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Original poster

Smart trike for 12mo

15 replies

bbbum · 02/12/2012 08:58

DD's first birthday is just before christmas, and we're thinking of getting her a smart trike with the expectation that it'll be a few months before she really gets proper use out of it....

Any recommendations? We'd prefer unisex colours in case we have a second baby who obv might not be a girl!!

I see great reviews that people love their smart trikes but am I being sucked in to the hype? Any suggestions for alternatives?

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poachedeggs · 02/12/2012 09:03

We had a similar thing, trike with a handle, and neither of them ever used it much. It felt unstable to push and the pedals are at a weird angle.

I'd recommend a Toddlebike though, truly brilliant bit of kit and gets them out of the pushchair and moving for themselves. We trialled one this summer and really rate it, wish we'd had one sooner!
Www.Toddlebike.co.uk I think, or Amazon has them.

Beaverfeaver · 02/12/2012 09:06

Pashley pickle

Original poster
bbbum · 02/12/2012 09:50

Omg. I love that pashley!! Our budget is well under £100 though!

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ZenNudist · 02/12/2012 09:55

I think they're really hard to push. You'd be better off with little ride on. Scuttlebug or wooden trike. Can't take it out and about, perhaps get a little scooter when they're a bit more mobile.

Original poster
bbbum · 02/12/2012 19:34

Thanks Zen, that's interesting, haven't seen those before... Thing is we're currently in a first floor flat (hoping to move to a house in the new year) and not much room for it in here so the idea is that it is something she could ride out and about....

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1978andallthat · 02/12/2012 19:44

We got bought a very pink one which is smyths own brand or dd when she was 1. She's two in two weeks and only got into it about a month ago.

bamboostalks · 02/12/2012 19:48

I have red one that is in fab condition, barely used as ds was too old when my mum bought it. All the accessories are unused including harness, canopy etc. it's yours for £25 if you want it. I need to de clutter before Christmas. PM me if interested.

YoHoHoAndABottleOfSherry · 02/12/2012 19:56

DD has this and she could ride it from around 12 months. Much easier than faffing with pedals for a little one. She generally rides it round the house, but we sometimes take it to the park on the back of the pushchair.
I think it is great, would definitely recommend. It feels like it is built to last as well.

messtins · 02/12/2012 20:00

We were given one (handed down) and it's really unwieldy and impractical. We've never used it apart from on the drive for 5 mins. By the time they re old enough and big enough to pedal it themselves they could be whizzing on a balance bike. I'd recommend an ELC wooden trike or a scuttlebug, mainly for indoor use to get the hang of propelling yourself about, then a balance bike at 2. If I had a 1 yr old at the moment I'd be coveting a Spherovelo but maybe above your budget.
Don't get the Pashley trike thing - a child big enough to ride that could be on an Islabike for half the price.

messtins · 02/12/2012 20:02

The fact there are so many " barely used" ones about should tell you something!

TuftyFinch · 02/12/2012 20:05

I would also recommend the Puky, DD was riding round the park on it at 16 months. She had the Scuttlebug before that. Scuttlebugs are good but better inside or really smooth (shopping centre/airport) surfaces. She moved to the Puky 12" balance bike at about 20 months. We got a Smart bike for DS and really, he may aswell have been in a pushchair. It doesn't teach them anything: balance, pedalling, independent riding etc. Also very heavy and hard to store. Both Puky bikes have lasted well and handed down to friends, still going strong. The Smart bike didn't fare so well.

Kelly281 · 02/12/2012 20:07

My DD has loved her smart trike, it's been great during the summer months for walks in the park. She much preferred it to sitting in a buggy! We got this one when she was 7mo. I'm hoping it'll still get some use next summer, until she has a balance bike when 2yo.

poachedeggs · 02/12/2012 22:01

Also agree about the Puky- DD moved onto hers a couple of weeks ago after a summer on the toddlebike and she can already balance well down hills. It had a wide range of height by the looks of the seat post so good value. I think at 12 months a toddlebike would have more instant fun factor though.

Original poster
bbbum · 02/12/2012 22:04

Thanks all! We've done a total 180 and are going to get her an Aquadoodle and a lovely book called "On The Night You Were Born" instead and let the grandparents get the bigger stuff (their choice) and if it seems as though she needs some kind of ride-on come the spring, we'll reassess then!

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