One way to stay healthy as a family and instill a love of the great outdoors is through bicycling. There are several types of child bicycle seats on the market today that can allow parents to bring along the little ones as safely as possible. Most states have enacted child safety laws with many of them including provisions for child bicycle safety. Most parents are familiar with bicycle helmets for children, yet this is only one piece of the overall child safety picture when it comes to bicycling. Child bicycle seats can be mounted either in the front or the back of the bicycle. Children ranging in age from one to five can generally ride safely in either type of seat, provided that they are properly secured and outfitted with safety gear.
What to Look for
Parents looking for a child bicycle carrier should be aware of the type of bicycle they own. Some child bicycle seats are made only for specific bikes while others will fit several different makes and models. If possible, bring the bike to the store for a proper fitting. If it's not possible to bring the bicycle, test the ones available in the store. Consumer Reports also recommends that some parents consider bicycle trailers for children instead of a bicycle mounted seat. Trailers may be more stable for some children and provide a more secure ride. Lastly, Consumer Reports also recommends that for this type of item, it is best to try before you buy. On-line rebates and sales may be appealing, but if the item doesn't fit well, doesn't hold the child's weight correctly or just plain feels uncomfortable, it isn't a true bargain.
Common Pitfalls
While there are several child bicycle seats on the market for toddlers and older children, there are none that are recommended for children under the age of one. These children are often too young to withstand the jarring impact of some bicycle trails. Also, few children this age are able to adequately support a bicycle helmet, something every bike rider needs. Parents need to take seriously the type of terrain they usually ride on and how the child bicycle carrier will hold up under those conditions. For example, if one type of seat is better suited for park and trail riding, it may not be sturdy enough for off-trail riding. Also, some parents underestimate the amount of additional energy and fitness they will need to add their toddler bike seat -and toddler-to the bike.
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