smarTrike Answers
We address common concerns parents have about their baby’s or child’s developmental stages. We also provide expert answers to frequently asked questions about strollers, trikes, bikes, and more.
Recent Answers
When Should Your Baby Be Able to Bear Weight on Their Legs?
Child development is a fascinating and exciting journey, but for new parents, it can also be filled with uncertainty and questions. One common question that parents often have is when their children will be able to stand comfortably on their own. Generally speaking, babies will start to bear weight on their legs with their feet flat on the floor at around 7 months of age. By 10 months, some babies may even be able to stand without assistance and take a few steps while holding onto something for support. However, it's essential to keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace, so these timelines may vary. When Should Your Baby Stand Without Support? On average, babies can begin to stand without support between the ages of 9 and 12 months. At first, they may only be able to stand for a few seconds before losing balance, but they will gradually improve their balance and eventually learn to walk while holding onto furniture or with the help of your hands. During this learning period, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your baby and prevent any potential falls by staying within reach and keeping them away from sharp or hard objects, as well as stairs. To develop the necessary muscles for standing without support, your baby needs to engage in activities that strengthen the legs, hips, and core muscles. This can be achieved through tummy time exercises and by holding your baby upright and encouraging them to practice balancing. Triking Towards Toddlerhood Encouraging physical activity is a great way to strengthen your baby's leg muscles. By around 12 months old, most toddlers have developed the gross motor skills needed to pedal, making a stroller trike a fantastic choice for parents looking to promote physical exercise and motor skill development. The 5-in-1 STR3 folding stroller trike is an ideal option, suitable for babies from 10 months old to early toddlerhood. With the ability to rest or pedal, it offers flexibility for your child's needs and parental controls that can be gradually transitioned to child control as they grow and gain more confidence in steering and pedaling.
Asked 3 months ago
Can My Baby Become Bow-Legged from Standing Too Early?
As your baby grows and develops, you might have concerns about their physical development, especially when it comes to standing and walking. One common question parents ask is whether their baby can become bow-legged from standing too early. Bowlegs is a condition in which a child's legs curve outward at the knees. The good news is that standing or walking early does not harm the baby. When Should Babies Be Encouraged to Stand? Babies typically begin to pull themselves up to stand between 7 and 12 months of age, often by using a person's hand or a piece of furniture for support. Standing without support will usually happen between 10 and 15 months. Learning how to bear weight on their legs and finding their centre of gravity is an important aspect of a baby's development. Encouraging babies to be active throughout the day is essential for their overall growth and development. Encourage Safe and Engaging Activities for Your Baby's Development One way to help your baby develop motor skills, physical abilities, and cognitive skills is to engage them in fun and safe activities. The 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller Trike is an excellent choice for children as young as 10 months old. This stroller trike offers physical engagement and visual stimulation, making it perfect for young children. The 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller Trike is not only safe but also stimulates the baby’s motor, physical, and cognitive development. It encourages activity by allowing children to keep their feet on the pedals and move the handlebar without actually steering or controlling the wheels. Parents have full control over the stroller trike until they decide the baby is ready to steer.
Asked 3 months ago
Will My Baby Begin Walking or Talking First?
Navigating your baby's first milestones can be both thrilling and nerve-racking. It feels like just yesterday you were cradling a newborn, and now your home is a flurry of activity as your baby starts to explore their surroundings. Whether it's those adorable first attempts to crawl or the delightful babbling sounds, these milestones mark a crucial stage in your baby's life. Walking Comes First, Usually Typically, babies start taking their first independent steps between 9 and 16 months. By their first birthday, many can stand unaided, embarking on their journey of independent exploration. Of course, there are always exceptions, with some babies beginning to toddle around a little later than the average, and that's perfectly normal. Each child is unique and will progress at their own pace. First Words and Conversations While the exploration of the physical world often takes precedence, verbal communication is not far behind. By the age of one, it's common for babies to have a small arsenal of meaningful words at their disposal, such as "Mum", "Dad", "Baba", "bi-bi", or similar. As they grow older and reach 18 months, many will start forming simple sentences and requests, becoming increasingly vocal about their desires and emotions. Do Early Walkers Talk Later?While babies typically start walking before talking, the two skills develop independently. There's no scientific evidence suggesting a correlation between early walkers and later talkers, or vice versa. Embrace Their Individual Development It's easy to find yourself comparing your child's progress to others, but remember: each baby is unique. Their abilities in walking and talking largely depend on individual characteristics and preferences. What's considered 'late' in some circles might be perfectly normal for your child. However, if by the age of three, your child is still only speaking in individual syllables or is unable to string words into simple phrases, it may be worth consulting a professional. Similarly, if they're struggling with mobility, a visit to a paediatric neurologist could be helpful. Remember, it's okay to seek advice when you have concerns. As a parent, you're doing a wonderful job by paying close attention to your child's developmental journey. » Learn more about gross motor skills in child development Celebrating Each Milestone Whether your baby is a quick crawler, a late walker, or a chatterbox, these initial years are full of magical milestones that are uniquely theirs. Embrace them, encourage them, and remember that your baby is exactly where they need to be in their development. You are their greatest cheerleader in this beautiful journey of growth and discovery.
