Michael Natividad of Rohnert Park, California, felt robbed of a special moment when his daughter, Loralani, learned to ride a bike at just 3 years old, without the need for training wheels. Loralani had learned to ride a balance bike first, a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among children.
Balance bikes are miniature bicycles without pedals, allowing children to learn the basics of balance and coordination before transitioning to traditional bikes. Some companies now market balance bikes for children as young as 8 months old, although experts recommend caution and a safe environment for early attempts.
Research shows that children who start with balance bikes have an advantage when transitioning to regular bikes, learning to ride in less time and at a younger age than those who start with training wheels. Balance bikes allow children to explore various movements, such as pushing with both feet and gliding without pedaling, which helps in transitioning to a traditional bicycle.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t specify an age for transitioning to a pedal bike, experts recommend following the child’s natural progression from a balance bike. Teaching children to ride a bike early not only improves their coordination and balance but also boosts their self-confidence and independence. Overall, learning to ride a bike at a young age offers numerous benefits beyond just transportation.
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