Bike Seat Vs. Trailer

I've been starting to research this some as well, as my son is 10 months old and I'm thinking in the next 2-6 months he'll be able to do the back of the bike thing...or the front of the bike. I've decided against the trailer thing, as it seems like a cage and they can't see anything- and they're really expensive. Now, I'm choosing between the seat on the back OR the front of the bike...
I'd be interested in the other responses you get back too:)
-WEndy

We bought the trailer as well. I was told they are the safest. If you were to take a spill or if another unforeseen event occurs, your child would be protected by the safety belts, padding, cover and bars. We chose the Burley Trailer and we love it. We put our 6 month old in it. She enjoys anything that has to do with the outdoors. She also falls a sleep very quickly in it. Good luck

We went with the trailer. We only use it on the trails, I think I would be uncomfortable riding on the street with it even with the flag. Biggest reason for buying a trailer was we didn't have to worry about the kids falling if we did (which allows us to go faster and get a better workout). Also love the convenience of being able to tote extra gear, a pillow in case they fall asleep, sweatshirt, snacks etc. We are able to use it even when the weather isn't perfect, since if it is cold, just put the cover down and they are shielded from the wind. Both my kids have loved it and napped in it without problem. I also think it is easier than the seats, since when your kids get a little bigger, it becomes harder to balance with them on the back. For us to, we did end up using it for both kids for awhile, so it was nice when we had two and I could still go for a ride by myself if I wanted to.

Trailer.

For a single, I couldn't decide between the Burley or the Croozer 737. In the end I chose the Croozer because it had more space and I figured my daughter wouldn't feel as closed in. Otherwise they have pretty similar feature re their jogger/stroller attachments and features... OH, the Burley has a reclining seat, if I recall correctly, which was the only thing that hung me up when I chose the Croozer, but it hasn't been a problem!

For a double I think you'd have more options.

I also have the Chariot and LOVE it! I only have one daughter but we bought the double because it's actually not much wider than the single and we figured we would definitely use it in the future. Also, my sitter uses it as a stroller when she comes and brings her 3 year old. My daughter has been in it since she was about 8 months old. I take it to the grocery store (we live in a very small quiet town so traffic is not a problem) and can fit quite a few groceries in it. My daughter loves it and I think it's safer than the "on the bike" seat because if the bike falls or crashes the trailer stays stable. You can also get skis to go cross country skiing with it and many more accessories for fun activities. I love it! Hope this helps

We had a bike seat and I wish we had a trailer because I am not as steady on my bicycle as my husband and as our children got bigger, did not feel comfortable riding with them wiggling around back there. This meant that I could only ride when he had time to ride too, so this may be a consideration for you.

Our friends bought a trailer and their daughter did not enjoy being enclosed in it at first and especially when it was hot. She doesn't mind now and prefers to have the front open, but they may have traded out for a different one. If you go with a trailer, look for one that opens up to screening in the front so your child can get plenty of air and has a flag for safety. Have fun!

Definitely a trailer! My mother helped us buy a Chariot (top of the line system out of Canada). She wanted something I could use to go to the grocery store for a few items. It was so nice not having to transfer in and out of car seat. I just unhooked the trailer, flipped the front wheels down and strolled on into the grocery store. With the large bicycle tires the Chariot is an awesome off road stroller. We have taken it through sand, gravel, rocks, and tall grass.
It is definitely safer than a seat. My hunsband was in a small crash with it. Another cyclist in our group was riding next to him checking out the Chariot and talking to our son. She ran into my husband's rear tire and caused his bike to fall over. The only damage that the Chariot sustained was the flag pole broke.
When you go to buy a trailer get the best one you can afford. It will be well worth it in the long run.

Hi K.,
I am a mother of 3, also a nurse and my husband is a firefighter. We have only used bike trailers, because if you go down on your bike your child is still safe in the trailer. I always put a helmet on the baby, even in the trailer. My kids know that if they ride anything with wheels, they better have on a helmet. Good luck, T.

Hello K.,

I have used a front seat for my son since he was just under a year old. He is now 2 1/2 years and still loves it. I have found that it is not hard to balance.

One of my friends actually had a small crash and did fall once while she had him on it and he was not hurt at all. The seat protected him, he did not even touch the ground.

He likes to see where we are going and be a part of the action. I think some kids might enjoy the trailer more, but the front seat is definitly where he wants to be.

I also have a basket on the front of my bike to carry snacks and stuff.

I am hoping that by the time he gets to big for it, he will be able to ride behind us on one of those tandum attachments.

Also, I have a friend with twins and she rides her bike with one on a seat in the front and one on the back!!! Pretty amazing!

Good luck!

I found a wonderful seat for my 18 month old daughter that we just love. I wanted a front mount seat, for me it seemed like my balance would be better having her in the front, and I could also see what she was up to without turning around. I looked on line and found the i-bert. It mounts on your front fork and sits under the handle bars. It is very simple and quite small, her head is not in my way at all, I sometimes bump my knees on it but it is not a problem. The seat is bright green and cost about 100.00 but it has been totally worth it. It is fun to be riding again, and she loves it. She is pretty small (21Lbs) and has been riding in it for a few months, we love it. I guess the only downfall so far has been the one time she tried to take a nap in it, not real easy to do.

I know sometimes we change our habits over time. I got a bike last year, and I got on it one time. I make the tire go flat. You should a back seat from your son and take him with you. What kind of trailer? Do what your comfortable with.

K.,

I had a bike trailer, but I was completely exhausted pulling the thing on my bike. They are very spendy. I also worried about the one crazy driver that didn't see the trailer. Within a couple of months, I bought a bike seat. I like it much better than the trailer. It doesn't take as much energy to pull it and I feel better knowing my son is close to me if he needs something or I need to stop. He really likes the seat. He has been enjoying the bike seat now for two years. He will be four in May.

L. B.

Hi,
We have two children, now 10 & 4, we did the bike trailer. You have the option of covered or uncovered which allows you to accomodate for weather and conditions (mosquitos). The trailer also allows for taking along snacks/drinks for the child within his/her reach without interrupting the ride. The trailer is also more convenient for unexpected (or planned) naps.

Blessings :)