Did you know that biking with a toddler or a baby is so much fun nowadays? It seems there are no limitations anymore. If you are a bike lover and have a family, there is a huge variety of all kinds of bike carriers for kids. Depending on your child’s age, the number of children you have, the type of adventure you go on, you are free to choose from a number of baby carriers for bikes and different bike attachments for children.
Carry your baby on your bike or pull your child behind you – it’s your choice. In this article today, we will review what’s available on the market to let you pick the right baby carrier for bike riding. This is to include but not limited to:
Image | Name | Age limit | Buy Now |
 | Bike trailer (Kids pull behind bike) | 12 months – 5 years | |
 | Front baby bike seat | 12 months – 3 years | |
 | Rear child bike seat | 12 months – 4 years | |
 | Mountain bike seat/ MTB saddle | 24 months – 5 years | |
 | Bike tow bar (Kids tow behind bike) | 3 - 7 years | |
 | Bike tow rope | 5+ years | |
 | Tag along bike (Bike extension for child) | 4 - 8 years | |
 | Tandem bikes | 5+ years |
The most commonly used types are child trailers for bikes, front and back bike carriers for kids, such as bike seats. But many parents often wonder which option is better. Well, below we discuss the advantages and limitations of each type to make your biking with a baby comfortable, easy, and joyful.
Finally, as mentioned before, there are several bike attachments for children starting from 2-3 years of age, such as tag along bikes, tow bars, and tow ropes.
You can also use your bike for two kids (even three) at a time. The most important bit is to make your bike riding with toddlers possible far before they can ride long distances on their own.
Bike Carriers For Kids
Bike Trailer
A bike trailer for baby and toddler is a frame with a hitch system that is intended to transport kids by bicycle. It can be converted into a three- or four-wheeled bike trailer jogger stroller. So, you can bike in the woods, jog in the mountains, stroll in the park, and even ski.
The main advantage of children’s bike trailers is that they provide a huge amount of extra carrying capacity, so it is a place where your kids feel comfortable, and you can add some extra things on top as a storage capacity in some of the best bike trailers for kids is extremely impressive. That being said, biking with a baby to the beach or picnic is quite easy with the bike trailer.
Overview:
- Age range: 12 months – 5 years
- Capacity: 1 – 2 children
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with all standard adult bikes.
Read More: 13 Best Child Trailers for Bikes.
Advantages:
- Storage: a lot of storage space.
- Level of expertise: easy to pull.
- Risk of injury: low. If the bike falls, the chances that the bike trailer stays on the ground are high.
- Portability: Quick fold and very well-transportable.
- Loading/ Unloading: since the bike trailer is on the ground, you can easily and safely place your child in the trailer and pick him up using both hands.
Other characteristics:
- Bike trailers are low to the ground and incredibly stable.
- Your child is protected from rain and sun.
- The cover allows children to play with toys, eat snacks, drink water without losing anything.
- Seats are reclinable in some models, so it is easy to take a rest during the ride.
- Some models offer a jogging kit, stroll kit, and ski kit.
Limitations:
- Price: can be quite expensive, especially if you consider padded or reclinable seats, suspension, hand brake, lock kits, etc.
- Interaction level: low
- Bike trailers are more cumbersome than other options, not ideal for muddy roads as they are low to the ground and have a wide body which sometimes is a problem on the narrow roads.
Top Pick:
Thule Chariot Cross
Thule Chariot Cross is the most popular model, it offers everything you need and beyond. Interesting that the double bike trailer is more in demand than the single bike trailer, mainly because of its little difference in price and overall width (only 5-6 inches). Plus, Thule Chariot Cross double bike trailer stroller is way roomier.
Read More: Features of Thule Bike Trailers.
Front Baby Bike Seat
Front-mounted baby bike seats are mainly the bikes for carrying babies starting from 1 year of age. The bike carrier is attached to the frame in the front so that you are able to interact with your baby throughout the whole time.
Overview:
- Age range: 12 months – 3 years
- Capacity: 1 baby
- Compatibility: Not compatible with all standard adult bikes. You should check the compatibility before you commit to a purchase.
Advantages:
- Front baby carriers for bicycles are extremely stable.
- Front-mounted baby bike seats are extremely easy to install and remove.
- Portability: Not foldable, but small and easy for transportation.
- With your child on your bike, rather than being towed behind you, these bike attachments for children can be safer for high-traffic commutes.
- Interaction level: high
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: easy-medium. Due to the extra weight in front, you will need to get used to the bike and maintain balance.
- Risk of injury: If the bike falls, your child will fall with you, so the baby helmet is a must.
- Loading/ Unloading: you will need to make sure your bike maintains the upright position.
- Price: budget range (up to $200)
Limitations:
- Storage: not available.
- You will also need to accommodate your legs and arms position due to the shape and width of the front bike seat.
- The bike with child carrier in front is quite tricky to deal with some issues happening during the ride. You will always need to make sure your bike is in the upright position by using one hand or leaning the bike towards a wall, unless otherwise, you shall take your baby out of the seat first.
- Although the maximum age is set as 3 years old, babies outgrow this type of baby carrier on a bike pretty fast. If your child is almost two or has already reached two years of age, it is highly recommended to consider the rear bike seat.
- Your child is not protected from rain and sun.
Top Pick:
Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat
Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini is by far one of the most stylish and lightweight child bike seats. You’d hardly feel the weight. It is very well-designed, durable, and will last you for years. We love the fact how breathable it is due to the designed large hole vents on the back of the seat.
Let’s take a look at the technical aspect and features of the Yepp Nexxt Mini.
- Age/ weight capacity: 9 months – 3 years/ up to 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Easy mounting and dismounting
- A universal quick-release bracket that fits normal and ahead stems
- Magnetic childproof safety buckle is a unique feature that lets this child seat stand out from its competitors. It provides additional safety and is hard for a baby to figure out.
- Adjustable and padded 5-point harness
- Integrated child handlebar
- Water-repellent materials that are easy to clean
- Shock-absorbing seat
- Adjustable footrests
Rear Child Bike Seat
A rear child bike seat is a seat that is attached to the back of your bike. It can be also installed on foldable bikes, some of the rear baby seats include adapters. In comparison with the front-mounted baby bike seats, the rear seats are bigger, more stable, and easier to balance.
Usually, the main parents’ concern is that they won’t be able to see their baby, but we found out that there is a good level of interaction, and it is generally safer biking with baby carrier at the back.
Overview:
- Age range: 12 months – 4 years
- Capacity: 1 baby
- Compatibility: Not compatible with all standard adult bikes. You should check the compatibility before you commit to a purchase.
Read More: 10 Best Bike Seats For Toddlers.
Advantages:
- Rear bike seats are more common due to their high weight capacity. These carriers for toddlers will serve for 3 – 4 years.
- Lots of mounting options, so it is easy to find the one that is compatible with your bicycle.
- Portability: Not foldable, but easy for transportation.
- A rear bike carrier for kids is very easy to install and remove.
- With your child on your bike, rather than being towed behind you, this bike attachment for toddlers is safer and perfect for high-traffic commutes.
- Interaction level: high
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: easy-medium. Due to the extra weight at the back, you will need to get used to the bike and maintain balance.
- Risk of injury: If the bike falls, your child will fall with you, so the baby helmet is a must. Based on our personal experience, the child is still protected if the bike falls on a side without being severely injured.
- Loading/ Unloading: you will need to make sure your bike maintains the upright position. Unless otherwise, you shall take your baby out of the seat first.
- Price: mid-high range (up to $300)
Limitations:
- Storage: not available.
- As kids get heavier and move around, the rear baby bike seats become less stable than bike trailers or front-mounted bike seats.
- Your child is not protected from rain and sun.
- Although the maximum age is set as 3 years old, babies outgrow this type of baby carrier on bike pretty fast. If your child is almost two or has already reached two years of age, it is highly recommended to consider the rear bike seat.
Top Pick:
Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat
RideAlong has a bit different design compared to Yepp and Yepp Nexxt. It also has one of the most comfortable strapping systems that actually stays in place.
- Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Product weight: 9.5 lbs (4.30 kg)
- Fits most bike frames (27.2 – 40 mm round frames and up to 40 x 55 mm oval frames)
- Quick-release bracket for mounting and dismounting
- Shock-absorbing DualBeam suspension system to minimize bumps and ensure the smooth ride
- Standard childproof safety buckle (not a magnetic one!)
