Crawl first, then wobble: Here's how the woom WOW gently supports kids in their development 

What do we mean by “early years development” – and where does the woom WOW come in?

The early years are an incredibly exciting time, beginning the moment a child is born. These years are full of rapid changes: physical growth, first words and ideas, emotional and social skills – and of course, those big motor milestones:

• Babies begin with instinctive reflexes, as they start to reach and grasp. 
• Gradually, gross motor skills develop, including head control, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, and finally walking around the age of their first birthday. 
• Between 9 to 12 months, their fine motor skills really take off: grasping for an object, picking things up, and eventually using the pincer grasp.

So, can parents positively influence this development?

Absolutely – and the more playful the approach, the better.

It's important to note that all aspects of early years development are connected: movement supports not only a child's motor skills, but how they think, speak, interact and feel. In other words, when your child is moving their body , they're also building their sense of self.

These skills grow in that first year through playful movement, imitation, practice, and exploration.

And this is exactly where the woom WOW comes in: it's designed to support children as young as nine months in reaching these milestones in a way that feels playful, empowering, and completely their own.

From a medical perspective, what features of the woom WOW stand out most in terms of early years development?

At first glance, the design of the woom WOW looks simple. But when you look closer, you notice how carefully everything has been thought through for children – it's full of know-how, right down to the tiniest detail.

The wobble function is what really excites me. It's such an innovative idea because it lets kids practice balance and coordination in a way that feels playful and perfectly suited to their age.

Then there's the ergonomic design. The long, low saddle is made specifically for little ones. No matter where they sit, they'll find themselves in a safe, stable position to enjoy their ride.

Then there are the safety aspects, of which there are numerous: rounded edges, soft oversized bar ends, and the low standover height all help reduce the risk of injury.

And I especially love the self-centering handlebars. They gently swing back to their starting position, helping kids to stay stable and roll in a straight line. That frees them up to focus fully on the joy of balancing and moving forward.

When the bike isn't in use, parents can simply fold the woom WOW into a handy carry position. This makes it easy to store, and keeps the floor clear for all the other creative play going on at home.

What makes a premium product like the woom WOW different from cheap toys?

It comes down to safety, low weight, and the thoughtful child-specific design. Cheaper models might seem fine at first glance, but often they don't meet a child's anatomy or developmental needs.

The woom WOW, on the other hand, is deliberately engineered to be ergonomic, reducing the likelihood of crashing, and ensuring a gentler one if any. 

The low frame and the long, curved saddle are clear signs of how much this bike has been tailored to kids – you'll spot this in the very short time it takes little riders to climb on and off with confidence.

The materials are also toxin-free which is really important for babies and young kids as there's a tendency to put things in their mouth.

What are the signs that a young child is ready for the woom WOW? Do they need specific skills so it doesn't feel overwhelming?

Every child develops gross and fine motor skills at their own pace. Some babies may be curious as early as nine months, while others need a little more time.

A good way to tell if your child is ready is by watching their motor milestones. If they can grasp objects with both hands, sit without support, or pull themselves up to stand and balance for a moment, these are all signs that the woom WOW could be a great next step.

Your child might not hop straight on. They may prefer to spin the wheels, push the bike along, or simply observe it from every angle. 

And that's perfect. Here's where parents should follow their child's lead – let their curiosity guide the way rather than rushing or prompting them. These first encounters should feel safe, exciting, and confidence-building, so your child feels empowered to try it and discover the woom WOW at their own pace. 

What skills does the woom WOW help develop most?

The woom WOW helps children to move and learn, training a whole host of skills and supporting their early development on so many levels.

Wobbling is the perfect pre-walking phase. With every forward wobble, kids are working on their dynamic balance – that's the skill of staying steady while on the move. By putting their feet down again and again, they build strength in their legs and core while also training their rhythm.

Just like grown-ups, kids need movement to keep their hearts and circulation healthy. The earlier they start and the more often they're active, the more endurance and stamina they'll develop – cornerstones of a healthy life. At the same time, all that activity helps strengthen bones and sharpen body awareness – how balance, coordination, and muscle power all come together.

