On the move with smarTrike

Disclosure: Mom Central received a product sample to facilitate this post. All opinions are our own.

For toddlers, smarTrike makes getting around super-fun. This multi-stage stroller-to-tricycle pleases both parents and kids alike. My one-year-old Chloe loves being outside, taking in the sites of our busy urban waterfront neighborhood. As an active little girl, she feels confined when sitting in her stroller for too long, which is why I first started to look into other “pushable” options for her. While she loves her little car, it leaves her totally exposed to sun, and offers no storage. So while pushing my delighted toddler around, I worry about UV rays, and tote a diaper bag on my shoulder! Does this sound familiar to any other Moms out there?

The smarTrike Spirit 4-in-1 Trike eliminated all my ‘Mom’ concerns, while keeping my daughter endlessly entertained on our walks. I love that this well-sized tricycle provides ample storage for all our on-the-go needs. The large bag takes the place of my usual diaper bag, while the smaller parent bag near the handles keeps my house keys, money, and cell phone close at-hand. Chloe loves the bottle/cup holder within her reach so she can sip on her water as she cycles along!

The smarTrike Spirit offers important safety features. The high seat back on the first starting stage, provides both comfort and ample back and neck support. I was a little hesitant to put Chloe on the smarTrike at first because I was used to her being more cocooned in her stroller, but after putting the smarTrike’s safety belt harness on her, I felt immediately at ease. For summer days, I really appreciate the UV canopy. It can feel like a fight to coax my daughter into keeping on a hat or sunglasses (and half the time I’m back pedalling a block or two to pick up what she dropped). So a canopy makes a BIG difference.

Many parents battle over investment and duration of use for kids’ gear, especially if you work with limited storage space. I think long and hard before purchasing items for my daughter when I know we will only use them a few months at a time. But smarTrike works for ages 10 months – 3 years, by adjusting to meet different development stages. So when Chloe outgrows the need for full back support and her safety harness, the smarTrike will grow with her. I love that we will be getting a lot out of the smarTrike, eliminating need to purchase other ride-ons to keep up with my growing girl. The stages also support development, easing into training transitions from parent-guided to ultimately being a kid-guided trike.

The smarTrike Spirit and many other styles/models are available at Toys R’ Us. I would definitely classify this item as a must-buy for parents of active and growing babies and toddlers!

Featured image credit: Melpomenem/Thinkstock

Kelly Palmisano

Mom of one active and sassy daughter. Lover of travel and active passport stamp collector. Currently delaying a move to the suburbs to continue soaking in the excitement and convenience of the city life, and exposing my little one to all it has to offer.