How do people feel about bike seats for toddlers?

buler23

I think that my FIL would love a bike seat for DS to attach to his bike.  I am not sure how I feel or where to even begin.   Just trying to get an idea for how people think...if you are for them or have one, can you recommend something?

MrsCorbin

I would worry about losing my balance and the kid falling and hitting their head.  They are pretty far off the ground and strapped in.  I want to get one of the bike trailers that you pull behind the bike.  It seems a little safer to me.

MrsSledge

I have a bike seat for DD.  I was a little worried at first, but I haven't had any real problems.  I thought it would be wobbly having her back there, but her weight is evenly distributed and I don't even notice.  I don't go fast, or stand up so the bike isn't going side to side (if that makes any sense).  I guess if I did, I could lose my balance and go tumbling.  She wears a toddler bike helmet, and seems to enjoy it.  She waves to people as we go by.  It's cute.

I was worried about getting a trailer because they are so low to the ground that cars wouldn't be able to see it.  Of course, I don't think cars would try to turn, or go that close behind me, but it still worried me.  I also like that with the bike seat I can go up on to sidewalks on the busier streets, and I'm not sure I'd be able to with a trailer.

Mine is from Walmart.  It took about an hour to install is on the bike   The only problem I have is DD throwing her paci or kicking off a shoe.  So, when we go her paci is tethered to her, and she only wears socks. 

mom2binKC

DH did quite a bit of research before deciding on a bike seat for DD.  Basically he found out that the trailer is definitely the safest, but it is not exactly as much fun for the kiddo, because they are low to the ground and can't see the surroundings well (because of the bike right in front of them), and sometimes dust and rocks get kicked up behind the bike, so it's best to use the netting enclosure, which can make the ride hot and even less interesting.

The next safest is actually a front-mounted seat.  This surprised us, because it seems like the child would be safer behind you, but that is what DH's research indicated.  I think front-mounted seats are a new trend, though, because the guy at the bike shop we asked didn't know anything about them (though he was like 15 and not very helpful).  The front-mounted seats attach to the stem of the bike's handlebars, so it has much less impact on the rider's balance, which is apparently why they are safer.  So we went with the iBert Safe-T Seat (available at Amazon).

Of course, the child should always wear a bike helmet.  Lily absolutely LOVES her seat.  She gets a great view, and gets to feel the wind in her face!

brightning

There is a woman in our neighborhood who rides a grown-up tricycle (it's really cool looking!) and has a toddler seat on it. That's probably the only way I'd feel comfortable because I also would worry about DD squirming and making me lose balance. I like the trailer idea, though.

Mrs Manners

mom2binKC:

DH did quite a bit of research before deciding on a bike seat for DD.  Basically he found out that the trailer is definitely the safest, but it is not exactly as much fun for the kiddo, because they are low to the ground and can't see the surroundings well (because of the bike right in front of them), and sometimes dust and rocks get kicked up behind the bike, so it's best to use the netting enclosure, which can make the ride hot and even less interesting.

The next safest is actually a front-mounted seat.  This surprised us, because it seems like the child would be safer behind you, but that is what DH's research indicated.  I think front-mounted seats are a new trend, though, because the guy at the bike shop we asked didn't know anything about them (though he was like 15 and not very helpful).  The front-mounted seats attach to the stem of the bike's handlebars, so it has much less impact on the rider's balance, which is apparently why they are safer.  So we went with the iBert Safe-T Seat (available at Amazon).

Of course, the child should always wear a bike helmet.  Lily absolutely LOVES her seat.  She gets a great view, and gets to feel the wind in her face!

 

Thanks for the info! That's really helpful. I'm off to check that one out now.

monkey_love

We have the iBert and love it!

buler23

Thanks for all your feedback girls...I am off to check out a couple of seats!