Do you love biking? Do you have an infant or toddler at your home? If yes, then you will know how difficult it is to ride a bike with kids, especially who have learned how to crawl or walk. But, if you want to carry them along with you to show and introduce them to the cycling world, then it can turn out to be a wise decision.
However, they are not strong and independent enough to maintain their balance on the bike on their own. Buying a baby bike seat would be an excellent way to get you both on your bike. A child bike seat is a specially-designed saddle for a kid that is mounted on a bicycle. It is a great and easy way to get out with your infants and preschoolers.
If you are looking forward to buying a child bike seat, then not only it will help you to keep your kids close, but also enables you to have a conversation with your infant en route. Before you go ahead, you need to know the reasons to buy the best baby bike seat. In this guide, we are going to tell why you should invest in the kids’ bike seat.
Benefits of Child Bike Seat
Enables you to spend some quality time with your family
Today, almost everyone has a busy lifestyle; no one has enough time to spend even with their family. However, carrying your kid along during your morning bike riding allow parents to interact with their kids and help them improve their bond with their toddler.
Improves your health
Usually, the air pollution is less early morning as compared to the rest of the day. Hence, riding a bike with your kid in a non-polluted environment is beneficial for both of you. Not only fresh air improves the functioning of the respiratory system but also helps in stress relieving.
Modeling good biking behavior
As parents, we all want out kids to grow up to be successful and happy. And, carrying the kids along as passengers allow parents to model successful biking behavior early. Furthermore, not only it will help the children gain interest in bike riding, but they will also learn how to make balance when seated in a front or rear child bike seat.
Enables you to keep an eye on your baby
Bike riding always includes some for adults as well as kids. But when you can’t leave your kid at home alone, then buying the best baby bike seat is the best way to carry your kid along with you. Not only it will keep your kid safe, but also help you to keep an eye on your baby.
While these were the reasons you should think about buying a baby bike seat, many people also prefer to buy a bike trailer as well. Before you go ahead, make sure you know the disadvantages of bike trailer as well as a baby bike seat.
But, if you are sure that you have to buy a baby bike seat, it is wise to know how to buy a child bike seat. With so many options of bike seats available in the market, it is easy for an individual to get confused. In order to help you and make it easier for you to choose the bike seat, we are going to tell the factors you should keep in your mind when buying a baby bike seat.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Baby Bike Seat
Seat type
Bike seats are primarily of two types; one is the front mounted seat, and the other is the rear mounted seat. Before you pick the best baby bike seat, you should have a fair idea about both. The front-mounted seats are smaller as compared to the rear-mounted seats. These are best suited for kids between the age limit of 9-months to 3-years having a maximum weight of 33-pounds. The rear-mounted seats are bigger in size, and thus can accommodate an approximate weight of about 48-pounds. So these can be a good option to address the need for a growing child.
Compatibility
In the process of purchasing bike seats, you have to check if it is at all compatible with your bike type. The reason behind it is that each bike seat has specific dimensions and methods to be attached to the bike. Some of the front-mounted seats are normally attached on the headset of the bike while some attach on the frame between the saddle and the stem. Usually, the rear-mount seats are typically mounted underneath the saddle or on the rack.
Safety
Before getting one, it is crucial to know whether the bike seats meet the safety standards or not. In the case of rear-mounted bike seats, they should meet the ASTM standard while the front-mounted bike seats should be manufactured as per the English Standard. Some of the other common safety features that you should look for are fenders, foot straps, and reflectors. One-handed adjustability is another crucial safety aspect that you can check out.
Suspension
A bike suspension acts as a cushioning for your child when the bike travels through the ups and downs. It absorbs the road shocks and ensures that your child has a smooth and comfortable ride. This feature is usually not available in front-mounted seats, but you will find it on the rear frame-mounted seats.
Reclining seats
It is very common for the kids to fall asleep while riding a bike. If the child bike seat has the reclining feature, then it prevents them from slumping forward and provides them a safer and comfortable ride. Normally, the frame and rack-mounted seats offer the reclining feature.
Adjustability
A perfect baby bike seat is one that accommodates the need of your growing child and allows you to keep using it for years. Make sure that its adjustable features like bike seat can be easily adjusted to fit your kid as he or she grows.
Shoulder Strap Design
To provide optimal safety, the shoulder straps present on a child bike seat should rest firmly on the shoulders of a child. While all models of bike seats have shoulder straps, their functionality and design vary.
Footrest
This feature gives proper support to the child’s feet and legs on both front and rear-mounted seats. In a well-designed footrest, you can make the height adjustments without using any tool and comfortably keep your child’s feet secured with the help of the wide locking straps.