At first, kids might struggle with judging speed or distance between objects. That's where the woom WOW steps in: it supports them in a safe, playful way as they build spatial awareness and coordination. Reaction times improve too, as they learn how to push off, slow down, and dodge obstacles – all great preparation for riding a bike later on.

Agility and hand-eye coordination get a workout as well, as little riders reach for the handlebars or simply climb on and off.

And we haven't even got onto the social and emotional benefits, which see kids developing a love of movement right from the youngest age. Kids who get to test things out at their own pace feel more confident and less frustrated. Put two or more young kids together, and suddenly it's even more fun – their excitement is contagious, and they'll learn from each other. These positive first encounters with movement boost motivation, self-confidence, and social skills.

From a medical point of view, is there such a thing as "too soon"?

When it comes to developing whole-body coordination, the answer is simple: the earlier, the better, and it's often easier the younger you begin. Of course, every child is different. 

But experience shows that active kids rarely end up in the emergency room – it's usually kids who try something unfamiliar without practice. That's why it makes sense to get kids moving as early as possible, helping them build a strong sense of their bodies and avoid falling into a cycle of inactivity.

How can kids use the woom WOW in the various stages of their development?

As babies grow, development doesn't follow strict stages. Skills blend into one another, and happen at slightly different times for every child.

Around nine months, gross motor skills are often center stage. Many little ones can pull themselves upright, and that's when the woom WOW often becomes a prop to keep themselves steady, or perhaps they're even ready for a little wobble forward.

By their first birthday, gross and fine motor skills start to link up. Kids can grip the bars, sit on the saddle of their woom WOW, and experiment with balance.

At around 18 months, many kids are joyfully exploring the world on their own terms. They learn to steer around obstacles, take little detours, and find their own route across the room. Social and emotional skills also take on a bigger role and they may start enjoying wobbling alongside other kids.

My child is reluctant to get on their woom WOW. As a parent, what should I do?

Kids respond differently to new situations, and that's nothing to worry about. So-called developmental milestones can give you a rough idea of where they're at, but the speed of this is very individual. You as the parent are the best judge of this.

The best thing you can do is stay patient and make the woom WOW feel like play, not pressure. Let them set the pace. Your role? Offer encouragement, create a safe space, and let them build confidence at their own speed.

To begin, some kids might just give their woom WOW a side-eye or poke at it with a curious hand. I can easily picture kids that are simply thrilled by turning the wheels – and this is great!

What parents can do is offer up the woom WOW and integrate it into other play scenarios. Buddy can be another appealing factor on the balance bike, as well as seeing other kids wobbling on one too.

And don't try to prevent little crashes. Falling, getting back up, and trying again is all part of the learning process. The child-specific design of the woom WOW ensures that tumbles stay safe and gentle, so confidence stays intact.

Are there any other aspects relating to the woom WOW that parents should be aware of?

Just like any activity with little ones, creating a safe environment is key. Start indoors in a room with minimal sharp edges or obstacles. A carpet is perfect, but smooth floors like tiles or wood are also fine – they won't pose much risk if your child tips over.

When you're ready to head outdoors, choose a safe, flat, open space away from cars, like a grassy patch, park, or garden. Softer landings make for braver wobbling. When to make the move outside? That's entirely up to you and your child.

Parents should take a bit of a backseat while kids figure out how to get on and off by themselves. Their goal isn't honing the perfect technique – it's enough to just get on and off and there's no right or wrong way. 

To start moving, rolling in a straight line is easiest. What matters most is giving your child the time and space to get to know their new wheels at their own pace. 

Since “endurance” is still a foreign concept for little legs, keep breaks in mind. Pausing often is important so kids can rest, reset, and throw themselves back into the next round of fun with fresh energy.

What do I do if or when my child falls?

If your child cries out, that's actually a good thing. The best thing you can do is stay calm, watch, and reassure. Don't react too strongly – otherwise they might become wary of their balance bike. Here's where Buddy could be useful in giving them courage to hop back on

The woom WOW is designed with such a low seat height that the height they'll fall from is deliberately very low. It's nowhere near the kind of fall that doctors usually keep an eye on – those typically happen from about a meter up.

And the slogan is the part I really love: falling is not failing. It's important for kids to learn that things don't always work out instantly, but that every try makes the next one easier.