A good way to keep you baby or small child entertained outside is getting them into cycling early, whilst they might be too small for their first bike, a tricycle is a good introduction to exercise and further developing essential motor skills.
As little ones get more familiar with their trike, it's a good transition into getting them ready for the big jump to a bicycle.
What is a baby trike?
A tricycle as the name suggests has three wheels and is commonly used as the option before younger children transition to their first bicycle (two wheels). A tricycle boasts one large front wheel and two small rear wheels, propelled by manual foot pedals.
What should I consider before buying a tricycle?
A lot of the modern models are multi functional, with different modes to fit your child as they grow and are able to do more.
Of course before buying you'll want to check the age or weight category and whether or not it's suitable for your child. You'll also want to think about features like foldable options that can easily be transported between locations.
Not all trikes are the same and will obviously come with their own unique selling points. If you've got a baby you'll want to look for a trike that can support a babies body whilst they're still small. If your child is a little bit older, you might want to look for a style that is more like a bike to get them ready for the transition.
We found a lot of great deals on Amazon, including a bestseller from smarTrike, Argos are also stocking top options from smarTrike - find our full guide below.
Best baby trikes to buy
1. Smoby Be Be Move Baby Trike
Age: 10 months+
Features: Colourful, parent handle, steering lock
The Be Be Move Trike is colourful, affordable and sturdy enough to keep your little one secure and entertained on journeys outdoors.
It's suitable for children aged 10 months to three years old and comes with a parental control handle for pushing/steering, that can easily be detached as you child's confidence and independence grows. Perfect to gear them up for bicycle life.
At the back there's a little skip for their bits and bobs and a convenient carry bag attached to the handle for the parent or carer's essentials too.
2. Little Tikes 4 in 1 Trike
Age: 9 months+
Features: Colourful, four in one stages, adjustable canopy
Little Tikes' 4 in 1 Trike is ideal for parents and children who love to venture the outdoors. As they develop and are able to get around more on their own, the trike is completely adaptable to fit the needs of the young rider.
It's suitable for children from around nine months old and easily adapts in four stages as they become more confident to ride independently without help from the parent up to the ages of 30 months and beyond.
There's a 5-point seat belt as well as a safety bare for extra protection, there's even an adjustable canopy, which helps to protect little bodies from up to 99% of harmful UV/UVA rays.
3. Kinderkraft Tricycle AVEO
Age: 9 months+
Features: Stylish, three in one stages, large hood
If you're looking for something a little bit more long time, with a neutral and chic style you won't tire of, Kinderkraft's AVEO is one we'd keep an eye on.
It's a trike and pushchair rolled into a fabulous design with key features to make life easier for little one and parent, including a swivel seat that can be positioned facing the parent when they're small and front facing as they grow up to five years old.
There's also a 3 point safety belt, soft protection bar and an adjustable hood for full peace of mind.
A free wheel option allows your child to pedal as much as they like, but still allows the parent full control over manoeuvrability. The tyres are also puncture resistant, which is a handy feature not to be overlooked.
4. TryBike Steel 2-in-1 Trike
Age: 12 months+
Features: Stylish, converts to low bicycle, suited up to six years old
For kids that are a little bit older and have a bit more control over steering and independence, the TryBike is the ultimate retro trike we all wish we'd had.
This 2 in 1 balance bike has been designed to start as a low tricycle with the included wheel and axle, to help toddlers master their walking and ride-on skills. Once they are confident enough the trike is easily adapted into a low bicycle for the next stage of riding, teaching balance, spatial awareness and other motor skills.
This trike is suitable for children aged 15 months and up to six years old when it's in bicycle mode.
5. besrey 4 in 1 Tricycle
Age: 12 months+
Features: Durable, four in one stages, large sun canopy
Another bike in it for the long haul, it's also an Amazon bestseller with some pretty good reviews all around.
The 4 in 1 tricycle, is multi functional growing with kids from infancy, (with rear facing capabilities) right up until they are confident enough to go it alone on solo rides. It's recommended for use with children aged 12 months up until around 6 years old.
If they're not quite able to pedal yet, a handy feature is a locking function that locks the pedals to stop them from pedalling, they're them able to rest their feet on the foot stumps below.
A detachable safety bar and a 3-position harness help to keep little ones secure as they ride, there's also an anti-UV canopy for sun protection.
6. SmarTrike STR7 Folding Trike
Age: 6 months+
Features: Foldable, 2-wheel brake system, shock absorbers
The smarTrike is one to consider if you're looking for sleek design with innovative functionality.
The 8 in 1 design folds down perfectly for convenient storage and even comes with a matching storage bag to keep all of your and baby's essentials in order.
The trike is suitable for little ones from the age of six months old and boasts multiple seating positions to accommodate smaller babies as they grow, comfortably in stages that are easily mapped out via the age/weight of the child.
A great feature to note is the built-in shock absorbers and padded seat cushions, which help to keep little ones secure and comfortable on any terrain during their travels.
7. Fox Rider Retro Tricycle
Age: 18 months+
Features: Retro look, bright colour options, durable
It doesn't get more retro than this, it's the quintessential trike we love that's reminiscent of good, old fashioned fun.
The Fox Rider is suitable for older children that are 18 months and beyond, just add a helmet for extra protection during rides around.
It comes in a range of bright colours to choose from including yellow, pink, baby blue, white and more. It's also got soft grip handles that won't hurt little hands after a long day of trike'ing.
Buy now from Smallable ( £130 ).
8. Doona Liki Trike S1 Folding Bike
Age: 10 months+
Features: Five stages, rust free aluminium, foldable
Suitable for young ones from 10 months old until they are around 3 years old, the Doona Liki is another folding trike, perfect to get small children involved in the world of cycles.
It folds neatly up and down with just the click of a button, the ergonomic folding position also makes it handy to fit into the back of most cars. Simply adjust the bike in stages according to your child's development and overall comfort.
It's rust free and made from high-grade materials that are durable in all terrain and weather conditions.
Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom ( £169 ).
9. Q Play Rito Folding Trike
Age: 10 months+
Features: Five point seatbelt, freewheel function, foldable
For toddlers (aged 1-3) the Rito Folding Trike from Q Play is a great idea, especially if you're on a budget and looking for something that will grow with your child.
It folds down neatly for quick and convenient storage, it also boasts a free wheel mechanism making it easier for parents to control steering, even if the child is having a go with the pedals.
Also included are an extendable UV protection canopy, rear storage basket for toys, food and other essentials and a rear link brake to help parents keep full control.
Looking for other ways to keep your little ones entertained outdoors? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best garden toys suitable for babies and young children.
