Buying a bike for your child to "grow into" can be a dangerous practice. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, steering a large bike is too difficult for a small child and the resulting loss of control can lead to serious injury. The APA recommends waiting until your child is 5 to 6 years of age before introducing a two-wheeled bike as before this time your child may not be physically or mentally ready.
Step 1
Measure your child's inseam from just below his crotch to the bottom of his ankle.
Step 2
Compare the inseam measurement to the sizing guidelines and determine a correct wheel diameter. Wheel diameters for a child's bike range from 12 to 24 inches. ConsumerSearch.com recommends using inseam rather than the age of your child when sizing a bike because children grow at varying rates. In general, children with an inseam of 14 to 17 inches fit a 12-inch wheel diameter, an inseam of 18 to 21 inches will fit a 16-inch wheel diameter, an inseam of 22 to 25 inches will fit a 20-inch diameter and an inseam of 26 inches or higher will fit a 24-inch wheel diameter.
Step 3
Test the bike by having your child sit on it. According to the APA, if the bike is the correct size, your child will be able to place the ball area of her feet on the ground while sitting on the bike.
Step 4
Instruct your child to straddle the center bar if you are buying a bike with a center bar design. There should be a minimum of an inch between the center bar and your child's crotch as he stands with both feet flat on the ground.
Step 5
Observe your child as she grasps the brakes if you are buying a bike that has hand brakes. She should be able to comfortably grasp the brakes and be strong enough to apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike.
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