Have baby will cycle

If traveling by bike alone requires some advance planning, traveling by bike with children requires three times as much.Few of us would ever consider carrying a kid on the top tube of the bike, which is what some of our parents did when we were little.
First, if you plan to cycle with your child, purchase the helmet that fits your child's head and use it. Wear a helmet yourself, so you are both safe, and your child doesn't get a mixed message.

There is a lot of debate about the relative merits of child seats and trailers. No question, that in a perfect world, a child trailer is more safe, comfortable and pleasant than a child seat. However, even the most seasoned bike commuters are reluctant to take a trailer out on busy urban streets. The very features that make it so safe and comforable - wide wheelbase, stability and low center of gravity - make it less suitable for weaving through heavy traffic. But, if you live near an off-street bike path, a trailer is really the perfect choice for kids.

Otherwise, for a small child from about a year old ( child must be able to sit well unassisted), you can use a rear-mounted child seat. Make sure it attches to the bicycle securely, has a good safety harness, supports your child's head, and has protective foor rests to keep little feet away from the rear wheel. The best models have some additional adjustability, and pop on and off easily, so they can be removed when not needed, or shared between two bikes.

Balancing a load that high up on the rear of your bike  changes the handling characteristics of the bike, so pace yourself when you first start cycling with your child. For the same reason, these carriers are not recommended for children over 40 pounds.

Front carriers are popular in the European market but they are not widely available here. I have not seen one made for US distributions that inspired a lot of confidence. I am also uncomfortable about having the child blocking my field of vision, the use of my arms and access to the controls of the bike.

For older children (5-6 years and up), consider a trail-a-bike. It is an arc-shaped trailer with a rear wheel, saddle and its own chain and pedals. It attaches to the rear of virtually any adult bike, and allows your child to pedal along (or coast, and get a free ride). We find that kids really enjoy this arrangement, and you can pedal a longer distance with a child who might otherwise be too young to keep up. There will be more on family cycling coming up soon.

Comments

[scott]

I don't if this question is better asked here or in the winter cycling area, but here goes. My daughter seems to prefer a rear-mounted seat over a pull-behind trailer at this point in her life. One big advantage I see in using a trailer is that there are a number of ways to keep her warm when riding in colder weather (e.g., limiting air flow, providing a blanket, etc.). What are some tips for keeping your kid warm in a rear-mounted seat? I am particularly concerned about her head. Thanks.

[justyna]

I would recommend a thin liner for under the helmet. We have used a small adult balaclaca, because thin ones for kids are hard to find. You can achieve a tight fit by strategically placing the helmet straps around the liner. For the body, a slightly too large polar fleece jumpsuit worn over regular clothing can be used. The padded snowsuits are usually too thick. Keep in mind, too, thatkids outgrow rear carriers sooner than trailers. A trailabike becomes a viable option around age five or so, and, of course, pedaling helps keep the child warm.