As your toddler grows out of his tricycle, he may be ready for a small two-wheeler bike with training wheels. Choosing the right size for your little one is important for safety reasons, but it can also minimize the frustration of learning to ride. A large part of choosing the bike size requires you to know your child's height and inseam, and to take him with you when you shop.
Step 1
Measure your toddler's inseam--from the end of his pants leg up to his crotch--with a tape measure. Children's bike sizes, even for the smallest of riders, are most often determined by a correlation between inseam and wheel size. The International Bicycle Fund suggests that most kids ages 2 to 4 who have an inseam of 14 to 17 inches should choose a bicycle with a 12-inch wheel diameter.
Step 2
Sit your toddler down on the seat of the bike you're considering. When she sits on the seat, her feet should be flat on the floor. Most toddler and youth bikes have adjustable seats, but if at the lowest adjustment your toddler's feet can't touch the ground, the bike size is too big.
Step 3
Assess the height of the handlebars when your child is sitting on the bike saddle. KidsHealth from Nemours reports that the handlebars should not extend higher than your toddler's shoulders. If the steering mechanism is too high, your toddler won't be able to reach the handles and pedals simultaneously, and may become frustrated when riding.
Step 4
Resist the temptation to buy a bike that your toddler will grow into. Bikes that are too large for your child's frame can be hard to control and might lead to accidents.
Tips and Warnings
- Training wheels and coaster brakes--brakes situated in the pedals rather than the handlebars--are helpful for toddlers who often lack the coordination and balance control that older kids develop.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
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