Infant bicycle seats

[P.J.]

DS will be one this summer, already weighs about 22 lbs / 10 kg. So we'll be getting a seat for him on our bikes pretty soon. I was thinking to get one of those that goes in front, like by the handlebars. It just seems like it would be easier to maneuver, as the center of gravity is forward. I am already nervous about having DS on my bike as is.

Anyway, at the bike shop today they said those kind are way less safe and they highly highly recommended against getting one. They claimed it had to do with how it was connected, that the rear seats connect to the main frame as well as the back.

Does anyone know anything about this? Are front seats really so unsafe? What is the safest way to ride with a child? Thank you!

[DahliaRW]

For one, you shouldn't have a child on your bike until they are 1yo.  So this summer would be perfect.  Also, make sure whether seat or trailer the child has a properly fitting bike helmet.

I personally feel that trailers are safer.  If you fall, the trailer stays upright.  And a good trailer gives some roll protection to boot.

[CherryBombMama]

we have a front seat for my almost 2yr old (30ish lbs). we just make sure he has a helmet, jeans, and a long sleeve shirt. sure, its not the safest thing in todays standards, but we grew up with our parents riding around with us on their lap, riding one handed lol