Anyone took a toddler or preschooler ice skating?

[nappyaddict]

Have seen videos on you tube and thought about taking DS who is 4 but has probably got the physical ability of an 18-24 month old (can't hop or jump, runs very awkwardly still)

Did you use a helmet, elbow or knee pads?

Did you use single blade skates or those double blade ones that go over shoes?

Ooh, this thread lead me to Cambridgeonice and I've just booked for me and the toddler at Christmas :-)

Sorry I should of said just to hire the pengiun for 1 slot just to start him off on the ice. In most cases this gives the child enough confidence to give it a go on their own.

Glad that he enjoyed it. He did well. In front or behind is a problem for backs. Side by side is generally better for backs.

also should have mentioned not to pull him to his feet if he falls over. He needs to get to his feet and the get up from there.

Over here in Canada they skate from 3yrs using a kind of walking frame with skies on.
Helmets are compulsary with cages until 6yrs old.
Can recommend putting them in some snowpants as when they fall over it hurts their knees and bottom and they wont be so soggy..
Our 3 yr old will start in jan with nursery, and our 8yr old can skate now.
Seems silly that we waited to live here before we tried, lived just around the corner from Guildford ice ring.

I have no idea how to skate backwards!