Help me choose bike seat or such thing for baby. - Page 2

[Trinitty]

Originally Posted by bugleg

Thanks for the feedback--I was already leaning towards the weeride, and now I can order one!

I can't say enough about it, really. Whenever I take DD out in it, I am asked about the seat, so I left the company sticker on it so folks can find out about it if they see it parked somewhere. We don't have a car, so it is getting a lot of use.

The one thing I do change though, is that I pin the tether strap ends together, as the fabric webbing is quite slippery, and it can slip out of the clips. Hasn't been a problem for us, but I do take the extra step of using a diaper pin just to take extra care.

Have fun!

Trin.

Oh, sorry. Yes, a trailer with strapping is probably different. I thought you meant bike-riding without a helmet.

Yes, you will get a bit of static looking for a baby bike helmet, but the toddler ones have fit DD fine since she started on the bike at 1 year old.

[fjernsyn]

Originally Posted by rzberrymom

One of the big reasons there's no helmet law in the Netherlands is because mandatory helmet laws have been proven to reduce ridership--which in turn leads to lower health outcomes (greater incidence of obesity, heart disease, etc.) Ironically, requiring helmets may be the worst thing for our health and safety, statistically speaking.

I wanted to add to this that another reason requiring helmets makes us less safe is that by far the greatest threat to bicyclists is posed by cars (not from tipping over while strolling along, as a lot of non-bicyclists I've talked to seem to think). It has been demonstrated over and over again that as bicycle ridership in a given city goes up, accidents level out or decrease. That is to say that the more bicyclists there are, the more used to seeing bicyclists motorists are, and so they're more likely to look for them when making right turns, etc. Also, the more bicyclists there are, the more drivers who also bike there are, and being aware of both situations makes one a much safer road user, whether by bike or by car.

So, I'm not saying that any of you should stop wearing helmets or that you shouldn't put one on your kid if they're in an open child seat. But do realize that it's not the be-all end-all of safety to wear a helmet. On a bike you're already very exposed. There are situations where the helmet will make a difference between life and death, but if you're hit by a car when bicycling, you're not likely to do well, no matter what is on your head. Those who advocate that it's OK not to wear a helmet do have a well-researched strategy - they're not bucking the standard wisdom just for the heck of it.

[fjernsyn]

Oh, and my number one suggestion for you would be to add an Xtracycle to your bicycle, then a PeaPodLT .

This is by far the cheapest, safest, and most versatile option for you. The Xtracycle attaches to your bike, extending the wheel base and adding what they call freeloaders, which are just big pockets that you can fit anything into. Just yesterday I hauled 6 half-gallon canning jars and 50 pounds of groceries home, no problem. Add the PeaPod seat and you've got a great seat for your child until they're four years old. You can also add a second one behind the first, if you choose to.

All of those features are great, but a trailer would do the same things, right? Well, this is where the Xtracycle excels. Once your child outgrows the seat, they (and two of their friends) can sit on "snap deck", which is the skateboard looking platform. Trailers have a much lower weight limit than would allow for this many kids. As your child is learning to ride his or her own bike, the Xtracycle is helpful because you can carry that bike along with you in case your child gets tired. And once your children are fully riding their own bikes, you'll still find a million ways to use the storage and hauling capacity of the Xtracycle.

Reading back over all that, I realize I sound like an Xtracycle rep, which I wish I was. I don't even have kids yet, but I have one and it's awesome. It rides just like a normal bicycle, which I promise you is a good thing. The idea of a trike might seem more stable, but once you're actually going, a bicycle is a lot more maneuverable, especially when dealing with turns and cross-slopes. It's also nicer than a trailer, because it's always attached, I've heard a lot of people say that they don't mind that their trailer isn't attached, because then they only use it when they need it. Well, I've had so many random "oh s%*t" moments on my way home from school or whatever, when I realize I need to pick up dinner, or someone wants me to take a huge, bulky item home. I was so glad that I had that extra room available to me, even though I hadn't planned on it.