While these were the factors you should remember when buying a baby bike seat, there are many more such as seat shape, color, material, etc. We hope this will help you to buy the best bike seat, but if you are still confused, here we are going to review the top 8 best baby bike seats of 2019. You can choose anyone; we are pretty sure they will meet your needs.
Top 8 Best Baby Bike Seats Reviews of 2019
PRODUCTS | MODEL | TYPE | MAX-WEIGHT | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thule Yepp Maxi rack mount child seat | Rear mounted | 48.5 lbs | Check Price | |
Thule Yepp Mini Bicycle Child Seat | Front mounted | 33 lbs | Check Price | |
Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Wheel Mounted Child Seat | Rear mounted | 40 lbs | Check Price | |
Hamax Caress Rear Child Bike Seat | Rear mounted | 48.5 lbs | Check Price | |
iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat | Front mounted | 38 lbs | Check Price | |
Bellelli Children Bike Carrier Seat | Rear mounted | 50 lbs | Check Price | |
Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat | Rear mounted | 48.5 lbs | Check Price | |
WeeRide Ltd Kangaroo Child Bike Seat | Front mounted | 33 lbs | Check Price |
Below are the detailed reviews
1 Thule Yepp Maxi rack mount child seat
Product Specifications:
- Dimension: 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 4.41 pounds
- Weight capacity: Up to 48.5 lbs/22 kg
- Safety harness: 5-point
- Meets safety standards: Yes
Being an ideal parent the best thing that you can carry your kid with you to introduce him or her to something that you love to do. And, the best way to make your ward accompany you is to get the best baby bike seat. The Thule Yepp Maxi rack mount child seat is one of the best bike seats known for a sturdy rear rack bike.
This innovatively designed child seat is extremely easy to install; it can be effortlessly installed on the frame-mounted rack of your bike and gives the bike a neat look too. Its soft and shock-absorbing seat offers your child maximum comfort. Its adjustable padded 5-point harness allows you to customize it as per your convenience. Its built-in reflector along with the safety light attachment point offers added visibility. It is made up of water-repellent material which makes it easy to clean and gets dried easily.
Pros:
- Adjustable footrest.
- Easy to clean.
- Childproof safety buckle
- 5-year warranty.
Cons:
- As per some customers, the standard version takes time to install.
- Doesn’t have the reclining feature for naps.
2 Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat
Product Specifications:
- Dimension: 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 4.41 pounds
- Weight capacity: Up to 33 pounds
- Safety harness: 5-point
- Meets safety standards: Yes
Made up of a foam-like material called “Crocs” with proper ventilation, this Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat is designed to keep your child in front of their parents between their arms as it is mounted on the handlebar of the bike. When compared to the other front-mounted bike seats available in the market, the products of Yepp offer much durability and safety. It is ideal for the kids from 9-months to 3-year old and can handle up to 33lbs/15kg weight. It gives the little one a better view of the scenery around while ensuring maximum safety and comfort. It comes with rubberized shoulder pads that prevent the straps from sliding down the child’s arm. It is easy to wash. Its armrests allow your kid to place their hands comfortable during the ride. It is easy to install and detach and comes with an additional integrated lock that guarantees extra safety and provides protection against theft.
Pros:
- Compatible with most bike models.
- Integrated U-shaped handlebar that offers a sense of safety for your child
- It includes safety features like the foot straps and two-handed safety buckle
- Easy to clean and water-resistant material is used.
- 5-year warranty.
Cons:
- Setup of the initial shoulder strap and other adjustments are difficult.
- Has no helmet pocket that can accommodate the child’s helmet.
3 Schwinn Child Carrier
Product Specifications:
- Dimension: 15.6 x 14 x 28.5 inches
- Weight: 1.92 ounces
- Weight capacity: Up to 40 pounds
- Safety harness: 3-point
- Meets safety standards: Yes
The Schwinn child seat is usually light in color and made up of a lightweight polypropylene material to prevent degradation over time. Its comfortable pads offer maximum comfort and safety to your kid. The multi-level harness along with the feet-rest ensures your kid can’t put their feet in the wheel. This frame-mounted rear bike seat is easy to assemble and disassemble. It also helps in placing the child securely into the position, directly behind the rider and over the tire. It has proper ventilation for enough air circulation. Its custom air-cushioned comfort padding supports your back. It is the best baby bike seat ideal for carrying a maximum weight of 40-pounds. It also has a Velcro leg restraint for the kid which makes buckling easier. Its headrest allows your kid to rest his/her head while a nap. Its reflector back part is provided for extra visibility.
