I would love to buy my husband a bike seat to put our daughter in so he can ride her around town for his first Father's Day. I know he would love it and I think our daughter would, too. She's only 10 months, and I've read she should be at least 1 year old. Our daughter is big, the 97th percentile, and has always had great head control, which I think is the reason for the one-year mark. Has anyone done this activity previous to the child being a year old?
I have a trailer behind my bike. I cost $80 at walmart. My son is seat belted in and we bike everywhere.
We had both a bike seat and a trailer for our girls when they were only about 6 months old...but the trailer was definitely better! The bike seat is more of a challenge when you stop and need to get her out because someone needs to hold the bike so it doesn't tip over. So we almost immediately switched to the trailer. With the trailer we actually hooked the car seat into it until they were a little older and wouldn't fall over. I felt a lot better knowing they were more secure. We could also fit 2 little ones in to our trailer...which is something to consider if you are thinking about having more children. And the fact that you can bring toys and snacks was a plus for us! Good luck and enjoy the bike rides!
Why not get one of the bike trailers? That way she can be harnessed? I don't know, Just a thought.
There is a new bike seat that goes on the front. It will give you more peace of mind and your daughter will enjoy it more because she can see where it is going. I didn't pay attention to the brand because my boys are older but I thought what a great idea.
I think if she is old enough to sit up with out any problems she is old enough for a bike seat. In a good bike seat they have cross over straps. Some even have a over head harness like a car seat.
If you think it is good GO FOR IT!! Your the mom..
S.
I am dying to get a bike seat for my daughter, but she is only 6 weeks old. The one I plan on getting is the Bell Cocoon. It said to wait until at least 6 months old, so I'm sure whatever choice you make will be okay. I know Bell is a good brand too from my previous cycling. Good luck!
J.,
My son is almost 9 months old and we started using a bike seat a few weeks ago. He loves it! We have the "Co-Pilot" which we bought at Amazon.com. We also bought his helmet there-we bought the smallest one and its a little big but does fit. We just ride slowly around our quiet neighborhood so he can see the sights and feel the breeze. I am an over-protective mom who is super cautious when it comes to these types of things, and I feel comfortable having him in this seat.
Good luck and have fun!
T.
Trailers are so much safer! I was always concerned about tipping the bike over with a bike seat on it. Balancing is a little more difficult. If you do get a bike seat, be sure she wears a good helmet. I had a Burley trailer for my daughter. Got it at a bike shop. She loved it. She could bring books or toys along, and a drink and snack, and we biked everywhere with it!
i started my second daughter at around 10 months in the bike seat and she did fine (maybe 8-9 months...). finding a helmet that would fit was the biggest problem. you could also look into the front seats instead of the back seats.
We have the Ibert-safe-t-seat for our 16 month old and we love it
I would also worry about the baby falling down with the bike. I also had a Burley trailer, it was great so if the bike falls the child is safe and will not tip. I've had it for 13 years and it works great!It can also be used as a stroller. It will last longer when your child gets to big to put in a bike seat and not big enough to ride along on her own yet. Have fun!
If the manufacturers and sellers of the bike seat say a child should be a year old before using it, there is a good reason. It has less to do with her size and more to do with the muscle control and coordination that children have at the age of 1, as opposed to 10 months. The difference in muscle control and coordination can be very different within a two month period in infants.
The sentiment is sweet and it is understandable that you want to give this to your husband as a Father's Day gift. However, you would not want him to have a permanent memory of an unfortunate event--God forbid--if your daughter is not ready for this. Better safe than sorry, and don't risk your daughter's safety until she is developmentally ready to go on a bike ride with Daddy.
I just bought a trailer....I have a 9 month old and a 3 yr old. I would have rathered a bike seat, but obviously I can have 2 on my bike. Point is I put my 9 month old in the trailer and she is fine...the instructions say 12 months, but after a test drive I knew she would be fine.
