Warnings: Adult supervision required at all times. To avoid danger of tipping forward, do not let children stand up and lean on the handlebars. Children must remain seated at all times. At Beehive Toy Factory safety is our number one priority which is why all of our toys exceed the minimum safety requirements as set out in the Toy (Safety) Regulations 2011. Age range: Suitable for two and three year olds (average inside leg 31cm) | Weight: 4.17kg | Wheel size: 12 inch | Tyres: Pneumatic What we love We have a Hornit balance bike for DS and he absolutely adores it. I do too because it’s super super light for when I inevitably have to end up carrying it sometimes.” (Loved by Mumsnet user Rainallnight) Our verdict In addition, the lightweight PP Plastic frame ensures stability and durability, while being light enough for little ones to carry around themselves

For parents to feel safe allowing their children riding a wooden balance bike, they need to feel that the manufacturers have met certain standards. The unique design of the Zebra Balance Bike can help teach babies and toddlers balance at their own pace They can be used from as young as 18 months and teach toddlers how to balance and move on a bike without the added complication of using the pedals. They’ll also build their confidence and learn bike control which will make the transition to a full pedal bike almost seamless when they’re older. What to consider when buying a balance bike Made from 100% birchwood, this bike uses sustainable products with safety top of mind. The handlebar is designed to avoid the bike toppling over it and keep kiddies safe while scooting, the rubber covering to protect fingers and hands and the padded seat to keep them comfortable. Highly recommend Frog bikes. Nice and light which is what they need. We’ve had quite a few now as the children have grown. My son had a fantastic lightweight plastic balance bike first of all but I can’t remember the brand. Then we discovered Frog bikes and have had those ever since." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Jerble) Our verdictThis is a lovely bright sturdy but light weight bike I bought the giraffe one for my granddaughters first birthday it was a perfect size I would absolutely recommend it." Weight: Lightweight is key. Even a kilogram of difference between bikes could represent a significant proportion of your child’s body weight, which could make the bike difficult to ride and negatively impact their first impression of cycling. The anti-skid EVA wheels are silent and durable and therefore suitable for any surface indoors or outdoors

Before recommending the best balance bikes for toddlers we spent time searching through our Mumsnet forums to find the balance bikes that come most highly recommended by the parents in our community. Expert guidance Brakes or no brakes? The higher-spec balance bikes tend to have brakes, scaled down to child size, either on both wheels or just on the rear wheel. Budget bikes tend not to have them. Opinion is divided on what's best: balance bikes can be stopped perfectly well with feet but some argue that it's good to learn about braking before you venture on to a bike with pedals – and better for your shoe leather. We'd say that, roughly speaking, a child probably doesn't have the hand/eye coordination for using brakes until about 2.5 to 3.5 years.Specialized bikes. Quite pricy but v light weight and good quality."(Recommended by Mumsnetter CaraDuneRedux) Our verdict We asked real parents to put some of the UK's top balance bikes through their paces, letting their young children try out each model and taking detailed notes on a number of points: