Ice skating is a classic winter pastime and a fantastically fun activity for the whole family. There is nothing cuter than a toddler waddling around on the ice in their first pair of skates, it’s a proud moment and marks a major milestone in a child’s development.
But with a limited attention span, how do you ensure your toddler doesn’t lose interest before they’ve even touched the rink? It can become more effort than its worth when skates don’t fit right and take an eternity to put on and lace up.
Toddler skates have been designed to introduce your little one to the ice in baby steps. For the very young, frustrating laces have been replaced with easy adjustable straps so they are on in seconds, and they are entertained and playing on the ice without any fuss.
We have picked out a few options that will take your toddler from marching to gliding in no time, and have tons of fun while they’re at it. From double blades, adjustable straps, ankle support and soft padding, your child will soon be moving across the ice with confidence, so have your camera handy.
Bauer Adjustable Little Girl Ice Skates
Sizes are adjustable and available in 2 sizes: 10 – 11 | 12 – 13
This lace free design opens and closes with a single ratchet buckle system that keeps it tight and secure. The Bauer Lil Champ’s are perfect little girls ice skates for beginners.
It has a single piece nylon interior, which keeps your child’s foot comfortable and warm while on the ice.
The sizing is fairly accurate compared to shoe sizes. The sizes start at a 10, but with a pair of socks or two, the buckle can be adjusted to comfortably fit a smaller foot. To be on the safe side, we recommend ordering a size up. Wear an extra pair of socks to compensate if needed. This way, your child also gets to grow into them and they get a little more wear.
The design style is slightly rounded, making them more like hockey that figure skates. The blades can be sharpened, but it may be better to leave them slightly dull while your child builds confidence. These are the perfect fit for any little girls who loves pink and dream of gliding across the rink. As an introduction to the sport, these will make any first time experience easy and fun.
Jackson Toddler Skates
Available in following sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 1, 2, 3
Sizes compare accurately to boys shoe sizes. For girls, select a size 1.5 sizes smaller.
Jacksons high quality range of products include both girls and boys ice skates. They’re the real deal and work for beginners as well as more skilled levels, learning ice hockey or figure skating.
The style includes traditional laces and an adjustable ankle strap which offers excellent ankle support. The inner of the skate is padded and lined with soft fabric, so they are comfy and warm to wear. The blade is made of high quality steel and should be sharpened regularly so give a smooth gliding on the rink.
This cute design comes in 4 different colors for you to choose from, black, white, navy and pink.
Double Blades for Beginners
Adjustable design fits a toddler shoe size 6 – 13 (about age 2 to 6)
These double runner skates are the perfect beginner design for toddlers. The double blade helps them provide stability so they can focus on gliding movements and build balance and confidence on the ice. Simply strap them over comfortable shoes or boots and they are ready to get skating
They are made of sturdy plastic and the blades are zinc-plated which gives the feeling of real skates. The blades do not need to be sharpened.
They come in 2 colors, black for boys and pink little girls, and fit toddles from around two, to young children of about 6 or 7 years of age. These dual blades are affordable and ideal for both toddlers and older kids just starting out.
Skating Tips for Small Kids
You may have to wait a while before you see any advanced figure skating techniques from your toddler, but expect to see heart-melting moments, and way more marching than gliding in the early stages.
- Some parents get their kids on the ice as soon as they are able to walk, but the ideal age for a child to start skating is at about three or four years of age when their balance and fine motor skills are more developed
- Ensure skates fit well to help with balance and stability. Choose higher ankle support for beginners, they need the extra support while they build leg strength.
- Practice falling and getting up off the ice. Kids should be prepared for a fall and view it as part of the fun.
- Teach children to avoid putting fingers on the ice to protect their fingers. Gloves or mittens are a must to help keep their little hands warm.
- Skating forward. This starts with marching in one spot, then marching forward (possibly to a prize placed just ahead of them). Then push with one foot like on a scooter, while the other foot glides. Once they have that handled, alternate between the push foot and the glide foot.
- Practice gliding while holding the side rail. Slowly move away from the railing as confidence builds, eventually gliding on both feet.
- Practice stopping by using the snow plow technique. This involves pushing feet apart while toes are slightly in and making a small bit of snow.
- As your child advances, lower ankle support allows more movement and is essential for more advanced figure skating.
- Kids grow so fast so order a size up when buying skates, better too big than small and they’ll grow into them in a heartbeat.
Tip: An easy way to introduce young children to ice skating is to first get them on a roller rink. Your toddlers wheels can be locked so they learn to balance and walk on the wheels first. Once the child can roll around on the skates, the transition to ice skating is a lot easier.
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