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps that stay in place
- Adjustable 3-point harness
- Water-repellent padding that is easy to clean
- Adjustable footrests with straps
- Built-in reflector and safety light
Mountain Bike Seat/ MTB Saddle
You will get surprised, but bike carriers for kids are so versatile. Front-mounted MTB child seats are game-changers for professional mountain biking parents. It is usually a saddle with protective straps for feet or a very small MTB child bike seat with extra support. You can fit a child starting from 12 months of age or after consulting your pediatrician. The main factor that you have to be aware of is your baby’s neck. Since you are going up to the mountains, a child’s neck must be strong enough to support their head over rough surfaces.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the saddle, the lighter it is the better for you.
Overview:
- Age range: 12 months – 7 years
- Capacity: 1 baby
- Compatibility: Not compatible with all standard adult bikes. You should check the compatibility before you commit to a purchase.
Read More: Best Mid-Mount Child Bike Seats.
Advantages:
- Portability: The best. It is small and lightweight.
- Very easy to install and remove.
- The ride on such child carriers for bikes is extremely stable because your child’s weight is centered on your bike.
- MTB child saddles allow you to carry a higher weight compared to the regular front-mounted baby bike seats.
- Interaction level: high
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: advanced
- Loading/ Unloading: the easiest way is to plop your baby on the seat and get him off whenever you need to stop.
- Some adjustments to the way how you ride the bike should be made due to your child sitting in front.
- Price: mid-high range (up to $300)
Limitations:
- Risk of injury: If the bike falls, your child will fall with you, so the baby helmet and protective gear are a must. Consider the fact that your child is not strapped.
- Your child is not protected from rain and sun.
- No harness for extra safety, however, there are other front-mounted advanced bike seat models.
Top Pick:
Mac Ride Child Bike Seat
Mac Ride child bike seat offers a sleek design and considers to be one of the most expensive options. It is the best child seat for mountain bike if you are planning to switch it between two or more bikes quite often. It is also the only bike seat that has adjustable height footrests for your child.
Age/ weight capacity: 24 months – 5 years / up to 60 lbs (20 kg)
- Compatibility: Compatible with mountain bikes, commuters, and e-bikes (E-Bike Adapter).
- The Mac Ride mounts between the headset and the seat post, so the seat’s placement is independent of the slope of the top tube.
- Includes two standard front mount spacers (1 1/8″).
- The most comfortable and easiest to use adjustable footrests with rubberized foot straps.
- Soft comfortable saddle.
Additional Accessories:
Bike Tow Bar/ Arms (Kids Tow Behind Bike)
Bike tow bar allows your child to ride their own bike which makes it one of the best bike attachments for children to go on a family adventure. The tow bar easily and quickly connects the child bike to the adult bike, so you can help to tow your child along the way or when your baby gets tired.
Overview:
- Age range: 3 – 7 years
- Capacity: 1 baby
- Bike wheel size compatibility: 12 to 20 inches bikes
- Compatibility: Normally attaches to the bikes with wheel sizes of 12 to 20 inches in diameter. 24 inches bikes won’t work with the tow bar, simply because you need to lift the bike at 2-3 inches in height. It is not achievable with the 24 inches bikes. Always check the compatibility before you commit to a purchase.
Advantages:
- Portability: The majority of the models allow to attach the tow bar to the rear axle of the adult’s bike. The great thing about the tow bar is that you can take it for “just in case” situations.
- Very easy to install and remove.
- This is a great way of riding a bike with your child for long distances and being able to support and reassure your baby throughout the journey. It also builds your child’s stamina, endurance, and confidence.
- Interaction level: high.
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: Easy-medium
- Price: mid-high range (up to $300)
- No stabilizers for the child’s bike.
Limitations:
- Risk of injury: There are not many options to cause a serious injury. If your bike falls, the child’s bike may fall with you, so the baby helmet and protective gear are a must. Consider the fact that your child is not strapped. To use a tow bar, your child needs to know how to ride his bike.
- Some adjustments to the way how you ride the bike should be made due to the fact you are towing your own child. If your baby pulling the brake, bikes won’t stop, but you will feel the drag which will make your ride slightly more difficult.
- Stability, leaning, and wobbliness may be an issue in some cheap tow bar models. You should check the installation process and tighten the bolts. It won’t eliminate the issue completely, but it will certainly help. Unless otherwise, consider more expensive options for great stability and safety.
- The installation process is time-consuming. However, once you have done it, you don’t need to install it again.
- Some tow bars may leave some scratches on your child’s bike.
Top Picks:
There are different tow bars on the market with different attaching techniques. The TrailGator tow bar attaches under the adult’s seat and to a mountain plate on a head tube of the child’s bike. The metal bar lifts the front bike wheel off the ground and keeps the bike upright and behind the adult’s bike at a set distance. There is also a handlebar stabilizer that prevents a child’s bike from steering even if your child keeps steering. On the contrary, the FollowMe Tandem tow bar is a coupling device that attaches to the adult’s rear axle.
Bike Tow Rope
Bike tow ropes are similar to tow bars. The difference is the rope connecting bikes rather than the bar. Tow ropes are less safe, they cannot be used on the road. Tow ropes are designed to help your child on the challenging parts of your journey, such as going uphill.
Unlike the tow bar, when you attach the tow rope, your child keeps riding the bike and controlling the moves. On this occasion, it is important to maintain the distance. You should not go too fast or unclip on downhills, the important bit is that you should always control the speed of your child from the rear.
Overview:
- Age range: 5+ years.
- Capacity: 1 baby.
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with all standard bikes.
Advantages:
- This is a great way of riding a bike with your child for long distances and being able to support and reassure your baby throughout the journey. It also builds your child’s stamina, endurance, and confidence.
- Portability: Easy.
- Very easy to install and remove.
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: Medium.
- Price: Budget.
- Interaction level: Medium.
Limitations:
- Risk of injury: The main trick is to control the speed and not going too fast to avoid unnecessary injuries. If your bike falls, the child’s bike may fall with you, so the baby helmet and protective gear are a must. Consider the fact that your child is not strapped, so to use a tow rope, your child needs to know how to ride his bike.
- These bike attachments for children require necessary adjustments to the way how you ride the bike due to the fact you are towing your own child. If your baby pulling the brake, bikes won’t stop, but you will feel the drag which will make your ride slightly more difficult.
- Stability, leaning, and wobbliness may be an issue.
Top Picks:
Tag Along Bike (Bike Extension For Child)
Tag Along bikes are designed for kids who can’t ride their own bikes yet.
Overview:
- Age range: 4 – 8 years.
- Capacity: 1 baby.
- Compatibility: Tag Along bikes normally are attached to a seat post of an adult bike or rear rack. Some bike models cannot accommodate the rear rack. Always check the compatibility before you commit to a purchase.
Advantages:
- They are very light and portable.
- You can install them quite easily within a few minutes.
- You are able to fold Tag Along bikes to store in the trunk of your car.
- Fit a wide age range of kids – adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Your child can pedal his bike or take a rest during the journey.
- They are perfect for long journeys with kids.
Other characteristics:
- Level of expertise: Medium.
- Price: Mid-high.
- Interaction level: Medium.
- Always keep the bike upright for safety reasons.
Limitations:
- Tag Along bike attachments for children take some practice to get used to due to the wobble factor. They are also quite tricky in terms of maintaining the balance, after all, you have got a child and a half of the bike to tag along.
- Not as stable compared to the other options. Wobbliness may be an issue.
- Risk of injury: If your bike falls, the child’s Tag Along bike may fall with you, so the baby helmet and protective gear are a must. Your child is not strapped.
- Unlike the tow bars or tow ropes, tag along bikes do not teach or improve your child’s ability to bike, neither they promote independent riding.
Other Bike Carriers for Kids
Tandem Bike
A Tandem bike or so-called Twin Bike is designed for two riders and can be a great option for both of you and your child to pedal.
Cargo Bike
Cargo bikes are an excellent way of riding a bike and carrying with you more than one child, in fact, you can have up to six children at a time! Some cargo bikes offer special baby carrier inserts that are similar to a car seat. There are even a lot of additional accessories to hide from the rain or get more comfortable with special seat pads. However, consider that cargo bikes are quite bulky and expensive. They also serve a limited amount of time due to the age of your children.
As you can see, there are so many unique bike carriers for kids! Have you picked one yet? Share with us by leaving the comment below.
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