When you come across a ride on toy that just makes you smile, you need to share it. And the Barbie Smart Car certainly falls into this category.

Needless to say, Mattel picked a winner of a design to carry on the long standing tradition of Barbie vehicles like the Beetle and the Lil Quad. Patterned after the Passion Cabriolet that is made by Daimler-Benz, your toddler now has a ride on toy that just exudes modern creativity. Not to mention that it’s in the adorable Barbie pink!

But what you also need to know is that the Barbie Smart Car is more than just a pretty face. Depending on just how adventurous you want your child to be, you have an option of keeping the top speed at 2.5 MPH or by the simple removal of a factory installed lock out screw you can let her feel the breeze whipping through her hair at a brisk 5mph. And just so you know, when she wants to tool around the neighborhood at that speed, you better have comfy shoes on because it’s a nice brisk pace!

Another nice safety feature that the Barbie Smart Car has, just like all the Mattel battery operated vehicles is that when the pedal is released the vehicles motor ceases to operate. After all, even with your expert driving instructions, things do happen where she might panic. So teach your child, when in doubt, take your foot off the pedal! OK? Good. Enough about that.

You also get Mattel’s one year Bumper To Bumper warranty. Sorry, I laugh when I read that because there really isn’t a whole lot that can go wrong with these cars. And even if it does, you have a nationwide network set up in which you can access parts via a toll free phone number.

Now depending on where you buy your Barbie Smart Car, most likely you will have to do the assembly yourself. Don’t worry though, I looked over the manual and everything is pretty straightforward. I do suggest though instead of using just a regular Phillips screwdriver, make sure you have an attachment for your drill and an extension. You will thank me for that tip. Oh, and one more thing, careful with the screws! You only get one extra! So maybe when you assemble it, do it somewhere out of the way of prying eyes and inquisitive hands.

All in all the Barbie Smart Car is just an adorable ride on toy that should bring hours of delight to both you and children.  Enjoy and if you’ve already got one of these great cars please let us know what you think of it!

P.S.   Here’s a little view of this cool car in person!

Originally posted 2011-03-12 15:59:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

If you’re thinking about buying your child a tricycle but aren’t sure if they’re ready for one yet, then you may want to take a look at the Radio Flyer Big Wheel.  The biggest advantage to getting a Big Wheels is the fact that they have a low center of gravity and sit much lower to the ground than tricycles do.  This gives most parents a more comfortable feeling as far as safety goes.  It’s much less of a fall from a big wheel than it is from a tricycle.

I grew up when the Original Kids Big Wheel was at the height of its popularity.  This was “the” toy to have if you wanted to be cool and have the best ride that was out there.  We used to have competitions to see who could gain the most speed and spin the best.

Rides like the Radio Flyer Big Wheel are a wonderful toy that will encourage your kids to get some physical exercise.  All of the pedaling involved to get around town will work the large muscle groups, stimulating gross motor skills.

Your kids will love the feeling of independence that comes with having their very own ride that mom and dad don’t have to push or pull.  They can ride this one all on their own for hours of fun.

• The Radio Flyer Big Wheel has a lot of style with its chopper style handlebars that are made from real chrome.  The handgrips are molded for better grip protection.

• The big 16″ front wheel has a performance grip tread and the rear tires are extra wide for more stability and safety.  The cool racing pennant makes sure that your kids will be very visible to everyone around them.

• I love that the seat has three adjustable settings.  This is a feature that I always look for because my granddaughter has what we call the “short leg syndrome” and this is a feature that is a must have when I buy for her.

• You’ll find that this ride will be safer for your child on any hills.  When traveling downhill on a tricycle many children tend to gain speed, panic, and tip over the bikes.  This is one way that you’ll see the benefits of a ride that sits low to the ground like this one.

The Radio Flyer Big Wheel is a great way for your kids to learn all about the laws of physics as they’re gaining speed, building momentum, and spinning their way around the turns.  What a fun way to get those little imaginations working full speed.

P.S.  Some of the finer points of this great ride:

Originally posted 2010-03-23 05:32:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Earlier we talked about whether it was safe to buy ride on toys for infants.   We discussed the fact that ride on toys stimulate developmental skills, motor skills, and observation skills.  So your next question may be:  what kind of ride on toys do I buy for my 1 year old that will stimulate?

I can’t resist telling you about the Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony because this is the very first ride on toy that I bought for my granddaughter and it’s really an awesome product.

