Bike Seats/trailers

Hi Lola, I have used both and the seat works great for children up to 30 or 40 lbs. I did not find one that went much over that. The trailer is really nice in that it is very versatile. We take it when we camp, even though the kids can ride their own bikes there, to haul stuff to the beach, pick up groceries from town etc.. I think the trailer is a better buy if you can only get one.
C.

The trailer works great! The one I have folds up and the wheels come off for easy storage. There is also a handle for it to become a stroller. I bought it at target for around $100 or so. Love it.

I used a trailer years ago when my kids were young. I LOVED IT! I liked the idea that it was made for two, could be put on the back of the bike, or you could push it. We used it until my youngest was almost 5, and my oldest was over 7--so it can hold some weight(although my kids are small).

Very safe. My kids never got out--they are straped in with a saftey belt harness.It is well worth the money.

Listen to Vicki. You'll regret it if you get just a bike seat.

GL:)

Hi Lola...

As a bike shop owner, we carry both, but we highly recommend the child trailers for numerous reasons... (I apologize in advance if this is a novel, LOL.)

Your child is very securely buckled in. Good models have 3- or 5-point padded harnesses much like a good stroller, so when buckled properly your child will not crawl out.

The trailer is MUCH safer. Should the parent hit a rock, loose their balance, or have any type of mishap, if the bike falls the trailer stays upright and does not tip over due to the swivel on the hitch. Because of this, the child also does not cause your bike to shift or sway if they shift their weight or move around like a seat does.

Also with a quick-release style hitch, you can easily remove the trailer if you want to go somewhere without it. The quick-release is sometimes an accessory, so be sure to look for it. Much easier attachment and removal. Some models also have a stroller attachment to convert it to a pushable stroller. Some people like this. I don't use the feature on ours as I feel it is too bulky as a stroller and I love the stroller I own. But it is an available option on some models.

The trailer can be used for larger children so it will last you longer. Even though our oldest son loves to ride his bike, if we go on a long trip or are going into town when we're camping he rides in the trailer with his little brother. (We own a Burley D-lite double).

The trailer is enclosed giving you lots of nice features... The screen keeps bugs, leaves, etc. off of the child but allows the breeze in. Ours has an adjustable sun shield to block the rays, and also has a clear vinyl zip cover so should it rain or get too windy or is a little chilly, the kids are protected but can still see where they're going.

The kids can easily have a book, toy, sippy cup, etc in the trailer with them. Obviously you can't do this with a child seat.

There is room in the trailer behind the seat to store things like coats, change of clothes, diapers/pull-ups, snacks, whatever...

Good trailers can be pricey, but worth the investment. This is especially true if you plan to have another child. If you plan to have another soon, then consider a double - more room for your daughter now, and for both children later. Otherwise, the single is great. Good trailers also tend to hold their value for resale when they've been well taken care of.

If you do choose a child seat, look for one with a recline feature. Helps keep a sleeping child a bit more comfortable.

Hope this helps you in your decision. If you have any questions in your search, I'd be happy to try to answer them for you - ____@____.com luck!

~ V.

I went threw this problem a few years ago. We have purchase the bike trailer and we really do like it. We didn't get a burley but I got a Schwin from Costco at about half the price. The reason we went with the Schwin is because it comes with a regular big tire to put on the front when you aren't using it behind the bike you can push it like a jog stroller. We like to go to Mackinaw so that comes in really handy for us. I have 2 children one is 3 and he is around 38 lbs and the other is 18 months and is around 23 lbs. My husband is the one who pulls the trailer and he doesn't have any problems. There are seatbelts in it so your child can not climb out. The nice thing about the trailer is that if you are riding on a colder day you can close it up and it isn't cold for them at all. I hope that this helps you. We sure do in joy ours.

She's not to big for the bike seat. My son is 30lbs and fits perfectly in his. I prefer the seat over the trailer as it's easier to maneuver and I like him on my bike with me. Go for the bike seat, she'll be able to enjoy it next year too. We started our son on the bike with us last summer at about 17 months and he's enjoyed it ever since.
Good luck and happy riding!

I don't think she would be too big. My 2 year old fits in it just fine and she weighs almost 30 pounds. I think that even a four year old could fit in it as long as they were small to average sized.

