My daughter is almost 5 months old. She has great head control and has been very strong since birth. My question is what age did you take your child on a bike ride. Its cold her now so we would not even think about a bike ride til she is about 7 or 8 months old. We have a seat that attaches to a bike, but were considering buying a pull behind trailer. We only ride on a bike trail. And she has a helmet. What do you think? Would it be okay? Which one would you use the seat or the pull behind trailer? What age did you take your child on a bike ride?
2007-02-22 02:20:51 · 7 answers · asked by ktbblb 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Perfect question and let me tell you I'm sooo glad you asked! I did not ask the question until AFTER I tried to take my son bike-riding.
My husband and I decided from the research we did that a pull behind trailer is better and no roads...parks and bike trails only.
My son was 5 months old at the time and screamed bloody murder the whole time. Obviously the trip was very short! We asked the doctor on the 6 month visit and she said no way not even before they are 12 months. They can still suffer spinal injuries etc...from the bumps in the road etc. They are MUCH more sensitive than we are. It's along the same reasoning as leaving them faced to the rear in the carseat.
Please don't try to take her until after she is a year old...but double check with your pediatrician....Do use a trailer, (They don't fall when mommy or daddy "may fall"), and definitely use a helmet!
Good Luck!
2007-02-22 03:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by favrd1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't take a child on a bike or in a bike trailer until they are old enough for a helmet. Most kids are not big enough for a helmet until 18months to 2 years.
I really doubt at 8 months the helmet will fit properly.
http://www.ibike.org/education/infant.htm
Infants: Child Seats Vs. Trailers Vs. Backpacks Vs. Third-wheel Cycles
The primary determinant of when an infant can join his or her parents on bike rides is the strength of the the child's neck. Because of the jostling and the additional weight of a helmet (8-10 oz.), this is a few months after a baby can first hold their head up. Note: Some jurisdictions have laws requiring passengers on bicycles to be at least one year old.
Usually by age 12 months parents can start checking with the child's physician to see if they have the neck development to safely go for a bike ride. Most toddlers' neck and shoulder muscles can tolerate the weight of a helmet and absorb shock from bumps in the road at 1 years old.
We know of no comprehensive study on the best method to carry an infant on a bike and there are risks associated with all of them.. Here are some factors to consider:
http://www.helmets.org/little1s.htm
Summary: Babies must be at least one year old before you try them in a bike trailer or seat. After reading this page you might think twice about waiting at least another year.
2007-02-22 10:27:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have any experience with this since I don't have children yet, but as a cyclist of sorts, I will definitely be taking my children on rides as soon as they are able to hold their heads up. I can't prove it scientifically, but I think it helps them develop balance skills as well as encourages them athletically. Just as a parent might read to their children to promote their reading ability, or sing to their children to promote their musical skills, so I think parents should think about demonstrating this great pastime to their children.
As you make the decision between a bicycle seat or a trailer, I think you need to go with whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you have good balance and can handle your bicycle with all the extra weight on top, I say go for the seat. It sort of connects you with your child a little better. However, if you think you may have balance problems, I would suggest buying the trailer. Either way, it gets your child out and exposes them to the outdoors and to the sport of cycling.
I appreciate you mentioning the fact that your daughter has a helmet. Helmets definitely do save lives (personal experience), and not enough people see the importance of wearing them.
Sounds like you've thought of all the precautions. Enjoy your time!
2007-02-22 10:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pull behind is going to be more comfortable for her. She can do the seat but those are kinda dangerous and hard for you to look back and see how they are doing. I think 7-8 months is fine though
make sure u strap her in and give her something to occupy herself with but nothing of choking hazard since you will not be watching her really
2007-02-22 10:25:12 · answer #4 · answered by Christal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i did take the baby on a bike ride, the pull behind trailer, its probably safer and i probably wouldnt take the baby out til 10 mnths to a year
2007-02-22 10:28:37 · answer #5 · answered by babygurl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive never really taken mine on bike rides but if any i would suggest the seat aslong as she can well support herself. hope it all goes to plan...have fun x
2007-02-22 10:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by billabong3@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure the ride is smooth....
2007-02-22 10:23:38 · answer #7 · answered by ~J*me~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