No doubt ride-on-toys are fun for the kids, but its also very easy for the kids to lose their balance and get hurt. While these toys by themselves are safe and well-balanced (because they move at slow speed), its always better to be prepared.
Be it trikes, scooters, or motorized cars, make sure your kids wear safety gears before riding them. For some rides, the kids may require safety pads and helmet as well.
The hazard is more in the surroundings, and not from the toy itself.
- In your house, see if any furniture has any sharp edges/points
- Can your child go near the stairs with the toy?
- When outdoors, how is the surface?
- Are their other bikers around, do the big boys play any kind of sports around
- Can your child go on the main road, used by the big vehicles?
When it comes to using ride-on toys, safety is important; so make sure your toddler has all the best protective gear to prevent injuries.
Most ride on toys move at slow pace; they don’t require brakes and can easily be stopped. But when it comes to your child’s physical protection, do make sure they stay safe using the right gear – kids safety helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, safety pads and helmet!
Choose The Right Ride-on Toy
Ride-on toys are available in different sizes and are designed for riders of different ages. For example, ride-on toys for toddlers aged 2 to 4 years will have a lower design and come with three wheels, while ride-on toys for older kids may have two wheels.It is essential to chose the right ride-on toy so that your little one will be comfortable able to ride it, and chances of injury will be minimized.
Wear Safety Kits While Riding
This may not apply to all the ride-on toys, but for some of them, such as balanced bikes, make sure your little one is wearing safety kit, such as helmet, knee pads, wrist guards, shin guards, etc.Wearing protective gears prevents serious injuries if the kid falls from the bike. I would even recommend a pair of closed-toed shoes for added safety, while riding.
Teach Your Kid to Operate The Ride-on Toy Properly
Teach your little one how the ride-on toy operates, especially if its a battery powered one, because it will have lots of features.More importantly, teach your kid how to apply brakes (be it hand brake or foot operated brake). Foot brakes are easier to operate if the child is wearing shoes.
Show them the various parts of the ride-on, and the basic rules of riding. Let them practice indoors for some time, before moving out in the yards or nearby outdoor areas.
Ensure Adult Supervision
If your child is over 6 years, then adult supervision may not be required while your child is riding a bike.However, for smaller kids, adult supervision is required while they have fun with their ride-on toys.
My little one has this habit of taking his trike over cracks and holes, and in most cases his trike falls over.
That is why an adult needs to be around so they can anticipate what the little one is up to. And that is why protective gear is important, even though you may feel its not required. But kids are kids; you never know what they are up to.
Check the Ride-On for Wear & Tear
Most ride-ons such as bikes, scooters require regular maintenance to ensure smooth functioning. Certain ride-ons may require regular cleaning, lubricating, tightening the bolts, etc. This ensures smooth operation, long-term usability and safety.So check he various nuts and bolts as often as you can, to prevent things from accidentally coming off while you little one is riding.
Additional Precautions
In spite of the excellent reputation for safety of these ride-on toys, some precautions should be practiced when using this type of toy.- Always supervise children riding any ride-on toy
- Do not allow children to ride near motorized vehicles
- Avoid play near swimming pools or other bodies of water
- One rider at a time, unless the toy can accommodate more kids
- No bare feet
- No riding on streets
- Avoid steep hills or slopes
- Avoid using near steps
The above mentioned tips will keep your kid safe while he is having fun on the ride-on toy, and also enhance their overall experience of the ride.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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