We just bought a Burley Ladybug, and we love it. The reason we went with a trailer instead of the ride along seat is safety. If you wreck your bike while pulling the trailer, the hook up mechanism doesn't allow the trailer to turn over. If you go down with your toddler on the ride along seat, she goes down, too. Also, the trailer has shoulder and lap belts, so you don't have to worry about her climbing out. Good luck and have fun!

I can't recommend a particular brand but I must say I like a bike seat over a trailer. In a bike seat, you can point out things to your child and hold a conversation. Most of the trailers, I see the kids sleeping or just sitting there. I remember one particular area we used to bike (my son is 14 now) that it was hilly so we would yell "weeeeeee" all the way down. Enjoy the time...it goes quick

Lola-

I got the Kangroo Weeride (front mount bike seat) last year (my son was about 1.5) and he loved it! The child sits in the seat (classic bike seat) but its mounted on the front of the bike- between your handle bars and bike seat. I would totally recommend this seat- when we pulled our bikes out this year again, my son couldnt wait to claim in! I do have this mounted on my mountain bike- so we do go over rough trails and hills (such a great ride for the kids- my son fell asleep last year while riding!)
Check amazon.com- kangaroo wee ride- thats where I bought mine!
Good luck and enjoy riding!
K.

My daughter will be 2 in July also and is almost 30 pounds as well. We have a bike trailer for her and we LOVE it. We looked around and found one on e-bay. There is no way for her to get out and she doesn't even want to, she's so content in there. We still put a bike helmet on her if that might help you feel better as well.

Aren't summer babies great. I just had my son March 24th and I feel cabin fever with this cold weather!

Good luck, happy biking!

Both the bike seat and the trailer have straps in which to secure your child. Bike helmets should also be used in both. The trailer offers more protection from sunburn and also allows you to include drinks and snacks or activities. Depending on where and how you ride, a bike can go a few more places than the bike and trailer.

Another option is a tag along. We did have a trailer up until 4. After that we found our kids were ready to interact with the world so we bought a tag along. I know your dtr is still too young for this but something to keep in mind as she gets older. My vote is definitely for the trailer. I always felt that they were safer in the trailer than in a bike seat. HEre is a link to a tag along if you want to check it out in the future..
http://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-56455-Co-Pilot-Bike-Trailer...

L.

We use a trailor and i loved it. When my boys were little 2 and 4 i would put both in and go to the store.
I have a double person chariot. You strap them in with a harness, thier are juice box holders, a water flap in case it rains aand mesh for air to get through but not alow anything to fly up and get in it. There was tons of room in it and in the back was a little trunk like area. now 1 boy rides alone on our rides and the other son graduated to a trail a bike this year 9 he is 5) and now my 10 month old comes in the trailer. Most of them also have an extra wheel so when you get somewhere you can use it as a stroller.
My boys rode in it way past 30 lbs. it is super light to pull and really safe...even if the bike would get tipped over the trailer stays up. They have room to wiggle, take a book or toys to play with in it while you are taking a ride because they are contained.

My daughter is going to be 2 also and we use the bike seat. I dont know the name but we got it from Toys R us. We have the trailer but she never liked it cause she cant see everything. The only I would recommend is to make sure you have the bike seat that goes in the back. Me and my husband are big bike riders and know that you are shielding your child from alot of debris that can be thrown at them. We didnt want our daughter to be hit by a loose pebble if we had her in the front. Not to mention most bike accidents actually happen in the front of the bike so you would be taking the brunt of anything if it should happen...have fun!

HI! I have 2 daughters, currently 4 & 1, last summer we purchased the bike trailer from Costco (sorry! I can't remember the name!!) it converts into a stoller too... we love it! No one tries to climb out,& I feel much more confident that they are secure and out of harms way. Plus,when they fall asleep on those lonnnggg rides...there's no way for them to fall over or out of the seat! I had a seat on my bike when my eldest was a toddler and I was always fearful of falling with her!
After all, her movements effected my balance, too!

I saw the same model at Costco last week and I highly recommend it!!

I have a trailer and I like it. It has seatbelts that go over the shoulders and around the waist so I don't think your daughter would climb out. I enjoy it because you can take 1 or 2 kids in it for a ride. I have a 3 yr old and 1 yr old and they both fit fine. My daughter weighs almost 35lbs and she isn't too big. I have never tried the bike seat so I am not sure how well those work. I would recommend the trailer, so good luck in your choice.

