Even if your child is not yet old enough to ride a bike by himself, you don’t have to give up going out together. With the help of child bike seat it is possible! However, as with the purchase of a bicycle, it is not only the function that plays a role here, but above all the safety. In addition to safety, the handling.
I will also give you some information on what you should look for when buying a bike seat for your child.
Table of contents
The Best Sellers Of Children’s Bike Seats
In a list of bestsellers, we have compiled the most popular children’s bike seats.
Kids Bike Seat Checklist
- Your toddler must be at least 9 months old and able to sit freely.
- You as the driver – for example, as the older sister – must have reached the age of sixteen.
- If you want to ride your infant in a front seat, it must not weigh more than 15 kg.
- A rear seat is suitable for children weighing more than 15 kg
- A 3-point seat belt with child restraint must be available as a minimum.
- A 5-point belt is even better, especially for slender children.
- The buckle must not be able to be opened by your child.
- The legs and feet are ideally protected along the entire length by a plastic surround. This prevents trouser legs or shoelaces from getting into the spokes.
- It must be possible to adjust the height of the footrests and secure the feet themselves with straps.
- With front seats, steering is limited and your child is less protected in the event of a frontal collision. The turning circle is larger. Driving stability is better because the center of gravity is further forward.
- With rear seats, you cannot see your child, but your handlebars are more flexible. Your child is better protected in frontal accidents. The center of gravity is further back. As a driver, you have to get used to this.
- The padding should be removable and washable .
- The harness should be adjustable in height through special harness slots and have good padding .
- The back should have ventilation slots to prevent heat buildup in the summer.
- The headrest should be adjustable in height.
Recommended Children’s Bike Seats
We have compiled the best and most interesting children’s bike seats . You can find the list with our product recommendations.
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Current Offers Of Children’s Bike Seats
You can find the best current offers on children’s bike seats.
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Child bike Seat Advice
Which child driver seat fits me?
Are you still unsure which child bike seat is the right one for you and your child? No problem. I have already told you all the advantages and disadvantages of the five models but would like to offer you here again a more detailed description of the products. I know from personal experience how insecure you can be when buying a bike seat, after all, the safety factor plays a special role and it can quickly come to a bicycle accident.
I have looked at the individual children’s bike seats from my test, of course, a little closer to be able to offer you all the important information about the individual models. In the following, I would like to help you find the perfect child bike seat for you and your child. To do this, you only have to answer one question.
Do you want to use the bike seat often and for a long time or only for everyday tasks?
Among my top 5 child bike seat recommendations are three bike seats that can be bought for around a hundred euros and two seats that are very cheap. Of course, the price difference has its reasons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the cheaper models offer less safety. The high-priced ones usually just offer more comfort and more features, making them particularly suitable for frequent riders.
You want a comfortable child bike seat because you are a lot on the road with the bike?
You are type A!
Many like to do almost all their trips by bike and also like to go on long bike rides together. This does not have to be the end when a child is there. With a good child bike seat you are still mobile. I recommend you either the Thule Baby Ridelong, the Britax Römer Jockey Comfort or the Hamax Sleepy.
The Thule Baby Ridealong child seat.
The child bike seat from Thule.
The attachment to the bike is also very simple and especially quickly done and is suitable for most bikes.
The operation of theThule Baby Ridea long.
A really great and practical child bike seat that is perfect for longer bike rides and for frequent riders.
The Britax Römer Jockey Comfort child bike seat.
The Jockey Comfort .
Thanks to the foot straps, small children’s feet stay securely on the footrests and cannot get caught in the spokes. The sturdy spring steel bar absorbs shocks and bumps. So your child can comfortably and relaxed enjoy the bike ride.
Due to the great ergonomic shape and the possibility to adjust the seat perfectly to the size of your child, the Jockey Comfort from Britax Römer
The Hamax Sleepy bike seat.
The Hamax Sleepy .
Especially easy here is the attachment to the bike. with an additional bracket, the seat can be conveniently and quickly removed from mom’s bike and attached to dad’s bike or vice versa. Thus, the Sleepy from Hamax offers plenty of flexibility. I find it particularly pleasant that the child bike seat is particularly light. It weighs only 1.5 kg and is thus a true lightweight, which makes the ride even more pleasant.
Want a safe but inexpensive child bike seat because you only ride your bike shorter distances now and then?
You are type B!
Cheap does not mean bad or unsafe for children’s bike seats. Most cheaper models simply have fewer features and do not have, for example, the ability to set a comfortable sleeping position for your child. This feature is convenient, especially for longer trips, but not necessary if you are only regularly times one to two hours on the road. They still have to meet certain safety standards, so that your child is safe behind you on the bike at all times.
A cheaper model makes sense if you only ride your bike once in a while or if you want to ride your bike regularly with your child, but not for such long distances. Perfect for you are the Iso Trade child bike seat and the Prophete safety child seat.
The Iso Trade child bike seat.
The Iso Trade.
The special feature of the Iso Trade child bike seat.
The seat cushion is pleasantly soft and can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. The children’s bike seat from Iso Trade.
