As a parent, it's essential to choose the right skating board for your child to ensure their safety and help them enjoy their skating experience. Skateboarding is not only a fun activity but also offers numerous benefits to kids, such as improving their balance, coordination, and overall fitness. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the right skating board that fits your child's skill level and preferences.

When choosing a skating board, several factors come into play, including the type of board and the board's components. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of skating boards and the factors to consider when choosing a skating board for your child.

Types of Skateboarding Boards

There are several types of skating boards available in the market, each designed for specific skating styles. The most common types of skating boards include:

1. Street Skateboards: Street skateboards are designed for performing tricks and stunts on hard surfaces such as pavements, stairs, and rails. They have a smaller size and are lightweight, making them easy to maneuver.
2. Cruiser Skateboards: Cruiser skateboards are suitable for casual riding and cruising around town. They have a wider deck, larger wheels, and a more relaxed shape than street skateboards, making them more stable and comfortable for longer rides.
3. Longboards: Longboards are designed for downhill racing and cruising at high speeds. They have a longer deck, larger wheels, and trucks that are mounted to the board's ends, providing better stability and control.
4. Mini Cruisers: Mini cruisers are small-sized skateboards designed for cruising around town, commuting, and performing tricks. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and come in a variety of shapes and designs.
5. Penny Boards: Penny boards are small-sized plastic skateboards designed for cruising and performing tricks. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and have a unique design with a plastic deck and small wheels.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard for Your Kid

When choosing a skating board for your child, it's important to consider several factors, including:

1. Skill level of the child: Depending on your child's skill level, you may need to choose a board that is suitable for beginners, intermediate or advanced skaters.
2. Skateboard size: The size of the skateboard should match your child's height and weight to ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience.
3. Child SkateBoard Size: Children's skateboards come in various sizes, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 inches wide. It's essential to choose the right size based on your child's age and height.
4. Skateboard shape: The shape of the skateboard affects its performance and stability. For instance, concave decks provide better grip and control, while flat decks are more stable and suitable for cruising.
5. Deck material: Skateboard decks are made from different materials such as wood, bamboo, or carbon fiber. Wood decks are the most common and offer a good balance of durability and flexibility.
6. Truck size: Skateboard trucks connect the deck to the wheels and affect the board's turning ability. For kids, smaller trucks are better as they provide better control and maneuverability.
7. Wheel size and hardness: Wheel size and hardness affect the board's speed, stability, and shock absorption. For beginners, larger and softer wheels are recommended for a smoother ride.

Child Skateboard Size Chart

Please keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and it's important to consider other factors such as your child's skill level, foot size, and preferred riding style when choosing the right skateboard size for them. It's always recommended to consult with a professional at a skate shop to ensure the best fit for your child.

Safety Considerations

At Toys”R”Us, we offer a wide range of skating boards and protective gear to ensure that your child can enjoy the sport safely. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when choosing a skating board for your kid:

1. Protective gear: Ensure that your child wears a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards every time they skate.
2. Skateboarding in safe areas: Make sure your child skateboards in safe areas like parks or skate parks with proper safety measures in place.
3. Skateboarding with adult supervision: Always supervise your child when they're skateboarding to ensure their safety.
4. Teaching your child proper skateboarding techniques: Teach your child how to properly balance, stop, and turn on the skateboard to prevent accidents.

Choosing the Right Skateboard for Your Kid

When choosing a skating board for your kid, consider their skill level and age, as well as the factors we've mentioned, such as skateboard size, shape, and deck material. Some recommended skating boards by age and skill level include:

1. Beginners (Ages 4-7): Mini cruisers or penny boards are great options for young beginners.
2. Intermediate (Ages 8-12): Street skateboards or cruiser skateboards are ideal for kids with some experience.
3. Advanced (Ages 13+): Longboards or custom-built skateboards are perfect for older, more experienced riders.

At Toys"R"Us, we offer a wide range of skating boards from top brands likeJaspo, Baybee, etc. You can also customize your child's skating board with different wheels, trucks, and decks to suit their preferences and style.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure that your child's skating board lasts a long time and stays safe to use, it's important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips for maintenance and care:

1. Cleaning and maintaining the skateboard: Use a damp cloth to wipe the board clean after every use, and remove any dirt or debris from the wheels and trucks. Also, ensure that the bearings are lubricated regularly.
2. Replacing worn-out parts: Check the skateboard regularly for any signs of wear and tear, and replace any worn-out parts like the wheels, bearings, or trucks.
3. Proper storage of the skateboard: Store the skateboard in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture.

In conclusion, choosing the right skating board for your kid is important for their safety and enjoyment of the sport. By considering the different types of skating boards, factors to consider, and safety measures, you can find the perfect board for your child's needs.

Don't forget to also take care of the board properly by cleaning it, replacing worn-out parts, and storing it properly. So why not encourage your child to try skateboarding today and discover a fun and exciting way to stay active! Remember, at Toys"R"Us, we've got you covered with a wide range of skating boards and protective gear for kids of all ages and skill levels.