Kids grow up so fast. You bring your baby home from the hospital, and before you know it you're shopping for her first tricycle. And although parents may feel wistful for the baby days, watching your toddler's excitement as he learns to ride his first tricycle is thrilling and fun. Plus, tricycles are such a memorable part of childhood.

"I don't think anyone can remember growing up without some kind of small bike," says Tim Sullivan, a sales and service associate at RidingToys.com. Learning to ride a tricycle is almost as big a developmental milestone as crawling or walking. It strengthens your child's confidence, coordination and motor skills. Plus, riding independently is fun.

If you're currently shopping for your child's first tricycle or you think you will be soon, consider the following tips for telling when your child is ready and knowing what features to look for.

Riding a tricycle takes coordination, balance and even nerve. So how will you know your child is ready for this step? According to Kathy Grinde, a physical therapist at the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, you will notice a number of motor developments that indicate readiness:

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