We all know how important physical activity is in aiding the natural development of a baby and child. Babies are active all the time except when they sleep. One of the most common ways a baby expresses this need for physical activity is by kicking. Whether inside the womb or as a new born baby lying on her back, kicking is the most natural instinctive action a child has. This physical activity increases as the child grows and develops. It is especially high just as the child has learnt to walk.

It is truly a magical experience to see your child walk a few steps for the first time. Every child takes his/her own time when it comes to learning to sit or crawl. All these ’firsts’ are experiences which we as parents will never forget.

Children learn to stand and walk by balancing their bodies. Step by step they grow and learn by trying for themselves and observing those around them. Assistive toys such as walkers help the child with their confidence and in balancing their own weight.

As soon as the child has actually learnt to walk unaided then the needs of the child change and they may have outgrown the walker. This is the time a child needs a mobility toy. Ideally one that is compact in size and easy for them to control. Children at this stage of development will have a big desire to move around and explore their surroundings.

A ride-on toy is what the child now needs to best assist this stage of growth and development. A ride-on toy is “a toy the child can ride and provide mobility”

Ride-on toys have been around a long time and are available in many designs, shapes, types and colours. They can be made out of a whole range of materials, wood, metal and most popular; plastic. The biggest benefit all of these ride-ons provide is mobility indoors or outside.

For younger children using their first ride-on indoors then the play area will be covered by various objects and furniture. This makes it very important to use the available floor area in an efficient way.

A ride-on toy with a compact design and low turning circle makes play much more fun in a smaller area. A toddler who has just learnt to walk is most likely to benefit more from a ride-on toy designed to be used indoors. There are many sizes of ride-on toy but only a few are perfect for indoor use. Children 1 year to 2.5 years are mostly going to be playing inside their homes and so will benefit most from a ride-on designed for use inside the home.

It is very important you check the recommended age range when buying a ride-on toy.

The Minjal 4WD ride-on toy is specifically designed for indoor use by young children who have just learnt to walk. It is described as an indoor ride-on toy.

It is also very important a parent understands where and how the child will use the ride-on toy before deciding which will be the best one to choose. A bigger toy is not always better as it would not deliver the right play value for the child in that particular age bracket.

Indoor mobility is very important and Minjal ride on toys are specifically designed to encourage and facilitate it in children. This is very healthy for their physical and mental development.

We at Minjal, studied a child’s early stage needs and researched what a child really wants and would benefit from :ie: something which can be ridden indoors, has a comfortable design, is easily controlled and provides maximum play value. The result: The Minjal 4WD Ride-on.