The rocking horse

What is so special about a rocking horse that it made our grandmothers and mothers happy, and now it entertains the youngest generation? It's all about rocking, which has an extremely important role in child development, and in addition brings a smile to the face of the little one.

The role of rocking in child development

Do you want your little one to be more willing to take on challenges, be braver and more confident? Then rock them as often as possible! Rocking is responsible for stimulating the labyrinth, which translates into improving the sense of balance, responsible for a sense of confidence, as well as motor coordination, feeling one's own body, so called bathyaesthesia (for those interested, we recommend books: L. Eliot, "What's going on out there? How the mind develops in the first five years of life"; A. J. Ayres, "The child and sensory integration"). But that's not all, because rocking strengthens all the infant's muscles and additionally regulates muscle tension. Thanks to that the baby develops evenly and has no problem with acquiring such important skills as body balancing or keeping balance.

Rocking also calms down, quiets emotions and simply makes the baby feel safer - rocking reminds them of the reality that prevails in the mother's belly. Rocking comes to parents almost instinctively when they want to soothe or put the child to sleep - it is simply written in our genes!

Bouncers and rockers are becoming more and more popular, but it’s nothing new that children are rocked not only in arm. For generations there have been rocking horses in our homes, which support the development of the child and provide a lot of fun!

What is a rocking horse and from what age is it safe?

A rocking horse is nothing more than a children's toy that traditionally resembles a horse, rocking by means of two curved profiles called rockers. It's a great alternative to playground swings, especially when the weather fails. A rocking horse can also be a substitute for a real animal friend.

When can you put a child on a rocking horse? It all depends on the size of the toy - its height should be adjusted to the height and age of the child. The smallest children can be rocked in a special rocker, but it is important that the child can already sit up on their own. Children over the age of 12 months can already try out classic rocking horses for children - starting with the smaller models, of course. It's best, however, for the child to be able to hold the handles on their own and rock on their own - which happens around the age of 18 months. Large rocking horses are designed for children who can get on and off the toys on their own and rock efficiently. This skill is usually developed by children who are at least two years old.

Let's remember, however, that it's not the age of the child that matters in the first place - it is indicative - what matters, however,  is the height, and above all the abilities of the toddler. When a rocking horse is too big , it can simply frighten the child and effectively discourage them from further attempts to become a small cowboy. It is also not good to offer a rocking horse that is too small - the child may simply not fit into it.

A rocking horse - wooden or plush

What does the horse look like? It’s brown, it has a mane and is equipped with stirrups and reins. And you can find such realistic-looking plush rocking horses on the market, which will let your child feel like in the Wild West. Such models not only look like real horses, but are also soft and pleasant to the touch. They can also be used as cuddly toys. But wooden models are becoming more and more fashionable again - minimalistic, natural, designer models. Among them, models in natural wood colors dominate, but there are also those painted with non-toxic paints in almost any color. Such a wooden rocking horse for a child will certainly work well as part of the decor of a nursery maintained in a minimalist Scandinavian style. Wooden models are considered more solid and durable, so they can stay in the family for many years. 

Rocking horse without backrest - which size to choose: smaller or bigger?

Rocking horses without backrest are meant for slightly older children who have mastered holding the handle and rocking to perfection. This doesn't mean that they are in any way less safe - it's just that younger children are much more comfortable when they have a soft backrest behind their back. Older toddlers, on the other hand, simply don't need it - children of this age can sit and walk confidently, so they feel more secure without a backrest. Rocking horses for older children are differentiated by their size. When choosing the right toy, always pay attention to its height - too big or too small can make the child unable to use the gift.

A rocking horse with a ride on function

A great choice is a rocking horse combined with a ride on - like the one manufactured by Kinderkraft. This attractive combination of two pieces of equipment has both traditional rockers and wheels, which when removed from the rocking frame turn the rocking toy into one that rides. The combination of these two functions gives children twice as much fun and much more excitement and play opportunities. An additional advantage of this solution is the easy transformation of the rocker into a ride-on, which will make your child, being a rider, quickly turn into a racing driver. What's more, such a toy will please your child longer, because it not only rocks, but also plays with a plush mascot. And - attention! - the ride on will not scratch the floor in your apartment thanks to the mounted wheels.

Safety first - harness

Is a child's rocking horse a safe toy? Yes, but only if the manufacturers comply with all safety rules. Only fully safe, certified materials must be used in the production process. It is also important that children do not ride on rocking horses that have been in our families for a long time. Such equipment that is no longer new may lose its stability. Definitely bet on certified products from professional manufacturers.

A rocking horse with a melody? Interactive rocking horses

A realistic-looking rocking horse lacks only the roar and  hoofbeat to fully imitate the rulers of the range. Producers have managed to do this as well! There are interactive rocking horses on the market, which provide additional sound experience. Your child, riding towards the sunset, can listen to cowboy songs or the sounds of a real horse - whinnying, snorting or cantering. The options are activated with special buttons usually located in the horse's ears.

But that's not all! Rocking horses can even light up and move! Some interactive rocking horses have lighting effects, such as hearts on their foreheads. Others will encourage a little one to play with their moving mouth and tail. All to make playtime even more fun and realistic.

Traditional rocking horse or other rocking animals? Which to choose?

Can a donkey, a roe deer, a hippo, or even... a ship, a motorcycle or a car rock? Of course - in stores you can find almost any animal or vehicle, which your child will be able to get on and ride at will. It all depends on the child's liking. You can also choose dinosaurs, unicorns or teddy bears - manufacturers try to keep up with the limitless imagination of children. All of them work on exactly the same principle as traditional horses, which, however, still enjoy the greatest popularity - both among children and adults.

Is it worth buying a rocking horse?

After reading this article, you probably have no doubt that the answer to this question can be only one - of course yes. If only because of the wonderful rocking properties. But not only. Rocking horses for children are also a great entertainment, time spent on active play, during which the child exercises the muscles of the whole body. Let's not forget that while riding a rocking horse, the toddler exercises such skills as mounting and dismounting a horse, and also gets to know their own body - their weight, the relationship between action and reaction. Apart from that, the rocking horse gives room for imagination - horses not only have to be ridden, they can also be driven into all sorts of fun. So there is no doubt that "everyone should have one"!