Finding age-appropriate toys for your child

I’m a parent who is always on the hunt for age-appropriate toys. With so many toys on the market, I figure it’s a good starting point to ensure that what I buy is not only helping to stimulate my kids during play but is also appropriate for their developmental level.

There’s just one problem – they grow out of them so quickly. Thankfully, necessity seems to be the mother of invention and people have been busy finding ways around it.

A recent favourite addition to our home is the SmarTrike Dream because it ticks the age-appropriate box – four times. We picked it up at the Big W toy sale, which is how I came across it.

Yes, this nifty little pusher-cum-trike is a four-in-one deal aimed at four different ages and stages, which means plenty of mileage for your money (pardon the pun).

The first roll-out, for children aged from 10 months, comes complete with a parent-friendly steering handle, harness, sun shade and a rear foot brake. It looks like a high-tech pram and is sure to garner an envious stare or two. As your child grows, they can help steer, but parents still have the upper hand thanks to a handle clutch.

At 24 months, it’s time to remove the safety harness and extended backing, while the footrest converts into pedals so your little one can start pumping. Once they’ve got pedalling down pat, simply remove the handle and they can take off at their own pace.

The SmarTrike Dream lives up to its name – it’s extra features, like built-in suspension and shock-absorbent rubber wheels, make for one hell of a dream ride.

It’s well worth the RRP of $199 (divide by three years and two children) or keep an eye on the sales and snap up one for less.