Hi, I have had both and much prefer the trailer, mine never did climb out and there are several advantages,
1. there is room for 2 so she can have a friend
2. you don't get rocked off balance if she falls asleep
3. ther is room for groceries, toys, whatever.

I live in Denmark ( grew up in waterford ) and don't have a cra so I use my trailer still for EVERYTHING. Enjoy, J., mom to Vanessa 9, and Mark 16

I don't really have a specific one to recomend, but our trailer has a 5 point harness and the zippered cover that keeps the bugs away. We can roll the cover up if we want but we keep it zipped so she can bring a doll or toy and we don't have to worry about her throwing it out somewhere. My daughter will be 3 this year and is about 38 lbs and still goes in it.

We bought a bike trailer a few weeks ago and love it. We bought the Schwinn Mark II which is basically the same thing as an InStep trailer because they are both made by the same company but it is a matter of color choice. Ours has an aluminum bar that protects the wheels from puncture or anything getting stuck in them and, like many others, converts to a jogger. It will hold two children up to 100 pounds sitting side by side or one child in the center; either way they both use five point harnesses. We bought ours at Sunrise Bike and Board and they were so wonderful, they included a bike helmet for our daughter. The trailer folds flat to easily transport it or store it. I know we spent a lot of money on ours but we do use it a lot and from what I hear from friends and family that didn't spend much on theirs, I can tell we are much happier with the quality of our trailer than they are with theirs. If you plan on using it a lot, spend a little extra for quality. Now, I just can't wait until my youngest hits a year old so we can put her in there and go as a whole family!

Lola,

We have a Scwinn Bike Trailer and use it for both of our children. It has enough room for two children and buckles for one child to be buckled in the center or two children on each side (so you don't have to worry about her getting out). The good thing is this will convert to a stroller in just a few steps if you go for a ride and then want to stroll around, take a break, etc.

We rented bikes with child seats when we visited Mackinac Island last fall. Our son was over 40lbs then and didn't have any trouble fitting. They enjoy both and we plan on still using it this summer when we want to ride our bikes (at our speed).

Good luck!

C.

Check out this site:
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/accessories_category....

I just bought a bike trailer and love it. My son is 1 and does fine in it. There's a lot out there-I bought the instep take 2-the price was right and it was easy to assemble. I believe it can hold up to 100 lbs and is built for two. Here's the website I bought it from-seems the price keeps going up. I got it for around $80. Hope this helps.
http://www.amazon.com/InStep-Take-2-Bike-Trailer/dp/B000E...

We have a bike trailer and love it. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 month old. My son is still too young to sit in it, but my daughter loves it. Our trailer holds up to 100lbs, so your daughter is now where neat too big for it. Ours has the harness seat belts in it, so she doesn't climb out. Plus, the front velcros down or zips closed. It is easy to pull around also. Hope that helps you make a decision.

Hey I have a two all most three year old, and he is about 32lbs and tall for his age. We use the seat on the back of the bike. I went that way so when I am riding I can still talk to him and he loves it! He fits in it just fine with no problems! Hope that is some help

A.

I actually called my pediatrician about this same question. She said it was the first time anyone ever asked her about it. That surprised me. She went online to the pediatric association website and found that the trailer is best. We bought one for my son last year and we love it. The child can't climb out of the trailer because there is a harness in the trailer, just like a carseat. Makesure you put a helmet on your lovely daughter. So anyway the docs say the trailer is best. I hope that helps you.

We just got a Burley Bike Trailer and it works really well. It holds two children, but can be adjusted to hold just one. It has a weight limit of over 100 pounds. We like it a lot.

I LOVE MY CHARIOT! I love it. I love it. I love it. I have one son and I bought the double because I want more kids. It has an adjustable suspension to accomodate up to 120lbs. It has on board storage for stroller wheels so I ride with my son to the library and to farmers market and it easily converts to a stroller. There is a jogging wheel attachment too and that is awesome as well. It is like a transformer play pen on wheels!

We have a bike trailer and it has two seatbelts to buckle our son in! we were worried about him climbing out but he loves it!He sits back and takes it all in! he is 26# and not even close to outgrowing it.. I prefer these to the back of the bike.. I think they're safer. good luck..