In the digital age, if there’s one thing more difficult than buying for your significant other, it’s buying a gift for your child.
Children today seem to have everything and yet want everything too. Whether it be toys or digital devices, the toddler of today is well adept at letting her (or his) voice be heard. So how can you settle on the perfect gift for their birthday, or maybe Christmas?
Why not get them Power Wheels?
This is the suggestion that you’ll hear from many. Power Wheels can be a very engaging gift for any child, boy or girl. But most parents balk at the mention of presenting their child with Power Wheels, mostly for safety reasons.
Now, the million-dollar question is, should you give your child Power Wheels? That’s precisely what we are going to explore today. So stick around, it’s going to be a fun ride.
What Are Power Wheels?
For those of you who are new to the parenting game, first a refresher on what Power Wheels are.
Power Wheels are essentially a brand name for a range of battery-powered toy vehicles for children. Usually manufactured for children from one to seven years old, these are cars or motorcycles your child can ride on.
Power Wheels come in many models, shapes, and sizes, and are often built by taking inspiration from real-world vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang or Harley-Davidson. For some popular Power Wheels models, you can check out carsymphony.com.
Power Wheels have many realistic features, albeit kid-sized. These vehicles may feature FM radios, actual doors and windows, power-brakes, and in some cases, even forward as well as reverse motion.
So, now you know what Power Wheels are. But are they safe enough for your kid? That’s what we’re going to tackle next.
Power Wheels: Are They Safe Enough For Your Child?
Any toy has the potential to be hazardous. Even something as simple as a miniature car can often pose a choking hazard for children. So it’s only natural that a toy-vehicle such as a Power Wheel will have a certain amount of risk attached to it.
However, when compared to the rewards, the risks are minimal. Just think of the radiant joy on your child’s face when they get hold of a car or motorcycle of their own. And with a bit of overwatch, it can have several beneficial effects for your child, as we explore below.
What to Consider Before Buying a Power Wheels
It’s crucial to conduct research before buying a toy car, whether you’re looking to acquire a Power Wheels or another brand. You can find answers to some of the possible queries by reading here. Fisher-Price Power Wheels toys are appropriate for kids as young as 12 months and as old as 7, but the minimum age to operate the majority of the vehicles is 3. Keeping this in mind might assist you in selecting a toy that is ideal for the child.
Consider the Charging Time and Speed
It’s critical to evaluate the toy’s charging time and speed before making a Power Wheels purchase. The initial charge could take up to 18 hours, and successive charges, after each use, typically take 14 hours. Power Wheels have adjustable speed settings but are not intended for high speeds; the majority of models have a top speed of 5 to 6 mph. Although the vehicle can be modified to travel faster, manufacturers do not advise doing so for security concerns.
Consider the Surface Type and Maximum Weight Support
The type of surface it will be driven on, and the maximum weight it can support should be considered when selecting a Power Wheels. Power Wheels work well on grassy surfaces but are often made for paved surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Some versions, nevertheless, are more appropriate for driving off-road. Different weight limits apply depending on the make and model; for example, the Disney Princess Jeep Wrangler has a 130-pound weight limit. Before making a purchase, be sure your chosen model can support your child’s weight by reviewing its specs.
The Benefits Of Gifting Power Wheels
Apart from experiencing the unmatched feeling of wonder on your child’s face, Power Wheels come with a slew of tangible advantages attached to them. The following are some of the many benefits that your child stands to garner by riding Power Wheels.
Enhances Overall Motor Skills
One of the most significant benefits of allowing your child to ride Power Wheels is that it helps to improve their motor skills. Power Wheels may not be as complicated as a real vehicle, but for a child, they are pretty sophisticated devices.
Manipulating the steering wheels, brakes, dashboard, and other components of the toy can allow your kids to gain better hand-eye coordination, faster reflexes and improve their motor responses. By riding these toys, your children stand to gain mastery of their senses.
Encourages Physical Activity
Gift your child a mobile phone, and you open the doors to a slew of physical and psychological hazards. Gift them Power Wheels, and you encourage them to step out of the house and get a bit of fresh air in their hair.
Power Wheel riding is primarily an outdoor activity, and this incentivizes your kids to take that much-needed step outside. By encouraging physical activity, you pave the way for their overall well being. Plus, who doesn’t love to see a kid driver?
Develops Their Sense Of Balance
Maneuvering power wheels can give your child the first taste of what it means to drive. This not only allows them to drive themselves but also helps improve their sense of balance. This can come in great use in the long shot, such as in sports and related physical activities.
Improves Spatial Intelligence And Confidence
Driving around in a set of Power Wheels can boost your child’s confidence. When they see that they can drive just like mommy and daddy, that’ll give a fillip to their sense of achievement.
Also, according to experts, driving Power Wheels can enable children to improve their spatial intelligence. When your child navigates obstacles with the vehicle, this enhances their sense of spatial interaction. This can have far-reaching positive effects on intelligence as they grow.
Conclusion
To buy or not to buy? That is the question, isn’t it? And the answer, decidedly, is not as simple as a yes or no.
Getting Power Wheels for your child can have multiple developmental benefits associated with it, as has been illustrated above. However, it is wise to remember: there have been instances when these toys were recalled due to safety violations.
Hence, before getting a Power Wheel, it’s necessary that you do a thorough safety check of the brand you’ve chosen. Also, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your kids as they drive around on the contraptions.
Nevertheless, you must remember one vital point: there are risks involved in any form of play. But not allowing children to explore the world is perhaps the greatest risk that you can take, and the biggest mistake that you can make.
So, don’t let the negatives bog you down. Put time and effort into the required research, and get a set of Power Wheels for your kid.
After all, their smiles are worth it!