The Prophete safety child seat.
With 2 kg, the child bike seat from Prophete is very light and thus ensures a comfortable transport. The big disadvantage compared to other rear models, however, is that it can only be loaded with up to 15 kg and therefore can not be used for so long
The bike seat from Prophete
However, the material of the child bike seat does not seem so high-quality, which explains the good price. Therefore, I would simply recommend you to pay attention to how strained the material is over time and replace the seat if necessary. But if you want to have the seat at home just in case and not so often ride a bike, it offers a good alternative to more expensive models and also meets all safety requirements.
Child Bike Seat Info
Why do you need a child bike seat?
A child bike seat is super handy if you like to go on bike rides or do everyday trips by bike. By buying a bike seat, your toddler is always with you and also gets to see a lot of exciting things.
Another alternative is a bicycle trailer. This generally offers even more safety than the child bike seat, but also quickly takes away your usual flexibility when cycling and is more quickly overlooked by other road users. Especially if you like to make longer trips, a child bike seat offers you more comfort.
Infants are allowed to ride in a child bike seat from the age of nine months. The prerequisite is that they can already sit independently and the backrest is not too vertical, or can be adjusted.
What you should look for when buying a child bike seat
So that you and your little treasure can be really safe and comfortable together on the road, there are a few things to consider when buying a child bike seat. Here is a brief summary before I go into more detail on the individual points.
- Mounting form
- Processing
- secure harness system
- Size adjustability
- Spoke protector
- Reflectors
- Removable and washable seat cushion
Handlebar or rear model?
In my recommendations, I have only included child bike seats that are attached to the rear of the bike. However, there are also models for the handlebars, which have the advantage that you always have your child in sight. In addition, the bike with weight on the handlebars is a little smoother to ride than the rear version. However, only children up to 15 kg may be carried on the handlebars. There may also be the problem with smaller people that their view is too much restricted by the child seat on the handlebars. Also, the steering ability often suffers under the steering wheel models.
Rear models have the disadvantage that the luggage rack is no longer usable and you should also not put on a large backpack, but they make riding easier in contrast to the handlebar models. Rear bike seats can also usually be loaded up to 22 kg, some models even up to 35 kg. So you have much longer what from a child bike seat, which is attached to the back of the bike and it is also safer, the risk of injury in accidents is much higher with the steering wheel models. For the transport of bags, purchases, etc. can be used either a bicycle basket for the steering wheel or practical side pockets.
Safety
The most important thing when buying a bike seat for your child is safety. The child bike seat should have at least a 3-point harness that can be adjusted individually, so that even the very youngest can not slip out during the ride. In addition, the footrests should be adjustable to the size of the child and preferably have footrests, so that the small child’s feet can not get into the rotating spokes of your bike.
Some models have a reclining backrest so kids can sleep comfortably on the go, too. That in itself is a nice feature, especially for longer bike rides. However, cyclists should note that adjusting the backrest also shifts the center of gravity. It is also advisable to support the child’s head in the lying position with a small bolster so that it cannot move around unhindered.
So that you are also seen in the dark, the child bike seat should be equipped with a reflector at the back.
Material and color choice
There are of course children’s bike seats in all sorts of colors, so there is the right one for everyone. However, there are also some things to consider when choosing a color. The disadvantage of too bright child bike seat is that you can quickly see the dirt, which automatically puts on the seat, if you are much on the road with the bike. But since you should wipe the child bike seat more often anyway, this is still not so dramatic and more of an aesthetic aspect. What is particularly important to remember is that black bike seats heat up particularly quickly in the sun and, which should be avoided.
The material should make a stable and not too thin impression, so that not already a corner breaks off, if it comes but times to a fall, because this also increases the risk of injury.
Practical extras
Most children’s bike seats now come with a practical carrying handle. In everyday life, the carrying handle is a frequently underestimated help. Further practical or actually already necessary, if one is in the summer with the bicycle on the way, are ventilation slots. Most children’s bike seats are made of plastic, where the heat accumulates particularly well. Since it quickly becomes uncomfortable – Therefore, Lüftungsschnlitze should be both in the seat, as well as in the back surface.
Also advantageous is a safety bar at the front of the child bike seat. Closed armrests are also a plus in terms of safety.
Information about the child bike seat
The assembly
In recent years, the assembly of children’s bicycle seats has become more and more convenient.
Especially seats with plug-in system trump with a particularly simple assembly. The seats are here really just plugged on and can also be removed very easily and quickly
If you are unsure about the installation of the child bike seat, then there is of course the possibility of this in a bike store to attach. This usually costs around 10 euros. But all children’s bike seats are made so that the self-assembly is actually no problem. Normally, a clamp is attached in the frame tube, in whose holes the Sitzhalterunng is inserted
In general, however, you should pay attention to some things when mounting the child bike seat. Of course, it should not be attached to moving parts of the bike under any circumstances.by a foot part should be the small child’s feet from getting into the spokes while driving
Popular are models that are mounted behind the saddle. They can usually be used until the child reaches 22 kg. In addition, the back section can often be tilted to provide a more comfortable sitting position, which is not possible with handlebar models.
