When did babe start riding in the trailer/bike seat?
The urbanMamas are a biking bunch. We come across mamas emailing often for advice and tips on biking as a family. A recent email came in from a mama, anxious to get back to riding after babe was born.
We are a biking family. Or were. My husband and I used to love how bike friendly Portland is. We could go anywhere without a car. Now we have a five week old little baby and I feel tied to the carseat. We already have a hand-me-down Burley trailer from a fellow bike loving family, but I am afraid it will be years before we are ok to use it. I know all children have to wear helmets on bikes or in trailers, and the idea of finding a helmet small enough, let alone getting it on her, let alone having it do anything at all . . Obviously, we want to be as safe as possible. Do you have any advice?
How early did your babe start riding while you biked? What did you do to find a helmet that fit the littlest babes?
although we had our trailer from the time our kids were born and tried several times to get it to work throughout infancy, we found that, for all three, they weren't happy, comfortable, or (i feel) safe until about 9 months old. their heads would slump over from the weight of the helmet, they were frightened of the speed/position, and they cried relentlessly.
9 months (for each one!) was the magic time for us, but i'm sure it differs for every child...
Posted by: leslie | May 30, 2008 at 05:17 PM
From everything I have read, it is best to wait until 1 year old until putting them in a bike trailer. My oldest son was in the trailer a lot the spring and summer after he turned 1.
We went to The Bike Gallery to get his helmet. The woman that helped us did a good job at picking a good helmet and helping me adjust it for his little head!
Posted by: Brenna | May 30, 2008 at 06:06 PM
For both my kids they were 18 months even close to 2 before I put them in the trailer. My oldest is on the small side which made finding a helmet even more challenging. My youngest has sensory issues and things on her head (and feet) can cause issues. She also had multiple chins for a long time so clicking the buckle without catching skin was really hard. There should really be a better design for those.
For both kids the helmet was only part of it for me. Before I was comfortable with them riding behind me I needed to feel like we could communicate. It a car I was always able to use mirrors, etc. to see them. I never got that really good line of vision with the trailer. I know people that have put a car seat in the trailer at a young age and while it might be safe (I am not saying it is or is not) the communication thing would still be an issue for me.
I now have a Haley Trike and love having them both in front. We have the most wonderful conversations while we travel around town. They can turn to face me and the interaction is really special. I saw a woman with an infant in a car seat in a Bakfiet and I would feel more comfortable with that over a car seat in a trailer.
Posted by: Sarah C | May 30, 2008 at 08:14 PM
We installed the infant carseat in our burley for our infant and than then later at a year we put our britax in the burley. I dont know how safe that actually is but it solved the whole wobbly head head thing. Also,we only rode the bikes/burley where there was no car traffic.
Posted by: Heather | May 30, 2008 at 09:00 PM
we have a bakfiets and have set it up so that the baby's car seat can be securely strapped in. she rides that way no problem, with no helmet. our pediatrician actually mentioned that she put her car seat in a bike trailer when her kids were babies.
Posted by: sarah | May 30, 2008 at 09:10 PM
i've heard the one year ballpark age the most (and i waited until my son was one...though this also fit conveniently with biking weather), not only because of the tiny helmet issue, but also because their little undeveloped necks can't handle the shock-absorbing that's necessary with all the bumps in the road. this was probably the most convincing factor for me. i know it can feel like an eternity, and as an avid cyclist i was very anxious (and excited!) to resume, but it really does go faster than you think. have fun and be safe!
Posted by: vivian | May 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
We just rode home from a BBQ and our 10 month old cried most of the way...argh! We've just been riding with him in the trailer for the last month or so and he's pretty hot and cold with it, some days he does fine, and others he's not a happy camper. The helmet is an issue in and of itself, and then it's compounded by the seatback in the trailer pushing the helmet over his eyes. We usually fold up a blanket to put behind him to give the helmet a little more room, but as I said, that doesnt always do the trick. I'm hoping by the middle of the summer he's a little bigger and more used to it and we can count on it being a good experience for him and know that we can go out on longer (quieter) rides.
I've considered trying out a baby seat, thinking maybe he'd like to be a little higher up and closer to me, but I'm not sure that would help the helmet issue all that much so I havent done it yet.
We saw a family riding around town last week with the carseat in the back of the trailer, baby seemed happy enough. I think it would make me nervous though, I would feel like I was doing something really wrong without having a helmet on my kid even though I think they are fairly secure in the seat and trailer...
