Baby trailers are great for transporting children from place to place safely. They also come in handy when traveling with toddlers or older kids who don’t want to ride bikes.
Baby trailers are designed to carry babies weighing between 15 pounds and 40 pounds. The recommended age range is 9 months to 6 years.
Here we are going to explore more about baby bike trailers and when you should start to consider buying one for your child.
Baby Bike Trailers
A baby trailer is a small vehicle that can be used as a car seat, stroller, or playpen. These vehicles are specially made to transport infants and young children.
A baby trailer has between two and four wheels. It usually comes equipped with a canopy top and a storage space where parents can keep diapers, wipes, bottles, toys, etc.
The best thing about these bay bike trailers is that they are easy to use. Parents simply need to attach the bike trailer to their bicycle and then off you go!
There are many factors to take into consideration before purchasing a baby trailer. Here are some of them:
• Age Range – If you have an infant under 1-year-old, it may not be safe to drive him/her on a bike seat. You will need to get a baby trailer instead.
• Weight Limit – Make sure you know how much weight your trailer can handle.
• Size – Make sure the size of your trailer matches the size of your bike. This will ensure that you won’t have any problems maneuvering through narrow streets.
When deciding which baby trailer to buy, make sure you choose one that meets all your needs. There are different types of baby trailers available today.
Some are foldable while others are fixed. Foldable trailers are easier to store and transport. However, they are less stable than fixed ones. Fixed trailers offer better stability but require a lot of work to set up.
When selecting a baby trailer, always check its safety features first. Look at the height of the canopy, the number of wheels, and the type of suspension system.
It is important to note that there are certain things that you shouldn’t do when using a baby trailer. For example, never leave your child unattended inside the trailer. Also, make sure to equip your child with the correct sized helmet.
Finally, make sure you read the instructions carefully before using your new baby bike trailer.
Types Of Baby Trailers
There are a few types of baby trailers available on the market today. These are:
- Convertible – This type of baby trailer converts into a stroller. It folds up easily and stores away when not in use.
- Playpen – This type of baby carriage is similar to a convertible except that it does not have a canopy. Instead, it has a mesh cover over the entire area. This allows parents to see their child while they are inside.
- Double bike trailer – This is a baby bike trailer that has two seats inside. They are a little wider and so can be a little more difficult to maneuver, but it is great if you have two children you want to transport!
Example of a convertible stroller/bike trailer Thule Chariot Cross Multisport
Example of a Burley Bee Bike Trailer with 2 seats
What’s The Minimum Age To Ride In A Bike Trailer?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no specific age limit for riding in a bike trailer.
There are however some safety precautions that need to be taken into account. For instance, most baby trailers do not allow children to lay down.
Therefore, it is important for parents to make sure their child is sitting upright in the bike trailer whilst wearing a safety helmet. Also, the AAP recommends that parents monitor their child at all times while riding in a bike trailer so that they can ensure that their child is safe.
When Should You Buy One?
The best time to buy a baby trailer is after your child reaches 6 months old.
A good rule of thumb for purchasing a baby bike trailer is to wait until they are able to hold their head up. Once they reach this age, they will be able to safely be transported in a bike trailer.
How Much Does A Baby Trailer Cost?
Depending on what model you decide to purchase, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300. If you plan to buy a double trailer from a quality manufacturer the cost could be as much as $900.
However, if you are looking for a second-hand baby trailer, then prices can vary greatly.
Is It Safe For An Infant To Ride In A Bike Trailer?
Yes! Infants younger than 12 months old can safely ride in a bike trailer. In fact, many parents choose to take their infants out in a bike trailer because it provides them with a safer way to travel.
As long as you follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer, then you won’t have any problems.
Top Tip – check that the trailer is compliant with ASTM F1975-15 for non-powered Bicycle trailers designed for Human Passengers
Manufacturers are responsible for the safe design of the product; parents are responsible for the safe use of the product.
What is the Maximum Age For A Child In A Bike Trailer?
There is no set age limit for a child riding in a bike trailer as it is more dependent on their height and weight. This will vary greatly by the model of the bike trailer and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Generally speaking, a child around 6 to 7 years old will be approaching 4 feet tall (122cm) which is the upper limit on many leading brands.
Once your child’s head can reach the roll bar it is unsafe for them to continue riding in the bike trailer.
When it comes to weight, a double bike trailer has a much greater weight capacity than a single bike trailer. You will need to consider the combined weight of your children, but usually, you’ll get nowhere near the manufacturer’s upper limit.
Here are some example upper-weight limit recommendations for leading brands of bike trailers:
| Bike Trailer Brand | Type | Child Weight Limit | Maximum Height | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn Trailblazer | Single | 40 lbs + 12 lbs storage | Not specified | [amazon fields=”B010LLGWKE” value=”button”] |
| Schwinn Joyrider | Double | 40 lbs each + 12 lbs storage | Not specified. Seat to top is 23″ | [amazon fields=”B0142TIP88″ value=”button”] |
| Burley Bee | Double | 100 lbs | 36″ | [amazon fields=”B010LLGWKE” value=”button”] |
| Burley D’Lite X | Double | 100 lbs | Not specified | [amazon fields=”B07MC1PHFL” value=”button”] |
| Thule Coaster XT | Double | 100 lbs | Not specified | [amazon fields=”B01B51LNNA” value=”button”] |
If you have a special needs child who is still not able to independently ride their own bike after reaching the height and weight limit of regular trailers, look for a taller option specifically made for special needs children.
Why Buy A Bike Trailer For Cycling With Your Child?
If you want to enjoy a fun family outing without having to worry about driving, then buying a bike trailer is a great option.
Not only will you get to cycle together, but your child will also be able to sit back and relax. Plus, you will be able to keep track of them at all times.
Bike trailers are also great for commuters with children that don’t want to be using their car every day. It is great for taking children to school, the park or even for visiting family.
You will find that bike trailers are a great option for children that are too young to ride a bike without sacrificing your own cycling time.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider getting a bike trailer for your child. Whether you are planning to use it for commuting or just for fun, you will be happy that you made the decision to go with a bike trailer.
Just remember to follow the guidelines set forth for you by the manufacturer.
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