How to Choose Bicycle Child Seat | Buyers Guide 2022
With a huge variety of bicycle and versatile child bike seats available in the market, it’s only natural that you might get confused about which one to buy that would provide your baby with the utmost safety and comfort.
To help you and other parents out there who would love to carry their baby on their bike for different purposes, we have come up with this guide "how to choose bicycle child seat" that explains the nitty-gritty of a child bike seat so that you can find the best one according to your preference and demand.
So without any delay, let’s find out which seat will suit you and your precious little one the best.
How to Choose Bicycle Child Seat: Everything You Should Know
Page Contents
- How to Choose Bicycle Child Seat: Everything You Should Know
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Put a Child Seat on Any Bike?
- Are Children’s Bike Seats Safe?
- What Age Can a Child Go in a Bike Seat?
- What is the Maximum Weight for a Child Bike Seat?
- Are there Footrests and Foot straps?
- Does a Child in a Bike Seat Need a Helmet?
- Is a Trailer Better Than a Child Seat?
- What is the Safest Child Bicycle Seat?
- Wrapping Up
Benefits of Using a Bicycle Child Seat
The advantages of using a child seat for your baby are never-ending. The main advantage is that you can take your baby with you whenever you go on a ride.
You don’t have to leave a crying child behind and feel guilty when you have a child seat as with this; you have the opportunity to carry your little one with you.
Moreover, a child carrier seat attached bike is also an excellent form of transportation. If you don’t have a car and want to carry your little one to school or grocery shopping, this will come in handy.
Options for Cycling With Children
There are quite a few options to carry your child with you while you ride. Below we have talked about them in detail to know more about your options before making a buying decision.
Mounted Child Seat
In simple words, a mounted child seat is the one you attach to the bike's frame for carrying your child easily with you when you are going for a ride.
This comes in different types and forms, like front-mounted and rear-mounted ones. While some of the types offer immense safety and comfort, others do not as much.
Trailing Cycle
A trailing cycle or a tag-along bicycle is an extension of the adult bicycle that can be used as a tandem bike by your child. This is actually not a child carrier seat, nor is it suitable for babies. A trailing cycle is appropriate for kids over 4 years old.
Bike Trailer
Bike trailers the safest option to carry your baby with you. Many parents prefer it over the others because a trailer keeps the kid closer to the ground and provides more protection in case of accidents. Moreover, it is also easy to maneuver while you are riding.
However, don’t forget to attach a tall pole with a bright orange flag to increase visibility when you are out and about riding.
Types of Mounted Bicycle Child Seat
Not all child carrier seats fit on all types of cycles and keep in mind about this reality; manufacturers offer different types of seats to fit different bicycle types. Some of the most known types are:
Front Mounted
As the name suggests, the front-mounted seat is fastened between the rider and the cycle’s handlebar. People prefer front-mounted one because it provides the baby with a sense of security and keeps it comfortable, warm, and cozy.
Being the smallest kind of baby seat available in the market, the front-mounted are most suitable for babies around 9 months to about 2.5 years of age.
Rear Frame Mounted
If you are not comfortable with a front mount seat or your child is above 12 months of age or 48 lbs, don’t hesitate to opt for a rear frame-mounted one. This is the most popular type available in the market and has a larger sitting area than the front mount one.
This also offers more features like more adjustability, shoulder straps, and the ability to recline for safety and convenience. You can mount directly on the bikes frame for additional security.
Rear Rack Mounted
In addition to the rear frame mount, you can also adopt the rear rack mount seat to carry your child with you. This can be mounted to your bicycle's rear rack to provide you free space at the front. If you do not have a rack to attach, you can always buy a suitable one.
Mid-Mounted
Another type of baby seat that you must know about is the mid-mounted ones. If your child is almost grown up and aged between 2 to 5 years, this would be the perfect choice for you.
Typically placed between the rider and the handlebars, the mid-mounted seat is the right pick for mountain bike riders as it helps to balance the center and protects you and your baby from falling down.
Bicycle Compatibility
With such a variety of child carrier seat available in the market, along with a huge variety of bicycles types and styles, you must find a seat that is seamlessly compatible with your cycle.
If both the bicycle and the child seat is not compatible, there are high chances of severe accidents.
Rear Frame - Our Preferred Rear Mounting Style
Even though the rear frame bike seat is our most preferred one, we still urge you to find out the answer to the below questions before making your purchase.
Is Your Bike’s Seat Tube Compatible With a Child Bike Seat?
Before mounting, check if its tube is compatible with the child seat. Usually, you would need a round tube and at least 4– 6 inches of open space to mount.
But then again, make sure that there is no wire mount, water bottle mount, or any other obstacles in the opening. Otherwise, you cannot mount it properly.
- Is Your Saddle (Seat) Set Too Close to the Frame of the Bike?
In addition to the tube positioning, the seat position also matters when it comes to mounting on the bike. Even when your bike’s frame offers a proper clearance and has the place to mount a baby seat, the saddle's placement can make or break the deal.
If it is placed in a lower position or set within an inch of the frame, you would face difficulties in attaching a rear frame-mounted seat on the bicycle.
For effortless mounting, opt for a bicycle with at least a 2-inch clearance between the seat and the frame.
Rear Rack - for Those Who Want to or Need to Use a Rack
Adults cycles normally don’t have a rear rack. You have to mount a rear rack separately to attach a “rear rack baby seat” on your bike.
However, before attaching a rear rack, find out the answers to the following questions so that you don‘t feel cheated after mounting one.
1.Does Your Bike Have Eyelets for Mounting a Rack?
When you want to mount a rack at the back of your bicycle , make sure that it has eyelets. Eyelets are necessary because without them, you cannot connect the rack to the cycle and therefore, you cannot attach a rear rack-mounted bicycle seat for toddlers.
1.Does Your Bike Have Disc Brakes?
A bike with disc brakes requires a special kind of rear rack to go with them. This is because its brakes have a large rotor around the hub of its tires and only a specialized rear rack can be used with it. So, if your cycle comes with disc brakes, get a rack that is compatible with it.
Front Frame - Mount Below the Handlebars
Even though we don’t prefer the front mount frame, we cannot assume that you don’t. Before making your purchase, find the answers to the following questions to score the most suitable one for you.
1. Is Your Bike Big Enough to Comfortably Ride With a Front-mounted Seat?
One thing you must know is that the front-mounted one requires a lot of clearing at the front- they can take up to 10 inches of free space between the stem and saddle of the bicycle. If your cycle doesn’t have such kind of clearings at the front, you just cannot attach a seat at the front.
1. What Type of Headset Does Your Bike Have (Threaded/quill or Threadless/ahead)?
In addition to the size, you also need to consider the type of headset your bicycle comes with. In general, adult bicycles come with two main types of headsets- the threaded/quill and the threadless/ahead.
While the threaded/quill is very compatible with the bicycle seat mounts, the threadless/ahead headset is challenging to fit, especially with a front-mounted seat. And that’s why you need to be careful and optimistic while choosing the headset type.
Mid-mount/MTB - Mount Between the Adult Seat and Handlebars
Compared to the front mount seats, the mid-mount ones are easy to install and safe. As these seats help you balance the bicycle perfectly, there are fewer accidents or falling down.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Bicycle Child Seat
Buying a child carrier seat for your bicycle is not as easy as it might seem. Several factors need to be taken into consideration before you even make your buying decision. Let’s talk about these factors for better understanding.
Mount Position
By now, you know that there are different types of bicycle seats available in the market with different mounting positions. While some are rear-mounted, others can be attached to the front of the middle for more convenience.
Before making your purchase, make sure that which type of mounting position is the best for you and your child. If you want better convenience, go for a rear mount one. However, for a sense of closeness with your child, a front-mounted seat can also be an option for you.
Harness System
While choosing, never forget to check its harness system. The type and the quality of the harness ensure the safety and security of your precious little one. Usually, two harness styles are available in the market- the 3-point one and the 5-point one.
While the 3-point harness includes shoulder straps that meet at the buckle, the 5 points one comes with shoulder straps and waist straps meeting at the buckle for additional safety.
If you want your baby to enjoy the maximum safety measures, it’s better to choose the seat with a 5 point harness.
Reclinable Seats: Does the Seat Recline & Adjustable?
Even when your kid loves adventure and roaming around, more often than not, there are high chances that he would fall asleep on the bike seat during your rides.
And to cope up with this situation, you need a reclined seat so that the baby’s neck doesn’t flop around during the rides and he is much more comfortable and safe while sleeping.
Seat Shape and Padding
The shape and the type of padding also play a role while you go for seat shopping. They ensure the comfort factor of your kid while you take him for a ride on your bike.
Helmet Pockets
If you want the baby to be extremely comfortable on the seat, don’t hesitate to look for a helmet pocket. This specially designed pocket prevents your baby’s head from being pushed forward by the seat, making the helmet much more comfortable on the kid’s head.
Bumpers
Choose one that comes with bumpers. The bumper is important because it prevents your baby’s fingers from being squished against the pole, wall, or other objects and ensures additional safety.
Seat Back Height (Front Seats Only)
One thing you should keep in mind when purchasing is that, the shape of the seat matters when it comes to the comfort level, especially with front-mounted ones.
Therefore, you need to pick a seat with the correct back height to ensure maximum comfort.
Material of Saddle
In addition to all the safety and comfort features, the material also plays a role in the buying process. The material is crucial because it not only ensures the strength and sturdiness of the seat but at the same time, also assures durability.
Most child carrier seat are constructed using durable ABS type plastics (the type used for car bumpers) material and you should pick these seats rather than the others because of the above-discussed reasons.
Child’s Age and Weight
You have to understand that you cannot put all aged babies on a bicycle seat. For instance, if you have an infant, there is no way that you can carry him on the child carrier. To ride with you, your baby needs to be of a certain age and weight limit.
Even though it is widely believed that if the kid can sit upright without support, he can ride on the bike seat, according to experts, your baby should be at least 9 months old before you ride with him on the bicycle.
Also, before making your purchase, don’t forget to check the weight limit for the kid's maximum safety.
Suspension / Shock Absorber: Are Springs or Shock Absorbers Included?
If you are regular on off-road trails and you want your child to be as comfortable as possible, then opt for a bike seat that comes with enough suspension/shock absorber.
The high suspension provides additional cushioning to the seat to ensure that the child is protected from any bumps and shock of the road and is exceptionally comfortable regardless of the road you are riding on.
Ventilation and Comfort
In addition to shock suspension, don’t forget to look for proper ventilation on the seat when buying. An adequate air passage will keep your loving kid from feeling uncomfortable and keep him fresh and giggling always.
Shoulder Straps Design
You never should forget when purchasing, to check the shoulder strap design. These straps should always remain on the shoulders of your baby firmly to ensure maximum safety and security.
Even though all the child carrier seat comes with shoulder straps, their design and functionality make a great difference.
For better convenience and maximum safety, opt for “pull-down-to-tighten” straps rather than the others. Also, make sure that they are height adjustable so that your child can enjoy a tighter, more secure fit.
Adjustable Footrest
It doesn’t matter whether you are using a front or rear-mounted bicycle seat. Never forget about the footrest as it supports your baby’s feet and legs for comfort and security. In addition to the children safety, a footrest also ensures your security by barring the kid’s legs from pushing the shifters or reaching the handlebars.
Easy to Attach
When you buy, see if it’s easy to attach or not. The installation process should be easy because you might not want to carry your baby every time you go out and if the seat is not convenient to mount and dismount, you would be in great trouble carrying extra weight with you all the time.
Durability
When you buy, make sure it is strong and durable. Durability is important, not because you want the seat to last for a long time. It is crucial because you want your infant to be extremely safe and secure.
A strong and sturdy one can accommodate your kid's height and weight and make sure it won’t break off easily in any weather conditions.
Safety Features
The safety features of a bicycle seat are the most crucial aspect to look after. These features ensure the security of your precious little one during your rides.
Secured Seating
Look for one that comes with all the safety harnesses, footrest, and at the same time a padded sitting position. These are crucial to keeping your precious little one safe and protected during the rides.
Safety Gear
Don’t forget about a helmet, windshield while purchasing toddlers bike seat. These gears ensure additional safety for your kid.
