You can take the pedals off a regular balance bike. No need to get a separate one. My three year old would not ride a trike or balance bike but loves his bike with training wheels. Just make sure to also get a helmet.

I was answering relative to the OP's question (trike or bike with training wheels) vs the balance bike. I had to look that one up, to be honest.

Anonymous wrote:That said, I will be the first to admit I am on the old fashioned side. To many I likely am perceived as sheltering my kid too much, but I think the world pushes babies to grow up too fast. I am trying to provide a space for him to explore the world a little differently than many people do today. So maybe the trike isn't right for a lot of people for a kid that age.

Interesting perspective. I wouldn't have said the balance bike (or the trike for that matter) has any effect on how quickly they grow up, just that all the kids I know who've used the balance bike absolutely loved it. It challenged them more and made riding an activity that they could focus on and enjoy, and made switching to a regular two-wheeler completely painless (no fear, no falls). Even the extremely sheltered super-Waldorf kids I work with use them, in fact.

That said, I will be the first to admit I am on the old fashioned side. To many I likely am perceived as sheltering my kid too much, but I think the world pushes babies to grow up too fast. I am trying to provide a space for him to explore the world a little differently than many people do today. So maybe the trike isn't right for a lot of people for a kid that age.

I went with the tricycle.

Balance bike for sure!

Another vote for balance bike.

I agree she's the perfect age for a balance bike. Target has a great selection :
http://www.target.com/c/balance-bikes-riding-toys/-/N-5xtao
The last kids I nannied (twins) had ones very similar to the top result (Chicco) and also the fancier wooden ones. They both preferred the less expensive red one that looked more like a real bicycle.

Are there specific brands recommend?

Bike with training wheels. Get the one with the push handle. (12 inch)

I actually cote balance bike. The balance bike is the 2 wheeled bike with not pedals. My 3 yr old charge LOVES hers and flies around on it!!

My niece is turning 3 in 2 weeks and her mom (my sister) and I have decided that I will get her a riding toy.
I'm trying to decide if I should get her a tricycle or a bike with training wheels. I'm thinking that a tricycle be easier/more fun to use but she might outgrow it too quickly (she's very strong/coordinated but also above average height).

Which do yo think would be best for her?