in the backyard or in your hallway, with other choices around, so its not the only option. It can even look like providing opportunities for your toddler to watch other children enjoy using their bikes. All of these options are fabulous and provide your toddler with opportunity.

Pick the Right Balance Bike

Not all balance bikes are made equal.

What should I look for in a balance bike?

Bike Size - It is important that your child can get both their feet flat on the floor to “scoot” along, so don’t be tempted to buy one for them to grow into. However as balance bikes are all different, do make sure you measure your child’s inside leg length, or get them to stand over the frame before you buy. To measure their inside leg stand them against the wall and measure floor to crotch.

Bike weight - Very heavy steel balance bikes can be difficult for young children. Your little one needs to be able to hold the bike up by themselves and propel it along. They need to be able to pick it up when they’ve left it on the ground. You need to be able to carry it when they’ve had enough and decide to walk, or get back in the buggy / bike trailer / cargo bike. The lighter the balance bike, the better, is the general rule to follow.

Room for Growth - Most balance bikes have a standard seat and post arrangement enabling changes in height to be performed quickly and easily. On some models handlebars can be lowered or raised to take account of child size and get them comfortable for the fun ahead. Check manufacturers guidance to confirm what can or cannot be adjusted.

Consistency

When starting off, it is great to have no pressure.

If it is safe to do so, I would encourage you to leave the balance bike in the lounge room or out in the backyard so your little one can come and go as they please, trying it out in little bits.

Little bits of practice often is really the key to familiarity.

They might just walk around on top if it first - that's totally ok and actually very normal.

Don't expect your kiddo to get it the first time. They might. My nephew did - he took off! Like a rocket! But he didn't expect to feel so wobbly, as he was used to the trike, and freaked himself out a bit. It happens! What's important here is how we respond (with calmness & reassurance).

Decline

Is your little one having trouble figuring out the push?

Add a slight decline.

You know, when you are at the park on the riding path and there is the slight downhill? This just helps with the momentum moving forward so your little one can practice sitting on the seat without having to do too much pushing, and they get to experience the success of moving forward!! Yay!!
Key here - VERY SLIGHT downhill.

Go with a Friend

Is your little one reluctant to give it a go? Go with a friend. A confident friend - but not too confident that they ride off and leave your little one in the dust (lol).

Going with friends is super motivating for your little one.

Your little one will be able to see how other children are using their ride ons, how they are navigating different surfaces (hills, curbs etc).

If that kid can do it, I can too.

Success builds success and often being able to see how it is done, encourages your little one that it CAN be done.

It's great role modelling!

End on Success

There will be many falls and failures.

They will freak themselves out with the speed wobbles (except the percentage who are adrenaline junkies)

This is part of learning. Make sure you support your little one through these times and also celebrate the success - even the little ones... like just getting on the bike!

Try your best to end the session on a high - with success. This is great for helping your little one to be keen to try again!