Find more blog articles on parenting below.
#Topics
Why Every Toddler Needs a Play Kitchen in Their Toy Collection
Raising a child is one of the hardest trials of life. Feeding your toddler, getting your toddler to sleep everyday, and constantly buying expensive toys, knowing that your toddler will eventually obliterate them in the end. How should you solve this problem? Well, that’s easy. Get a play kitchen! There are endless reasons why getting one is extremely beneficial: they help your children learn to share, watch less TV, and even eat healthier! Today, we’ll be discussing why play kitchens can be so life-changing and why your toddler must have one! 1. It builds imaginative skills A play kitchen can stimulate the imagination of a toddler by allowing them to play with a plethora of individual accessories that let their minds run wild with ideas. By using a play kitchen, a toddler can pretend to be a Michelin-star chef working at a fancy restaurant or just a parent cooking dinner for her dolls. Play kitchens transport toddlers into worlds of their own, and, with the right amount of enthusiasm, they can leave you be for hours on end. 2. It builds co-operative skills and fosters values When your child is with friends and family, a play kitchen can provide the perfect setting for learning how to be kind and to share. A suitable, large play kitchen, such as Small Smart’s Signature Play Kitchen, gives the child much more room to play together. The children will learn that cooking the “food” requires multiple different people working together to achieve. Therefore, your child will inevitably share the pots and pans, allow others to take turns using the telephones, and wash their hands in the sink one at a time. Through the use of a play kitchen, your child will begin to understand how to work as a team, one of the many important life skills that play kitchens foster. 3. It allows for healthy eating conversations When you play with a play kitchen with your child, conversations will come up about eating healthily, and what should be eaten , and what should be best left alone. Good quality play kitchens come with pots, pans, telephones, and sometimes pretend food is available. With these accessories, you can teach your child about the basic rules of cooking, and even a bit of customer service. The play kitchen allows for these conversations to flourish, sowing the seeds for a healthy fulfilling life. 4. Reduces screen time While letting your child watch TV or play on their iPad may seem like an ideal way of keeping them at bay. However, this is actually really bad for them. The World Health Organisation advises that children aged between 2 and 4 years of age should have no screen time whatsoever, due to the impact of “blue light” coming from the screens. Interactive toys like play kitchens will keep your children busy and entertained, leaving you at peace for a longer time. It’s just as entertaining as watching Peppa Pig, but it’s way more healthy and interactive! 5. Encourages Cultural Awareness When your child uses their play kitchen, foods from around the world, like pizzas, sushi, and burritos are unmasked to the toddler, revealing a world of diversity, geography and culture. A play kitchen can be a real eye - opener to the real world, allowing them to learn about cultural traditions, diversity and history. Who knows, it might even help your child take their first steps to becoming a general knowledge master! 6. Saves money over time When you buy your child a toy, you’ll need to take in the fact that that toy may be in pieces within a week. It’s one of the constant annoyances of raising a child. A play kitchen, however, with a durable frame, can be almost unbreakable. While the cost of a play kitchen can sometimes be quite pricey, once bought, you won’t need to always keep buying toys to replace the ones your child is destroying, and therefore saving money long term. 7. They last a long time Following from the previous point, wooden play kitchens last remarkably longer than other products for toddlers. They can be used for years and years, and still stay in one piece. This not only saves money, as discussed before, but also builds memories, which can be shared with your toddler when they are older. 8. They look great! The aesthetics of some play kitchens can not only look attractive to children, but also really fit in with your home. They don’t have to stand out with bright, unflattering colours - some blend right in! For example, the Deluxe Small Smart Play Kitchen comes in two beautiful colours: a stylish toned grey, or a neutral pink tint, both of which are fantastic designer colours that will really spruce up your home! So, to conclude, I think it’s safe to say there are more than enough reasons to get your toddler a play kitchen. Nobody can argue with the fact that good, high quality play kitchens are items of memories, nurturing, and learning, and all children would benefit endlessly with one. Now you’ve reached the end of this page, I have one question: what are you waiting for? Hop over to our main website, and take a look at our first rate play kitchens!
