Bike Sizing Guide - How to Get the Best Size Bike for Your Kids

Having a bike as a kid has always been some of our very fondest memories. Learning how to ride, falling off ten times, and trying again, hurting yourself and crying after, has always been a natural part of any kids’ life. That excitement when any parent buys their children a brand-new bicycle with that “wow factor”, is unparalleled to any other memory one can have in their growing up days.

For children to acquire the skills to ride, there are many advantages, and there are tons of reasons why children should learn how to ride a bike. Besides it is just pure fun, it keeps them physically active, it benefits their mental abilities and learning capabilities coupled with multi-tasking while holding the bike steady and trying to steer and pedal it all at the same time. It works the brain. 

Other good things about having one, together with those mentioned here, is that it can be a fun family bonding activity too. The good news is, it is not just advantageous for the children and their families but also the environment. Bicycles don’t pollute the cities, as much as automobiles do. One nice thing is that you can even buy bicycles online. So, with so many amazing and exciting things to look forward to, every kid should have a bike. Let’s see how we can get your one and make sure he fits on it. 

Choosing a Good Bike for Your Child

The easiest thing to do is to ask your kid which bike he likes that way you can provide them with continued enthusiasm for the piece, plus you’re sure he will use it and look after it. Depending on his age, he may just choose the best one. However, this may not always be the situation and they can be indecisive, in which case, you should consider a few factors before you purchase one. Below are a few of these:

1. In terms of the weight, the lighter it is, the better. For instance, if your child weighs 16kg, which most 3-year olds do, the bike should be in and around that heaviness too. If you buy something even 10% heavier, it may not be easy for them to balance it. This is why parents are advised to use a balance-bike first till the child learns how to ride, then as they grow older, perhaps at 4 years of age, they use one without the balance wheels.
2. In terms of the steering bars, those with ball bearings tend to be easier to turn and handle. You can also buy a plain bearing model but it will be slightly difficult to handle if they are still a child. The handgrips, too, must be secure and have a good grip. Ones with a bulb at the end will avoid them slipping off them.
3. A hand-brake is a useful element to have on the bicycle, unlike the balance bikes which use your shoes to stop. Make sure their hands can reach the brakes properly and pull it. 
4. Pneumatic tyres are the better option regarding the wheels, explained in depth here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_tire as they are lighter and more manageable. They are about 12-inches. Any type of wheel must be able to spin easily and freely. 
   
   
   

The Most Important Component – The Size

The size of the bike is a very imperative aspect. Firstly, look for a comfortable saddle, and one that does not have a slippery cover, secondly make sure it is easily adjustable then, put your child on the device and adjust it to make sure he can touch both feet flat on the ground. As they get older and taller you can raise the seat further up. One must always look for an upright riding position similar to the Black Mountain Pinto kids bikes, which are lightweight, easy to handle, and have stabilisers included on them. If your child is still little, he or she only needs one gear. 

A lot of online resources and kid’s bike stores provide a sizing guide for those looking to buy one. They commonly start with the balance types which are usually any kid’s first one, and are about 2’11” to about 3’5”, and go up to any age. If the wheel size is 12” it is usually for ages between 3 to 5 years old, if the wheels are thicker such as the 26” ones, they would suit a 9 to 12-year-old.

Also stay clear of any fancy varieties with supplementary items on them that will distract the child, unless it’s to ride around the house or compound then things such as baskets in the front or back are fine, keep it simple. 

Top Gift Ideas for Girls Aged 10 Years Old

Ten years old is a preteen age. The kid becomes aware of their image and the surrounding world. They are quite picky, hence finding the right present is difficult. Girly gifts are excellent ideas but having some balance is essential and for more ideas check out StarWalkKids. Make her face light up with a gift that is not only entertaining but improves creativity, reasoning and logic skills. Some suggestions of gift ideas that will help a girl explore their personality include:

1. Origami brainteaser 

An Origami brainteaser has ten puzzles which kids can take as much time as they need to master. There are a variety of outcomes for puzzles such as the Flexi twist and Lotus of the Heart. The puzzles are brainteasers with many bold colors that spur creativity and art. It helps the kid master patience, think logically and overcome a challenge. The kid learns to stick to a project until its completion.

2. Spirograph deluxe design set 

Spirographs assist kids in creating a variety of shapes. The endless designs are fascinating to children. The kit has swirls and geometric patterns that make it easy to create any spiral shape imaginable. Children can learn the art of layering and alternating colors to come up with a transformative piece that they can show off to friends. Spirograph brings to life traditional hands-on art that enhances imagination. Kids can design with their friends hence fostering social relationships.

3. DIY wear friends forever jewelry 

Affirming long-lasting friendship is vital for 10-year old girls. Friendship bracelets are a great physical representation of a bond. The kit comes with looms for making bracelets, embroidery floss of different colors, beads, and a beading needle. The gift is perfect for nourishing social relationships and learning teamwork.

4. Hearth song large super soft plush 

Get your child the Hearth song large super soft plush if they love cuddling toys or are big fans of Dazzle the Unicorn. The plush has hearts, a pink collar, and the mane and tail are also fluffy. It is a perfect travel buddy or a bedtime companion for your kid to stroke and cuddle. It is a durable gift and easy to launder.

5. Color your pillowcase

The child can color and design the pillowcase using washable fabric makers. You can launder the pillowcase due to the washable makers. It encourages creativity; a child can draw their favorite their favorite characters or doodle anything.

6. Fabulous flowers hair accessories

The kit is meant to keep the girls busy making great hair accessories. It has crystals, glitter gel, and rhinestones for decorating the hair accessories. It is the perfect gift for girls with an inclination towards art. It fosters creativity as the kids spend hours creating unique patterns and designs.

7. Melissa and Doug friendship stamp set

It is a unique art and craft kit that encourages children to stamp a variety of pictures and then color. The set has colored pencils for sketching and coloring and pads of washable ink. The game promotes creativity and concept. The kids can use it to make cards and various scenes which enhances the motor ability and coordination skills.

Always pick a gift that enhances the kid’s personality or develops their hobby. Do not forget to include something pink and pretty.

Give Books That Are More Than Books This Holiday Season

If you're in the beginning stages of your holiday shopping for the kids, make sure you don't forget to grab some new books to add to their library. I know that we live in the technology era, but nothing can compare to a physical book. This year, my son is the lucky recipient of books that go beyond actual books. These books offer a more in-depth way to learn about animals, science, and people, and not just with words and pictures.

The first set of books are called the Creature Files which includes: a necklace with realistic looking animal teeth or claws. Your kids will love learning about reptiles, dragons, dinos, and predators. Next, are the Amazing World  books that come with glow-in-the-dark stickers for your child's walls or ceiling. They all have vibrant photos along with plenty of fascinating information. These books are perfect for kids who are real animal-lovers, like my child is.

The other collection of books are called Inside Out, and happens to be our favorite. These books take you inside sharks, mummies, the T-Rex, and the human body. It is so fascinating to flip each page to reveal the different layers inside of each subject. It is a great teaching tool for a homeschooling mama like myself. I admit, the three-dimensional feature of the Human Body book captivates grown-ups as well.

What's even better about the Inside Out collection is that you can even see the back of each layer. Although it is well made, I'd still recommend keeping these away from smaller children since they can tear the edges if they tend to be rough.

These books from Quarto Kids books are available to purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They all retail for $14.99 and are recommended for ages 8-10. Competing with technology is hard, but these books really do capture a child's attention. My son is enjoying his books, and that makes me so happy!