You probably have your eyes on a baby bike trailer. For those of you who don’t know what it is, this is exactly what it sounds like, a trailer behind your bike that you can put your baby in. Now, it may look like a solution to all your problems related to carrying your baby on the bike. But is it the choice?
A baby bike trailer is not the best option because it is Not Safe, especially for kids under one year of age. It might not be great at Absorbing Shocks And Bumps, thus leaving your kid exposed to harm. Moreover, it also adds Extra Weight to your bike, thus compromising your Bike Handling Skills. All of these potential risks in turn Increase Your Travel Time because you are Constantly Worrying rather than enjoying your trip.
10 Reasons Why A Bike Trailer Is Not The Best Choice
When I was a new parent, I wanted to make sure that I could be with my child wherever I went. If this meant taking my baby to work and letting him chill by the water cooler, sure. I’d do it. Anything to have the little tyke close to me.
If you are a bike enthusiast like me, you’ve probably been out and about looking for some nifty device to enable you and your child to be together. You can’t take them in their baby stroller, so you have got to look at other options. I have tried bike trailers. I got a D’lite X, but I concluded that a child bike trailer might not be the best choice. Here’s why:
1. It Takes More Time Reaching Your Destination
One of the biggest drawbacks of having a baby bike trailer and carrying your kid with you wherever you go is the greater time it takes to get to places. It is highly recommended that you stay off the main roads when you are using a bike trailer. If you take back roads and bike trails, you will end up taking far longer to get to where you want to go. This time is added to by the fact that you will be pulling an extra load behind you. This will slow you down (it’s all physics you know!)
2. They Have A Low Visibility
Bike trailers are low to the ground. In theory, this is so that if they do spill the passenger out, your baby won’t fall more than a foot. This may seem great, but there is a drawback to them being so low. Since most vehicles are pretty high up, it is very possible that a driver simply wouldn’t see the trailer.
3. They Affect Your Bike Handling
Another problem with the baby bike trailer is that when they are attached, it becomes rather like a real trailer on a car. It affects your handling of turns, forcing you to make wider turns. Another drawback of the bike trailer is that it gets harder to overtake when your turning curve is large. This means you will have to force yourself to go slow.
If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to take your kids on bike rides, check out our guide to the best kids trailer bikes.
4. They Add Extra Weight
An extension of this problem is…well, the extension of the bike. The trailer adds extra length to your bike, meaning that you won’t be able to maneuver nearly as easily as before. The trailer will add an extra load to your cycling. This will mean you have a lot more to pull. While you may think you can take it, you’ll be thinking again when faced with a long-distance trip somewhere with the little one.
5. Trilers Are Less Interactive
Less interaction with the kids leaves you feeling like they are far more exposed to the ways of the world. You’ll be worrying a lot initially. While your worries may not be grounded, you will still not feel as secure, because your baby is further from you.
6. There Are Some Safety Concerns
I faced this issue when I decided to ride my bike with my child in a bicycle trailer. He was under one and I should have read safety concerns before making that decision. You see, there is no kind of support for the kids in bicycle trailers and babies have soft spots on their heads. Since, these trailers also lack any suspension systems, the frequent vibrations, bumps, and lack of a security hold can make them prone to injury.
I only rode with my kid once and decided to cut the bike ride short due to this issue. Some states even have the one-year law intact for the well-being of kids.
7. Not To Forget The Weather Factor
Before planning our bike rides, I am sure all of us check the weather update. Nonetheless, the weather is quite unpredictable and can change within a matter of seconds. Especially if you live in an area that receives heavy rainfall.
I remember after the one-year mark, we were on a bike trip when we got hit by a storm. There was no shelter in sight but luckily I had a rain cover. I covered my little ones with the cover but they were terrified and felt caged under it. I couldn’t interact with them much because I had to find a shelter but the muddy bike paths certainly did not make this job any easier.
8. They Are Difficult To Store
Another issue with having bike trailers for kids is storage space. If you do not have a garage or enough spare space, it will become an issue to store the trailer. They are big and generally take up a lot of space.
9. Trailers Can Be Expensive
Bike trailers can cost you anywhere between $100-$1000. Of course, that is a wide range and you can get budget trailers to stay within your budget but these options often lack features and are not very durable. Nobody wants to compromise on their kids’ safety, do they?