For Anna’s first birthday I wanted to get her something that she’d relate to me.  Since I’m a horseback rider, my first thoughts were to get her a classic wooden rocking horse. Once I saw the Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony I was hooked so guess what she got instead? These are a few of the things that I love about it:

• First of all, it’s just adorable and it’s cuter in person than in any picture.  It’s incredibly soft just like a horse (Anna hugs it frequently!). There are two styles, one that makes noise and one that doesn’t. I bought the one that makes horse noises. I like the sounds but some people find them annoying so if they bother you, you can just turn it off. The kids will love the noise, I guarantee you!

• The Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony sits low to the ground so you don’t have to worry that the younger kids are sitting too high.

• It’s very quiet and doesn’t make any squeaking noises.  The days of visible springs that get caught in your child’s clothing are gone.  It moves in two directions: it rocks back and forth and it bounces up and down so there’s some variety in the ways it can be ridden.

• The fabric body is washable and can be removed so you can just toss it in the washer. This is a very important feature for moms.

• And my favorite feature is the ears – they make crinkly noises when you touch them.  Anna loved the ears and spent more time grabbing them than she did bouncing when she first got the toy.

There’s really only one aspect of the Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony that I didn’t like:

I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a safety belt for the younger kids.  There’s a belt with the model that doesn’t have sound so one would assume that there would be one with the sound variety.  Since my granddaughter was just a year old her feet didn’t quite reach the stirrups.  Not having the belt didn’t prevent her from having fun and she very quickly grew into the toy but I do wish there had been a safety belt that first month or two.  If your child is a little older or a little taller this won’t be an issue for you.

The Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony with sound is a great ride on toy for kids aged 1 or older.  They are so incredibly cute in person.  This grandmother is slacking off – for the life of me I can’t find a picture of Anna on hers.  I think I was always too busy playing rodeo and swinging the lasso with her to bother taking a picture!

Originally posted 2010-01-10 13:54:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

There’s nothing more fun for kids than being able to jump on their very own power wheels four wheeler and tear up the yard (not literally, we hope) on their own little adventure. The Peg Perego has a couple of great quads that will provide all the action that your kids could ask for. Whether they’re riding on grass, dirt, or hard surfaces, these ATV’s will imitate the real thing and provide hours of entertainment.

The Polaris Trail Boss is just as cool as it gets. This realistic 12v quad will seat two so the kids won’t have to hesitate about having a friend over to play. It’s been updated with improved high performance steering, a foot pedal accelerator, and a 2-speed gearshift.

The four-wheel suspension makes for a smoother ride and the SmartPad technology helps reduce those jerky starts and stops. This ride on toy has a 2-speed gearshift so the kids can travel at either or 2.5 or 5 MPH, a safe speed either way. It will also travel .5 MPH in reverse.

The 12v battery is rechargeable and comes with its own charger. This high performance battery will ensure longer riding time before needing to be charged. The body is fully enclosed for safety purposes.

The Polaris Trail Boss is easy to assemble and has a 2 year manufacturer warranty. It’s recommended for ages 3 and up and will hold up 130 pounds total weight. The Trail Boss will stimulate your child by encouraging physical, verbal, logical, and spatial play all at once. And they’ll be sure to be entertained for hours at a time.

The Polaris Trail Princess is the perfect ride on that will get your girls on the road too! You know the girls will have just as much fun on their own little adventures. This top notch quad is designed to make your daughter feel like the princess that she is and has the same features as the Trail Boss.

Make sure they bring along a friend for an afternoon of fun. You can be sure that their creative imaginations will be running wild as they plan the next adventure. And tell the boys to look out because they may get a run for their money before the playing is over.

Peg Perego provides some great options for a power wheels four wheeler that is reasonably priced for your pocketbook while providing safe and fun entertainment for the kids.

Originally posted 2010-01-25 11:12:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Did you just buy your child a new pedal ride on toy but are discouraged because they aren’t interested in riding it?  This is relatively common and happens to many children.  If your child refuses to pedal by making no attempt at all or makes just a half hearted attempt then you may have just a learning curve that needs to be crossed.  It’s nothing to get alarmed about.

• Some children are intimidated by the feel of the pedal against their foot or are scared by the whole riding process.  Try putting their feet on the pedals while you push them around on the toy.  Once they see how much fun it is and feel how the pedals work, most children will make the effort to start pedaling on their own.

• Let them get the feel of moving the pedal both forward and backward.  If they’re still a little scared once they start riding on their own, you can walk (or run!) alongside them until they’re completely comfortable.

