Biking with kids

[Anonymous]

I have been online and cannot find a good site to compare children's bike seats or the trailers. We bike often but usually near home and limited distances. We have a 18 mo son and are expecting twins in a few more weeks.

Does anyone have suggestions for equipment or sites which compare options?

Any comments about specific seats / trailers.

Also, at what age did you take DC out with you - do you use only 5 point restraint or also a helmet. I have read some pro's and cons about helmet use in addition to 5 point harness at very young ages.

TIA

[Anonymous]

My husband did extensive research (though I can't remember where) and we wound up getting the Chariot Carriers Cougar trailer. It was pricey, but my husband and son both love it. We got the bigger one, which can fit one kid in the middle or two kids side-by-side. The folks at REI were very dismissive of the bike seats for safety reasons and were very insistent about the need for our son to wear a helmet when riding in the trailer (in addition to the harness). At first he hated it, but now he likes it, because he associates it with his special time with his Dad. And, as the REI folks pointed out, now he knows that biking = helmets, so we don't have to fight this battle later on when he's ready for a bike of his own. We got the trailer when he was about 18 months old, but I think you can start when they turn 1. Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

What is so dangerous about the seats? I am in the market, too. My husband was worried that the chariot would tip over.

[Anonymous]

I have heard the trailers are better as they are lower to the ground and even if they tip - with a 5 point harness the child should be pretty secure...depending on circumstances.

[Anonymous]

I use a CoPilot child seat to take my 2 year old to daycare every day downtown. It works well for us in commuting traffic, though I suspect a trailer would be safer if you are just using it recreationally. Needless to say she also wears a helmet.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used that pike attachment that you add to your own bike for older kids? It is kind of like a bike without the front wheel - don't know what it's called. I am thinking about buying one but they are pricey and would love some feedback before I invest.

OP, I am so impressed that you will be biking with three little ones.

[Anonymous]

They are called trailercycles. I haven't used one myself but people seem to like them - not least because they make the transition to their own bikes very easy.

[Anonymous]

We did lots of research too. We love to bike. We waited DS was over 12 months old and use a trailer. The main problem is head and neck injury. Even the rattling you experience on a bike seat or trailer is not very good for their growing brain and still feeble muscles. Our son LOVES bein in the trailer. And even if we fall, he's safe.

[Anonymous]

You're not supposed to use the trailer until about a year. And I believe it's the law, at least in VA, that children wear helmets, even in trailers. So we use a helmet in the trailer after about 16 months.