What is the best way to bicycle with a 6 month old baby? (bike seat?/bike trailer w/ carseat?)?

Question

I will be going on vacation to florida in 2 weeks and I own a bike seat for my nephew (4) and neice (1), and we just invested in a bike trailer for my daughter (6mos.) after realizing it says for ages 1yr and up... I had already test strapped her in, and shes definately too short for the seatbelt/harness. I thought about possibly strapping in her car seat forward facing into the trailer buggy, which would work, but i wanted to see if anyone knows of any bike product that is MADE for younger than 1 yrs old, or any suggestions that I could use... Im going OUT OF MY MIND being stuck at home w/ my daughter, not being able to bike ride on these nice weather days! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! :o) Thanks!

Answer 1

Think about all the jarring motions the baby will have to endure. Cars are OK because they have a lot of suspension, but a bike trailer bounces like crazy. I'd follow the manufacturer's specifications and wait another 6 months. It would sure beat a lifetime of back & neck problems your daughter could end up.

Answer 2

Baby Bike Seat 6 Months

Answer 3

6 month olds should not be in a bike trailer! Check your local laws, there is probably a minimum age requirement, my guess is at least 1 year, maybe 18 mos. or 2 yrs. Any local bike shop will probably know the law on this.

A 6 month old is not strong enough to handle all the bumping and jostling while riding in a bike trailer and cannot verbalize if something is wrong. By the time they start to cry if something's wrong, it's too late. Unfortunately you'll have to sacrifice your bike rides for a while. You priority now is to your daughter and her safety and well being.

Sorry if you don't like my answer, but having a kid changes everything! You'll have to get someone else to watch the kids if you want to go riding.

Answer 4

That happened with both of my girls. I would see people walking around with their infant carseats and their babies were like a year old and there I was with my 7 month old. Bring a stroller everywhere. That's the best thing you can do. Anytime you go to a store that doesn't have carts you should be bringing a stroller. I always have on in my vehicle. Since baby is so little and you need a diaper bag with you an umbrella stroller is not ideal. You should bring one with a carrier basket underneath. You don't have to constantly hold him. Also it's a good idea to bring the stroller with you when you go to doctor appointments if you go to a larger clinic or hospital for them. You'll see how much easier it is than to carry baby, a bag, and a purse all at the same time. It seems like a hassel to not have the infant carseat anymore but... you'll get used to it and see that its actually not that bad!

Answer 5

Best Bike Seat For Baby

Answer 6

For children under the age of 2, you should be using a backpack type of approach. This is the only way to provide enough 'dampening' to prevent possible injury as their musculature devlops.

For those older than 2 and younger than 6, you need to examine YOUR ability as a biker. Having the child on a rear-mounted seat (effectively riding on the bike behind you) can be difficult, in that they are always craning their bodies around to see things or kicking their legs out and unbalancing you. It may be more advantageous to invest in a tow-trailer approach, although this is not necessarily an easy alterntative either (because the trailer can weave due to the hitch mechanism).

Of course, once they get a little older, they can put all that energy into riding on their own ...

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best way to bicycle with a 6 month old baby? (bike seat?/bike trailer w/ carseat?)?
I will be going on vacation to florida in 2 weeks and I own a bike seat for my nephew (4) and neice (1), and we just invested in a bike trailer for my daughter (6mos.) after realizing it says for ages 1yr and up... I had already test strapped her in, and shes definately too short for the...

Answer 8

Yeah, the guys who said the baby needs to be able to keep her head up on her own are right, sorry to say. But there's no need to let that keep you cooped up in the house.

Go buy a hiking back pack like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gerry-Hiking-Baby-Backpack-Nylon-w-Aluminum-Frame_W0QQitemZ110120900307QQcmdZViewItem

I did that with my daughter the summer she was born. It got my wife outside and I did the work of carrying the baby. It worked out great for everyone. You can get out for stroll, run errands, etc....

Once the child is old enough to go on bike rides, you need to choose a carrier that is appropriate for you situation.

If you will need to ride on roads, get the kind that mount over your rear wheel. This is because you will take up less space on the road, and the possibilties of falling over with your child in the seat will be outweighed by not having a trailer get hit by a car.

If you are fortunate enough to have bike paths, go for the trailer. It's just easier to use.

Answer 9

If the carseat stays firmly in place in the trailer, then I see no reason why you shouldn't use it. It would be safer for her than a bike seat if the bike should tip over or something. And good for you for getting out there in this nice weather!

Answer 10

No this really would not be safe. The 1 year old guidelines has a lot to do with being able to handle the motion. Not only do babies need to be secure, but they also have to have the strength to resist the force on turns and when stopping. The rule of thumb is that babies have to be able to fully support the weight of their head for an extended period of time. If not, they are too young to put in there.