Bring, bring; buying the right baby bike seat

It’s important to start off by saying I’m no baby bike seat expert, however, I recently undertook research on baby bike seat safety and thought it was worth sharing what I discovered.

Before we start with the bike seats themselves, here are a couple of important child-bike-riding safety tips I picked up on the way.

• Generally bike seats are not suitable for children under 12 months, in some countries it’s illegal for a child under 12 months to ride. Mainly because their neck muscles are not developed enough to hold their head up with a helmet on. If you think your under 12 month child is ready, check with your Dr first.
• All children should have an accredited, properly fitted helmet on at all times while riding.
• Don’t consider a bike seat if you have a hyperactive child, consider a trailer instead.
• All bike seats should have a foot rest so dangling feet don’t get caught in wheels.
• Don’t allow your child to hold anything when they are in their seat. It may fall into the wheel.
• Wherever possible choose a baby bike seat with a five point harness.
• The Australian Safety Standard only applies to rear mounted bike seats; this doesn’t mean front mounted seats are illegal or unsafe, just that this standard needs updating.

Center mounted seats
Without wanting to treat you like a doo doo, centered mounted seats are situated between the handlebars of your bike and include brands such as WeeRide and Bobike.

Advantages

• Better bike stability because the child seat is closer to the middle of the bike.
• Parents can see and hear their child and can provide them with reassurance and guidance when necessary.
• Your child can see what’s going on around them.
• In the event of an accident you may be able to shield your child, however, how effective this protection would be would depend on the circumstances.

Disadvantages

• On average center positioned seats are more expensive.
• In the event of a front-on collision your child is first and foremost.
• Your child may grow out of their seat length wise before they reach the weight limit.
• A front seat may impair your peddling.

Rear mounted seats
Rear mounted seats are situated at the back of your bike over the rear wheel. Most large supermarkets sell several budget brands starting from around $75.00.

Advantages

• More options available on the market including budget models.
• You have no obstacles in front of you.
• Can accommodate a larger child.

Disadvantages

• You can’t see your child and may be distracted by turning to check on them.
• You can’t communicate with your child.
• Your child is more likely to wobble about behind you looking around you or trying to get your attention.
• If you child sits still they can only see your back.
• It may be more difficult for you to mount your bike.

Generally, when it comes to minimising accidents prevention is better than a cure. With your child on your bike it will be more difficult to go around corners and brake, so ride slower. Wherever you can, stick to bike paths and smooth surfaces rather than roads or off-road. Generally be more cautious in accommodating traffic, pedestrians and inclement weather.

After all that, it's important to have fun! Bring bring.