Babywearing on a bicycle

[eirual]

So I'v ebeen riding my bike with my 21 mo old on my back in the Ergo (wearing a helmet).

Today a lady with a kid in a Wike stopped and asked if DS wanted a ride and implied that I was putting him in danger.

My theory is that after looking at some of the baby bike carriers/seats on the market, I feel the Ergo is comprable and I'm more comfortable with him centred with me and close to me than doing his own thing on the back or handle bars.

Anywhoo, her comment kinda bugged me and got me thinking- is there something I'm missing? Obviously, if I thought he was in any added danger I wouldn't do it, but I feel like the benefits way outway any possible risk involved (risk I think goes along with ANY other bike carriers/wagons).

[june'smom]

I actually agree with the other mama. I think it is dangerous to have the baby on you when you are riding. It could throw off your balance. I don't like those seats on the back or front of the bikes, either. I think they are unsafe. I use a trailer when we ride. It is so unlikely to tip. When the baby is on you, if you fall, not only do they fall, but you could land on top of them.

Sorry, but I think a trailer is much safer.

[sparklish]

I think I would be surprised to see someone babywearing on a bike too - if you fall over, you could fall right on top of them. I'd agree that a trailer is probably the safest way. sorry.

[Quirky]

A bike seat or a trailer is definitely safer. If you fall on him, you could crush him. The trailer or the bike seat will offer more protection.

Also, I don't see how he could safely and properly wear a helmet while riding on your back -- it needs to be level on his head and if he's on you in an Ergo, it's going to get pushed to the back of his head.

[mommystinch]

Unfortunately, I also agree with the other woman. In fact, I was just picturing myself trying to ride a bike with ds on my back today. I don't know why the picture came to mind since I don't ride bikes (I think it was in relation to my friend being told by a cop that she was endangering her baby by powerwalking with them on her back) Anyway, I was thinking of times with exercising with baby would be dangerous, and biking was one of them. I know I would have a hard time keeping balance with ds on my back and a helmet wouldn't protect his little body if I fell on him

[eirual]

I don't see how I could possibly fall on him. I haven't fallen since I was a pre-teen trying to ride with no hands and no feet. It's not like I'm bareling down hills and around corners or even going fast.

His helmet stays on correctly. I've instructed ropes courses and know how a helmet should fit to protect the wearer properly.

A trailer's out of the financial/convenience/functional realm.

I dunno, It honestly just feels so right, and so much more secure than any other bike-mounted seat could.

[eirual]

Originally Posted by sparklish

I think I would be surprised to see someone babywearing on a bike too - if you fall over, you could fall right on top of them. I'd agree that a trailer is probably the safest way. sorry.

...no need to be sorry, I'm honestly curious if I'm missing something, so looking for feedback.

It seems the main concern would be me falling onto him. And I'm just not sure that's realistic possiblity.

[mommystinch]

I don't know, I nearly fell walking down the sidewalk today with ds on my back in the Mei Tai. I tripped on something on the sidewalk. Fortunately, I would have fallen on my face and not on him. Yeah, you probably won't fall. But, you never know when he might throw you off balance or you swerve to miss running into the ball rolling down the sidewalk and end up going over. I know those things aren't likely to happen, but just pointing out that you really never know.

The thing is, if you feel safe, then you probably are. But, I wouldn't be surprised at on-lookers being worried. As a babywearing mom myself, I would be concerned if I saw someone riding like that. But perhaps that is just because I don't have the confidence that you do.

[Paxjourney]

Originally Posted by june'smom

I actually agree with the other mama. I think it is dangerous to have the baby on you when you are riding. It could throw off your balance. I don't like those seats on the back or front of the bikes, either. I think they are unsafe. I use a trailer when we ride. It is so unlikely to tip. When the baby is on you, if you fall, not only do they fall, but you could land on top of them.

Sorry, but I think a trailer is much safer.

I totally agree. I think it is dangerous. I wear my 22mo old on my back when I ride my stationary bike and when she wiggles I know it throws my whole body out of balance.
I really think a bike trailer is the way to go.

[Meg Murry.]

Originally Posted by eirual

I don't see how I could possibly fall on him.

With all due respect, this comment is the one that makes me fear for your child's safety and your own the most. To say that and mean it requires either ignorance of your own risks or dangerous overconfidence.

[yamilee21]

I think this is one of many situations in which ideas about safety in the United States differ from that in other parts of the world. There are pictures of babywearing while biking on the Storchenweige website, and I've read posts from people in Europe indicating that babywearing while biking is acceptable. But the OP is in the United States, so the safe thing would be to use a bike seat or trailer to conform to the safety notions of the society.

