Baby and bike trailer?

[Lieren]

I'm not sure if this is a "living car free" question or a "family question," but I hope someone has some suggestions for me.

I'm thinking about cracking out the bike trailer for my 9 m.o. Other experienced cyclists here in Philly have convinced me that taking her on regular roads is not a good idea, but there are a few places I'd like to take her that really can only be accessed by bike (or car, but we don't have one) and can be gotten to via bike trails and very very low traffic roads.

Obviously, she'll wear a helmet. Any suggestions on a helmet for a wee tot?

And should I put her car seat in the trailer? She has excellent head/neck control and has been out in a running stroller since she was 7 weeks.

Does anyone bother with a flag on their trailer?

Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[mtcougar832]

I know some people put there babies in carseats and strap the carseat into the trailer - I think that is without helmets. It would probably be more comfy for the baby (my 15mo always falls asleep in the trailer). Might ask her doctor but you know her best. Slow trips on bike paths shouldn't be much different than a jogging trailer.

I have a tiny trek helmet from the LBS for my youngest. Its still a little big for him, but MUCH better than the Walmart one. I wish the chin strap was shorter, its as tight as it goes. If I didn't have older kids (who I require to wear helmets) I would probably let the baby go without a helmet (my trailer is a Trek GoBug and has a roll cage - seems very safe). I also try to avoid cars & rush hour when I have the trailer.

I have a flag on my trailer - its cheap and can't hurt. I really want to get a pirate flag - that would be fun :D .

I always put the baby's helmet on at the last second, so he doesn't have time to fuss before we are moving. You can always try a short trip, if it doesn't work out wait a month and tray again.

[masiman]

9 mos seems to be right on that edge of able to sit on their own without worrying about them. 10-11 mos is better but 12 is about where you can set and forget. Just take it easy if you are going to do it at 9 mos. If you can fit the car seat and she does not mind it, it may give you peace of mind.

Flag, when I think of it, but we are mostly on trails. If we are going to be on the road, we generally put it on.

Helmets, we don't wear them in the trailer. If you do, I'd get one as low profile and light in weight as possible. The helmet pockets on current trailers are likely too high for your 9 mos old to fit into. Her chin will be pushed into her chin. How much depends on the thickness of the helmet. A rolled up towel between her neck and the seat can act as a head rest and give better head position.

[G. Bucci]

We get most of our groceries by bike and trailer and have been doing so for a couple of years. When my daughter was very young (0 - 8mon) she was in a car seat in the trailer. She was comfortable and I was less worried because of it. As far as a helmet, she never wore one then (my bad) because the car seat kept her in place. We do use a flag. It came with the trailer and takes about 5sec to put on so why not. Anything to make you more visible. Trailers and bikes are very expensive so please invest in a lock. We have three for when it is myself, my son, and my daughter's trailer. Even the cheapest lock if visible may detract from anything being stolen.

This may sound obvious but I found out the hard way (no one got hurt). Cross only at lights and crosswalks. Even though there may be enough gap between moving cars, you have to remember that the trailer, child, groceries, backpack, etc. can weigh alot, up to 80lbs. This affects how fast you can walk across the road. Use your judgement.

[mparker326]

My tip would be to take her around the block a few times to see if she likes it. My daughter hated the trailer up until she was close to a year old.

My trailer has a roll cage (I also have the Trek GoBug) and my kids don't wear helmets inside.

I use a flag when I am on the roads.