OK, end sales pitch.

[rzberrymom]

Originally Posted by Trinitty

ADDED: Please use a helmet. Both of you. A toddler helmet will fit your baby with extra padding.

When just FALLING off of a bike your head picks up about 20 km/hr, not even taking into account a collision.

A concussion can last you a life time, a head injury can kill you or make you a much different person than before. Your mind is who you are, and your mind depends on a healthy brain.

My classmate hit a parked car when she was 12 years old. She used to play soccer. She is now unable to walk/speak/eat/go to the bathroom. She hit head-first, her helmet was hanging off of her handle bars 'cause she wanted to look cool.

Anyone who refuses to wear a helmet while engaged in sports should visit the head injury ward of their local hospital.

It takes a few seconds to put on a helmet, and that simple action could prevent a devastating injury. It just isn't worth not doing it.

Trin.

For me, it's always best to argue by using statistics, rather than by anecdote. I could easily give you an equal number of anecdotes of people I know who sustained horrific injuries in car accidents. Please don't make biking sound more dangerous than it is--you are statistically more likely to sustain a life-threatening brain injury while riding in a car, yet I doubt you are wearing a helmet there.

[KarenEMT]

I love our Burley Cub trailer. I purchased this yrs ago when my middle son was just short of 1 and have used it ever since, it's just incredibly versatile.

This particular model has a hard-shell bottom and so is perfect for hauling all kinds of things when not carrying babies (100 lb capacity I believe). It also has a suspension so that the ride isn't as rough for a little one as the cheaper trailer I used to own. I did have an infant helmet for DS#1 that I used before he could fit a toddler helmet well, ours was by Bell.

[accountclosed2]

Originally Posted by fjernsyn

I wanted to add to this that another reason requiring helmets makes us less safe is that by far the greatest threat to bicyclists is posed by cars (not from tipping over while strolling along, as a lot of non-bicyclists I've talked to seem to think). It has been demonstrated over and over again that as bicycle ridership in a given city goes up, accidents level out or decrease. That is to say that the more bicyclists there are, the more used to seeing bicyclists motorists are, and so they're more likely to look for them when making right turns, etc. Also, the more bicyclists there are, the more drivers who also bike there are, and being aware of both situations makes one a much safer road user, whether by bike or by car.

So, I'm not saying that any of you should stop wearing helmets or that you shouldn't put one on your kid if they're in an open child seat. But do realize that it's not the be-all end-all of safety to wear a helmet. On a bike you're already very exposed. There are situations where the helmet will make a difference between life and death, but if you're hit by a car when bicycling, you're not likely to do well, no matter what is on your head. Those who advocate that it's OK not to wear a helmet do have a well-researched strategy - they're not bucking the standard wisdom just for the heck of it.

In Sweden, where I live at the moment (I am Swedish), most people have a bike, and do use it for transport (alongside cars, young people rarely own cars, and it is often easier and quicker to bike somewhere than drive). And there are lot of bike lanes. While cars is a risk, I've never been hit by a car, neither has anyone in my family. However, I've crashed twice, once when a stick was poking up out of the road, and due to rain I didn't see it, the other was a crash with another biker. The problem with having a lot of bikers is that some pople bike very fast, and don't look out. When they come racing around a corner and drive into you, you don't stand a chance. My brother has also had two accidents due to ice, or slippery roads. Accidents while biking are common, and most of the time you survive (my broher had a helmet, and got a concussion, for example). If you are hit by a car however, your chances are a lot less. A helmet may save you, it may not. But it often makes a huge difference in a car-less crash!

[vbactivist]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/81325557@N00/2201881147/

very cool photo of an infant car seat being transported by bike...

[GearGirl]

Any reviews on the Madsen?

I have the xtracycle with peapod and I like it, but the kids don't seem too thrilled. Since I have to push it up the hill anyway since I'm out of shape, I might sell and try the Madsen.