Learn more
Best Balance Bike for Every Budget: Top Picks This Year
Find the best balance bike for every budget. Explore expert tips, key features, and top picks to help your child start riding with confidence and ease.
Learn more
Top 7 Balance Bike Benefits Every Parent Should Know
Explore the top 7 balance bike benefits for toddlers. A smart choice for early development. Browse the toddler balance bike collection and shop online.
Learn more
The Ultimate Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed by baby prep? Relax! This guide unpacks everything you need for your newborn's arrival, from must-have essentials to delightful extras.
Learn more
Baby Sensory Toys : A Parent’s Guide for 0–12 Months
Support and stimulate your baby’s development with the best baby sensory toys for every stage - from newborns to 12 months. This quick guide shows how interactive tools boost cognitive, motor, and sensory skills, plus practical tips to seamlessly incorporate them into your daily routine.
Learn more
Balance Bike Ultimate Buying Guide for Kids
Looking for the perfect balance bike for your toddler? Our exciting range of balance bikes and trikes for toddlers has everything you need to get your little one started. Whether you are teaching your child how to ride a bike or looking for a fun way to keep your kids active, a balance bike or trike is a wonderful experience for any child. The SMALL SMART collection of kids bikes, trikes, and helmets has everything you need to introduce your little one to the joy of riding a bike. With help from this informative buying guide, you will have everything you need to know before you buy a balance bike or trike. Why Choose a Balance Bike for Your Child? If you’re considering a bike for your child, you might be deciding between a balance bike or a bike with pedals. Here’s why balance bikes and trikes are excellent options: What is a Balance Bike? Balance bikes are small starter bikes aimed at children between 2-5 years old. They traditionally do not have pedals and are designed to be pushed along by the child’s feet. Bikes for toddler and preschool children teach children how to balance and steer a bike, providing the foundational skills for riding a pedal bike when they are older. They are a great way to get kids outside and are the perfect tool for their cognitive development. However, if you are thinking about a balance bike for a 1-year-old, you could also consider a trike. Balance Bike vs. Trike for Toddler Whether you choose a trike for a 1-year-old or a balance bike for a 2-year-old depends largely on your child’s development and abilities. Here’s a quick comparison: Feature Balance Bike Trike Wheels Two wheels, no pedals. Encourages balance and coordination. Three wheels. Provides stability and is easier for younger children to use. Age Range 18 months to 5 years old. 1 year and older. Key Benefit Teaches balance and steering, preparing kids for pedal bikes. Offers stability and introduces kids to biking motions. Parental Assistance Children control the bike themselves. Some trikes include push handles for parents. Balance bikes are designed as small starter bikes. They have two wheels and no pedals, encouraging children to learn how to balance and steer a bike. Balance bikes are powered by the momentum of your child pushing the bike with their feet. Trikes have three wheels and offer more stability than a balance bike. Your child won't need to balance when riding a trike, making them perfect for children as young as 1 year old. Some trikes have handles for parents to push along, and others can be adjusted to transform into balance bikes. Balance Bike and Trike Buying Guide Balance bikes and trikes are ideal for small children from the age of 18 months to 5 years. Here are the top tips to consider when buying a toddler balance bike: 1. The Best Age for a Balance Bike The best age for a balance bike is between 2 and 5 years old. Balance bikes are an excellent learning tool for children and help to build confidence and boost their self-esteem [1]. Using a balance bike can be tricky at first, but once they get the hang of it, they will be whizzing around. There is a wide range of balance bikes available, including adjustable balance bikes that are suitable for two-year-olds and can be adapted for children up to the age of 5.However, if you are looking for a bike for a younger child, a trike is a great option. Trikes are great for children as young as 1 year old, as they teach children the correct way to sit on a bike and the motion of steering. 