Cycling with children as young as 6 months is possible using a child seat that attaches to an adult bike although infants must be able to hold their head upright to safely use one. Fitting mechanisms differ dependent on the brand but usually either attach via a pannier system or directly onto the frame of the host bike.
Prices vary from as little as $80/£50 to over $250/£150 depending on quality and features required but the primary concern should be one of child bike safety which can be affected by individual child behavior as much as the design.
Child Bike Seat Safety - Front or Rear Mounted Seats?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) believes that rear seats are better; there is less risk of the seat being thrown forward after heavy braking, there is no restriction on space for the adult and the child will not be hit in the face by debris from the road.
That being said, products like the popular Weeride Kangaroo have been specifically designed to be front or center mounted, allowing the parent to keep a close eye on his “co-pilot” and keep the child under control. This is an important factor to take into account for a very active child as a rear mounted seat forces the child to lean from side to side to see where they are going; this in turn alters bike handling and often forces the parent to put one hand behind to prevent an active child from fidgeting too much.
Features to Look For in a Baby Bike Seat
- Safety is key so look for a strong 5 point safety harness which cannot be opened by the child.
- High padded adjustable backrests.
- Ease of fitting and removal; better quality models have quick release mechanisms.
- Lightweight yet robust materials, for example durable high grade plastic.
- Hand rests and more importantly foot rests to stop feet dangling and getting caught in moving bike parts. Foot rests should also be adjustable for product longevity as the child grows.
- Suspension for a comfortable ride.
- Check that the seat conforms to relevant safety standards.
- Check the weight limit of the seat, normally around 40lb/18kg as a maximum suitable for kids between 6 months and around 4 years old.
- Accessories like rain covers, useful to keep little Johnny dry.
Using Child Cycle Seats
Carrying an infant on a bike will alter how the bike handles, partly as the seat is high off the ground, partly due to the extra weight and partly as the child will move around affecting bike stability. It is important to get used to riding with a child seat on quiet roads or purpose-built cycle tracks. Remember to use all the bike gears especially on hills and allow extra stopping time for added weight when braking.
The child should always wear a helmet for added safety and in cooler weather, remember that they can get cold as they're not pedaling so wrap them up warm.
Child bike seats may not be suitable for hyperactive children as they move around too much. In this case, a child trailer or bike trailer may be preferable.
Which Toddler Bike Seat Brand?
For rear mounted models, consider quality brands like European market leader Hamax with robust mounting points, innovative design and quick release seats or CoPilot. If these are not compatible with your bike, try Topeak or Kettler.
The best front mounted design is probably the Kangaroo from Weeride with its unique steel support bar design between seat post and handlebar which keeps the seat more stable.
Buying a Child’s Bike Seat
Determine whether a rear or front mounted design is best then compare models for weight, safety features and most importantly compatibility with your bike before purchase. If the decision making process is taking too long, consider alternatives like using a child trailer or trailer bike to make the most of family cycling.
Related Articles
- You may also be interested in How to Choose a Tandem Bicycle with family tandem options available
- How to Ride a Tandem
- How to Choose a Bike Attachment for Kids
- Is a Wooden Balance Bike the Best First Bike for Kids?
- Best Padded Bicycle Shorts for Kids
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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