I’ve been looking at balance bikes for a while.
I was completely ignorant as to what balance bikes actually were until I had a baby. The concept of a bike without pedals didn’t make sense to me. It wasn’t until I saw a toddler scooting about on one, to then move gracefully (and easily) to a bike without stabilisers that I realised balance bikes were the way forward.
I’ve always been a big fan of wooden toys so, initially, when looking at potential balance bikes for my three year old, I was drawn to the wooden ones. But then I saw this review of a Boomer Bike at Not Another Mummy Blog.
The Boomer Bike from Paul’s Yard comes with removable pedals. So, once your tot learns to whizz around and gets the hang of the balancing part of riding a bike, you simply add the pedals and (the idea is) they’re away. No stabilisers, just straight to the pedals.
It’s no secret that Frog is a bit behind when it comes to physical stuff. Her recent development appraisal noted that while she’s advanced in areas like speech and language, her locomotive skills are around the 18 month mark. Her hypermobile joints mean she has problems balancing, gets sore joints if she has to walk too far and is, generally, a lot more wobbly than her peers.
She has only recently mastered the confidence and ability to start scooting, which is a joy to see, so I thought she may be ready to try wheels of a different variety. When Frog was having physiotherapy we were told there were two activities we needed to encourage. Swimming and cycling are a great way to build strength without putting stress on the joints.
Enter the Boomer Bike.
The Boomer comes in red, pink, green or blue. We opted for red because it’s vibrant, dashing and rather beautiful. It’s practical, with a brake, proper rubber tyres and a hardy metal frame. It’s also lightweight enough for a three year old to manoeuvre.
At nearly three and a half and with a dad who is 6ft 5″, Frog is not on the short side. But the seat on the Boomer Bike is still that tiny bit too high for her to comfortably sit on and reach the floor. That said, in the beginning it’s all about getting used to the concept of walking with the bike. By the time she is confident enough to scoot along and pick her feet up from the floor it’s likely she’ll have a few month’s growth in her anyway.
I love the fact that, once she does get used to cruising around, we won’t have to invest in a brand new bike with pedals. Bikes don’t come cheap, so to have a balance bike with removable pedals is a very clever (and economical) idea.
If you want to see the Boomer Bike in action then check out the video below. Frog and the (self-proclaimed) Northern Love Machine had some Daddy – daughter bonding time getting to grips with the bike earlier today. You can totally tell from the NLM’s face that he wishes he was 4 ft shorter so could have a go on it himself…
You can buy a Boomer 2 in 1 Balance Bike online from Paul’s Yard, for £130. In my humble opinion, it will be money well spent.
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Disclosure: We were sent a Boomer 2 in 1 Balance Bike for the purpose of this review. All opinions remain my own, as ever. They really are as good as they look.
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That looks aces – I want!! I love how diddy it looks next to NLM. I cant wait until Erin can scoot and balance, maybe next summer xx![:)](http://www.mothersalwaysright.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png)
We were amazed that F could do it now to be honest. She still has a long way to go but these bikes are great for kids like Erin and Frog. Maybe they could try them together one day?! xx
Fab footage, nlm is like a young Chaplin. Libs has just started to get the hang of her balance bike although it is still an indoors toys…… She has asked for one with pedals for Christmas! Lord help us x
Maisie progressed really well on her balance bike. She used to wizz round on it The Boomer bike sounds like a much better option because it has pedals which can be added when you reach the next phase. A cost saving.
How funny to read this today – took my 4yo out on his balance bike today and he got his balance! We are all thrilled and it is only his second occasion on it, which can be a waste of cash if that’s all it takes before taking the stablisers off his other bike. I didnt know you could get the two combined – a great idea, not just economically, but for storage as well! Good luck with it – she’ll love it![:)](http://www.mothersalwaysright.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png)
I think we’ll be getting Talitha a balance bike for her birthday so we’ll have to keep this one in mind!
We’ve had a Boomer bike for 10 months now, much loved and fought over by 3 boys, takes quite a beating and still in great nick. Pedals so easy to fit so we’ll be using it for a few years yet. Best present ever and Paul’s Yard are lovely people to deal with. If you haven’t got one this is your Christmas sorted!
A very funny film worthy of the Silent Movie era. If NLM wasn’t so tall he might have done some clever Charlie Chaplin moves on that bike or some Buster Keaton dare devil tricks. NLM needs to find the stunt man within! love ma x