Stuff I Love: Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug

When my oldest was just learning to walk, Grandma and I took a trip to a local baby boutique.  We hadn't been there long when she spotted the cutest little ride on toy and just had to buy it for my little guy.  We had no idea then that it would become one of the most fought-over toys in our home.

The Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug collection features 6 high-quality wheeled ride-on animals - a bee, a ladybug, a mouse, a cow, a tiger and a pig.  Each toy is made of incredibly sturdy wood and water resistant PLU.  These toys are tough!  We've (accidentally) left ours outside on the deck in rain, snow and even hail - repeatedly - and after 4 years there is still no sign of mildew, mold or water damage.  Some of the varnish on the wood is chipping a little, but this thing has been well loved.  Each wheel on the bug turns 360 degrees, meaning the toy is super maneuverable.  It is intended for use inside (it can tip if you ride it over bumps or change surfaces) and rides very smoothly on carpet.  But I can tell you from experience that it works equally well on wooden decks, concrete driveways, carpeted bedrooms and even on short grass. 

The only complaint I have about this toy is that with heavy use, the wheels will unscrew and come off.  If you're not watching closely, it's pretty easy to lose the washers (though I'm sure they could be easily replaced at a hardware store).   Our wheels fall off quite frequently (every few days), but we have lost most of the washers and have never tried tightening them with a wrench.  Frankly, I don't consider it a big fault, as they are very quick to re-tighten and get back on your way again.

My kids started using the Wheely Bee as soon as they could walk, and my 4 year old has just now outgrown it (only because his legs are too long).  When we take it to the park, other kids beg for a turn to ride on it. My 2 year old even prefers it to his fancy tricycle.  They cost around $50 a piece - which seems steep until you consider the quality and longevity of this toy.  We've paid more for toys our kids won't touch, and I fully expect them to play with this one until it's on its last legs.

And if that doesn't convince you enough, have a look at these pictures and you'll see - riding on a Wheely Bug really is pure joy. 

 

 

 

Baby L loves that she's big enough to ride this

Downhill is awesome!

Wheeeeeee!

yes, he rode this thing all the way around the mile+ path along the pond