Choosing the Best Ride on Toys for Your Child

Ride on toys are a real crowd pleaser when it comes to gift giving. It’s so much fun to watch your little one’s eyes light up when they see that shiny new Princess Power Wheels or Lionel Pedal Train. There are many options to choose from, but it’s important to be sure you’re buying the best ride on toy for your child.

First, make sure the ride on toy you choose is appropriate for the age of your child. Every toy is marked with an age range, but this is a recommendation, not a mandate. As the parent, you are the best judge of your child’s abilities and skills.

An advanced 4-year old may be quite capable of enjoying a toy recommended for 6 to 8-year olds, but be sure to be realistic with your assessment. Don’t justify purchasing a toy that is clearly too old for your child by declaring that “she’ll grow into it.” A toy that is too complicated, too large, or too intimidating for your child won’t see much play time.

That doesn’t mean that you have to replace ride on toys every few months, though. True, children grow quickly, but if you choose an adjustable toy, your child will get a lot more use out of it. Ride on toys with adjustable seats, pedals, and handlebars will grow with your child, and they’ll be able to enjoy their toy for a longer time.

Since you expect your little one to enjoy his or her new toy months or even years, make sure to look for well-made, sturdy toys. You can buy just about everything cheap these days, but if you want something that lasts, it pays to invest a little extra time (and money) and find one that is durable and built to withstand the rough and tumble play kids engage in. Choose well-constructed toys that feel solid, and your child will be less likely to face the heartbreak of a broken favorite.

Lastly, be sure to ask for your child’s input. The last thing you want to do is to buy a scooter – because you think it’s so cool – only to find out that all your child’s friends have trikes! Above all else, remember that the best ride on toy for your child is the one he or she will play with and love. In the end, that is all that matters.

If you’d like some reassurance that you’re buying the right toys for your child, toys that will help them achieve a high “PQ” or Play Quotient, then you may want to read this book by Stevanne Auerbach.   Ride on toys can help your child develop social skills and analytical thinking among many other things.  This book is an easy read and is great to keep handy.

Originally posted 2010-04-09 05:53:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter