how old should a baby be before you put them on a bike seat

sahboo · Post by **sahboo** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:10 am

is there an age for babies on bike seats or special seats for babies and toddlers
sarah

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sinikettu · Post by **sinikettu** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:34 am

I did a Google search and there are some guidelines..
One safety report refers to the Baby's neck being able to support it's own head upright with a helmet on it being the main requirements.
Neck stress, and later pain, being likely if the child's head bobs about with a helmet on it.
The danger I would guess is that the baby nods off, while mum cannot see that it's head is not upright

This advert refers to "from 9 months old".
http://www.awcycles.co.uk/category/Bike ... index.aspx

Rosamunda · Post by **Rosamunda** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:03 am

I don't think falling asleep is a problem... mine regularly fell asleep while on the back of my bike. But yes, I think 9 mths would be about right. Not sure that a tiny tot, younger than that, would feel comfortable in a helmet (btw, you can get special ones for toddlers). I didn't enjoy cycling with my kids. OK for getting from A to B if you don't have a car but I found it hard to manoeuvre my bike (going uphill was evil) and just getting the babe in and out of the seat without a major incident was an issue (tip: go with a friend). Also, I wasn't convinced my kids actually enjoyed it. Noisy and smelly (and dangerous) on the road and too bumpy on the tracks. But that was in France where there are no cycle paths and too many cars. It is probably better here.

raamv · Post by **raamv** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:20 am

sahboo wrote:is there an age for babies on bike seats or special seats for babies and toddlers
sarah

They do sell the Kids seat for bicycles. I have only seen two types here and I bought the one which has adjustable height, and that can be mounted on to the bike frame.
Helmets and guards are also important, guards so that their legs dont get caught in the spokes..
Most bike seats comes with restraints similar to a car seat.
I think it is law for kids to wear helmet while riding a bike or being on a bike.
I rarely used it but this summer might be different.

scoobymcdoo · Post by **scoobymcdoo** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:48 pm

I think the maufacturers recommend 9 months as most child sit independently around 6 months of age. This allows a little extra time for their neck, back and stomach muscles to get stronger and more supportive.

Saying that, Sophie first started riding on the back of my bike at 6 months old, but she sat unaided at 3.5 months. By 6 months she was cruising the furniture so I guessed she was strong enough.

Hannah
She now has her own big-girl bike with a seat on the back to ride her toys around in. She gets odd looks being so little yet riding her own 2 wheeler (with stabilisers).

oompah18 · Post by **oompah18** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:54 pm

A chiropractor said to me that until a baby can walk, it should not be in a bike seat, as it is too upright........
we have a bike seat & a brilliant bike trailer, & the kids love them!!!! Now I get my freedom, 4 yr old on bike of his own, while 2 yr old & 11 mth old (walking for a while so OK!) are in trailer - saves having to dress the little ones in a hundred layers when the weather isn´t great! Also when I am lazy, i take 1 in the bike seat & pull the trailer full of shopping!!!!
I believe there are bike seats nowadays that you can even lean back a bit, so not too upright for younger ones....
Allie

scoobymcdoo · Post by **scoobymcdoo** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:57 pm

I should have added- our bike seat reclines too, very handy for when they drop off.

Hannah

Interesting about being able to walk and using a bike seat. Sophie was cruising at 6 months and walked at 8 so she was fairly close! I'm now justifying my actions!

oompah18 · Post by **oompah18** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:49 pm

What make is the reclining bike seat please? We oinly have a very old one from the kirppis, so I could be tempted to buy a new one! It doesn´t even have the new style saftety harness, only the arms & shoulders, & ds3 is a little more active & wriggleY than his brothers were at that age!

I should also add to the original post that it is a good idea to spend a lot of time getting the most suitable & comfortable bike helmet for the young one, it really makes a difference, if it has EASY chin adjustment & fitting, as it is so difficult to fit it onto an impatient, wriggling toddler!!!

Happy cycling!
ps I really recommend a bike trailer, lots on huuto.net anyway, but so useful!

scoobymcdoo · Post by **scoobymcdoo** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:45 pm

Our reclining bikeseat is a Hamax,
We got her bike helmet from Bike Planet where they fitted it properly for her.
Hannah

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