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.
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 ok!
Decline
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.
Go with a Friend
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).
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.
This is part of learning. Make sure you support your little one through these times and also celebrate the success - even the little ones.
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!
Thank you for reading
Hopefully these tips help you support your little one in transitioning from trike to balance bike.
If you are looking for a good first balance bike I love
Cruzee
Other Aluminium frames like this
If it's still tricky and you're stressed, don’t worry! I’ve got you. Pop over to my Instagram @nicole_kidsphysio for a chat.
