One Wooden Toy That Has Stood the Test of Time

The time for wooden toys may appear to have passed, but there are a few wood play toys that have stood the test of time and are still in use today. One example is the wood bike, a toy that has its roots in Europe where it has sustained its popularity as the way to teach a child how to ride a bike. That popularity is being to rise in the United States where the wooden balance bike is becoming a hip alternative to the tricycle-training wheel approach to teaching a child to ride. While the tricycle simply servers as a toy, that teaches very little to a child, the wood bike offers children an important lesson in motor skills and balance.

The difference starts with the clever design. A standard bike purchased is a miniature version of an adult bike complete with pedals, chain and sprocket. Not so with a wooden bike. There's not pedals to deal with. Kids just plant their feet on the ground and push themselves around similar to a push toy, but balanced on two wheels. The bikes are light and simple to maneuver, removing much of the fear many kids experience when learning to ride. The bike also looks like a toy, many painted in bright colors, that make it friendly and inviting.

Look on YouTube and you're sure to find dozens of videos of young kids cruising around on their wooden balance bikes. With a charming "toy" appearance but solid construction, kids are finding it easy to maneuver these lightweight, low-profile bikes both on the sidewalk or grass. Metal versions of these bikes are available as well, and these also adhere to the basic principles of a balance bike - light, low to the ground without pedals, chain or sprocket. This may be another option for parents in search of a balance bike, but some kids just prefer the comfort of a wood bike.

For many parents it's an appealing alternative to the traditional tricycle to training wheels path for learning to ride a bike though it may come with a slightly higher price tag. The well-crafted European models can cost more than $200. However, there are more affordable alternatives including the Smart Gear bikes which run around $80. It's still an investment, so parent's should consider their child's disposition and desire before making the purchase.

A child on a wood bike is a common sight in Europe and is becoming more and more prevalent in the U.S. Parents are choosing this inventive wood toy as the way to teach their child to ride a bike since it puts the emphasis on the right skills, balance and steering. The wood balance bike is lighter and lower than a traditional pedal bike which makes it easier for a child to control the bike and learn how to balance on it.

If you're the parent of a toddler age child who's leaning toward buying a tricycle, you may want to consider a wood bike instead. The tradition of the wood toy has diminished in many ways, but there are still wooden toys like the wood balance bike with a lot to offer and teach a child.