Kettler Sprint Balance Bike

Cole is still learning to ride his bike, he struggles with keeping his balance and pedaling at the same time, add in the occaisional turn and it is obvious that it is going to take a lot of practice. The great thing about "training" or "balance" or "push" bikes is that you can remove one of these variables (pedaling) while your kid masters the others. Movement is achieved by pushing with their feet on the ground and coasting. When balance and turning is under their belt, move them to a regular bike and they will take off like a shot. Another great thing about the Kettler balance bike (pictured) is that it has a limited turn radius, so little Johnny won't overturn by over-turning.

Kettler Sprint Balance Bike

The PlasmaCar

If you have never seen the Plasma Car being used, then it may be hard to understand how it moves. The car moves by the rider moving the steering wheel back and forth, preferably while on a smooth surface. It doesn't move all that fast, but it does move and it is fun to ride. The fact that it is not a speed toy means that, given some free space, it can be ridden inside the house or the garage, so even in bad weather you can work off some of that endless childhood energy. The Plasma Car comes in a variety of colors, including blue, red, pink, purple, green, and yellow. It is also eligible for free super-saver shipping from Amazon.

PlasmaCar at Amazon.com
PlasmaCar at ebay.com

Bug Rider

The Wheely Bug is a small ride on toy for 18 month to 3 year olds. The antennae bobble back and forth when in motion, and the seat (body) is thick sponge covered with pleather so it can be easily wiped clean. The wheels swivel so the vehicle can move in any direction. Not recommended for carpet, but moves smoothly on a hard floor. It can also be used as a push toy for early walkers.

Also available in a bee and cow design and in two sizes.

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Bug - Small
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Bug - Large

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Bee - Small
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Bee - Large

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Cow - Small
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug - Cow - Large

Wheely Bug at ebay.com

Step 2 Up and Down Roller Coaster

Cole and I were driving home from the mailbox the other day and we saw this set up on the sidewalk in front of a neighbor's house. I think that if Cole had been driving he would have stopped the car in the middle of the road to get a longer look (or maybe get out and take the thing for a ride). I did slow down quite a bit and we got good look at it. It was the Step 2 Up and Down Roller Coaster, or as I prefer to call it, the Toddler Roller Coaster. It is just what it looks like, a modular plastic roller coaster for little ones. The pieces snap together and there are grooves to keep the car from going off track. The total height is only about 12-15 inches, but the track is 10 foot long. The car has a high back, foot rests, and a handrail for safety. This looks like a great toy for a toddler, plus, after a few hundred times back and forth on this thing, I'll bet your toddler will take a good long nap!

Up & Down Roller Coaster at amazon.com

What kind of bike is that?

"What kid of bike is that?" the little girl in the tutu asked

Cole screeched to a stop and removed this helmet. "It's a Kawasaki. Notice the sleek motocross lines, knobby tires, 10 inch wheels, and shock absorber in the back. Yup, babies like these you don't see too often anymore." Cole hitched up his pants and looked around. "That handlebar is made of real steel" he added knowing that would push the admirer over the edge. "Wanna go for a ride?" he asked as he jumped back on the trike and held out his hand.

Compelled by forces beyond her control, the little girl in the pink tutu put her feet on the back axle and her hands on Cole's shoulders. She leaned down close to his ear and said in a barely audible squeak, "Go fast."

Kawasaki Trike at amazon.com

Radio Flyer Walker Wagon

We have a 9 month old at home that is already pulling up on stuff and will no doubt be walking within a month or so. The radio flyer wagon above is a great way to help them start walking. It has a resistance feature so that the wagon doesn't roll away too fast from your toddler. It also has a bumper on the front to protect your walls and furniture. The wooden sides are removable too.


Radio Flyer Walker Wagon at backtobasicstoys.com

The Slicer - sled on the grass!

In some parts the country it is not winter any more. In fact, the other day we were all wearing shorts and flip-flops already and trying to figure out if Cole could make it another month or so with the pants that he already has or if he will outgrow them before they are too hot to wear.

Just because it is summer doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to go sledding. The interesting part of The Slicer is that you freeze two containers that go on the bottom of the sled the night before. When you are ready to go, you put what are essentially ice slabs on the bottom of the sled and go flying uncontrollably down your neighborhood hill. Sounds like fun.


Slicer All-Season Sled even glides on grass! at amazon.com

(via Davescooltoys)

Pulse Kick 'n Go Scooter

(via playlibrary.com)

Pulse Kick N Go Scooter at ebay.com

Classic Cruiser

Another nice set of wheels for your kid. Plus I get to use the new vehicle label!

The Children's Classic Cruiser Bicycle.

Cheeky Chick with a nice ride

A foot-on-floor trike that somehow looks both retro and cutting edge to me.

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