Wednesday 29 August 2012

Top Kids Bike Accessories


Quite often when you buy your children a toy the toy itself is not actually enough, for example, if you buy your little girl a toy dolls house then you will need to buy dolls and furniture. Of course this is not something you need to do straight away, however it is something which can add excitement to the toy for years to come.

One toy which most children have nowadays is a bike and luckily there are a whole host of kids bike accessories you can choose from. This article will reveal some of the best bike accessories for children in the shops today in order to give you a helping hand with regards to finding the perfect present for your little loved one.

The first bike accessory that every child should have is a helmet. Of course this is not the most exciting gift your child will open; however it is essential to their safety. And nowadays with the array of different designed helmets out there you are assured to find something which will provoke a positive reaction from your child and actually make them want to wear it. In fact you can even get helmets which sparkle or have flashing lights. Alternatively there is helmet transfers available ensuring that your little one can spice up the look of their protective headwear whenever they see fit.

Another great and cheap accessory is a clip on water bottle. After all, if your child is going to do a lot of riding then they are assured to get thirsty and they will love a nice iced cold exciting drink during their trip. Just like helmets, water bottles are available in a whole host of different colours, designs, sizes and styles, and thus you are guaranteed to pick something which your little child will fall in love with.

In addition to a bike helmet and a water bottle, another great accessory for children’s bikes is a bike bell. Not only do bike bells look great and add an exciting element to the bike they are fixed to, but they also allow your little one to beep at his or her friends. The noise might drive you crazy, but the smile on your child’s face is so worth it!

A final accessory worth considering is stabilisers for your child’s bike. These are a great tool to have if your little one is only just learning to ride a bike. It will make the process a lot easier and when your child feels ready you will simply be able to remove them rather than having to buy a whole new bike.

So there you have it; some top kids bike accessories. There are lots of ways you can make one toy be exciting to your child for years to come. The bike accessories mentioned in this article do not only aid your child’s safety but they also help maintain and rejuvenate their interest in the bike. 
Sunday 26 August 2012

Teaching Your Child To Ride A Bike


Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage that every child eventually goes through. Although the process can be long and tricky, especially with nervous children, once they eventually get the hang of it nothing could be better for their self esteem - learning a skill they will use again and again in adult life, which is fun but also has a feeling of accomplishment.

When looking for kids bikes to begin with, picking out a tricycle or a bike with stabilisers may be the best option. one of the first thing you child will need to get used to is the feeling of riding the bike along, steering it so they don’t crash into anything and how to use the brakes. instead of having to think about all of this as well as staying upright, using stabilisers or a tricycle will mean they get a good grasp on all of the other factors of using a bike before they have to start thinking about not falling off.

The first thing you should teach them is steering. get them somewhere with plenty of space and walk in front of them, encouraging them to follow you around using the handlebars. This will give them a good idea of what the bike can do, how fast and how much it turns, and that they are completely safe even on a sharp turn if they take it at the right speed.

From here they can start using brakes and you could take them to an area with low hills or a rougher terrain so they get used to the feel of the bike naturally speeding up on hills, and slowing down when they go uphill or or rougher ground. It can be nerve wracking at first for a child to handle a bike getting faster, but thankfully younger kids bikes rarely reach high speeds and your child should quickly get used to the speed of their bike.

The next step is to remove the stabilisers, but don’t make them try to ride the bike straight away, as this can be when the frustration kicks in. Instead get them to feel completely safe on the bike when it only has two wheels by allowing them to scoot along and then freewheel when they can. They will soon work out that when they are going at speed they don’t need to pedal and the bike is easier to stay on top of and then you can start teaching the pedals.

There is no way around it, you will need to hold onto them or the bike so they can learn to balance when pedalling. They may even need you to do this for the first few weeks as they build up confidence, but children are braver than adults, and more resilient, so once they feel safe they will probably start doing this alone.
Saturday 18 August 2012

Kids Bike Accessories


A bike for a child is more than a way to get around. It is their first form of independent transport as well as a great way to take off on their own and enjoy another level to their favourite games. For this reason, kids love to dress up their bikes to make them a little more special and allow them to bring things along to make their play more fun and make their bike fit with their personality and hobbies.

