Bikes and Accessories

I do have the trailer and while it is good to take both kids--I have a 4 and 2 year old--
They don't like to be covered like that. But, if we roll the cover down, they get dirt all over them from the back tire. On hot days they don't want to be covered up like that.
you also need some expertise and time to set it up.

Looking back I wish I had got the bike seat--the ones where it goes in front of the rider look safer than the ones where they sit in the back. Also, as long as you stick to paved roads or non hilly roads it should be safe. Put knee pads on them and helmet, though!
plus, my daughter will be riding her own bike soon!

My vote is for the bike trailer. That way you'll always have room for choices....a second child, blanket and pinic lunch etc. etc.

I'm in the same situation myself. We're going bike shopping tomorrow (mommy's b-day present) and I've almost settled on a front-mounted baby seat. I am only looking for a cruiser type bike for little rides around the park etc. and liked the look of having my son up fron with me rather than behind. The trailer seems a bit big & unwieldy to me. I found a seat too on craigslist and figure it's so cheap I could always switch if it's not the right fit for us later!
Good Luck with what you decide!

Go with the trailer. If you wreck your bike with a baby seat on the bike your child will most likely be hurt. It's much less likely for injuries with a trailer. You'll also find that even if your son will be riding a tricycle by the time you have another child, you probably still won't want him along on his own vehicle, on family bike rides.

A bike trailer is more comfy for a baby that has fallen asleep during a bike ride. I honestly would have loved a bike trailer had they been available when my kids were that age. And they provide shade for hot summer days

I saw that several people responded about the front seat...we have one of those (you can check them out at www.weeride.com)it's called the Kangaroo carrier. We LOVE ours, and my almost 4 year old still likes to go for rides in it.

I wanted a bike trailer at first too. So I found one on Craigslist that also turned into to jogging stroller. It ended up being very uncomfortable for our daughter, who was 1 at the time. So if you get a bike trailer look for one with a comfortable seat for the little one. We also have a bike seat and she loves it! We've used it since she was 1 and she is now 2 1/2. Every time she sees it she can't wait to get in it. And even though she is bigger and heavier then she was at one, it doesn't feel any different to ride with her. Good luck!

Hi- my husband has the bike seat for our son (since he was 1), and I have the trailer. I don't know that I would be able to balance him as well, and the trailer isn't hard to pull at all. Plus you can put stuff in the trailer too. My son is around 40 lbs now (3 yrs old) and I know the trailer was the best option for me! Good luck =)

Hey!
We love to ride bikes on our town trail. We bought the bike trailer for our daughter. It also fits two kids but she likes to bring books and snacks with her and she has more room.
She is 5 and still uses the trailer. Shes still too young to keep up with us on her tricycle. Just wanted to share my opinion! Good luck!

S. it really depends on how busy the roads are you will be riding on. We have both options. We bought an inexpensive trailer and the boys loved it, but now my four year old has his own bike and our two year old sits in the seat behind my husband. The trailer is easy to use and lightweight, but I would only use it is places where there is very little traffic and make sure you get a bright colored one with a flag so that cars can see it. Either way, you will enjoy being outdoors with your little one!

Hi Mom,

I would go for the trailer,

For one it would protect a sleeping baby from the heat of the son, you'd have an extra spot to hold groceries or a Diaper bag for longer rides.

And when you do have another baby, you'll have a spot for her and him just in case he is too tired to ride that far.

trust me, this happens ALLLLL the time LOL

M

If you decide on the seat they have one called the cacoon.It goes over their head and past their arms in case you fall they are more protected.

If you can get a trailer for a good price, I would say get it. Personally, I think most of the baby seats are dangerous. If you happen to fall the baby is not protected and ends up with scrapes on their little arms and legs. And sometimes on their faces. A helmet doesn't always help much either. They usually don't fit well enough or are not used properly.

The trailer also is more comfortable if your child falls asleep during the ride. And shades them from the hot sun.

If you do decide to go with the baby seat, please get elbow and knee pads as well as a good fitting helmet for your baby. And learn the proper way for them to wear the helmet. I see so many kids wearing them pushed back above their forehead or the straps are so lose the helmet moves around. It should fit snugly ON the forehead just above the eyebrows.

Hi S. -
I have the i bert seat which goes in the front and I LOVE it... Here is the website http://www.ibertinc.com/
My daughter is 20 months and seems to like it.. I love having her right in between my arms so I know she is ok, I can talk to her easily, and she can see everything... Its really easy to put on, but it is secure. I bought mine from amazon... I think you just should look at all your options and see what you are most comfortable with..
Good luck and Have fun!!

I puchased the child seat called The Bike Tutor. I looked into trailers as well. It is a front-mounted child seat, so you are able to interact with your child and you are less likely to lose your balance because you can see your child's movement - rather than them being behind you and you not knowing what they are doing back there. My hubby has yet to install it. I am hoping it will work. Anxious to ride with my 3 year old. Good luck!

The bike trailer is good. And even if your oldest is old enough to ride his own bike if you go to the store you have somewhere to put your bags. I take mine to the store even when the kids are not around it just comes in handy!

Bike trailers are safer, if you fall with a baby in a seat, they fall too. The trailers have a device where they hook up that tries to keep them level if you fall. Make sure you get a baby/toddler helmet anyways though. We loved our bike trailer, it was storage as well for our picnic!

Hi S.!

My husband is an avid rider and has tried them all. Definitely get the trailer. Even if your son is riding a trike by then, he will not be able to keep up with you on real bike rides. My 3.5 y/o is still in our Burley. :)

Hi S.:
We have a bike seat on the back of our bike for our 4 year old -- It's worked great. Very safe. Before purchasing -- I read very mixed reviews about using the trailer which is why we opted for the bike seat. HOWEVER, I just saw a mom out with a bike seat that goes in front of the bike and I might have chosen that if I knew they existed. It looked equally safe but it was a great way to keep your eye on your child (not great to have them behind you) and keep them safe. Easier to talk to them as you ride too. Something to think about if you are shopping for this... Good luck!

I just got a bike trailer for my 3 year old and I LOVE it! However, it is not appropriate for infants. I would even be reluctant to put a 1 year old in it. It is just canvas that they sit on - not anything cushy, and the 5-point harness is really not as secure as in a car seat's. Also, I do not see how in the world 2 kids would ever fit without a fight ensuing. HTH!