Guides for Grownups​

A balance bike is a pedal-free, two-wheeler designed for toddlers from around 12 months and up. Made for indoor and outdoor play, they’re perfect for zooming around the park or cruising around the house.

More than just fun, balance bikes offer mental benefits and are specially designed for promoting physical development in early years. As children push with their feet, they build strength in their legs, hips, and core. At the same time, they’re developing spatial awareness, balance and coordination by steering and manoeuvring.

These are key motor skills that support everything from walking to running, jumping and dancing. Even better, all that wobbly fun is the perfect foundation for riding a pedal bike later on.

For many parents, balance bikes, ride-on toys and walkers are like jam, jelly and marmalade. You know they’re different, but you’re not sure how exactly. To clear up any confusion, here are the key differences:

• Balance bikes – Pedal-free bikes that children balance and steer using their feet. Great for building coordination and confidence or as an alternative to stabilisers.
• Ride-on toys – Four-wheelers, also powered by pushing along the ground. Great for strengthening leg muscles and introducing basic movement skills.
• Walkers – Push-along toys that offer support while your child is learning to walk.

Very safe. Since they are low to the ground and don’t have pedals, children can focus purely on balancing and steering. If they do lose balance, they will often catch themselves with their feet.

To make balance biking even safer, here are a few accessories to consider:

• Helmet: A safety helmet is non-negotiable when children go outside and play with toys for balance! Look for one that has adjustable straps and covers the back of your child’s head.
• Knee and elbow pads: Pads like the ones that come with our Off Road Bundle protect against scrapes and bumps – only necessary on uneven terrain or off-road.
• Carrying strap: More practical than safe, a bike carrying strap lets you sling a bike over your shoulder when it’s home time.
• Basket: Not just cute—practical too! A bike basket lets kids carry their favourite toy or snack, helping to keep their hands on the handlebars.

The Scoot-Around is a four-wheeled ride-on toy designed for the early stages of mobility, and a brilliant first step into the world of wheels. With a sturdy base and easy-to-push design, it’s just the right amount of challenging for new walkers. Plus, its compact size and rubberized wheels that protect wooden floors and reduce noise make it ideal for indoor play.

The My First Balance Bike is a confident little companion for children starting to scoot independently. Weighing just 1.6kg, it’s light enough for toddlers to manage solo and easy enough for parents to carry when energy runs out. Its simple, no-fuss design helps children focus on learning to balance and steer.

The Learn to Ride Balance Bike is ideal for children who are ready for bigger adventures. With puncture-proof tyres and a lightweight frame, it’s tough enough for outdoor paths but still light enough to manage indoors. Plus, its adjustable seat and handlebars, mean that it’s built to grow with your child.

Looking for different kinds of balance toys? The  Intelligent Balance Board offers a screen-free way to stay active indoors. With interactive lights and three game modes, it helps children develop balance, coordination, and motor control through play. It’s a great playroom toy to upgrade at-home fun for children who enjoy a physical challenge.

Not every balance toy needs wheels to support your child’s development. They come in all shapes and sizes! Here are some of our favourite alternative toys for balance:

• 2-in-1 Rocking Horse: This cleverly designed toy is a traditional rocking horse and transforms into a freestanding balance board as your child grows. It’s fantastic for promoting physical development in early years, catering to two distinct stages of development in one toy.
• Captain’s Rocking Boat: The perfect vessel for voyages of the imagination, this nautical-themed rocker features oars, a rotating wheel, and a cheerful bell. It encourages core strength and balance while inviting endless storytelling and role play.
• My First Musical Walker: This delightful musical walker is designed to support your child’s first steps with built-in musical encouragement. As children push the walker, they’re rewarded with gentle music. When it’s time to stop, the sensory play continues with the xylophone, drum, and spinning blocks.