You can find some great kids bike accessories online, but first you should think about what kinds of accessories your child will most enjoy. For little girls, a great option is a basket or doll carrier. Girls tend to be a little more domesticated in their play and will love to act out being a parent of their own. A doll carrier on the back of their bike will give them the opportunity to carry their doll around safely, as well as imitate their own parents. Doll carriers should be lightweight and not too large as this can overbalance the bike and make it more difficult to ride, but you should be able to fit a sturdy yet light plastic version which will fit onto the bike and also fit their favourite doll inside.

Another option is a basket, in which they will be able to carry anything they like, from a lunch if they are going off to the park for the day, to any secrets or integral parts of whichever game they are playing on this particular day. You can get some sweet looking baskets in a variety of different colours which will match most kids bikes, and you could always give your child the option to decorate it themselves with paints, coloured paper and glue.

Boys tend to be a little noisier with their play and enjoy things which make mess or noise so look for something like a horn or hose which they can bring into their games. A horn is a great way not only for your child to make plenty of noise, but also to keep them safer on the roads - people are more likely to know they are coming if they hear the horn first and you could always teach your child to sound the horn before going around blind corners.

A hose or water pistol is also a great idea for a hot day as kids can let off steam and get a little messy without actually causing too much mess to themselves or others. You can get bikes with these already attached, or you could pick up something which attaches easily to the front handlebars, as long as the hose or pistol doesn’t trail in front of the wheels and make things more dangerous.

Finally, always remember the safety gear and get your child to pick out a cute helmet which matches their bike or features their favourite character. If your child is happy with the look of the helmet they are more likely to wear it and this can stop small spills from becoming anything more dangerous.
Thursday 16 August 2012

Raleigh Milano 24" Bike


Biking is great exercise for a number of reasons. Firstly it is fun, one of the best sports for people who don’t really like sports as it gives you the feeling of the wind in your hair and actually getting somewhere. Most people who struggle with sport do so because they are bored and don’t see the point in the sport they are doing, however bikes allow you to explore your surroundings in a new and exciting way, and the more power you put into it the faster you go and the more fun you have.
Raleigh Milano 24" Girls Bike

It is great for those who aren’t particularly fit, as well, because it allows you to take exercise at your own pace. if you struggle going up a hill you know that soon you’ll be able to rest as you fly back down again, which can push you to try harder and the next time you take a hill you’ll find it that much easier.

Another great thing about biking is that you can pretty much do it anywhere you please. Use a bike to get to work or on days out instead of taking public transport and you’ll find you get places quickly, cheaply and can take any route you please. Or you may decide to take a morning bike ride each day just to enjoy yourself and take in some fresh air. Biking allows you to work hard i return for rest periods and the feeling of going faster and enjoying yourself more, and is completely safe as long as you know your route or stick to cycle lanes. Always make sure you wear a helmet and you should soon find that you are riding like a pro!

For those looking for the perfect bike for a girl about town, the Raleigh Milano 24" Bike is a super fun and trendy looking bike which is easy to ride and has a gorgeous pink and silver finish which will make you stand out from the crowd! The Raleigh Milano 24" Bike is designed to take all of the bumps out of the roads and will make riding over any terrain easy and enjoyable. It comes with 18 speed gears so that you can enjoy all kinds of ground, whether you are going uphill, riding down them or just cycling over bumpy or rough ground. You’ll find the brake system smooth and easy to use and the bike is the perfect height with an adjustable saddle to suit girls of any height.

With low rise handlebars and a lightweight frame, you should find that the Raleigh Milano 24" Bike runs like a dream and isn’t too taxing even if you have only just gotten into cycling, and the great, stylish look will mean you want to take it out everywhere you go - meaning you’ll soon be up to speed!
Tuesday 14 August 2012

Fireman Sam 12" Bike


A child’s first bike is so important to their development because it means a new kind of freedom. Until they get their first bike, most children will always have been taken everywhere by their parents. From being pushed around in a pram as a baby to being driven around in the car is they get older, kids are completely at the mercy of where their parents want to go up until a certain age. With their first bike, a child gets their first taste of adventure choosing their own route and enjoying the feeling of being completely independent if only for an hour or so at a time.

