Believe it or not, Augustus just turned 2-years-old a couple weeks ago! I don't know how time is flying so fast, but somehow it is. With his birthday, Gus seems to have a new sudden interest in gross motor skills. Gus has always been on the slower end of things when it comes to developing these skills - especially if you compare him to Nora/Henry who were both walking well before their first birthdays. Part of it is Gus's personality and own developmental path, part of it is his low muscle tone.
All that is to say, that Gus is just now starting to become interested in ride on toys. It all seems to click all of a sudden and he takes pleasure riding around the house on his little scooter bike. Nora was doing the same thing by 12/13 months. And, Henry, I think even earlier. So, it's been a great reminder about how all children are on their own path to skills. Whether fast or slow, it doesn't matter.
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
What matter's is that we, as the adult, observe and recognize the needs our children create an environment where our children can meet their needs - no matter what time table gets them there! So, having some gross motor options available can be a big positive for your toddler.
When picking the items we choose for our home, even for gross motor toys, I want something that is going to fit a few characteristics. One, I want something simple. So for scooters and ride on toys, I'm looking for something that is just a small bike. Not a bike, and a lion, and a shape sorter, for example. Two, I'm looking for something in the right size. I have small kids, so for me a smaller bike has been a good fit. If you have taller kids, you might want something with more flexibility. But, the right size is going to help your child be much more successful at using the toy. Finally, I'm looking for something that can be used inside! With our long winters, I want something with wheels that aren't going to ruin the floors in my house, but can still be brought outside in the spring/summer.
Little bikes aren't the only option for this age group, depending on your child's interest, there are other options. A rocking horse is great for kids that might not have figured out how to move their feet quite yet (Gus could use this before a bike). For kids that are a bit more on the advanced end of the scale, a scooter or balance bike - Nora used both before age 2 - can be really fun!
When picking the items we choose for our home, even for gross motor toys, I want something that is going to fit a few characteristics. One, I want something simple. So for scooters and ride on toys, I'm looking for something that is just a small bike. Not a bike, and a lion, and a shape sorter, for example. Two, I'm looking for something in the right size. I have small kids, so for me a smaller bike has been a good fit. If you have taller kids, you might want something with more flexibility. But, the right size is going to help your child be much more successful at using the toy. Finally, I'm looking for something that can be used inside! With our long winters, I want something with wheels that aren't going to ruin the floors in my house, but can still be brought outside in the spring/summer.
Little bikes aren't the only option for this age group, depending on your child's interest, there are other options. A rocking horse is great for kids that might not have figured out how to move their feet quite yet (Gus could use this before a bike). For kids that are a bit more on the advanced end of the scale, a scooter or balance bike - Nora used both before age 2 - can be really fun!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
What are your toddler's favorite ride on toys or scooters? Do you have a child on the early or late end of this scale?