• Pedal ride on toys come in many different styles.  You may have bought a new tricycle, a fire truck, or a toddler bike with training wheels.  Whether your child is 2, 3 4 or 5, their physical and neurological development can vary greatly depending on the individual child.

• Some kids are ready for pedal toys at an early age and some are not.  If you try these suggestions and your child is still having some trouble you might want give them a little more time.  They may need to mature a little more both physically and neurologically in order to feel comfortable with the toy.

In the meantime, you may want to consider some other options besides the pedal ride on toys.  Wagons and ride on cars like the Cozy Coupe may be more appropriate for your children at this particular time.  Just park the pedal ride for a little while and don’t worry because they’ll get the hang of all that pedaling before you know it!

Originally posted 2010-01-13 12:48:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Let’s face it – kids love water and they love red fire and rescue trucks.  The Little Tikes Spray and Rescue Truck is the perfect ride on toy for toddlers who love both.  Not only will their little imaginations be working full blast as they head out on their latest rescue call, but they’ll actually be able to put out the flames with their own little water hose.

This little rescue truck is a foot to floor ride that is age appropriate for both toddlers and preschoolers.  It’s a great size for your little ones who are just getting comfortable getting around by themselves.  This rescue truck resembles the ride on cars like the Cozy Coupe that are so popular, but the rescue truck has some extra features that the cars don’t have.

• The adorable spray and ride rescue truck is a one seater ride that sits relatively low to the ground so little legs won’t have any trouble reaching.

• It has a 2 gallon water tank and a real hose that works.  Just fill up the tank, pump up the air pressure, and your kids can spray away.  This is the perfect ride for putting out imaginary fires, watering the flowers, or having a water fight with mom and dad.

• The water tank is removable for easy filling and the hand pump for the air pressure sits conveniently on top of the tank.

• The wheels on this ride glide smoothly so it’s very easy for the kids to maneuver around the yard.  The steering wheel turns and is very realistic.

• By using a foot to floor motion in order to make the rescue truck move, your kids will be strengthening their large muscle groups and improving their gross motor skills.  Using the water hose enhances their hand to eye coordination, improving their fine motor skills.  It’s very important to stimulate both of these skills during the toddler and preschool years, so parents can rest assured that this ride will be both fun and developmentally stimulating for your kids.

The Little Tikes Spray and Ride Rescue Truck is one of the coolest ride on toys for young children.  It’s so much fun on a warm summer day that you may actually find your little ones hosing themselves down in order to cool themselves off! It’s reasonably priced, well made, and very durable.  Just keep in mind that it’s plastic so it will fade if left in the sun for long periods of time and the seat will get hot if not left in the shade.

Do you have one of these in your home?  Let us know how much your little on enjoys it!

P.S. Check out the Spray and Ride Rescue Truck in action:

Originally posted 2010-05-24 06:13:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The Big Driver Two Seat Golf Cart is the perfect children’s sized ride on toy for little golfers.  This battery operated electric ride operates just like it’s adult counterpart and will allow your kids to get some practice time under their belts.

This roomy 2 seat ride can be ridden in a multitude of terrains.  It will handle your backyard, your sidewalks, the parks, and even campgrounds and beaches.  No matter where your kids travel, you can be sure that they’ll be safe in this ride.  You can put away the ATV or the Jeep because the only thing that your kids need to hit the course is this awesome cart.

These are just a few of the things that make the Big Driver Two Seat Golf Cart stand out:

• This 12 volt ride has 2 speeds forward at 2.5 mph and 5 mph along with a reverse speed.  Parents will appreciate the high speed lock out that prevents younger children from driving at the higher speed until you feel that they’re ready.

• As in real golf carts, this ride on toy is controlled with an accelerator pedal.  To accelerate just press the pedal and the engine will engage.  The very safe automatic brake system will engage as soon as the pedal is released, disengaging the engine and stopping the cart.

• This 2 seat ride will seat your children next to each other.  They will be riding in style with a comfortable seat with a back rest, carpeted flooring, a musical horn, drink holders, and storage room for 3 golf balls on the dash.

• The nylon sun shade canopy is removable while providing important protection from the sun.  There’s plenty of room in the back storage area for a set of children’s clubs.

• This golf cart drives like a charm with its rugged chassis, tough wheels and tires, solid chromed axle and suspension, and heavy duty motor and gearbox.  It also boasts a high-gloss finish on on impact resistant plastic body.

