| There is no doubt whatsoever that children love | | | | can be adjusted to expand or shrink to fit your |
| having toys which allow them to be in serious | | | | child's shoe size are therefore a worthwhile |
| danger of breaking the odd limb, losing a few | | | | purchase, from the point of view of both safety, |
| teeth and ending up finding out what it would be | | | | and comfort. |
| like to work in a hospital. To this end, roller skates | | | | The second thing to bear In mind for a young |
| have remained very popular for many decades, | | | | child's skates is stability. Some roller skates have |
| and today children are provided with a massive | | | | all of the wheels in one straight line (called inliners), |
| range, so that when the ambulance comes to | | | | but for greater stability to begin with it is better |
| collect them, they look fashionable and aware of | | | | to have them positioned in a square configuration |
| the latest trends and brands. | | | | (quad) with two at the front and two at the back. |
| Should you, as a parent, be keen to satisfy your | | | | This allows the child to stand with greater balance. |
| child's demand for this type of experience, you | | | | The third thing to look for is of course safety |
| may already have purchased a good set of | | | | equipment. |
| wheels, but if you're considering the idea, here are | | | | Whatever the age of your child this should always |
| a few things to look out for, and to bear in mind. | | | | be looked for, since safety equipment will protect |
| To begin with, if your child is very young, you'll | | | | your child in the event of an accident, which will |
| need to look out for three things. The first is that | | | | almost certainly happen. Safety equipment |
| the roller skates are adaptable in size. Clearly a | | | | includes a helmet, much like a cycle helmet, gloves |
| young child's feet will be growing at an | | | | to protect their hands if they fall, and both elbow |
| extraordinary rate, and it's hard enough trying to | | | | and knee pads sturdy enough to protect their |
| keep up with shoes; roller skates are usually | | | | joints if they land. If the skates don't come with |
| rather more expensive, and you don't want to | | | | this equipment, make sure you budget to be able |
| have to be buying a new pair every six months. | | | | to buy it, at the same time - not later. |
| You also don't want to be buying a pair just a | | | | When choosing older children's skates, try not to |
| little too big, in the hope that they will grow into | | | | be too swayed by the latest fashion trends, |
| them. This is because if skates are too big, and | | | | colours and brands, and look for sturdy |
| are floppy on the foot, there is a danger that | | | | construction, solid build, safety features and |
| their foot may slip right out, or at least not get | | | | stability. Cheap brands aren't always good value |
| good purchase on the ground when they're | | | | for money in the long run, and when it is your |
| expecting it, and of course this could result in | | | | child's safety st stake, it really pays to buy quality |
| them having a tumble. If they're moving at speed, | | | | skates. |
| this could be quite unfortunate. Roller skates which | | | | |