Before you choose a bicycle seat for your child, you must ensure that the carrier meets all safety standards. The safest bicycle seat will reduce the risk of injury to the child and allow for you and your child to enjoy a pleasant ride. Children under the age of 1 and over the age of 5 should not ride in a child bike seat. When the child does ride in a bike seat, she should always wear a helmet.
Requirements
According to the International Bicycle Fund and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, all bike seats made in the United States should meet the ASTM 1625-00 safety standard. The safety standard requires that the seat protects the child's fingers and toes from getting caught in the mechanics of the bicycle. It also grades the quality of the materials used in the construction of the bicycle seat.
Types
Rear-mounted bicycle seats may be less safe than front-mounted versions. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, rear mounted seats can make the bike unstable and increase the chances of the bicycle falling over. Since the child in rear can not see the scenery, he may have a tendency to move more than when he is seated in a front-mounted type. This can make you lose your balance and increase the chance of falling over.
Warning
Used bicycle seats should typically be avoided if you want to keep your child safe. The seat may have been involved in a crash or has excessive wear and tear. If you do decide to buy a used child seat, check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to ensure that it has not been recalled.
Recommendations
Recommendations for safe seats through the International Bicycle Fund include the iBert Safe-T-Seat and Co-Rider. Both of these seats are front-mounted and have low profile designs to give plenty of knee clearance. Safety harnesses are included with both models and since the seats are both front-mounted, you can keep an eye on the child while still paying attention to the road.
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