[mormontreehugger]

Resurrecting this thread to ask you guys who bike with babes--how soon can you put one in a weeride? Our 6 m/o is well on his way to sitting up unassisted (he already can, but if he lunges for something, he faceplants...) We'd like to put him in a weeride before his first birthday, but obviously I'm going to go the safest route. He's a big chunky strong baby and I think he'd be ok in a month or so. Any thoughts?

[alfabetsoup]

Originally Posted by mormontreehugger

Resurrecting this thread to ask you guys who bike with babes--how soon can you put one in a weeride? Our 6 m/o is well on his way to sitting up unassisted (he already can, but if he lunges for something, he faceplants...) We'd like to put him in a weeride before his first birthday, but obviously I'm going to go the safest route. He's a big chunky strong baby and I think he'd be ok in a month or so. Any thoughts?

I don't think babies that age can have strong enough necks to control their heads, especially with the added weight of a helmet. You might also struggle to find a helmet to fit him. I would wait until he is at least a year, unless you can get a cargo bike and install an infant bucket in it.

[cileag]

Also waiting to hear some more Madsen reviews---we've got a 3.5 month old and are currently trying to decide if we want to invest in the Madsen or the Xtracycle/Peapod set up....

[BlackSheepPDX]

Originally Posted by alexsam

I haven't read all the responses in detail yet, but...

We have a Chariot sidecarrier http://www.chariotcarriers.com/engli...idecarrier.php

I love it because it doesn't wag behind. Your "compact" in that the child is right next to the bike and so you are generally the length cars "expect". Plus, it is a very stable arrangement AND you can talk to the child and see them as you ride.

I have a Chariot Sidecar, too, here in bike happy Portland, OR. I love it, and have been using it for quite a while with my now 30 month old. She was sitting up at 4.5 months, and I think I was using the trailer a little before she was 1, though I was slightly hesitant in that she'd be "forward facing" when she wasn't doing that in the car yet. I far prefer having her right next to me where I feel more in control of the situation as far as where I am relative to cars, and can see what's going on with her. I do have her wear a helmet in the side car, but that's just part of my educating her that bikes always go with helmets. She has to wear her helmet on her trike and balance bike, too. I preferred to go with a hard and fast bike=helmet rather than negotiate it in different situations. She's fallen happily asleep, helmet and all, on many occasions.

[Honey693]

Originally Posted by Trinitty

The WEE RIDE is the best.

FRONT facing. Between your arms. Centre of the bike. IF your bike ever tipped, your arms would wrap around them. Front facing means that you can talk with them and see what they are doing at all times, plus they get to see what's around them, not your rearend. FIVE STARS. Padded hand rest for the baby, foot slots, lightweight, yet really sturdy.

This is what we have and I LOVE it.

[leighi123]

We have a Bell baby seat that mounts behind the bike seat. do NOT get that one, the straps are useless b/c they just loosen as you ride/the kid moves around the slightest bit. I dont get how the straps are supposed to actually hold the child in b/c they are just held to the seat itself through a hole and then the ends folded over and sewn.

It works fine for my 2.5yr old who can sit still and hold on, but I wouldnt do it for a baby.

I would guess that a front mounted seat would be good for you so you can actually keep an eye on him while you ride. Of course, I wouldnt let ds ride on a bike until he was nearly 2, b/c even at 18months he was jiggling all over the place just riding on the sidewalks (and this was a kid who could lift his head and look around from birth)

Please make sure you find a proper helmet, one that is super light weight and fits well.

[pumpkinhead]

We have a Chariot double Cheetah and I love it. We started using it when my oldest was 4 and youngest just under a year. Initially we didn't use it as a trailer but as a jogger and it's awesome for that as well.

It's definitely pricey-ish but not $1300 pricey. The Cougar is kushier and has some nicer features than the Cheetah, but it works just fine for us. You can also rig it up for X-country skiing which is a nice option.

http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/cheetah.php

We paid under $600 for it brand new almost 3 years ago

[lexbeach]

We decided to go the bakfiets route because it was the only thing I could find that could easily transport 4 kids at once.