Children can develop in so many ways through using a bike, from learning to play with other children and take exciting journeys - even if it is just around the local park - to learning about taking risks and dealing with the consequences of their actions. Of course a bike is more dangerous than a pushchair or being carried around, but children live for this kind of adventure and can develop not only spatial relations but also how to measure and deal with risks coupled with their sense of adventure.

Bikes are also a great environmentally friendly form of transport. if you can get your children keen on riding around on their bike from an early age, and take an interest in getting around under their own steam , this can help to make them healthier, more environmentally aware adults.

For a great first bike that is bound to peak your child’s interest and get them used to cycling, choose the Fireman Sam 12" Bike, which is a completely safe and enjoyable first bike as it comes with a number of safety features, as well as the fun Fireman Sam design throughout, which will make their bike stand out and be something they can be proud of.

Fireman Sam 12" Bike
The Fireman Sam 12" Bike comes with removable stabilisers so your child can get used to the feeling of steering, braking, speeding up and slowing down before they take on the idea of cycling on just two wheels. It also has a completely enclosed chain, with a fun design on the chain guard to add to the overall look of the bike as well as keep your child safe from any moving parts. The handlebars are low enough to be comfortable and high enough to give your child a firm grip on their handles and brakes and the saddle is adjustable so that the bike can grow with your child.

Suitable for children aged three years plus, you’ll find that the Fireman Sam 12" Bike gives them a great taste of independence and fun from a young age, and will be the best way for them to learn to ride a bike - a hobby which will hopefully last a lifetime and give them a great form of exercise to carry on throughout their adult lives.
Sunday 12 August 2012

Points to Consider When Buying Childrens Bikes

One thing which all kids should have whilst growing up is a bike. After all, riding a bike is a skill which is likely to come in useful. Not only this, but it is great fun and a fantastic way of ensuring that your child gets some exercise. 

Nevertheless, it can be difficult when it comes to deciding which of the childrens bikes to buy. This is largely because there are so many different types of kid’s bikes available today, meaning that it is hard to choose which one will be right for your child. In order to help you narrow down your decision, there are some points you should consider before making your final purchase.

The first thing you obviously need to consider is the price of the bike. In general, bike prices do not rise in combination with the size. Thus do not be surprised if a child’s bike costs you the relatively same amount as an adult’s one would. The best thing to do is to have a look on several websites, or use a price comparison website, to discover the average price for childrens bikes. Then when you go to make your purchase you can ensure that the bike you buy falls into this price bracket. This will ensure that you do not get ripped off and end up spending more than you should need to. 

Whilst price is obviously an important factor, the most crucial thing you need to contemplate is the size of the bike. It is absolutely pivotal that your child’s bike is the right size. Many parents make the mistake of buying a bike which is two sizes too big because they think it will benefit their child; after all, children do grow quickly, right? But this is a big a mistake. Make sure you buy your child a bike that fits them now. If you don’t do so then your child will be riding their bike unsafely because they will not have full control of it. They won’t be able to reach and control the breaks and steering properly. 

The final point to consider is the colour of the bike. You may not think that this is important, but for children colour tends to be a make or break factor. If you know your child’s favourite colour then this won’t be a problem. However, if they do not have a favourite colour then it is best to play it safe. If you are buying for a boy then a blue bike is a good option. If you are buying for a girl, then pink is probably the best colour. If blue or pink does not appeal, then one of the best colours to go for is actually silver; it suits both boys and girls and is a colour which tends to be very well liked. Its metallic look makes it interesting as well.

