Best Baby Bike Seat You Can Get for Your Child: Buyers Guide
Manufactured in a variety of models, sizes and prices, a baby bike seat offers parents and other caretakers a safe and convenient way to carry an infant or toddler on their bicycles. The bike child seat typically provides transportation in a carrier fastened either on the rear of the bike or in front of the cyclist.
Parents may want to take their children along for family excursions, to run errands or just to entertain them and get fresh air. The bike baby seat supplies a handy way to take kids along instead of making alternative arrangements.
There are many things to consider when looking for the best baby bike seat to meet all your needs. This guide explores available bike carriers from every angle to impart the facts you need to choose the best child bike seat for your loved one.
For a quick look at our favorite baby bike seats check out how they compare here:
Best Baby Bike Seat Comparison Table
Baby bike seat FAQs
Before we get into the features of actual bike seat models, here's a few of the common questions parents ask:
How soon can my child use a bike baby seat?
Not everyone agrees on the minimum age to put a child in a bike seat. Many bicycle specialists think a baby should be at least nine months old, but other factors about the child beside physical age play into this decision:
- Child's ability to sit up without support
- Firm neck control and head size to accommodate a helmet
- Length of proposed rides
- Seat design that protects flailing legs
- State laws and regulations concerning age and helmet use
At what point will my child outgrow the bike seat?
Each baby bike seat has recommended weight ranges, and you should definitely abide by these guidelines. Children generally outgrow a front-mounted carrier, which maxes out at about 33 pounds, more quickly than a rear-mounted seat.
Is it safe to use a baby bike seat?
Bike riding always presents some risks, even for adults, but the fresh air, family camaraderie and bonding opportunities of taking your child on bike rides provide important benefits. In addition to choosing a bike seat with all the best safety features, the following suggestions make biking safer:
- Use a helmet (often required by law)
- Pick low-traffic routes when possible
- Make sure legs and feet can't tangle in spokes
- Choose ride lengths appropriate to the child's age
Is it possible to secure the child in a baby bike seat and then safely get on your bike without help?
Ideally, you should have another adult steady the bike and child while you get on and start pedaling. This may not always be possible, and many parents or caregivers who take solo rides with a child lean the bike against a solid object, such as a garage or concrete wall.
Does every bike child seat fit on every model bicycle?
Unfortunately, not every child carrier on the market fits every bicycle. Some compatibility factors include whether the seat mounts on the front or back, whether it uses a tube or frame mount and what are your bicycle's measurements, braking system and headset threading.
Different types of baby bike seats
Baby and child bike seats fall into three general categories based on where they are mounted. Each type offers benefits and drawbacks, so it comes down to an individual choice based on your needs.
Front-mounted baby bike seats
Front-mounted baby bike seats typically fasten between the adult cyclist and the handlebars. Since the adult's arms go around sides of the seat to use the handlebars, this gives the child a cozy feel of security. The Peg Perego Orion front mount child seat is one example of this type.
Pros
Cons
Rear rack-mounted bike child seats
Rear rack-mounted bike child seats attach to a rack located on the rear of the bike. If you don't already have a rack on your bicycle, you must buy one or purchase a child seat model that includes the rack. Some higher-end models feature deluxe suspension systems, reclining seats and comfort linings. The Topeak BabySeat child bike seat with aluminum rack illustrates a rack-mounted model.
Pros
Cons
How to use a baby bike seat
As a parent, I've always embraced the edict that safety should be the first priority in a baby bike seat. That's one reason to search out the best seat to fit your family's needs and budget. Go over the age, weight and bicycle compatibility requirements for your selected model and then abide by them.
Install the seat according to the manufacturer's directions. If you are unsure or have difficulties, enlist the aid of someone who is knowledgeable about child bike seats. Familiarize yourself with the seat restraint system before using the carrier. Take a test run after installation without your child to get the feel of a seat in front or behind you.
Finally, take it easy with the first few rides with your child. Have someone present to help you get on the bike once you secure your child in the seat. Keep the first ride short — maybe just around the block. Stay positive and offer praise as you take your little one out of the seat.
Benefits of using a baby bike seat
Not everyone uses baby bike seats for the same reasons, but here are a few of the important benefits:
Tips for choosing the best baby bike seat
There's a lot to think about with bike seats. Parents know that every family is unique and so are the children. To choose your best child bike seat, one approach is to make three lists:
- Your child's needs
- Your needs
- Your bike's requirements
This should give you a good idea which type baby seat may work best for you. Look at different options in your chosen type and compare these factors:
- Safety features, such as restraint systems, seat height and foot guards
- Comfort features, such as suspension systems, reclining seat and extra padding
- Customer reviews
- Cost
Most popular baby bike seat brands
Schwinn
Schwinn manufactures a top-selling bike seat that is frame-mounted on the rear. It features a harness that is quick and easy to release, a padded crossbar and spoke guards.
Ibert
Ibert's Safe-T-Seat is center mounted on the bike's front to increase stability. The seat has solid leg wells for the child's protection.
Cycling Deal Bicycle Kids
This economy brand manufactures front-mounted, rear frame-mounted and rear rack-mounted bicycle seats.
Thule
Thule makes higher-end front and rear-mounted child bicycle seats that emphasize safety features and extra padding for the child's comfort.
Hamax
The Hamax child bike seat comes with a rack-mount or frame-mount option on the bike's rear. The Scandinavian design complies with rigorous European safety standards.
5 best baby bike seats
The options can seem endless, especially if you shop online. Here are my top five choices:
Best overall baby bike seat
Schwinn Child Carrier
This safe, secure and comfortable rear bike seat grows with your child and offers many protective features. I love the included spring and spoke guards, and the reasonable price and numerous positive customer reviews helped make this my top pick.
