The wheel deal

Unless you’ve been nowhere near a park this summer, you’ve probably spotted the cool 2-year-olds whizzing around on those funky wooden bikes they push with their feet (look mum, no pedals!) These learner bikes are excellent training for the real thing as they teach young kids how to balance without the need for stabilizers.

Balance bikes are quickly overtaking tricycles in the wheelie market and trendy mamas and papas are splashing out large chunks of change for top brands like Skuut, Puky and the hugely popular LikeaBike – check out a site like Run Bikes for more options. But if you hunt around you can find cheaper and equally attractive versions to set your toddler rolling. Target was selling a LikeaBike knockoff at $50 and over in the UK, you can pick up a Sesame Street balance bike like this cute Elmo Bike at The Kids Window for $59.99. Suitable from ages 2-5.