Pros:
- Constructed of polypropylene that makes it lightweight and durable
- Can be easily mounted on most bikes
- The child seat can be removed and washed
- Padded crossbar.
Cons:
- Includes no additional rack and also there is no option for installing one
4 Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat
Product Specifications:
- Weight capacity: Up to 48.5 lb
- Reclining angle: 20 degree
- Safety harness: 3-point
- Meets safety standards: Yes
The Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is one of the best baby bike seats, ideal for children of 9-months to 6-years. This seat is probably the only rear bike seat for children that lets you operate every feature single-handedly and keeps the other hand free for maintaining safety and stability. Its award-winning design meets the ASTM and tough European safety standards.
Its reclining ability lets your kid lay back comfortably and safely preventing them from slumping forward in an uncomfortable posture. Its backrest is attached with a non-slip, rubber-padded shoulder strap that can glide up and down to accommodate different heights. It can be easily mounted on the rear wheel. Its sleek and stylish design with a durable double-shell construction has a helmet resting area that allows the child’s head to sit comfortably. Its ultra-shock absorbing technology ensures that your kid can enjoy a smooth ride.
Pros:
- The Caress comes with a safety reflector
- Adjustable sliding backrest
- Anti-theft lock and keys
- Mounting the seat to the bike is easy and quick
Cons:
- Not compatible with all bikes.
- If the seat is not centered over the rear axle just right, the seat may not recline.
5 iBert child Bicycle Safe T-Seat
Product Specifications:
- Max weight: 38 Lbs
- Mount Type: Front-mounted
- Reclinable: No
- Quick Release: Yes
Designed smartly in the United States, iBert child Bicycle Safe T-Seat will allow you to handle your toddler without much difficulty and priced around $100. There are many men and women, who are not able to carry their child easily on the bicycle and worry about leaving them alone at home. Understanding the need of such parents, iBert has come up with the best baby bike seat manufactured with high-quality plastic and comfortable seat belt. Further stating about the product, it has a patented T-bar mounting system with center mount for better balancing.
This Safe T-Seat has been considered excellent for carrying kids aging from 1-4 years as they are not able to balance themselves at the back seat of the bicycle. And of course, the child is safely positioned within the handlebars without hurting himself for sure. Not to forget that the seat is easy to load and unload. In order to detach it, you do not have to toil yourself in unfastening its locks.
Being innovatively created for the betterment of the children, this Safe T-Belt is one of the most opted products by the parents. Taking note of the seat’s design, it has long wells that tend to protect your child’s legs from the wheel area. It has adjustable foot-cups with straps, removable seat pad, and a 3-point safety harness with a quick adjustment.
Pros:
- Compatible with most of the bicycle frames
- Take less space as compared to traditional bike seats
- Extremely easy to install and unload
- Padded steering wheel for protection
- Fits within your budget
Cons:
- No Back support, which causes straps to fall down
- Kids can put their feet on the handle, leading difficulty in driving cycle.
6 Bellelli Pepe Bicycle Baby Carrier
Product Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Product Weight: 4.41 pounds
- Mount Type: Rear mounted
- Quick Release: Yes
Manufactured extensively in Italy and complied with European regulations, Bellelli Pepe Bicycle Baby Carrier is the best baby bike seat available online. The bike seat is made with non-toxic plastic for the safety of the kids and has the tendency to hold weight up to 22kgs. Indeed, the best thing about the bike seat is that it is lightweight and has washable frames; you don’t have to change the seat again and again because of the accumulated dirt on it. These bikes are quite in demand by the parents, who wish to carry their toddler with them on cycle and want a safety seating area for them. It is available at affordable prices.
Apart from the high-quality plastic, the bike has proper ventilation holes at the shoulder and back, so that the kids may not feel suffocated. It also has the safety straps around the shoulder as well as feet, which keep the baby well in the position for sure. Its high sideboards are a plus point in the product as it enhances the safety of the kid. Its parent-friendly safety buckle with two depth settings in the center of the seat adds to the worth of the product for sure. Apart from this, it broad footrests allow the kid’s legs to fit in properly. Of course, it is easily detachable and can be positioned back without much hassle.
