These toys can be great fun, provide lots of exercise and help children with motor skills. Toddlers can benefit from the balance required to sit on a rocking horse, honing their muscles to adjust to the motion. A great deal of coordination is needed to learn how to ride a bike — to balance, pedal and steer all at the same time.
While there are benefits to ride-on toys, parents also have to make sure they are buying age-appropriate versions for their child.
“Most 3-year-olds can’t handle the coordination needed for a bicycle,” says Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program manager. “A 2-year-old isn’t able to control a battery-powered car. A 1-year-old may not have the balance to keep from tipping off a rocking horse. It’s important to not only follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations of a toy but also take into consideration your child’s personal skills.”
Parents can also research the safety features available on different models of similar ride-on toys. “Think about how your child will be using the toy and think about how they could also misuse the toy,” says Schwing. “Try to find one with safety features, such as harnesses, straps or automatic stopping capability that will protect them.”
Safety gear should be an important part of the gift of any ride-on toy and wearing it should be a requirement.
“A helmet does a child’s head no good if it’s left in the garage while he’s riding his bike,” says Schwing. “Helmets should be snug and sit squarely on your child’s head. Head injuries can be deadly, even when falling from a bike. Don’t take a single chance.” Shoes are another must for bicycles and scooters. Knee and elbow pads can also help protect a new rider who may be falling a lot in the first few days.
Ride-on toys can be a great gift for the holidays. With a little planning and a lot of supervision, parents can keep the festivities merry and avoid a trip to the emergency department.
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