Protection for Little Fingers and Feet
Buy finger guards and feet guards for your baby’s little hands and feet. The guards will help to avoid any unfortunate events.
Are There Other Safety and Use Considerations?
When you are going on a ride with your baby, you should follow some safety measures to provide him utmost safety and security.
Go Slower
When your infant is with you on your cycle, it is better that you go slower. Slow speed would reduce the chances of accidents and give you enough time to react to any potential hazards.
Avoid the Road Where Possible
It’s the best idea that you avoid the road as much as possible when cycling with a baby. Try to stick to the cycling paths and lanes as much as possible to ensure additional safety.
Avoid Cobblestones With Younger Kids
Try to avoid uneven riding surfaces when you are riding with your baby. The uneven, shaky road can result in shaken baby syndrome.
Relevant Accessories to Help Keep Baby Safe
A baby bike seat with all the safety features attached to it might not always be enough. Even though there are safety harnesses and all, you still might want the best protection for your baby. Let’s find out some additional accessories that would keep your baby safe on the carrier.
Infant Helmet
If your baby bicycle seat doesn’t come with a helmet, don’t forget to buy one for yourself. It is an essential accessory to keep your baby safe and well-protected during the rides.
Knee and Elbow Pad Set for Safe Riding
Your baby can never be safe enough when riding with you on a bike. To ensure maximum safety of your precious little one, don’t hesitate to buy a pair of elbow and knee pad sets so that his hands and legs remain safe along with his head.
Handlebar
To make sure that your little one has something to hold to during the rides, you can attach a handlebar so that he not only has something to hold on to while you are riding but at the same time, is also safe and well-protected.
Windshield
In addition to the other accessories, don’t forget about the windshield. Whenever you are riding with your kid, especially in windy weather, there are high chances that the wind will blow crap to the baby’s face and eyes and make him cry.
A windshield will prevent the craps from going into the eyes and keep the baby protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put a Child Seat on Any Bike?
Unfortunately, you cannot put a seat on any bike of your choice. A child seat and a bike need to be compatible with each other before you even think of mounting a seat to carry your precious little one with you.
Are Children’s Bike Seats Safe?
Even though a bicycle ride has some important benefits for your little one, you must always know that some risks are associated with it.
However, if you take severe safety precautions like using a helmet or picking a low-traffic route, it’s safe to say that a bicycle seat is secure for your baby.
What Age Can a Child Go in a Bike Seat?
Different people have different opinions about the age when a child can sit on a baby seat. According to experts, your little one should be at least 9 months old before you put him on your cycle and take him on a ride.
In addition to the age, you must also consider the baby’s physical condition before settling him on the child's seat.
What is the Maximum Weight for a Child Bike Seat?
Before making your purchase, you must know about the correct weight range for maximum safety. Different baby bicycle seat has a different recommended weight limit. However, generally, a child outgrows a bike seat carrier at about 40 lbs. Therefore, we can say that the maximum weight limit of a child bike seat is 40 lbs.
Are there Footrests and Foot straps?
When you buy, don’t hesitate to find out if it has a footrest and foot straps. These additional features ensure your kid's safety and provide comfort while he is riding with you.
Does a Child in a Bike Seat Need a Helmet?
Yes, a child in a bicycle seat obviously needs a helmet. To ensure immense safety and security for your precious little one, you must put a helmet on his head. Otherwise, if something happens, your child might hurt himself badly.
Is a Trailer Better Than a Child Seat?
Choosing between a bicycle trailer and a child seat is not as black and white as it seems. Several factors need to be considered while deciding which would be the best choice for you and your child.
While a mounted baby seat provides comfort and a sense of closeness, a trailer offers more safety. But then again, the one you will choose entirely depends on your requirements and your child’s age.
What is the Safest Child Bicycle Seat?
The safest bike seat for children would be the one that comes with all the safety harness on. Moreover, harness always doesn’t ensure safety.
In addition to the harnesses, the seat also needs to be comfortable and convenient for you and your baby.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know everything you need to know about how to choose bicycle child seat, we can hope that you would be able to find just the one for your baby so that he can also enjoy bike rides and fresh air with you.
With this article in hand to guide you, we can assure you that you will surely end up buying the best carrier for your precious little one.