10. The Weight Capacity Limits The Number Of Children You Can Carry
Child bike trailers have a certain weight capacity. It’s enough for carrying one child but when you have multiple kids, it’s not a feasible option. Moreover, kids tend to outgrow them quickly.
Want to take your kids on bike rides but don’t want to worry about their safety? Check out our guide to the best bike trailers for kids.
Baby Bike Trailer Alternatives
A bike trailer can be a safe method by which a baby can travel on a bike. If you follow proper safety procedures before putting your baby in a bike trailer (and before even buying one), you will be able to have an amazing bike ride with your baby. However, if you feel like the drawbacks of a bike trailer are just too many, there are a couple of other alternatives you could get instead.
1. Bike Seats – Front and Rear
A bike seat is a safe seat that is mounted either on the front or rear of your bike.
While this may seem cumbersome, there are a lot of design features that make it a comfortable ride. There are also different perks, depending on the type of seat (but trailers are often considered safer than bike seats). Baby Bike seats also have adjustable suspension so that’s a plus point already.
| Aspect | Front-Mounted Bike Seats | Rear-Mounted Bike Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | The child faces forward, held in the rider’s arms. | The child faces forward. |
| Handlebar Comfort | Allows comfortable handling of the handlebars. | Feels less cumbersome; no baby restricting arm movement. |
| Sleeping Bar | Some advanced models have a bar for sleeping support. | Not applicable. |
| Suitable Age Range | Most suitable for children aged one to five. | Not specified, but typically for young children. |
| Difficulty for Older Children | Older children may find it challenging and less safe. | Not specified, but likely less suitable for older kids. |
| Comfort | Child may not be as comfortable as in a bike trailer. | Not specified, but comfort may vary. |
| Installation Difficulty | Harder to put a child into compared to a trailer. | Not specified. |
| Center of Gravity | A higher center of gravity may affect bike maneuvering. | May feel less cumbersome for bike maneuvering. |
| Leg Clearance | Not specified. | Do not block the rider’s legs when pedaling. |
| Closeness to Child | Not specified. | Allows a feeling of closeness between rider and child. |
| Safety Concerns | Crash could result in severe injuries for a baby. | Requires extra caution due to the risk of injuries. |
| Safety Gear | Emphasizes the importance of both rider and child wearing safety gear. | Emphasizes the importance of wearing safety gear. |
Looking for a way to take your child on bike rides? Check out our guide to the best child bike seats.
2. The Cargo Bike
The cargo bike is a special bike designed specifically for the transport of goods. It looks pretty funky, but it is very useful when it comes to transporting just about anything, even kids.
The difference between a cargo bike and a bike trailer or seats is that the cargo bike is built that way. Because of this, the design allows for its center of gravity to be in the perfect position. It also means that the danger of attachment snapping is gone.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Can transport goods and children. | Requires more storage space. |
| Provides ample space for various uses. | May have limited ability to navigate tight spaces and traffic. |
| Reduces the risk of tipping over. | May make cycling more challenging, especially uphill. |
| Provides increased safety for children. | May require an electric motor for uphill cycling. |
| Can be fitted with different covers. | Tends to be more expensive. |
| Described as versatile and functional. | May compromise agility and freedom of movement. |
Bike Trailer Safety Tips
If you’ve already got a bike trailer before you read this, don’t panic, I have been in your spot before. There are some safety tips that you can apply to keep your child safe. Applying these tips helped me make use of the trailer as long as I could without compromising my little one’s safety.
1. Always Make Your Baby Wear A Helmet
Firstly, let it be known that it is very dangerous to ride without a helmet. Make sure that your baby, and you, are wearing helmets when you ride.
2. Follow One Year Rule
It is only safe to put your baby in a bike trailer when they are over a year old. Any time before is insanely dangerous for your baby. Seat your child firmly, strap them in securely, and close up the compartment.
Usually, the one-year rule is a law. This applies in the state of New York, among others. Even if it is not a law in your state yet, make sure to follow it as a safety tip. The reasoning behind this is very simple.
3. Properly Secure The Trailer
For example, before getting on a bike with a trailer, you need to make sure that the fastener between the bike and the trailer is secure. An unfastened trailer could snap off at the wrong moment and lead to you running like a madman after the trailer as it rockets towards an old lady crossing the street.
