Bike Trailers

We're thinking of getting a double bike trailer for our 6 month old and 3-1/2 year old. Any suggestions on brands? When do you think our baby will be old enough to ride in the trailer?

Comments

[PDX_Mom]

Trailers vs. child seats
"Trailers can hold more weight than a child seat, can hold up to two children, and can hold toys and other necessities; in addition, the child does not need to be lifted to the height of the adult bike, and some trailers can double as strollers. Child seats generally cost less, are more compact, and allow the child view his or her surroundings more easily. Trailers are lower to the ground and so have a shorter distance to fall when overturned; furthermore, trailers have flexible hitches to allow the trailer to remain upright even if the adult bike falls.

Bike-mounted child carriers have the potential to destabilize the bike if the child moves abruptly or if the parent is not accustomed to the added weight. A fall from the height of the adult bike is potentially much more damaging to the child than a roll in a trailer."

[Hau]

We love our trailer - it's a Chariot and we got it at REI. It converts from jogging stroller to bike trailer and holds up to 100 lbs. I haven't pulled Carter along on it, but my DH has and he mentioned that he barely notices it pulling on the bike. Also, we live in a fairly busy area and had to navigate around a bus stop (very tight) and the Chariot did an excellent job. I still ride behind to make sure that all is well. Even though it is collapsable and a breeze to set up, it can be bulky to store if you do not have a shed or garage. Otherwise, we've logged quite a few miles running with it and hope to with it as a bike trailer! Good luck on your search ;-)

[sarah]

I looked into this when Everett was around 7/8 months. The general warning on the bike trailer is that your child should be about 18 months before going into a trailer. This seems a little old to me, but the first priority would be to get a helmet that fits your child. I found it REALLY hard to find bike helmets for little ones. Target had only one that would fit my son when he was 9 months. So, that should be a good starting point - don't let the baby ride until you can find a helmet that fits her!

The other good rule of thumb with things like this is if she can sit up unsupported. That's good for backpacks, high chairs, bouncing swings, etc. And if she's swimming in the harness, you'd probably want to wait until she was a little bigger.