How young in a trailer?

[SouthernShred]

My wife and I recently got into biking and are buying a Chariot Cougar 2. We have a 3.5 year old who can obviously ride, but we also have an 8 month old little girl who is sitting up, crawling, pulling herself up, has good head control, etc. and know that all manufacturers, etc recommend no riding in the trailer until 1 year.

When did most of you start your kids in a trailer? Helmets or no helmets?

Thanks,

Shannon

[Nika Aldrich]

I'm trying to think - mine must have been approaching two when I put him in, but only so late because I didn't own a bike until then. Helmet unquestionably.

I do remember renting a bike once before that and getting the behind-the-seat carriage for him when he was less than or about a year old. I have no idea what brand it was but it worked well and seemed age appropriate.

Nika

[mhifoe]

Last weekend I put our 10 month old daughter in a trailer for the first time. It was fine, but she didn't get on with a helmet at all. I had to keep stopping because it was slipping over her face.

For the return trip I removed the helmet and she was much happier. To be honest, I don't think a helmet is necessary in a good size trailer with a 5 point harness and roll bar. She actually fell asleep on the way home. Of course I took it quite slowly, averaging about 6mph for the 6 mile trip.

[masiman]

I have done 10 months but only on easy short rides. I never helmet now. I tried at first years ago, but stopped after all the discomfort issues. Helmet pockets on newer trailers help alot with comfort.

[mirage1]

I did a lot of reading about car seats when my daughter was about that age--I couldn't figure out why the heck my walking, tall, 30-lb 10-month-old couldn't get turned around to face forward, you know? From what I remember, the muscle control isn't really the issue, it's that their spinal cord and bones aren't developed enough to take the possible stretching in case of an accident. This is awful to think about, but in a sudden stop, the spinal column could "give" more than the spinal cord does, which causes the spinal cord to snap. From autopsy reports, it seems that around one year is when the spinal column is developed enough to keep that from happening.

<shudder>

I know you're not going to have the same kinds of speeds in a trailer, but especially with a helmet, there would be a lot of strain on those not-yet-well-developed parts of her body.

Just my 2 cents! :) Obviously you know what's best for your child, I just wanted to throw this out there because I know it was a surprise to me when I first heard about it.

[mparker326]

I started with my daughter a few times around 8 months, but she really didn't care for it (she hated riding in a car too!) I would take her on a few short trips every month or so to see if she liked it. She started liking it around 1.

Because of the 5 point harness and roll bar, I don't make my kids wear helmets.

I usually don't travel more than 10 mph, so I am not too worried about crashes.

[cranky old dude]

Be real carefull here. While I was picking up a new bike a many years ago, a woman came limping in to pick up a replacement bike and trailer. The previous week she was struck by a car as she was towing her toddler in a bike trailer (I wish I could remember the brand and model). The poor woman was obviously still hurting, but her toddler who was strapped in and wearing his helmet was virtually unharmed.

The moral here, I believe, is your intended riding speed is not the biggest concern. The unplanned and unforseeable incidents are what we need to protect our children from.

[cranky old dude]

Sorry. I didn't intend to imply anyone was not being cautious with their children's safety. I was trying to call attention to and trying to address the importance of helmets in all bicycling situations. A lot of posts are mentioning not using them. Now that I review my post, I realize I wasn't exactly clear in that respect. My apologies.
We towed our three daughters in Burley Buggers from approx. age one and a half 'till four or five. As each girl demonstrated the ability to stay mounted, I took them aboard the Burley tandem. Tag-alongs hadn't come on the scene yet, or I might have purchased one of them instead of the tandem. They and we always wore helmets.

You're right, once they're 18 yrs. old they're liable to do almost anything. Of course by then we've already raised them and hopefully instilled in them the importance of enjoying life to its fullest while still not ignoring basic safety rules. Life jackets while white water rafting, reserve chutes, proper training etc. But while they're young, their safety is our number one job, and we call the shots.

I know what you mean about not always being thrilled with every thing the kids will do once they've grown.....Ask me some day how I feel about my 21 yr. old daughter and her 165 mph Sport bike. She also skydives and is learning to surf....but all these thrills are being done with expert training and using proper equipment and safety precautions. It's my job now to step back and watch her go. She's raised and making intelligent life decisions on her own, and loving life. I'm available if she needs me, but I doubt that she will.

[cranky old dude]

^

That lady you mentioned who was hit by a car....Did you have anymore details of what exactly happened? It'd probably be a good lesson for all us parent's who tote our kids around on our bike(s).

Yeah, the car ran a red light! They were broadsided. I think they were using a hard shell Burley Bugger....though I'm not sure. That's what she picked up new from the shop, anyway.

