Babies on Board
Most experts agree that until a baby has the neck strength to support a helmet on their head, you shouldn't put them on a bike or in a trailer. For most kids, this is around 12 months old. A child being carried will need enough strength to support themselves through general riding conditions like cornering, braking, swerving and over bumps. The law states that your baby or child is required to wear a helmet and your seat or trailer needs to be safety standards approved.
You can use a baby seat or a trailer to take your baby or young children out cycling with you. Trailer’s will generally provide a more comfortable and less bumpy ride than baby seats but cost a little bit more.
The baby is positioned higher up in a baby seat and this needs to be considered in the event of a small fall when deciding between the safety factors of a baby seat or trailer.
Seat or Trailer
A bike mounted child seat is the cheaper option over a trailer. Trailers may look bigger and more cumbersome, but trailers do have a number of advantages:-
- Most trailers can take two children.
- The centre of gravity is down low and behind you, making the bike easier to handle.
- This low centre of gravity also makes towing a heavy load much easier.
- There is less chance of an injury in the event of a small fall with a trailer.
- Trailers provide sun as well as rain protection
- Putting a child in and out of a trailer is easier.
- Trailers allow children to be more comfortable, have a pillow, a toy, a drink and something to eat on the way.
- A trailer can make a great shopping cart long after the kids have out grown it, and the dog always loves a ride.
Once your children reach around 20 to 25kg its time to teach them the enjoyment of riding their own bike, so back to the bike shop and discuss your needs and options with the friendly team at Bums on Bikes.
