Originally Posted by
ypsetihw
I wouldn't trust any temporary clip on mount with you baby.
the baby will probably outgrow the rack weight quicker than you want to stop hauling them around, have you considered a small trailer? you can get more than one hitch for each bike and then it's a matter of a single pin and you can use any bike you want. also trailers are good past 50 lbs, sometimes much more, and can be used for other things.
Hell, if it breaks, I'll just make another one!
Of all the bicycle mounted systems, the one that has one part fixed to the seat post tube, and the seat attaching to that part is the one tested for biggest weight. About 25 kg. Also, steel rails that attach to the seat stay mount provide a bit of a spring dumping for big bumps. It has worked fine for my friends for years, I also decided to go for that one.
A friend who's been through all the stages: seat, trailer, kid on her own bike said that once the child is over 3 years old, it can go into trailer, but up to that time, it's better when it's closer - much less likely to feel uncomfortable, start crying etc. I took his advice.