Cycling With A Baby – Safe Options

Strangely enough, online research is relatively scarce on cycling with a baby because in the United States it’s not that common when compared with the rest of the world. In the US, it seems that what research there is, is focused mostly on negative assumption. Most of the good information comes from international sources where cycling with babies is widespread. While child carrying devices for cars are heavily regulated and tested, the bicycling industry is a whole different animal in the US. With that being said, cycling with a baby can be done safely when common sense is applied.

The Dutch point of view is that cycling with a baby is safe and it’s perfectly natural to cycle with a newborn. Brits are more likely to cycle with a baby at nine months old. Americans tend to wait until their baby is at least one year old. Bike shops and cycling organizations typically advise you not to cycle with a baby until they are nine months old and are able to sit up. One year old is better but it is generally agreed that nine months is a safe age to start cycling. The the BSHI recommends not putting a child in a helmet before the age of one year.

But if you cycle with a baby before these recommendations, are you a bad parent? — Absolutely not. Look at bicycle commuters, women, and men who travel only by bike. It’s going to be fine, and sometimes necessary. Regardless of what your friends, family, bike shops, and helmet manufacture’s advise, the most important thing is that you believe your baby is old enough and that you feel safe with them on board. If you don’t feel safe or sure, then it’s definitely too soon to go cycling with a baby. But if you’re desperate to cycle with your baby and feel that it would be safe to do so, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.

Chris Juden, senior technical officer at the CTC, the national cycling organization, who was also on the committee responsible for the European Standard on bicycle child seats (EN14344), sums up cycling with a baby like this:

“It’s not so much a question of age, but of physical development. Infants vary a lot as to the age at which they are able to sit up unaided (as in sitting in the middle of the carpet, playing with toys etc), which is when they are ready to ride in the usual sort of a bicycle child seat. Usually this is about nine months. And the length of your cycling with a baby between stops, should not exceed the length of time they are content to do that.”

Pediatrician Advice

If you are unsure if you should be cycling with a baby yet, ask your pediatrician if your child is ready.

Fear of Falling

One of the most obvious worries of cycling with a baby is the possibility of falling. Many parents may argue that they rarely fall off of their bike. The probability of having a fall while cycling with a baby on board is low – much lower than falling down the stairs while having a baby in your arms.

Three types of baby carriers typify whats out there; rear-mount seats, front-mount seats, and trailers.

Back or rear-mounted seats are the most widely used bike seats for cycling with a baby. They fit over the back wheel and usually have a high back and raised sides, leg guards, and a harness. Here’s a few characteristics:

• Pro: Babies are well supported if they want to sleep.
• Pro: You can use the seat to carry shopping items when you don’t have your baby on board.
• Con: Carrying extra weight on the back of the bike at this height can make your bike top heavy.
• Con: You can’t see what your child is up to while you’re cycling and your baby can’t see much.

Front-Mount 

Your baby sits in front of you. You place your arms around the seat to steer. Because your arms have to go around the seat and your vision of the road needs to be clear, front-mounted seats are more minimalist than rear-mounted seats.

• Pro: Closer contact with your child and your child is always visible to you.
• Pro: More fun for the baby.
• Con: Can affect the bike’s maneuverability with the weight on the handlebars.
• Con: Although popular in mainland Europe, front-mount seats can be hard to find.

Trailers to Tow 

Trailers behind your bike are often attached to your bike via the rear axle and skewer. The are better as your child grows older as there is less support for a baby.

• Pro: Lower to the ground, safer in a falling accident.
• Pro: Easier to handle, more maneuverable as it doesn’t affect the steering or leaning of the bike.
• Lots of cargo space when carrying or not carrying a baby.
• Con: Difficult to see for motorists.
• Con: Wider, can hook on objects, stick out into traffic.
• Con: Heavier, harder to stop.

The Verdict on Safety

All types of bicycle carriers have safety issues. The American Academy of Pediatric’s position is that it’s preferable for a child to ride in a bicycle trailer rather than a front or rear-mounted bicycle seat. The reasoning: “because a young passenger on an adult’s bike makes the bike unstable and increases braking time.” The AAP says that a mishap at any speed on a bicycle-mounted seat could cause significant injury to a child.

One More Option

The Taga 3 in 1 Baby Stroller Bike 3 Wheel 16” Pushchair Carrier Folding Mother’s Bicycle is yet another option to take a look at. This version of a bike with carrier is genius and should be considered for cycling with a baby.

• It’s not recommended taking a baby for a ride who can’t support his or her own head – or until the time he or she can wear a cycling helmet. Your baby should also be able to sit well unaided.
• Wearing a cycle helmet reduces the risk of head and brain injury. You and your child should always wear a helmet when on a bike.
• Check with the bike retailer that your bike is suitable for use with a particular type of child seat or trailer as not all bike designs are suitable with baby seats.
• Make sure your seat has footrests to prevent your child’s feet from becoming caught in the spokes of the wheel.
• Child seats for cycles should carry BSI number BS EN 14344:2004 to comply with required safety standards.

The added weight factor can also cause parts on your bike to fail or come loose. More than one headset, stem, or handlebar fitting has come loose under this kind of load. It will cause you to go down hard should this occur. Always, always double check critical bolts before cycling with a baby on board your bike. Practice getting on and off the bike and riding with the carrier before heading out into traffic with your baby.

Never place your trust in other vehicles. Never trust that a vehicle sees you. You never have to be hit by a car when cycling with a baby. Practice and think about riding defensively. Always have a plan B or a way out of any dangerous situation. Think.

Accidents or incidences where your baby is hurt because you go cycling with a baby does not have to happen. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has prepared this extensive list to help keep you safe when cycling with a baby on board.

Cycling with a baby introduces your child to the joys of cycling at an early age while you also get to get out and ride where you otherwise might not be able to. What more could you ask for.