How to Measure Your Inseam for a Bike for a Child

Buy a properly sized bike so your kid stays safe and has a blast.

Buying a bike for a child wins you big points (so long as it's the right color and looks cool). But it's crucial to find a bike that fits your kid properly. If it's too big, the chance of accidents increases and the joy of riding decreases. The bike sits untouched in the garage. Parenthood.com recommends measuring your child's inseam and corresponding that measurement to the wheel size for a proper fit. The wheel size should be 2 to 6 inches less than the length of the inseam.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Find a full-length pair of your kid's pants that fits well. These could be jeans, khakis or a pair of leggings. Whichever kind of pants you choose, they should be able to provide you with an accurate measurement from your kid's crotch to the floor, so avoid capris or pairs that are too large and sag down in the crotch area.

2. Place one end of the measuring tape at the crotch of the pants.

3. Run the tape along the inner seam to the edge of the pants and take note of the measurement. This is the number that will correspond to the wheel size.

Tips & Warnings

• If the bike isn't a surprise gift, you can measure your kid directly from crotch to floor.

References

• Parenthood.com: Purchasing Kids' Bicycles