sucka free

a child in a child carrier? I'm a father of a 5 month old and I'm itching to get my son on my bikes to ride with me. any thoughts of how young they can start? or is it based on when they can hold their head up?

Oh, and any recommendations of a rack carrier?

Thanks in advance.

Brian

We strapped my son's car seat into a trailer when he was 2 months old. I'm not a fan of baby seats though.

masiman

I think the biggest concern is neck strength. There is potential to get jostled. I have seen recommendations for a year old. You could probably do earlier but I personally would not do earlier than 10 months. Expats method is probably the only way to get them out earlier.

If you plan on having more kids, get a trailer sooner rather than later.

I have never used a rack carrier either and I don't plan on ever using one. If I were to get one, it would probably be the Kettler. I think Rhode Gear makes one that looks decent too.

Pedal_Pusher

As a pediatric nurse, I highly recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician before putting your son on the bike. Some states have laws that require a child to be of certain age before being placed in a trailer, bike carrier, etc. At the pediatrician's office where I once worked (I'm now a school nurse), the doctors recommended that children never be placed on bicycles until they are at least 12 months old.

Kudos to you for wanting to share the cycling experience with your son. As a parent, no one loves your son like you do, so I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

tuolumne

Get a trailer if you can. We put our babies in a rear facing infant car seat in the bike trailer. Once they were walking on their own (9 to 10 months) we put them in a bike seat or strapped into the trailer. Either one has a five point harness to help hold them up, but their neck needs to be developed enough to support their head well in a sudden stop. 12 months is probably safer. You'll never regret buying a trailer for a family...lots of diapers, grocerys, picnic lunch etc. can get packed along with ease.

Edit: Don't forget to look up local laws. In CT children are not allowed in bike mounted carriers until 12 months.

Brian

I should point out that my son was in his car seat in the trailer, and we bought nylon webbing and buckles to create a "Seatbelt" to secure the seat inside the trailer. On bike paths, he was jostled no more than in a car. When he got bigger, I took him off road. One day I was going over some bumpy stuff, and was worried it might be too rough for him - I stopped to check on him, and he was giggling like mad. He loved being hauled around in his trailer.

WillisB

Exerpt from New York State Traffic Law;

Section 1238. Passengers on bicycles under one year of age prohibited; passengers and operators under fourteen years of age to wear protective headgear. 1. No person operating a bicycle shall allow a person who is under one year of age to ride as a passenger on a bicycle nor shall such person be carried in a pack fastened to the operator. A first violation of the provisions of this subdivision shall result in no fine. A second violation shall result in a civil fine not to exceed fifty dollars.

2. No person operating a bicycle shall allow a person one or more years of age and less than five years of age to ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless:

(a) such passenger is wearing a helmet meeting standards established by the commissioner. For the purposes of this subdivision wearing a helmet means having a helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the helmet straps; and

(b) such passenger is placed in a separate seat attached to the bicycle and such seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.

Brian

New York is not California. I see a big loophole there though. Where does the bike trailer fit in?

masiman

I think part b would cover the trailer. It is a seat and it is attached to the bicycle, via some type of arm.

PaulH

I'd recommend talking to your pediatrician. We were told to wait until the age of one year.

I have used both child carriers and trailers. I found the carriers made the bike very unpleasant and awkward to ride. Also, anywhere you go, you will have to bring your diaper bag. A trailer solves both of these problems. Ours was much loved until our daughter had her first ride on a Trail-A-Bike at the age of 6. By then, she was outgrowing the trailer. There is a market nearby with limited parking space, so the trailer still gets some use in a new role.

Paul

mparker326

It depends on the child. I rode for a couple years with my son (now almost 4 years old) on a child seat attached to the back of my bike. The bike was very unstable before I would get on, but I never had any problems or close calls when I was on the bike. When my daughter was 6 months old, I bought a trailer to haul them both in. She is able to sit up consistantly on her own. However, she doesn't like the trailer nor being in a car seat. I can only do short commutes with her. My 3 year old loves it. I try it every couple weeks with my daughter, but so far she still doesn't like it.

With an infant/small toddler the trailer is the only way to go, but it depends on how strong their necks are, if they can sit up, and if they like being passengers.

Flimflam

We got a trailer from a local FREEcyclers list initially, and I did one run before deciding to get our own new (and more trusted for safety) trailer - according to the manuals/guidelines, they recommend at least 12 months to provide the necessary neck support. Obviously a parent will know their child more than a manual, though.

My daughter has had mixed feelings about riding, she's not been out often and seems to be content at times, and other times just generally "blah" (judging by the look on her face, etc.) - she's almost 2 now.

I personally don't like the idea of the carrier seats, I'd prefer a trailer anyday moreso because I just can't 100% guarentee that I won't tip/slam the bike down if the crap should hit the fan and I crash - I'd think a trailer would be more secure in pretty much most situations (though the damn thing is like a HUGE windsail behind me sometimes - that only makes me fitter and stronger )

I really love cycling, and the trailer is my way of involving at least my daughter in a passion of mine (the wife, however, is a different challenge ) - I think it's awesome that you want to use your hobby/interest as a way to spend more time with your child(ren) - kudos!

Brian

Flim - get a tandem next.

Einar

My son was 4 weeks old when he first entered the trailer. We used the bag from the perambulator / stroller and strapped it fast in the Burley. Then we were ready to visited grandady 3 km away. Worked very fine. He slept all the way

We took it very easy, and there is no trafic on the cyclepath to. Later on when he could sit on his own, we used the carseat in the trolley. Now he is 3 years old and are shipped to the kindergarden every day in his Burley.

I know this is very early, but we did it very carefully, I comparered it to using the stroller.

-Einar, Bergen, Norway

Brian

Einar, we think alike.

masiman

If I had room I'd do the same.

hmhamilton

This is great information! I am really curious how to strap in the rear facing car seat into the trailer. We have a 3 month old and are looking into getting a bike trailer. I will look up the law in CA, but like the idea of using the car seat.

Brian

JoAnn Fabrics sells nylon webbing and buckles. We used that to make the seatbelt, and just buckled him in.

masiman

Any outdoor store will also sell webbing and buckles. Does anyone have a pic of how they mounted a child carrier in a trailer?

Brian

My son's 15 now, so I can't say I'd be able to locate those photos very easily. Slightly off topic, I'm looking for a trailer now, so we can take our dogs with us on rides.

masiman

There was a thread within the last 2 or 3 months with someone looking for a dog trailer. Too bad search does not work. Google may have spidered it by now.

Einar

Take a look here; https://ejgrieg.googlepages.com/bilderpictures.

My son is here around 10 months.



-Einar

masiman

Did you need to strap or secure the carrier to the trailer in anyway?

Einar

Yes, I strapped it fast. Quite easy.