Pros
Cons
Safest baby bike seat
Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi
As a mom who places a premium on safety, I have to side with those who feel a rear baby bike seat is safest. Putting a child in the back eliminates injuries from rocks and debris thrown by the front tire and reduces worries about the adult landing on the child in a crash. This bike seat's lighter weight also helps the rider maneuver the bike easily and may prevent accidents.
Pros
Cons
Most comfortable baby bike seat
WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat
This is the only front-mounted baby seat on my top list, so if you and your child need the security of an in-sight carrier, this gives you both a safe and comfortable ride. In addition to the luxurious padding and adjustability, the foot cups have openings.
Pros
Cons
Most durable baby bike seat
Hamax Caress Child bike seat
The lightweight Hamax Scandinavian design bike seats feature rigorous safety standards and long-term durability. The shell, padding and straps are built to last.
Pros
Cons
Most affordable baby bike seat
CyclingDeal Kids USA Standard rear bicycle carrier
If you're looking for a basic baby bike seat that offers relative safety and comfort for your child, this seat does the job. Although the materials lack the quality of pricier seats, most users feel it is secure. Check periodically that the bolts and straps remain tight, as this is one reported issue.
Pros
Cons
Baby bike seat FAQs
Before we get into the features of actual bike seat models, here's a few of the common questions parents ask:
How soon can my child use a bike baby seat?
Not everyone agrees on the minimum age to put a child in a bike seat. Many bicycle specialists think a baby should be at least nine months old, but other factors about the child beside physical age play into this decision:
- Child's ability to sit up without support
- Firm neck control and head size to accommodate a helmet
- Length of proposed rides
- Seat design that protects flailing legs
- State laws and regulations concerning age and helmet use
At what point will my child outgrow the bike seat?
Each baby bike seat has recommended weight ranges, and you should definitely abide by these guidelines. Children generally outgrow a front-mounted carrier, which maxes out at about 33 pounds, more quickly than a rear-mounted seat.
Is it safe to use a baby bike seat?
Bike riding always presents some risks, even for adults, but the fresh air, family camaraderie and bonding opportunities of taking your child on bike rides provide important benefits. In addition to choosing a bike seat with all the best safety features, the following suggestions make biking safer:
- Use a helmet (often required by law)
- Pick low-traffic routes when possible
- Make sure legs and feet can't tangle in spokes
- Choose ride lengths appropriate to the child's age
Is it possible to secure the child in a baby bike seat and then safely get on your bike without help?
Ideally, you should have another adult steady the bike and child while you get on and start pedaling. This may not always be possible, and many parents or caregivers who take solo rides with a child lean the bike against a solid object, such as a garage or concrete wall.
Does every bike child seat fit on every model bicycle?
Unfortunately, not every child carrier on the market fits every bicycle. Some compatibility factors include whether the seat mounts on the front or back, whether it uses a tube or frame mount and what are your bicycle's measurements, braking system and headset threading.
Different types of baby bike seats
Baby and child bike seats fall into three general categories based on where they are mounted. Each type offers benefits and drawbacks, so it comes down to an individual choice based on your needs.
Front-mounted baby bike seats
Front-mounted baby bike seats typically fasten between the adult cyclist and the handlebars. Since the adult's arms go around sides of the seat to use the handlebars, this gives the child a cozy feel of security. The Peg Perego Orion front mount child seat is one example of this type.
Pros
Cons
Rear rack-mounted bike child seats
Rear rack-mounted bike child seats attach to a rack located on the rear of the bike. If you don't already have a rack on your bicycle, you must buy one or purchase a child seat model that includes the rack. Some higher-end models feature deluxe suspension systems, reclining seats and comfort linings. The Topeak BabySeat child bike seat with aluminum rack illustrates a rack-mounted model.
Pros
Cons
How to use a baby bike seat
As a parent, I've always embraced the edict that safety should be the first priority in a baby bike seat. That's one reason to search out the best seat to fit your family's needs and budget. Go over the age, weight and bicycle compatibility requirements for your selected model and then abide by them.
Install the seat according to the manufacturer's directions. If you are unsure or have difficulties, enlist the aid of someone who is knowledgeable about child bike seats. Familiarize yourself with the seat restraint system before using the carrier. Take a test run after installation without your child to get the feel of a seat in front or behind you.
Finally, take it easy with the first few rides with your child. Have someone present to help you get on the bike once you secure your child in the seat. Keep the first ride short — maybe just around the block. Stay positive and offer praise as you take your little one out of the seat.
Benefits of using a baby bike seat
Not everyone uses baby bike seats for the same reasons, but here are a few of the important benefits:
How the best baby bike seat was picked
To some extent, choosing the best anything is a subjective endeavor. As a mom, I always put safety at the top of my list, and then I add other features that I find more important. Here the criteria I used to choose the best baby bike seat from all those contenders out there:
- Safety
- Suspension
- Reclining seat
- Comfortable padding
- Compatibility with most bikes
Relevant accessories to help keep Baby safe
Schwinn infant helmet
As parents, we need to vigilantly protect our children's heads from jarring and injuries, so it's a no-brainer to make sure they always have a helmet on when biking. This adjustable helmet from Schwinn offers a lower molded shell, internal padding and vents to keep Baby cool.
Knee and elbow pad set for safe riding
It makes sense to take a few minutes and protect children's knees and elbows from potential scrapes, especially when biking. This washable protective set offers a hard shell with cushioned interior. The Velcro straps adjust for children from 18 months to 5 years.
Final Review
We all want to keep our precious little ones safe and comfortable when we bring them along on a bicycle outing. Choosing the best seat, following the manufacturer's guidelines and taking a safe route helps ensure everyone has fun. You may also check out our reviews for the best car seat for your child here.
Let me know your experiences biking with baby on board. Please share them in the comments area below.
