Should I Buy My Kid a Power Wheels?

Should I Buy My Kid a Power Wheels?

Here at Ride Toy Zone, it’s safe to say that we’re pretty big fans of Power Wheels toys. That means the answer to the question above is probably going to be obvious. However, if you’re asking the question, there’s a good chance you want to hear some reasons that might convince you. In today’s blog post, we want to give some different answers to the questions ‘Should I buy my kid a Power Wheels?’

At the same time, we won’t shy away from the truth about these toys. Yes, they can be absolutely great and we’ll be happy to talk about why. But there are some important things parents should know before they buy one for their family. We’ll attempt to cover the basics for you here today. If you like what you read and decide to buy one, you might find some guides here on our website to help. This includes Power Wheels for Toddlers and plenty more! Look around and leave a comment if you can think of any other way we can help.

Toys That Offer Benefits to Development

One of the big reasons why we encourage parents to think about these toys is that they actually offer a number of developmental benefits to kids, especially younger ones. Though we don’t think about it as adults, we all went through a stage early on where we had to learn about how movement worked. While kids will get the basics from walking around, it also helps to interact with the environment in different ways. These toys allow kids to do exactly that.

Additionally, they’ll be able to start figuring out how their own actions can affect their movements and the world around them. For example, when they put their foot on the pedal, or press the ‘go’ button, and then the vehicle starts moving, they’ll start to put two-and-two together.

Spending Time Outside and Getting Away from Screens

If you’re thinking should I buy my kid a Power Wheels, think about how much time they spend playing outside currently. If your child is like many other kids these days, the answer is probably ‘not a whole lot.’ We think that’s unfortunate, and experts agree that spending time outside is very important for kids. These toys offer a level of fun that might entice kids to break their eyes away from the tablet, TV, phone or computer. Well, for a little while at least.

As a parent, it’s up to you to decide how much screen-time is appropriate for your child. It’s becoming more and more of a concern as the prevalence of screens increases in our daily lives. It’s impossible to say exactly what effect growing up in the current age of media will have on today’s kids. However, one thing you can do is ensure they still have time away from all that excitement and over-stimulation.

Power Wheels Safety Tips for Parents

While we do think these are great toys, there are some things that parents should remember before buying. Each of these toys is accompanied by a recommended age designated by the manufacturer. While these are usually a good measuring stick to rely on, it’s ultimately up to every parent to decide what’s appropriate for their child. Think about where they are along the development track and figure out which option is best for them. There are thankfully many different models out there, made for different age groups. For example, some off-brand Power Wheels toys include parent remote controls as well as seat belt systems and other safety features.

One thing that no safety feature can replace is adult supervision. We recommend direct supervision any time kids are using these toys. While they are tons of fun, it’s important to remember that they also are technically moving vehicles, however slow-moving they may be. There are usually plenty of safety features in place, so there’s nothing to be scared over. At the same time, there’s nothing more important than a child’s safety, so supervision is definitely recommended.

Taking Care of Power Wheels Toys

We often hear complaints about the battery found in Power Wheels. That may even be why you’re wondering ‘Should I buy my kid a Power Wheels?’ While these batteries definitely aren’t of the highest quality out there, a lot of the issues can be avoided by closely following the included directions. Most 12V batteries have strict instructions for first-time use. It usually involves leaving the battery on the charger for an extended period of time, and then fully using the battery until it’s empty. However, that may differ from battery to battery. Read your user manual!

It’s also important to store the battery correctly. When it’s not being used for an extended period of time, taking it down and drain the battery every couple of months. Charge it up and then you can put it back on the shelf. Just don’t leave it out in the cold. We recommend storing it in a basement or somewhere else room temperature but out-of-the-way.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it! Hopefully by now you’ve made up your mind on should I buy my kid a Power Wheels. If not, there’s plenty more reading you can do here on Ride Toy Zone! Feel free to continue browsing our website, where you’ll find blogs with additional information, buying guides, and much more! If you have any questions or comments, go ahead and leave them for us down below.