The Big Driver Two Seat Golf Cart is a luxury ride for children.  Your kids will enjoy 2 to 4 hours of riding time depending on terrain surfaces and weight.  Just charge it up and off they’ll head to the tee!  Your little pro golfer will get miles of use of this great cart.

Will you kids be using their golf cart in another way besides hitting the tee?  Let us know how!

Originally posted 2010-06-28 06:18:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The Brum Pedal Car is one of the cutest pedal cars that I think I’ve seen.  I think I love this car so much because his headlights have eyeballs.  Yeah, really, it feels like he has a little personality because he looks like he’s smiling and looking at me.

Brum is a children’s TV program that originated in Birmingham, England.  Brum himself is a miniature replica of the Austin 7 convertible, otherwise known way back when as the “Chummy”.  He sneaks away from his owner and finds many adventures in the “Big Town” of Birmingham.

As Brum drives himself around town he expresses himself in many different ways. He opens and closes his doors, bobs his suspension, flashes and swivels those cute little headlights, and honks his own horn.   How cute can you get?

We haven’t had the privilege of getting to watch Brum here in the US on a general broadcast channel but I hear that you can find him on some reruns on the BBC network.  I don’t have access to that particular channel but I have some friends who claim this is true – you can always check it out if you’d like.

The Brum Pedal Car has been very stringently reproduced to replicate the original as closely as possible.  What kids love best about the character Brum is what they’ll love best about his pedal car – he’s fun and he’s always up for a good adventure!

• This car has been built under license from original producers Ragdoll Productions.  Brum is made of durable steel so he’ll be sure to last for a long time. He has high traction, solid rubber tires, and even has a spare tire on the tailgate in case of a “breakdown”.

• The red padded seat makes driving more comfortable.  The crank handle actually moves, it has gold hubcaps, running boards, and an old fashioned chrome horn.  The pedal assembly has two movable positions so your child can grow with the car and the pedals are non-slip pedals.

The Brum Pedal Car is sure to bring a smile to any child’s face.  This car will provide a great means of exercise for your kids, will increase independence, and will get those imaginations working full blast.  Although this car isn’t made in the USA, it conforms to all US codes and is free from lead paint.  Look out because your kids will be tooling around the neighborhood in style!

P.S. Here he is on an adventure in the Big Town!

Originally posted 2010-03-30 18:10:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Have you been thinking that perhaps you should buy ride on toys for your baby? This is a great move to make because your infant is developing in leaps and bounds and a ride on toy will help to increase all of those developmental skills that are forming. At this age they are in the process of developing important muscles, motor skills, and expanding their senses. This is what makes ride on toys for babies so important.

This is a gallery of some of the best and most interactive ride on toys that are available for babies. Every child is different so take some time to browse so you can make the right choice for your child and your home. If you’re undecided between a couple of different models take some time to read the online customer reviews. Reading about someone else’s experience may help you make your decision.

The best feature of the Step Start Walk ‘n Ride is that it’s really 2 toys instead of 1. If you baby is just learning to stand and take their first steps then you can use the toy as a walker to help them gain strength and get more stable.

Once they’re more stable you can convert the walker right into their first ride on toy. This toy has several hands-on activities that will stimulate touch and sound sensations.

The Little Tikes My First Cozy Coupe Car also acts as both a walker and a ride on. Your baby will develop a sense of independence when they are able to start pushing this toy around the room by themselves.

It’s also very easy for them to sit on and before you know it they’ll be using it as a ride on toy. The spinning head light rattles and the doors open by the mouth.

The Hasbro Tonka Wheel Driver Scoot ‘n Scoop is a very interactive 3 in 1 toy. Although it’s marketed toward boys, you can be sure that the girls will love it just as much.

This is a great toy that will help your baby make the transition from crawling to walking to actually riding. You child will have fun scooping up blocks as they push or pull the truck around. The truck blinks, makes noises, and actually vibrates. You can easily convert it into a ride on toy when the time is right.

The Little Tikes Push & Ride Racer is a combination walker and ride on toy that has received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award for being one of the best toys in its category. This great toy sits very low to the ground so you child can get on and off easier.

The rear spoiler is high enough that your baby can easily hold on to it from behind. It also provides great back support when they’re sitting on it. And they can even take their favorite teddy for a ride!

If you’ve got a little girl who wants to be a princess then the Disney Princess Ride-On Toy is just what you need to consider. This ride on is so interactive and fun for girls. The mirror lights up and the castle glows.