Posted by: Leah | May 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
monroe was just about 9.5 months when we put him in the bobike seat. we got a helmet that fits him great and since i have really, really fat tires there's not much jouncing. with the other boys, they were closer to one when we first put them in the trailer. the bobike seat is way easier than the trailer, he loves it and falls asleep in it all the time.
it was definitely hard to wait at times, but it went fast and i spent a lot of time on the bus. and taking an infant on the bus is so much easier than biking or driving with him -- you can pretty much meet all his needs immediately, breastfeed on demand, or stand up and bounce him if that's what he wants. and when you've got a newborn you're typically too bleary-eyed to pay very good attention when you're in charge of the vehicle! so much nicer to give over responsibility... hehe
Posted by: sarah gilbert | May 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Our pediatrician (very rad and progressive) says to wait until baby is 1. The bouncing and the weaker neck and the helmet on top of it makes for a bad combination. She seemed to think the car seat in the trailer doesn't solve the problem. According to her, it is better to wait.
Posted by: Genevieve | May 30, 2008 at 10:52 PM
I felt that same frustration when my daughter was born. We have a charriot trailer, which has served as our favorite stroller since she was about 6 weeks (best for neighborhood use because it's bulky).
We found her a helmet at 8 months (REI) and waited till 9 months (the time our ped OKd). Well, she hated the helmet (except to play with) and the whole affair. So we held off for a while. Things improved slightly, but it was clear that she tollerated rather than enjoyed the trips, even though she begs for walks in the same trailer as a stroller. I began investigating bike seats I just bought a new bike and a rear mounted bobike seat from Clever Cycles a month ago,a and she loves it. She is 20 months and she now brings me her helmet like she does with her coat and shoes to beg for rides. She comments on what she sees, and it's great fun. I only wish I had started her with one of the front mounted seats at 9-12 mos.
As for now, well, invest in a comfortable sling(s) and/or a comfortable walking stroller. I found that when she was tiny I had a lot more mobility than I expected with a sling and a bus or train. I also walked a lot more than I was used to, with sling, stroller or both.
Good luck.
Posted by: Allison | May 30, 2008 at 11:03 PM
In agreement here--just WAIT until they are 1 year old as most of our awesome pediatricians seem to recommend and you don't have to feel the guilt (we mamas already have enough guilt to deal with at times, it seems... :) ) and everything will likely be much easier! We did, and are so glad! Saving the earth is great, but being wise about your choices for your family is good too..
Posted by: agree | May 30, 2008 at 11:12 PM
When we asked our pediatrician, she said she could ride as soon as she could hold her head up. She even encouraged us to go ahead and ride and said that her children were about 5-6 months when she put them in the bike seat. I think our youngest started riding at about 6 months old. Of course, even though she could hold her head up didn't mean she could stay sitting up for long periods of time. We would prop her up with all sorts of blankets and pillows in the burley. Her bigger sis, who was 3.5 at the time, would also keep an eye on her in the burley and keep her propped up.
I have also seen the infant car seat in the burley often, though we never tried it ourselves.
I proper fitting helmet is essential. There are all sorts of kids helmets, and there are those puffy things to help adjust the fit. There are free helmet fittings and helmet sales at reduced rates (each helmet is $5), sponsored by Legacy Health Systems. There are several coming up throughout Portland metro: http://www.legacyhealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&category=4&action=list&subcategory=82 (these health fairs/helmet sales are also on the uM calendar)
Posted by: olivia | May 31, 2008 at 07:47 AM
We just got our free helmets from the city of Beaverton Bike awareness/repair from REI workshops. It was a great experience and its fun to have our boys (22 mo's and 14.5 mo's) along for the ride in our Burley. FYI toddler helmets barely fit them. We had to bulk up on the padding- but it worked for their tiny noggins!
Posted by: joy | May 31, 2008 at 02:40 PM
We bought a Giro helmet for our boy when he was about 9 months old. I didn't put him in the Burley until he was over a year, but we practiced with the helmet on some of his ride-on toys to get him used to it. It didn't work for us, and I gave up on the Burley for last summer. I want to try again this summer. The Giro helmet is large in overall size, but adjusts WAY down with the system they have so it fit snug when he was 9 months old (he also has a BIG head 98%). This helmet should fit him until he's about three. Giro has a trade-up program so you can get a larger helmet for free. Also remember to get yourself a new helmet every few years (3 I think, but maybe it's five). The foam wears down and can more easily crack. If you ever do get in a wreck and your helmet hits anything you also need to get a new one. It drives me a little nuts to see parents out riding without helmets. Down from my soapbox now.
Posted by: meg | May 31, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Our son was seven month old when we installed his infant seat into a bike trailer. Everything worked great. We rode on a bike path at Lake Tahoe for two hours.
Recently, we purchased bikes and a Burley trailer. We got our tot a Giro helmet although he isn't always cooperative in wearing the helmet. He loves riding in the trailer. Best wishes.