If you consider the aspects mentioned in this article then I am sure you will be well on your way to finding the perfect bike for your little one.
Wednesday 8 August 2012

Raleigh Heartz 14 inch Girls

Buying a present for a young child can often be an exciting and fun filled process. After all, there is nothing better than seeing the bright smile on their face when they open it. Nevertheless, finding that perfect present is often a lot easier said than done. This is because it is difficult to know what to buy your little loved one. At the end of the day, children are brutally honest and they won’t feign interest for the sake of your feelings. Thus, you need to ensure that you pick something which will maintain their interest and instantly spark off a positive reaction.
One toy which tends to be a hit amongst all children is a child’s bike. Nevertheless, it is no good just picking any old bike. If you present your little girl with a plain black bike, the chances are she won’t be that thrilled. You need to seriously consider which girls bike you are going to buy if you want to make the right impression. 

Raleigh Heartz 14 inch Girls Bike

The most important thing you need to think about when looking for a girls bike is the appearance of it. After all, this is the first thing your child will notice and therefore it will dictate whether they are pleased or not. First and foremost you need to select a bike with an eye catching colour, more often than not girls tend to go for pink. In addition to this, you also need to select a bike which offers a lot more than simply a frame and wheels. By this I mean you should look for something which has a seat for a doll or a basket for instance. These little elements are what will make the bike perfect in the eyes of your little princess.

If you are still struggling to decide what bike to buy then one which ticks all the boxes and is assured to be a hit is the Raleigh Heartz 14 inch Girls bike. This bike is pink in colouring and boasts lilac, pink, red and turquoise hearts. It also has eye catching bright pink tassels coming down from the handle bar. In addition to this, it has a seat on the back, ensuring that your little girl can take her doll with her on her mini adventures. The bike is designed for children aged four and above, so if your loved one fits into this age range then this is certainly the bike for her.
 
All in all, there is certainly no doubt about it; every child should receive a bike as a gift in their young years. However, choosing the right bike is of the utmost importance if you want to provoke the best reaction and keep your child’s interest in the toy for years to come. So remember, if you are buying for a girl, then think pink, think about what extras the bike has which they will love, and make sure that it is a bike fit for a princess.
Monday 6 August 2012

Peppa Pig 12" Bike


Peppa Pig Bike
If you’re looking for the perfect bike to start your kids off learning to ride bikes and have fun at the same time, the Peppa Pig 12” Bike is worth looking into. Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for every child, but making that move from a tricycle to a real ‘grown up’ bike can be difficult and scary for many youngsters. The Peppa Pig 12” Bike is small enough that it is not intimidating for smaller children, but large enough that it will grow with your child and take them from riding comfortably with stabilisers to freewheeling like a pro!

The Peppa Pig 12” Bike is made from sturdy metal with soft rubber handle grips and a comfortable adjustable seat so even though it is made to withstand hours of play it is still safe for smaller children. It is chain-driven, like all adult bikes, but has a guard covering the chain for safety, as well as front and rear brakes that your little ones can learn to use just as they would with a bigger bike, teaching them how to make their bike go and stop quickly and easily.

The Peppa Pig detailing on this bike is really just for fun, but will make it appeal to any Peppa fans and mean they can instantly pick their bike out from the crowd. The bike has colourful and cute Peppa Pig graphics throughout, as well as one main design on the front detailing Peppa on her own bike!

Start your child off with the sturdy stabilisers on this bike and teach them to keep balance, start and stop using the brakes, and get them used to getting faster using the pedals. Once your child is completely comfortable using the stabilisers, you can broach the idea of taking the stabilisers off and riding on just the two wheels. Most kids will be keen to do this as it will give them the chance to feel really grown up, riding a bike just like their parents, but for those who are a little apprehensive you may need to give some extra encouragement.

Once the stabilisers are off, let your child take it slowly and help them along by holding onto the bike until they get into a rhythm before letting them go so they can see how easy it is (and how much more fun it is) to ride without stabilisers!

Because the Peppa Pig Bike has wide, solid wheels, it is one of the best bikes for your child to learn to ride using just two wheels, as the wheels provide more grip on the road and can handle almost any terrain! Combined with the fact that the bike is the perfect height for little legs and even the most nervous children, you’ll soon find that they bike more than pays for itself in the joy it brings out of your child!