When mounting the bike seat is mounted on the frame, so that it virtually floats above the carrier. Mounting on the rear is very practical, because it gives the bike seat extra suspension. In addition, children who are taken behind their parents on the bike are better protected from injury in case of accidents.
Models that are mounted in front of or behind the steering wheel have the advantage that parents can always see their children while riding. However, the bike seat also makes steering more difficult and is not recommended for smaller people, as the field of vision is too restricted. Other disadvantages include a usually lower backrest and neck guard and a higher risk of injury in case of accidents. Child bike seats for front may only be used up to 15 kg. So here, too, the attachment to the rear has some advantages.
When mounting at the front of the bike, there are two options: Either in front of the handlebars or behind them. Personally, I would advise against mounting in front of the handlebars. The child is there as good as not protected and many children also feel uncomfortable.
Behind the handlebars, the child bike seat is attached directly to the head tube. You should make sure that your child has enough legroom. In addition, many parents must first get used to the changed center of gravity and that they have to reach past the child to the handlebars. Many children like this seating position, because they feel very secure and enjoy the free view forward. The mounting on the handlebars is not suitable for racing bikes, because the cyclist would then have to reach too far forward to reach the handlebars
Children’s bike seat – The right care
As with most products, the bike seat needs a little care so that it lasts a long time and remains safe. Therefore, you should regularly wipe it with a damp cloth and possibly some gentle cleaning or dishwashing detergent. For general hygiene, the upholstery, or the covers, should also be washed in this course
Especially if the child bike seat has not been in use for a long time, you should take a moment to check the screws. It can happen from time to time that the screws loosen, so they should be checked and tightened if necessary
Child seats are mostly made of plastic and this can become brittle if exposed to strong sunlight or cold for a long time. Therefore, especially in winter, the child bike seat should be removed from the bike and stored indoors
Safety and more – You should definitely pay attention to this
From when are small children actually allowed to ride in a child bike seat? Most child bike seats are suitable from 9 months. But of course every child develops differently. In any case, it should already be able to hold its head. I personally advise you to be on the safe side and get the opinion of a pediatrician beforehand. If there are no objections, you can start your first ride. The best thing to do is to test out how comfortable your child feels in the child bike seat on a short stretch of road. You also have to get used to the fact that you now have a little passenger on the bike. This is not so easy at the beginning, because the child bike seat shifts the center of gravity. Therefore: Don’t take on too much at the beginning, you both have to get used to riding a bike together first
The little passenger must also wear a helmet, because if you tip over with the bike, the child seat tips over with it. You should also not leave your child alone in the child bike seat – not even for two minutes. It quickly happens that the little one wiggles his little arm or jerks back and forth and the bike gets out of balance.
Child bike seats do not tolerate too much weight, so a child that exceeds the weight limit for the bike seat according to the manufacturer’s specifications should not continue to use the bike seat under any circumstances. Also, too much weight due to shopping bags, etc. is dangerous in the highest degree. This point should not be underestimated in any case
You should also pay attention to the correct center of gravity. The cross on the side of children’s bike seats should not be more than 10 cm behind the axle. It is also advisable to wrap open springs on the saddle, because small children like to stretch out their fingers and the there lurks a great risk of injury.
Unlike bicycle trailers, child seats do not protect against the sun. So when you’re out and about with your child in the summer, make sure you have sufficient sun protection, preferably sun protection factor 50, because children’s skin is particularly sensitive. Even a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor only protects for a limited time, so take breaks in the shade if necessary.
FAQ about children’s bike seats
From when bicycle seat for children?
Children who are able to sit upright on their own can, in principle, be taken along in a bicycle seat. This is usually the case from around 9 months of age. However, the age is not a fixed value, some children need longer for this development and should accordingly not yet be taken on the bike.
Bicycle seat for children front or rear?
Where a bicycle seat for children is mounted depends on the manufacturer and model. The manufacturer’s specifications and safety instructions should always be followed. There are seats that are mounted in the front and others that are mounted on the back of the bike. Front mounted seats allow you to see the child, but bike seats that are mounted on the back usually have better backrests/headrests. They also do not obstruct the view. It is important to note that only children up to a certain weight are allowed in the front (up to 15kg). In the back, children up to 25kg are allowed to sit. It is important to check these regulations before each ride and depending on the manufacturer, so that no accident happens.
Which bike seat for children is the best?
Which bike seat is best for children depends on the age of the child and the needs. The most important thing is safety. This should always be guaranteed. In terms of riding comfort, there are some differences, good are seats that are individually adjustable (backrest and headrest). Also pleasant are models with particularly soft padding are recommended.
Child bike seat: How long?
According to road traffic regulations, children are allowed to ride in a child bike seat up to 7 years,
More On The Topic
Children’s bike seats
- Iso Trade child bike seat
- Britax Römer Jockey Comfort child bike seat
- The 10 best children’s bike seats – guidebook
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