Posted by: cam | May 31, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Our neighbors took their kids to daycare in the burley in an infant carseat when really little. We haven't needed daycare so we put our little one in the burley at about 9 months. Small helmets are easy to find--ours from River City--many to chose from--and we got the helmet early and "played" with it and kept it with her toys so she was very used to it. She has a hard time with the helmet in the burley unless we put padding behind her and under her. That helped create a position for her body that could overcome the head pushed forward issues the helmet creates until they are stronger/bigger.
GET OUT THERE and enjoy it!!! If the helmet really isn't happening, chose safer, yet still super fun places like the trail along the Columbia River (by the airport) and the Esplanade/spring water! Hope this helps! good luck!
Posted by: Cyn | June 01, 2008 at 01:30 PM
No trailer or helmet manufacturer will ever answer this question due to liability issues. The general rule is that once they're sitting up on their own and holding their head up w/o trouble then it's probably OK to give it a shot.
I'm a year-round cyclist (we have one car which my wife drives) and was fantasizing about the trailer from about month 5 of the pregnancy. We finally put her in the trailer (a Burley Solo) around 9 or 10 months (she's 13 months now). As with the car seat, she hates it if we're sitting still but as soon as we start moving she's happy as a clam. The helmet is also a challenge but if I have mine on first she usually tolerates it to be like dad.
Before you go out on the maiden voyage, be sure to test drive the trailer w/o the baby, just to get an idea of the changes it makes in accelerating, steering, braking and overall handling of the bike.
My wife made rules as to when I can and can't take her out in the trailer. Mainly, no dark, no rain.
As far as helmets, just about any ANSI-approved helmet will do....as long as they wear it. We got ours for $10 from the Safety Center @ Doernbecher.
Posted by: SWNewDad | June 06, 2008 at 07:15 PM
So, I may score worst mom of the yar points with this admission, but I let my little ones ride for awhile without their helmets early on. Starting at about a year (based on time of year, frankly), we put them in the trailer. But they were too short to clear the strap across the back and the helmet would get pushed down in their face, making the entire ride a cry fest. We started on sidewalks and neighborhood streets with little to no traffic and got enjoyment of the bike/trailer down before putting on the helmet and venturing out into more traffic. For me, the reality is, with the way trailers are built and the fact that the kids are strapped in, if the bike crashes on its own the trailer isn't likely to roll and if it does the child isn't going anywhere. If the trailer has an impact by a car or something, the helmet is going to be the least of my worries. So, yep, we rode to the store and park like this for awhile, again, without any traffic in our way. I felt like I was "THAT MOM" who would put her kids at risk, but the reality was it was really okay. Once they were okay with the ride, then we put on the helmet and all you could see in the trailer was this small child holding the helmet out of his face! I should note that there's no way I would have ridden helmet-less in an upright bike seat. The fall dynamics in that are totally different.
I do know that Chariot makes an infant sling you can put in your trailer and babes can ride before they can sit. But you would still have the helmet issue if you insisted on that. Has anyone used one of these?
Posted by: anon cuz i admit to being horrible mom | June 07, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I too talked to my pediatrician before putting my son in my Burley. He is so large and strong for his age, 8 months, that she said it wouldn't be a problem. I'm still intimidated every time I take him out though!
Posted by: Beth | July 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Another email has come in recently. If you have some feedback or thoughts to share...
I am about to have baby #2 next month (yay!), and am hoping to find some information on bicycling with infants. I am getting thoroughly bummed at the thought of not biking around town all summer long, especially with a 6 year old home for the summer. I would love to hear about your experiences biking with a wee babe in tow.
Posted by: urbanMamas | April 13, 2009 at 08:53 PM
I have the same issue, though I think mine is a bit more pressing because we are a car-free family and getting around by bike is essential. For some reason, it didn't even occur to me during the pregnancy - I was just thinking how great it will be to get on my bike again (which I had to give up around 5 months pregnant). Now she is a month old and I can't believe I can't bike for a year! The bus system here is a last resort for us and so I'm doing LOTS of walking which is sometimes pretty inconvenient (5 miles in a sling in the summer heat?!) My 4 year old would be riding next to her and I'm inclined to know more about getting a rear facing carseat into the other side (of the double trailer). I figure - this IS portland. Some one has got to have been in my position before (where the bike is their only mode of transportation if they don't want to spend an hour walking somewhere.)
So yeah - some one help?!
Posted by: Vivian | June 03, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Friends of ours have a Chariot and started using the baby sling with their daughter at two months with no problems. Their older daughter rides with a helmet but the baby doesn't yet due to size issues. The love it and have done lots of biking and feel that it's safe. we're looking around now for our solution for our two-month-old and are happy for all of these comments - thanks!
Posted by: Amanda Rhoads | August 12, 2009 at 03:22 PM
I do know that Chariot makes an infant sling you can put in your trailer and babes can ride before they can sit. But you would still have the helmet issue if you insisted on that.
