Balance Bikes...

One exciting decision parents make is what kind of bicycle to purchase for their children. Most toddlers start out on 4-wheel riding toys, then move up to tricycles, then to 2-wheeler bikes with training wheels. A little over a year ago, we discovered a new (to us) type of bike that totally makes sense. It is sometimes called a "balance" bike and other times is referred to as a "running" bike. The premise is quite simple - it's a 2-wheeler without pedals. It encourages the child to learn the most fundamental skills required in learning to ride a normal bike - namely, steering and balance. Once they've mastered those skills, they are able to transition almost effortlessly to riding a bike with pedals.

I fell in love with the idea, and both of our kiddos received running bikes for their birthdays last year. Here's a video clip of Isaac on his Strider bike last year, right after getting it:

If you want more info about this bike, check it out at: http://www.stridersports.com/ We can't say enough positive things about it!! :)

Fast forward one year. This weekend, we found a little bike off of Craigslist for $20. We brought it home, and Isaac just took off. It took him a couple of tries to figure out how to get started, but it was just SO easy for him. No running behind him, holding the seat. No falls or crashes. No tears. No nothing. He just got on that thing and rode it like he's been doing it for years. Craziness!

Here's a little video clip from his first day on his new bike. It's amazing! :)

So pretty much we'll never be getting tricycles or bikes with training wheels. Each of our kids will use the running bike as a toddler until they've mastered the art of balancing. Then, we'll transition them straight to a normal bike. If finances are an issue, I know friends who have actually just removed the pedals from their child's bike, and it worked just the same. Training wheels do absolutely NOTHING for a child. It actually inhibits them from learning how to truly ride a bike. Parents...do your kiddos a favor and never let them begin on training wheels!

Oh, and in case you're wondering, we DO value safety. We need to get Isaac a new helmet, as his old one is a bit small on him. If he were to be riding anywhere other than our driveway and flat sidewalks or this neighborhood basketball court, then he'd be wearing one for sure!! :)