Pros:
- Has Soft washable cushion
- Ventilation holes at the back and shoulders
- Broad footrests for easy positioning of legs
- Comfortable seat area
Cons:
- Being specific, it does not fit to all bike frames
7 Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat
Product Specifications:
- Max weight: 48.5 lbs
- Product Dimension: 27.2-40mm diameter round frames and 40 x 55mm oval frames
- Product Weight: 5kg
- Safety Harness: 3-point
- Mount Type: Rear Mount
Developed with the purpose of easy detachment, Thule Ride-Along Child Bike Seat is the best bike seat intended to provide extensive safety to the kids ranging from 9-months to 6-years old. It is ideal for the parents willing to take kids on a ride. The bike is manufactured with high-quality plastic. Its integrated protection wings are intended to safeguard your child’s hand and ensure they stay safely seated. The quality of the bike seat is not toxic at all, which makes it a safe option for the kids.
Along with this, Dual Beam suspension system is empowered to give a smooth and safe ride. In fact, it is intended to absorb the road shocks for better travel. Designed to give a perfect fit, it has single-handed adjustable foot straps and footrests which will maintain the balance of the child. Except this, the seat is smartened with water-repellent padding system, which can be washed in machine easily. It is also reversible that gives two color options. And of course, you can detach it without difficulty.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality components
- Exceptionally easy to use and mount
- Reclines easily for a comfortable ride
- Designed with suspension for easy ride
- Padded shoulder straps to let them stay in place
Cons:
- Kids can jiggle their feet out of foot straps
8 WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat
Product Specifications:
- Max weight: 33 lbs
- Product Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Mount Type: Front-mounted
- Quick Release: No
- Quality: High-quality plastic
Designed authentically with high-quality and non-toxic plastic, WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat is the ultimate solution for kids willing to go on a ride with parents. Talking about the safety matter, it is a front-mounted piece with ultra-thick seat and back padding. Apart from this, the child’s bike seat includes the mounting bar that makes it possible for the child to sit easily on the seat. Of course, the best thing about the bike seat is that it gets installed in the front of the bike saddle comfortable seating of the child.
The deluxe safety harness and oversized buckle system are instigated in the bike seat to provide an ample amount of safety to the child. Manufactured with the capacity to carry a maximum weight of 33lbs, it is best for the kids of 1-4 years. Except this, the WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat is also powered with adjustable foot holders and the plush headrest for easy seating of the kid. Certainly, it holds a reputation for being the best baby bike seat because of its ability to adjust with most bike frames. Of course, the price of the bike seat fits well within your budget for sure.
Pros:
- Quite safe and sturdy bike seat
- Better center of gravity for parents
- Padded around and has a headrest
- Easy and comfortable for the kids
- Reasonably priced to fit in the budget
- Easy to install and detach from the bicycle
Cons:
- Lower back may lead to the fall down of the shoulder strap
- Lesser leg room, which depends on the rider’s height
These are the most preferred baby seats you can choose to buy for your kid. As parents, we all want to keep our little ones safe and comfortable, no matter what the situation is. Before you go ahead, think about which type of bike seat will suit you and your child the best.
However, once you buy the bike seat, you will always want to maintain it as a new one for a long time. Not only it will enhance its lifespan, but also help you to get a complete value. And for this, you need to know how to use a child bike seat; what are the best ways to use a bike seat. In this guide, we are going to tell the same.
How to Use a Child Bike Seat?
As a parent, the safety of your kid should be at the top of your priority list when buying baby bike seat. Apart from the safety and comfort, you should also check other parameters as discussed above in order to find the best baby seat.
However, install the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you are not sure or find it difficult to install it on your own, then look out for someone who knows about the child bike seat. And, before using the carrier, it is good to familiarize yourself with the seat restraint system.
Don’t forget to take a test ride after installation without your child to ensure that its height is not interrupting you while bike riding. Once you are sure about bike seat safety, take a few rides of small distance with your kid. Take second person help to secure your child.
Don’t use harsh detergents or chemicals to wash the bike seat as it can damage the material of the bike seat. As a result, its lifespan reduces. And, when it comes to un-installation, don’t hurry; keep patience and unlock its nuts and bolts with proper tools.
Final Words
This article was all about why one should buy kids bike seat, top 8-baby bike seats that are reviewed on the basis of customer reviews, forums and personal experience and how to buy the right child bike seat. Now you can pick the best baby bike seat depending on your and your kid’s needs.
Before you go ahead, it is wise to decide which seat type will suit your needs and bike. Don’t forget to check the durability of the product and always priorities your kids’ comfort and safety. Moreover, don’t forget to read the manual guide before installation to get the best out of your bike seat.
From the author’s point of view, the bike seat is extremely important from our kids; one should definitely buy a bike seat to carry their kids on bike rides. You should always be careful while purchasing baby bike seat as safety matters a lot.
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