Emission-Free Ways to Travel With Baby

Comparing Bike Seats For Babies and Toddles

Aug 13, 2009 Naomi Szeben

Get little ones hooked on fresh air and activity, while spending nothing on gas and parking. A trip around the neighbourhood can be inexpensive and fun.

For those sunny – or even lightly overcast - days, a short bike ride can be the perfect vehicle to set a good example in your neighbourhood. Biking for a few blocks to pick up some light groceries or just for a change of scenery is as good as a trip to the gym.

Facts to Consider When Bicycling With a Child

Consider how you would feel most comfortable bicycling with your child. Baby’s neck muscles are not strong enough to hold up their head with a helmet on it until they are at least 12 months old, so be safe and wait at least one year until putting the tyke on a bike.

Bike seats lend a better view than trailers, and they have the additional benefit of taking up no extra room on the road. Trailers can carry larger children, up to 100 lbs. for some models, which may make it easier to tote groceries.

Being safe doesn’t have to mean abandoning a cool evening ride: Make sure that the baby seat (and the baby in it) is decked out in visible, preferably reflective clothing. Helmets are the rule for the parent and the child alike, regardless if travelling by bike trailer or bike seat.

Safety Measures for Biking With a Child

• Babies are not srong enough to hold up a helmet until they are at least 12 months old, so wait a full year until putting a baby on a bike.
• All helmets for children should be made specifically for their age group and meet a recognised safety standard.
• Stick to bike trails and paths; some low riding trailers may not be seen by cars and could put a child at risk.
• Chose a bike seat and trailer with the child’s weight and height in mind, not their age.

Some Models of Bike Seats and Trailers

• Burley d'lite ST Bike Trailer – This model can haul up to 100 pounds total. It features reclining seats with five-point harnesses; has storage for groceries, a safety flag, and converts to a stroller ($600 US.)
• Chariot Cougar 1 - This model is a three-in-one bike trailer, hiking stroller, and cross-country-skiing sled. Includes a suspension system for smooth ride, and a padded child seat with harness straps and storage space. Can haul up to 75 pounds ($580 US)
• Trek Mt. Train - a sort of "trainer bike" that attaches to the back of an adult cycle and lets the child practice pedalling while the parent controls speed and direction. ($170-$220 US.)
• Topeak BabySeat with MTX Disc Bike Rack - rear-mounted, padded child seat with six-point harness and adjustable footrest; for kids up to 40 pounds ($180 US).
• MEC Child Trailer Double - The two-toddler version of their ASTM-approved bike trailer. Features aluminium bumpers and a comfier child harness. Optional accessories allow for it to be configured into a stroller or jogger, or adapted for infants. ($299 Can) The same features apply for a single-child trailer ($279 CAN.) Added bonus: 1% of all sales go toward Canadian environmental causes.
• iBert Safe-T Front Mounted Child Bicycle Seat - seat mounts behind handlebars so you face each other; for ages 1-4, max weight 38 pounds ($85 US).

Further Tips on Bicycling With Babies

More safety tips and suggestions can be found at Growing Kids UK, which includes a great checklist to consult before you hit the road. A good look at the consumer reports on children’s helmets and comparisons of various mounted bicycle seats can be found online.

The copyright of the article Emission-Free Ways to Travel With Baby in Green/Simple Living is owned by Naomi Szeben. Permission to republish Emission-Free Ways to Travel With Baby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The iBert Car Seat