Child seat on bike, up front or rear rack

[Yellow Fang]

I am thinking of cycling my toddler to nursery rather than driving him. I think it is do-able. It is three miles, but there are cycle paths most the way there. If you look at the picture you should see a bicycle with a child seat near the handlebars with a windshield. It could be a good excuse for an n+1 purchase. On the other hand, I have an underused bike with quite a good rear rack. I hear Hamax child seats are the best. With the child sitting up front, I would be worried about how stable the bike was. On the other hand, my toddler might enjoy it more because he could see where he was going.

 

[classic33]

I'd prefer to have the minimum of obstruction of my forward vision, and not have a live load over the front wheel which might interfere with the steering.
Go with the rear seating.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I forgot to attach the photo of the bicycle in the bikeshop with the child seat up front.

 

[classic33]

I forgot to attach the photo of the bicycle in the bikeshop with the child seat up front.

Something that size I'd prefer behind me.

 

[Drago]

Trailer?

 

[Yellow Fang]

Trailer?

I read a specialist bicycle magazine once, although I cannot remember what it was called. There was an article about child carriers. The parents said they had to wait until the child could speak until he could tell them that he did not like the trailer, because of the bumps in the road, and because he could not see where he was going.

 

[oxoman]

I've recently seen one with the screen and was quite impressed. It's easier to dismount with the kid in front imho, my mate dropped his bike and son when he got off and the weight of everything caused the back wheel to kick out, luckily they both survived. I see a fair few trailers about with kids in and also a couple of cargo type bikes with the box at the front with the kids in. I personally used an Adams trailer a bike when yound oxo hit about 3yrs of age. He loved it. Depends on the age of your toddler and how trustworthy they are. Good luck choosing.

 

[Drago]

I read a specialist bicycle magazine once, although I cannot remember what it was called. There was an article about child carriers. The parents said they had to wait until the child could speak until he could tell them that he did not like the trailer, because of the bumps in the road, and because he could not see where he was going.

My lass loved the trailer. It was a sad day when she finally grew too big for it.

No matter how wet and covered in slime I got she was always warm, cosy and dry.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I used to have a bike trailer for luggage, but I would not trust anything like it for children. Sometimes it turned over. Sometimes it worked loose. Maybe I just need a better trailer.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

My lass loved the trailer. It was a sad day when she finally grew too big for it.

No matter how wet and covered in slime I got she was always warm, cosy and dry.

Don’t worry you’ll be in trailer soon, whilst she pedals.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I suppose child seats work better if the bike has a bike stand. I suppose it must be a bit tricky trying to strap a child into a bike seat, while trying to stop the bike toppling over.

 

[Drago]

I used to have a bike trailer for luggage, but I would not trust anything like it for children. Sometimes it turned over. Sometimes it worked loose. Maybe I just need a better trailer.

No doubt at all. You need a better trailer.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I don't think I can use a bike with the child seat up front. The recommended weight limit is 15 kg, and the little fellow is already over 14 kg. Most child trailers I have seen are for two children. At present I am leaning towards a rack seat, but I am unsure how you are supposed to keep the bike stable while putting the child into his seat or taking him out.

 

[Drago]

Believe it or not, two seat child trailers (single seaters are available) are quite happy to have just one seat occupied.

 

[bobzmyunkle]

At present I am leaning towards a rack seat, but I am unsure how you are supposed to keep the bike stable while putting the child into his seat or taking him out.

Plenty of walls available. Get him in a hamax, get some front panniers and get the ferry to France before the summer's over.