Asked 6 months ago
At What Age Do Babies Begin Crawling?
Every stage of your baby's growth brings its unique blend of excitement and anticipation. One such momentous milestone is crawling—a key step in their physical development that is as exciting for parents as it is for the little one. Typically, the journey to mobility starts around the 9-month mark, but remember—each child is on their own unique timeline. From the 5th month onwards, you might see signs of your baby preparing for this big step, as they gain strength and balance. They may sit up unaided, wriggle around on their tummy, or even hold on to their cot and attempt a step or two by the 8th month. Remember, as a parent, your role is to offer encouragement and create a supportive environment for their natural growth. Steer clear of comparisons—they do more harm than good! » Wondering when your child will begin walking? Find out here How to Spot the Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Crawl Crawling typically emerges naturally in a baby's development. But how do you know when your baby is ready to start? Here are 8 tell-tale signs: Your baby begins to bend their legs inward, indicating strengthening musclesWhile on their back, they spread their arms to the side, like an aeroplane—this shows they are improving balanceThey pull off an impressive 'baby plank,' a sign of growing strength and coordinationYour baby attempts to stand on their toes while leaning against a stable surfaceThey start moving around in a circle while on their tummyIn a resting position, your baby lifts their bottom in the air with straightened legs, as if readying to moveThey try to roll from their back to their stomachThey begin belly crawling, not quite lifting their tummy off the floor yet, but this is a step towards full-fledged crawling » Learn more about gross motor skills in child development Crawling to Adventure As your baby embarks on this exciting journey of mobility, remember to encourage and support them. It's vital to provide opportunities for your child to practise and develop this skill. As they find their own unique way—be it crawling with one leg, moving backwards, or any other variant—it's essential not to interrupt but to cheer them on. Each baby has a unique style of mastering this skill. However, with the newfound mobility, brace yourself for more activity around the house. Your little explorer will now be able to reach out and explore more independently. Enjoy this new phase of their exciting journey, full of discoveries and growth!
Asked 6 months ago
Is Baby Crawling Considered a Gross Motor Skill?
Crawling is an important milestone in a baby's development and their journey towards independence. It's a crucial gross motor skill that paves the way for future locomotive abilities like standing and walking. » Learn more about gross motor skills The Path to Crawling Typically, babies start demonstrating signs of crawling between 6 to 9 months old. By their first birthday, most babies have mastered this skill, venturing to explore their surroundings. Whether they're traversing across the carpet, blanket, or grass, the diverse sensory experiences they encounter play a pivotal role in refining their coordination, vestibular, and visual systems. Why Is Crawling an Important Milestone? Crawling is the first form of independent locomotion that grants a baby the freedom to discover their environment. It bolsters the development of balance, body awareness, coordination, and visual tracking skills. Besides requiring and strengthening various muscles, crawling also enhances fine motor tasks through the development of strength and stability in the hands, elbows, and shoulders. These abilities pave the way for essential skills in the future, like self-dressing, using utensils, opening food packages, and handwriting. How to Foster CrawlingAs parents, you can facilitate your child's crawling development by creating safe, open spaces for exploration, introducing interesting toys that can stimulate movement, and spending time on the floor with your baby to encourage their curiosity. Nurturing Mobility Crawling is more than a cute milestone; it's a leap in your baby's physical development and a stepping stone towards future mobility skills. As they progress from crawling, babies can also benefit from trike riding, and SmarTrike Stroller Trikes can facilitate that journey. Suitable for children as young as 6 months, it's not just a source of entertainment, it can also significantly enhance their balance, coordination, and sensory stimulation, thereby facilitating holistic growth.
Asked 6 months ago
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