Balance bike recommendations

[se15mum]

Ok

My son will be three in may and I was thinking about getting him a balance bike.

I'd like recommendations

Specific brands? Metal v wooden? Bike with pedals off?

If like something that's light enough for me to carry over the pushchair as I also have a 6mo and know he won't ride it continuously.

Any advice much appreciated

[vez]

We really like the puky bikes. Have, I believe, the 12 inch one but there is also a smaller size available. They are very sturdy and stable. Not cheap, but if you're on a budget you could always look for one second hand.

[etta166]

Puky bikes are really heavy compared to other brands, but are very durable.

I've had a Ridgeback Zooom and a wooden Like-a-bike for my children. The wooden one was smaller, so my 18 month old could just ride it. The Zooom is bigger and my 4 year old can just about still use it. It hangs off the back of the MacLaren buggy well.

Loads of people like the decathlon bikes, and if budget isn't an issue the Islabike Rothan is fab, light, and adjusts from 18m to 4 years so works for a long time. But it is really expensive for what is basically a toy.

If your child is already big enough for a 14" bike then taking off the pedals is a good option because then you only have to buy one bike.

[mkelly]

My daughter loved her Frog balance bike.

[sanity girl]

My kids got on very well with the Puky balance bike - it was this one http://www.kidsbikeshop.co.uk/Large/PUKY-LR-1L-Learner-Balance-Bike-Blue/flypage.tpl.html

[ladywotlunches]

Being a bit cheeky - and probably no good for the OP as both bikes are pink, but I've just posted on the classifieds both a 14" Ridgeback with pedals, and a balance bike which my daughter has grown out of....:)