Our bicycle built for FIVE

There is now a much more affordable bakfiets being sold in the USA: Double Dutch Bicycles , though it's still quite pricey and I have yet to read any reviews (hoping to go test ride one sometime this spring). Ours cost about twice as much as the one I linked to (we saved for a year and then added in our bit of the "stimulus" package a couple years ago), but we have never regretted buying it. It is high-quality, solid and fabulous. I have read some less-wonderful things about the quality of the Madsen, but that was when they first came out, so things may have changed.

Before we got the bakfiets, I was biking with my twins in a Burley Trailer and my then-baby in a front-mounted iBert seat. I started biking with my 3rd baby when he was 8 months old. He had been holding his head up since birth (all of our kids have done this), and could sit unassisted from 4 months. So, in many ways he was probably more like a typical 1-year-old. He had NO trouble holding his head up with a helmet on (helmets these days really hardly weigh anything at all). What I didn't like about this set-up was that when my baby would fall asleep, there was no place for him to put his head. That seemed a bit sketchy. So I tried to time my rides around his nap schedule, but of course that can be quite difficult.

With our current baby, I have installed a car seat in the front of our bakfiets for him. I started biking with him about a month ago, when he was nearly 7 months old. I probably would have started earlier if it weren't for the WINTER factor. But I don't think I would have felt comfortable before he was 3 months old. He does wear a helmet, but does not need to hold his head up in our current set-up (though he certainly could; he too has been sitting unassisted since 4 months and is now standing unassisted at nearly 8 months).

I've been riding the bakfiets with my kids for almost 2 years now, and feel incredibly comfortable with it. I know what the risks are, and they feel completely acceptable to me. I love the lifestyle that biking everywhere gives us.

Hoping that we just see families biking more and more and more in the coming years . . .

Lex

[Melanie_7773]

Originally Posted by alfabetsoup

I don't think babies that age can have strong enough necks to control their heads, especially with the added weight of a helmet.

This seems to be the conventional wisdom, but I, for one, don't buy it. Or at least, while it may be true for some babies it's certainly not true for all, and probably not even most. Certainly both of my kids were plenty strong enough by 6 months to control their heads on a relatively smooth ride. And a good bike helmet barely weighs anything at all.

Originally Posted by alfabetsoup

You might also struggle to find a helmet to fit him.

This, on the other hand, could be a serious problem for someone planning on using a bike-mounted seat. My son was about 8 months old when I went looking for a helmet for him. (He started walking a couple of weeks later and was full-out running by 10 months, so the idea that he wouldn't be able to hold his head up at that age was kind of laughable.) I called around the entire city, and eventually ended up driving an hour out of town to purchase a Specialized Small-fry toddler helmet, advertized to fit from 44 cm. It was still too big for a good fit. Most of the more readily available brands start at 47 or 48 cm. In my case I was using a trailer with a 5-pt harness and a rollcage, so the helmet was less about safety and more about establishing the habit (and not having to explain to my then 3-year-old why her brother didn't need a helmet). But if I'd been planning on something like the WeeRide the helmet would have been a big problem for me.

Also, when I was doing the research on this last summer I was unable to find a single shred of evidence supporting the idea that it was unsafe for older babies to ride in a bike seat or trailer. There were lots of references stating it as fact, and theorizing why it might be true. But no studies, no research, no evidence of any kind. It seemed to be more about equipment manufacturers trying to avoid even the suggestion of liability (and quite reasonably so - nobody wants to be implicated in the injury of a baby, even if the law and the truth is ultimately on their side).

So to the parent wondering if a 7-month-old is big enough for a WeeRide, I'd say you know your own child best. If he's big and strong and has good head control (and you can find a helmet that fits) then I don't see why a WeeRide would be any less safe at 7 months than at 12 months, or 24 months, or any other arbitrary age.