The princess figures pop-up and they even rotate to the music for hours of entertainment. Your daughter can either push or ride this fun toy. It also makes engine and horn noises that they can enjoy.

The Radio Flyer Retro Rocket is great for either pushing or riding. This adorable retro rocket has tons of interactive features for your baby. The “engine” vibrates to stimulate take-off, the nose cone makes clicking noises, and there are three interactive buttons that make astronaut and outer space sounds.

It’s really fun to watch some of the lights and sounds come on when the wheels are rolling. This is another great Radio Flyer toy that has some unique features that will stimulate and initiate your baby’s creativity.

The WonderWorld Rocking Cater is not so much your typical ride on toy as it is a rocker. You can use this Caterpillar as an introduction to the stimulation that comes from a ride on. The Cater is super soft and comfortable and has an interactive rattle in its nose. It’s low to the ground so it’s very safe.

Your baby can enjoy the stimulation that comes from rocking on it and then you can remove it from the base so your baby can enjoy it as a soft pillow or cushion. The Cater is the winner of the Good Toy Award and is made from environmentally friendly Rubberwood.

WonderWorld also makes the adorable WonderWorld Puffy Dragon Ride-On. The dragon has a wooden base will allow your baby to push themselves around. The wheels roll easily so they can move in any direction.

Like the Caterpillar, the Dragon is super soft and can be removed from the base and be used as a pillow or cushion. He has a beeper and crinkly ears (kids love these!). And he’s environmentally friendly too!

The Fisher Price Musical Roll-Along Pony is available in pink or yellow. It has a very comfortable and contoured seat and the handles are very easy to grip. The mane and tail are very soft to the touch and you’ll see that kids are very drawn to the sensation of touching them.

This ride on toy is best for babies who are able to walk and are relatively steady on their feet. It’s very interactive with 5 different songs and various sounds.

The Push Around Buggy is a great ride on toy to have when you’d like to cruise around the neighborhood with your baby. This is a much more fun and interactive way to stimulate than just a plain old stroller.

You actually have control of the toy from behind but your baby will think that they’re the ones driving. They can push the click-start ignition key and turn the wheel to navigate. If someone gets in the way they can just blow the horn. The seat belt provides safety and there’s convenient storage space under the hood.

And finally, the Go N Grow Lil’ Rollin’ Giraffe Ride On is just as friendly as can be. He’s got fun colors, the style is great, and he can be used inside or out. This ride on is somewhat unique because it has 3 wheels instead of 4.

The oversized rear wheel provides extra stability so your child won’t tip over easily. The seat is adjustable so it will grow with your child and there are wheel guards for safety. There aren’t any interactive sounds or lights but that’s ok because your child will be getting lots of motor skill development while they scoot around. I would recommend this for children who can walk because there’s no back guard.

P.S. Here’s a great review of the Disney Princess Ride-On Toy.

Originally posted 2010-01-28 06:10:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

You can’t get a much classier ride for your kids than a Mercedes Pedal Car.  Mercedes-Benz has been producing quality rides since 1926.  Their famous three star-pointed logo is known worldwide and represents the quality and durability that their cars has become known to have.

So if you like driving your shiny red convertible then it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your kids would want one of their own.  And if you’ve never had your own (but would like to) then just sit back and enjoy the looks of your kids Mercedes Pedal Car.  This pedal ride on toy is one of the finest made rides that you’ll ever find and will outlast the kids.  They’ll outgrow it before it’s ready to quit!

This knockout retro looking Mercedes pedal car is a replica of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL and has some really incredible features:

• This pedal car has an authentic Mercedes-Benz ™ license and has detailed parts just like a real Mercedes-Benz ™, including the logo on the front.

• It has an all steel body that is very durable and a full working steering column and steering wheel.

• The headlights really work and operate with just 2 size D batteries.

• Real rubber tires make for a very smooth ride and the wheels have chrome details.

• The bumpers, hubcaps, headlight and windshield holders, and the grille are all shiny chrome for extra class.

• The seat is padded for extra comfort and has an extended seat cushion.

• The adjustable pedals have 5 different positions so your child can grow with the car.

• The body is painted with a high gloss, bright red  paint that is safe and lead free.

Pedal ride on cars are a great way for your kids to start developing good exercise habits and the Mercedes Pedal Car is such a smooth ride that those little legs will be pedal for hours on end.  Your children will also be gaining independence, self confidence, while at the same time stimulating some role playing and creativity.  These are all developmental attributes that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Originally posted 2010-02-21 19:48:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter