Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Activities

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best child bike seats to keep your toddler safe

By

As spring approaches, the itch to hop on bicycles and head out for a ride around the neighborhood or on a scenic bike path begins. Bike riding is an excellent form of exercise and something the entire family can do together, but what about the little ones? When babies can be safely taken along on bike rides in a carrier depends on what part of the globe you hail from.

Europeans, especially the Dutch, tend to ride bicycles with children at a much younger age than in America. In the United States, most pediatricians recommend that a child be 9 to 12 months before taking a bike ride with Mom and Dad. One year is preferred by many doctors because babies need to wear a helmet, and most lack the necessary neck strength before their first birthday. If you have concerns about when it’s okay to ride with your baby, ask your pediatrician.

Recommended Videos

Types of bike carriers for children

When it comes to bike carriers for kids, parents have two options: Front- or rear-mounted child bike seats. Front seats are popular for babies 9 months of age and up because they are smaller. These types of bike seats mount near the handle bars and allow the rider to keep a closer eye on their little one because he or she is right in front of them. Front bike carriers typically have a 30-pound weight limit. Rear bike seats can be mounted on either the back frame or rack.

Related

Frame mounts have better suspension, but they are notorious for being harder to fit on certain bicycle designs. Rear-mounted seats are a great fit for toddlers 2 years of age and up because they can handle up to 48 pounds.

Best child bike seats

So, you and your family are ready to dust off the bikes, but you need a bike carrier for your little one. Take a look at these five front- and rear-mounted bike carriers for kids to help find the one to suit your needs.

Peg Perego Orion

This front-mounted seat is budget-friendly and fairly simple to install. It features an adjustable footrest and three-point harness. The carrier fits frames from 1.3 inches to 2 inches and holds up to 33 pounds. The Orion is recommended for children 12 months and up.

Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat

The Thule Yepp is a comfortable front-mounted bike carrier. Its lightweight design is a plus for parents and is compatible with most bike designs. Kids will appreciate the cozy feel of the seat and the fun handle bar. The five-point harness includes a childproof safety buckle.

Thule RideAlong

This rear-mounted design is a lightweight and ride-friendly bike carrier for kids. It mounts to the bike frame only and features a shock-absorbing suspension design. The seat is for children 9 months to 6 years of age and can hold up to 40 pounds. It utilizes a three-point harness with childproof buckle and adjustable foot rests and straps. Plus, the bike carrier is waterproof.

Bellelli Child Bike Seat

If your bicycle already has a rear rack, Bellelli offers a lightweight bike carrier featuring an easy on/off design. The childproof safety harness can be fastened with one hand. Foot rests have straps, and the seat can accommodate up to 48.5 pounds.

Hamax Caress Bike Seat

The Hamax Caress is a comfortable rear-rack mounted bike seat for children ages 9 months and up. It has a maximum weight capacity of 48.5 pounds and has a rear-frame mounted design. Both the rear frame and rack-mounting designs feature shock-absorbing suspension, anti-theft lock, 20-degree reclining seat, foot rests, foot straps, and adjustable straps with childproof safety buckle.

Bike rides are a great family-friendly activity. It gets everyone disconnected from screens and outside exercising. Even the family’s smallest members will enjoy rides through the neighborhood or on a picturesque bike path. All you need to ride safely with babies and toddlers is a quality bike carrier suited for your bicycle. Decide whether you are more comfortable with a front- or rear-mounted bike seat. The most important thing you choose is which fit is secure to your bike.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
9 simple steps that’ll help teach your toddler to read
Use these tips to help your toddler on their reading journey
Happy toddler boy reading a picture book

Learning to read is a critical milestone for all children. It's a skill they will use throughout their lives, and fostering a love of reading at an early age will help them as they progress through school. As an adult, reading is an essential part of every day.

Since reading is so vital, it's easy for parents of young children to wonder when they should start teaching a toddler to read. Is it even normal for a two-year-old to read? While some children will begin reading as early as age three, most children will not. Developmentally, many children begin to make the connection between letters, sounds, and words at the end of kindergarten or in first grade.

Read more
These are the absolute best pool games for kids
Dive into summer with these fun and exciting games for the pool
Kids having fun in a pool and wearing sunglasses.

Just having a backyard pool doesn't necessarily mean instant entertainment for your children. It typically doesn't take long for kids and teens to become bored, even with an amazing pool just outside their door. The same is true if you're a member of a community or club pool. Now, you don't have to feel like a camp recreation director, but it's always a prudent idea to have pool games for kids in your back pocket for those inevitable moments when boredom creeps in.

Pool games are a must-have whether it's a lazy summer family afternoon or if you're hosting a playdate or a birthday party. If you're looking for cool pool games for the kiddos that always make a splash, we've got your summertime menu for backyard excitement.
Pool games for kids

Read more
5 great activities to teach your toddler to listen
These activities may seem like games, but they'll teach your kiddo to listen
A dad playing with his toddler.

Most parents agree that things start to get fun once their child reaches the toddler stage. This is when children are more active, more verbal, and let’s face it, they have more energy than should be humanly possible. Sometimes, getting your toddler to stop (or even slow down) long enough to listen to you can be a challenge.

If you're wondering how to teach your toddler to listen, we have some activities that can help. These may seem like games, but they're ways of how to teach a toddler to listen when it’s time to be quiet and pay attention to someone else when it's their turn to talk. Let’s check out toddler listening activities that you’ll both enjoy doing.
Games to teach a toddler to listen

Read more