If you’re in the market for a bicycle trailer, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide will help you choose the perfect bicycle trailer for your needs.
4. Get One With A Ball And Socket Joint
When getting a trailer for your bike, make sure that you get one with a ball and socket joint. This means that even though your bike may tip over because you’re trying to take a turn too tight, the trailer will remain upright. This is incredibly useful, especially on winding country roads.
5. Get Extra Safety Features
Another safety tip would be to make sure that the trailer you buy has extra safety features. For example, more expensive trailers usually have built-in roll bars just in case something goes wrong.
6. Get A Warning Flag
In addition to this, you should get a bright safety/warning flag for the trailer, so that the odd driver who does come along will be able to see it. This will also increase visibility while you are riding in traffic or on a road.
7. Apply Bug Screen
If you plan to ride without a safety not, or even if you have one, make sure to apply a bug screen. For babies don’t apply it on the hands because they might suck them. Or, you can get a kids-friendly bug screen.
If you follow the safety procedures and stick to the by-roads instead of traffic-stricken main roads, you and your baby should be able to have a fine bike ride. You can even get a multisport bike trailer and take your kids on all kinds of adventures. There are options of chariot cross, burley bee, and burley d’lite x among many others that are of good quality.
The Theory Behind the One-Year Law
As every parent knows, there is a soft spot in every infant’s head. This makes them far more likely to get head injuries than an adult. A bike trailer is closer to the ground to prevent long-distance falls. This is a good thing, sure, but it sacrifices vibration dampening and shock absorption for this safety factor.
This means that when you take a baby in a bike trailer over a bumpy bike trail, off tarmac roads, the vibrations and constant shuddering will be transmitted directly to the baby. This will cause them to bounce up and down for the duration of the trail. For a very young child, the constant shuddering motion of the brain could even lead to mental handicaps during later years.
To prevent this, you need to make sure that there is foam dampening in your bike trailer. If you want to keep your baby safe inside a bike trailer, put as many pillows and soft padding as possible between the baby and the hard surfaces.
Make sure your baby is stable and can sit upright before taking them on a bike ride. To be extra safe, try to make sure you find a helmet for your child. Ultimately, it is far more important that you keep your child safe and away from you than at risk and with you.
Bicycling With A Baby
Here is a video that shows you what’s it like to bicycle with a baby:
FAQs
Are Baby Bike Trailers Safe?
Baby bike trailers can be a safe method for your kids to travel with you until you follow the safety rules and don’t defy the one-year law. Remember, no bike trailers for babies under one year of age.
What Age Can A Baby Go In A Bike Trailer?
Children aged 12 months or above can safely ride in a bike trailer. This is also considered law in the majority of states. Make sure to check the law of the state you reside in. Nonetheless, you should not take children under 12 months of age in bike trailers as it is not considered safe.
Can You Bike With A 3 Month Old?
No, you cannot bike with a 3-month-old. Kids under 12 months of age are very young to be carried on a bicycle. It is not safe and has many potential risks.
Conclusion
Bike trailers surely provide a quick transport method for your child while you are on your bike, but given the reasons that I have stated above, I would say that they are not a very good option. Unless you follow the safety instructions. It is always better to be extra safe.
Yes, you will be sacrificing your carefree bike ride but this is a worthy sacrifice to make for the sound of your children laughing, safe and sound as they see the world moving past on their first bike ride. Before you know it, they will be ready to ride a kid’s bike of their own. You can always enjoy your bike trip with your kids, all you have to do is take some precautions.
Still confused about what you should look for in a bike trailer? Here is a guide to how you can choose a bicycle trailer. You can also check out Allen Sports to find good-quality trailers. Happy Safe Riding!
Also Read
- The Truth About Bike Trailers For Kids And Babies
- How To Find The Best Kids Trailer Bike For Your Child
1 thought on “10 Reasons Why You Should Avoid A Baby Bike Trailer!”
does the bike in the pic above have 3 wheels? More like a trike but certainly stable – if so?
Wondering because I’m trying to decide what would work for me – is the bike above too wide for bike lanes? They are all one way around here but the racers like to pass . . .
I’ve already got an ebike that was built by assembling parts and applying them to an existing bike.
Wonder if I could do that with the bike in the pic . . .