[masiman]

Lenny,

According to my wife they got more (NICU) kids with head injuries due to those shoes that turn into psuedo roller skates (ones with wheels that pop out when you stomp on the heels) vs kids being hit with cars while being hauled by their parents.

Kids on Heely's won't end up in a NICU. NICU's are for babies, typically newborn up to 4 weeks old.

[SouthernShred]

Thanks for all the advice. My wife and I decided to get a sitter for the 8 month old and we take the 3.5 year old out and he has a blast. I pull him about 13 miles on the local Riverwalk at least 3 or 4 times a week. When the little girl is over a year, she'll get a ride as well.

[masiman]

Ok, so I took our 7 month old out for a first ride yesterday in the trailer. 1 mile roundtrip to the pool and back. 4 turns including the one out of the driveway, 1 hill, we maxed out about 20. Did not like the wind in the face and cried a little. We have a 10 mile loop to a local lake but not until the end of summer with that.

Congrats on the 13 mile ride. Sounds like fun.

[RoRo]

At our LBS, we were actually advised to NOT purchase a helmet for our 9 month old as their necks weren't strong enough yet to support the added weight of the helmet (their heads are heavy enough as it is). We ride with her in a trailer and I think about it alot, but she is strapped in, low to the ground and is comfortable enough to sleep, so I think it's probably safe especially provided that I don't do anything stupid as the driver. So far so good, although now I'm becoming concerned that she's eating the dust from my back tire. Last week when we finished her skin was covered in a fine coat of dirt and dust. I need to figure out something better now.

[RoRo]

Thanks Jose!

The homemade mud flaps are a really great idea. I'll look into doing that. Our trailer was purchased second hand, and I've never heard of a baby sling, but I'll definitely look into the mud flaps.

Take care,
-RoRo

[SouthernShred]

Jose,

The infant sling that Chariot sells is specifically not meant to be used with the cycling kit until they're past 1 year per Chariot. The Cougar 2 trailer (that I have) can also be used for cross country skiing, jogging, strolling and hiking...

[jollyGreenGiant]

In MA, the laws state that a child doesn't need a helmet in a trailer if the trailer provides adequate rollover protection and the harness is of adequate strength.

I have a 1 and a 3 year old and bought an Instep ( Schwinn actually ) trailer when my now 3 year old was probably about 8 months. She's been geting further and further rides with it and probably have done about 4-500 miles on it total, she's about 45#'s now so it's a little different experience plus with the 1 year old now and having them both in there... It's a great workout and really is working my new road double out quite a bit. I do wish for a couple lower gears but hey what can you do, it's good for me right?

Anyways, back to my point. The 1 year old currently hates teh helmet so she doesn't wear it same as my now 3 year old did when she was the same age. They grow into the helmet and then they actually like them. It's amazing how much they like going riding, many times if they refuse to take a nap, a good ride will put them out for an hour or more. I'm up to about 30 mile rides with the older one solo now and am just so happy with it, I can bring a change of shoes and some toys for a stop halfway, she can bring water, snacks, toys, books, etc. with her and we have several horse viewing areas as well.

I love every minute of trailering kids around, start them as soon as they have the head control and just keep going faster and farther, they'll really look forward to it as much as you will!

BTW: I'm concious about the equipment I use and I have a Cannondale R1000 ( 03 ) and an F700 MTB as well, this Instep trailer is definately of decent quality and would recommend it without reserve. windows are good, ventilation is good, storage is good, harness is great, very light, etc. etc. It folds up very well and very quickly as well. I think the Burley ones are nice but to me not worth the extra money, like I said I've got probably 400 miles on my current one and if anything it's just probably getting more comfortable for the kids ( seat getting nice butt stretching! )

[Sci-Fi]

Typically, I usually recommend following the same rules as for a car. Only the parents know when they feel their infant/child's neck is strong enough for an upright/sitting riding position and can handle sudden stops/maneuvers without injury or a strain. It can be a touchy subject, but it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your children. Seen single parent or one parent prefer a side car so they can view their kids at a glance instead of having to look back or finding a mirror that works well for that purpose...but it all depends the the age of the child...the younger they are, the more attention they require.

[eoconnor]

hi,
i carry my 2 kids in the trailer - the eldest is 2 and a half, she wears a hemet without any problems. I havent been able to persuade my 11 month old to wear her helmet, she just keeps pulling it off. i try every so often - eventually she'll stop pulling it off.
Word of warning though - she managed to get it off the other day on our way home and had EATEN a large chunk of the padding on the helmet....interesting diaper.