2. What to Look for When Buying a Balance Bike Adjustable height: For a long-lasting bike experience, look for an adjustable balance bike that grows with your child. Many balance bikes for 2-year-olds have adjustable seats and handlebars, allowing you to adapt the bike for 4- and 5-year-old children. Weight: A lightweight bike will be much easier for your little adventurer to handle and will greatly improve their experience on the bike. Let's be honest: as a parent, you will need to carry the bike too, so choose a lightweight balance bike. Brakes: Handbrakes are a useful addition to a balance bike and will help reduce your child’s shoes being worn down. 3. Safety Tips When Using Balance Bikes A kids bike helmet is essential for children when riding a balance bike or trike. Our range of helmets is designed for toddlers with adjustable straps and dials to get the perfect fit, ensuring their safety wherever their adventures take them. Choose a safe area with lots of space to practice. A park or an enclosed space with a smooth surface or short grass [2] is a great place to start. Top picks from the SMALL SMART Collection We provide everything you need to prepare your mini adventurers for their first bike. From balance bikes and trikes to helmets and accessories, here are our favorites from our collection. 1. Hooga Playroom 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike The Hooga Playroom bike is a trike and balance bike 2-in-one. This eco-friendly trike for 18-month-olds transforms into a wooden balance bike for older children. Key features include puncture-proof tires, non-slip handles, and a lightweight frame, weighing only 2.6 kg. Available in Dino, Unicorn, and Zebra designs, this sustainable balance bike will make any toddler happy. 2. Allis Baby LUMI Kids Balance Bike This sleek balance bike has an eye-catching design and is the ideal first kids balance bike for 2-year-olds. If you are looking for a lightweight balance bike, the Allis Baby Lumi is a popular choice, weighing only 2.6 kg, making it easy for children to steer and light for parents to carry. Its key features include puncture-proof PU tires and an adjustable seat that grows with your child. 3. Banwood First Go Kids Bikes This stylish balance bike is the perfect first bike for preschoolers, combining functionality with an attractive design. If you’re searching for an adjustable balance bike, the Banwood First Go Kids Bike is an excellent choice. With a seat height adjustable up to 44 cm, it grows with your child, ensuring a long-lasting fit. Key features include a wicker basket, a safety bell, and sturdy 12-inch wheels for smooth and safe rides. This Banwood balance bike is a top pick for parents looking for a balance bike for 3-year-olds and matches the Banwood Classic Kids Bike Helmet. FAQs What is a balance bike? A balance bike is a pedal-free toddler bike designed to teach kids balance and coordination. Lightweight and often adjustable, it’s the perfect starter bike for toddlers transitioning to pedal bikes. Are balance bikes safe for babies? Balance bikes are suitable for young children, with some designed for kids as young as 1 year old. For babies, trikes provide extra safety with their three-wheel design. Always pair with a helmet for maximum safety. Why are balance bikes better than training wheels? Balance bikes teach kids balance and coordination from the start, making the transition to pedal bikes smoother. Unlike training wheels, balance bikes promote proper posture and confidence without relying on additional support [3]. Conclusion Kids balance bikes teach the fundamentals of riding a bike in a fun and safe way! Our range of toddler balance bikes for toddlers and trikes has something for every little explorer to get going. Whether you are looking for a trike for younger children or a lightweight balance bike for a 5-year-old, SMALL SMART has an excellent range of bikes and accessories, including stylish helmets to ensure your child’s safety wherever their biking adventures take them. Ready to find your child’s perfect bike? Explore our full collection of balance bikes, trikes, and accessories today! [1] Quora (2024). The Benefits Of Balance Bikes For Child Development. Forbes. [online] 22 Mar. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2024/03/22/the-benefits-of-balance-bikes-for-child-development/ [2] BBC Tiny Happy People. (2024). Stabilisers or balance bikes? Seven tips to help your child learn to ride a bike. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/z8tc239 [3] Balance (2022). Milestones & Motherhood. [online] Milestones & Motherhood. Available at: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/blog/a-pediatric-pts-thoughts-on-balance-bikes
Learn more