Posted by: Moby Wrap | February 08, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Our daughter is 7 months old but she's about the size of a 1 year old. We just bought a Bobike front mounted seat and Nutcase helmet from Clever Cycles on Hawthorne. This combination works great and she has really enjoyed the three neighborhood rides we've been on. We did not ask our pediatrician for advice on this, but our baby can hold her head and sit up on her own.
Posted by: Tanya | April 20, 2010 at 10:18 PM
thank you to all who posted. I thought I was going to put my 5 month old in a behind-rider child seat. I sat her in it, strapped her in(without a helmet) and imediatly worried about her going sideways out of the three-point harness. so I picked up my husband's belt and fastened it around the back of the seat, and in front of her...just to prevent my fears. THan I did a test run. I felt that if I were going to fall over, even though it had hard sides, she' get hurt. Here's an idea....how about infant helmets made of bubble-wrap,lol. Or maybe they shoud make them out of cotton or quilt matterial. ANd personal, I think that a carseat in a trailer isn't that bad...even without a helmet. as long as she can be reclined, i don't think it's too bumpy. Don't any of them have shock absorbers....like some bikes do????
Posted by: Stephanie | July 20, 2010 at 10:29 PM
I have two kids and both have been riding in my chariot trailer since they were a few weeks old, basically ever since they were old enough to leave the house. I used an infant "hammock", which you can get as an add on for the chariot. My kids often do not wear helmets when in the chariot, I did not understand why to use a helmet in a trailer, anyway. I also take my kids on a rear bike seat but only with a helmet, which means I had to wait until around age 1.
Posted by: Marius | June 09, 2011 at 04:55 AM
To have the habit of the bike is very good due to this we are able to connect to the nature more closely. I also love to have the long drive on the bike.
http://www.besttrucksbuy.com
Posted by: Stephan Flaming | July 19, 2011 at 04:55 AM
There is a reason for a helmet for children - it prevents brain injury when the head comes in contact with the road or a car bumper, or a tree when the trailer flips over. It is not recommended and in some states not legal to have a baby who is under 1 year on a bike. It's great that you feel safe, but ask yourself if anything happened, would you be able to live with it? Go visit a long term care facility for children with brain trauma -it is very depressing. i know it's rare, but frankly, someone has to be the 1 out of a 1000. Is the bus (or a car) that bad? And actually, Tanya, you should ask your pediatrician about it. They can guide you as to what is appropriate.
Posted by: pdxmom | August 17, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I just had to reply to this last comment because - although I certainly don't want to turn this forum into a debate - I ride with my little girl a lot, and though most people in Portland are very down with the bike life, I find that certain people feel that just because I am not inside a car, I am asking for their opinions on how I move my kid from one place to another. As in the comment above, some people seem to assume that no child has ever gotten a brain injury while riding in a car or on a bus. These same people seem to assume that they care more about my child's heath and well-being than I do, and that they have thought longer and harder about my life, my options, my family, than I have. My daughter is three, has been on bikes for years, and has her own handlebars and foot pegs on our xtracycle. There is a shoulder strap on her bobike seat that sometimes slides off her shoulders, and sometimes she just takes her arms out of it and lets it hang around her waist. To me, this is no big deal. She's wearing a helmet; she's coordinated; she is not going to just fall off the bike. The other day, a woman almost hit us in an intersection as she waved and yelled through her car window to let me know the grave danger my child was in behind me. I was freaked, trying to turn around and see what horrible thing might be eating my kid's face, and not riding safely in traffic as I should have been. We all came out ok, and I don't think that woman meant any harm, but it really made me aware of how some car drivers feel safe in their cars: safe to criticize people who are not in cars, safe to push their choices on other people, safe to endanger those same people just by assuming that they - the car drivers - are right and good, because they are in cars.
Posted by: alsoapdxmom | August 18, 2011 at 12:11 PM
We started riding with our son in the trailer when he was 5 months old. We used the Burley Baby Snuggler insert for our Burley trailer. Started with short rides in daylight, safe weather, low volume smooth roads. We've lengthened our rides as time has passed, finding ways to keep it fun for him. Lots to see and sing about as we ride, and good nap time activity. Pacifier when he was little, now snacks and sippy cup at hand. For long rides, we also have portable speakers hooked up with a playlist of his favorite songs on the ipod. He loves it. We ride up to 60 miles at a time, and have ridden the 55 mile Reach the Beach twice. He turned two in April. He loves the bike trailer, and asks to ride. After this year's Reach the Beach he climbed in the trailer the next morning in his pajamas, ready to get back out on the road!
Posted by: M S | August 18, 2011 at 04:23 PM