[BusyMommy]

But the OP is in the United States, so the safe thing would be to use a bike seat or trailer to conform to the safety notions of the society.
Yesterday 07:56 PM

I disagree. People are suggesting alternate ways of transport based on real experiences, not to help the OP avoid a ticket or dirty looks. Posters are considering the safety of the OP and her child rather than simply urging "conformity."

I would strongly suggest a bike trailer as there are simply too many variables at play. You may be able to find a deal if you look on Craig's List. I know I'm putting up one of our old Burleys for $20 just to make more room in my garage.


And, yes, my neighbor moved here from Holland last year and uses a bike trailer.

[AmazoniaBelly]

hi,

I live in Germany where I always see people wearing their baby while bike riding.
Most people wear the baby on their chests....which is really dangerous. Because we own no car, biking is our main form of transportation. My daughter is two now and has been in a bike seat since about a year. Before that, I was always really tempted to ride with her in my didymo (long strip of cloth carrier) or ergo. All my friends could get around a lot faster and always tried to convince me it was OK. I, like you, feel very confident while riding...But, since I can't control or predict the way that other people ride around me I don't do it. I have been nearly hit a few times. LUckily, even after a sleepless night, my reflexes were fast enough.

[Leilalu]

I really don't feel bike trailers are all that safe. Maybe they are safer then they used to be......
I would have to agree with the other mom as well here. Your balance could be thrown off. There are too many variables to not have him strapped onto the bike itself.

[BusyMommy]

Originally Posted by Leilalu

I really don't feel bike trailers are all that safe. Maybe they are safer then they used to be......

There are tons of diff quality trailers. Please check it out thoroughly. A friend bought a cheapie and yes, the bolt disconnected on a ride and it was dragged by the cord.

[yamilee21]

Originally Posted by BusyMommy

I disagree. People are suggesting alternate ways of transport based on real experiences, not to help the OP avoid a ticket or dirty looks. Posters are considering the safety of the OP and her child rather than simply urging "conformity."

Who said anything about tickets and dirty looks? "Conform" is not a negative word; it means:

1. To correspond in form or character; be similar.
2. To act or be in accord or agreement; comply
3. To act in accordance with current customs or modes.

Here's an analogy to help you understand: People in the U.S. use car seats; many immigrants to the U.S. are from countries that do not have car seat laws, but they use car seats in the U.S. - thus, they are conforming to the society's safety standards. (Many people are unaware of the actual laws, which vary from state to state anyway, so car seat usage is for many conforming to a societal norm.)

Since the OP does not live in a society in which people tend to ride bicycles while babywearing but rather use bike seats or trailers, it makes sense to conform to the societal norm for biking with a child by using a bike seat or trailer.

[MsElle07]

I agree with the other posters, that it's not very safe. Europe is very different than the US -- bike riding is far more commonplace, cars are accustomed to lots of bike traffic, there are generally fewer cars on the road (more public transportation), and the types of cars are usually smaller. (Not many Hummers driving around Paris.)

You could easily fall while trying to veer out of someone's way -- a runner, another biker, or a car. It may not due to your lack of bike riding skills, but because of obstacles beyond your control. People can and do fall off of bikes every day -- even professional cyclists. If you were to fall backwards, you could kill your child or do serious damage to him -- crush his ribcage, for example.

I'm not an alarmist, someone who thinks *everything* is unsafe and wants to keep their child in a bubble. My kids do some things that other parents might not consider the safest, but this is one thing I wouldn't feel comfortable with.

[e.naomisandoval]

My in-laws don't use seatbelts. If I ask them to, they say, "I trust your driving." Yeah, well, do they trust every driver on the road?

Accidents happen to everyone!

One time I was minding my own business roller blading and next thing I was airborne. We went back and found a rock that must have sent me flying. You just never know.

[eirual]

Originally Posted by yamilee21

it makes sense to conform to the societal norm for biking with a child by using a bike seat or trailer.

MMmm...I disagree with this statement. Most people in this society keep their babies in buckets and use strollers. Some out of convenience, some out of tradition and not knowing that there's another way of transporting your baby.

Why isn't babywearing on a bike more socially acceptable here (I'm in Canada, btw) because it's not normalized or because it's honestly not safe? I'm not convinced it's the latter.

[Meg Murry.]

Originally Posted by BusyMommy

I disagree. People are suggesting alternate ways of transport based on real experiences, not to help the OP avoid a ticket or dirty looks. Posters are considering the safety of the OP and her child rather than simply urging "conformity."

I would strongly suggest a bike trailer as there are simply too many variables at play. You may be able to find a deal if you look on Craig's List. I know I'm putting up one of our old Burleys for $20 just to make more room in my garage.


And, yes, my neighbor moved here from Holland last year and uses a bike trailer.

Thank you for saying this. I'd like to add, moreover, that the laws of physics remain constant regardless of one's country, one's concern for safety or lack thereof, or one's level of ignorance.