The Best Little Tikes Car

Buying Guide

Toddlers and preschoolers love imitating the grownups in their lives. They will often imitate speaking patterns and words, in addition to gestures and activities that they see their parents do. It’s a way for them to navigate the world they are learning about every day. One activity that many kids love to explore is pretending to drive in a car. Little Tikes cars are the perfect size for children, and help facilitate the imaginative play they love so much.

There are so many benefits to encouraging imaginative play. Children explore their creative side by trying out scenarios they usually cannot do on their own in real life. For example, kids can pretend to drive a tractor on a farm, hop onto a roaring fire truck or deliver pizza to their customers. Imaginative play opens up an entire world of possibilities. Plus, kids can work on their physical development and gross motor skills at the same time, learning to steer the car with their legs and arms. They also learn about spatial awareness as they navigate the car through tight spaces.

Social skills and language skills also bloom when children are immersed in imaginative play. In Little Tikes cars, they can take turns with friends and siblings to drive the car, and describe detailed scenarios to each other. In addition, their problem-solving and self-regulation skills develop through imaginative play, especially when they have disagreements with their playmates. They can learn to work things out together all in the world of the game.

• The great thing about Little Tikes cars is that they come in so many different styles. While the classic yellow and red car is a great option for toddlers and preschoolers, Little Tikes also has trucks, off-roaders and princess vehicles — it all depends on what your child loves most. Consider your child’s interests and what kind of imaginative play they would like to enjoy with their Little Tikes car.
• The Little Tikes cars can be either kid- or parent-powered, offering great flexibility. Kids can “drive” the car by scooting it along themselves. The floor board is removable so they can stick their legs out and reach the floor. For younger children, parents can push the Little Tikes car using the attached handle.
• A nice bonus is that Little Tikes cars have a small storage space at the back. You can keep snacks, water cups, wipes, hats and more so you have everything you need for your little one’s adventure.