Welcoming a new addition to the family doesn’t mean putting your cycling adventures on hold. With the proper preparation and precautions, biking with babies can be a delightful experience for parents and little ones. This guide will explore tips and considerations to ensure safe and enjoyable rides with your baby.
INVEST IN A SUITABLE CHILD BIKE SEAT
The first step in biking with your baby is choosing a reliable, age-appropriate child bike seat. Various types are available, including front-mounted and rear-mounted seats, trailers, and cargo bikes. Ensure the seat supports your baby’s head and neck correctly and has a secure harness system.
Cargo bikes are an entirely different bike with e-bike support (motor and battery) to assist you as you ride. Good if you want to carry two kids, or extra things with you like shopping etc to get up hills easily. These are heavy bikes!
Trailers are probably the hardest work so far as rolling resistance goes, but bub can be fully enclosed and protected from the weather.
It’s worth noting that with front mounted baby seats firstly as an adult you need to ride with your knees pointed outward to get around the baby’s seat. For longer distances this can be uncomfortable on your knees. Also when your baby falls asleep (as they often do), their head falls to the side and you have to prop it up with your forearm. On the positive side you can see them for the whole ride in your line of vision.
Rear mounted seats can either be mounted on top of a panier (like Topeak brand), or with a clamp the the seatpost of your bike. The clamp mounted options have a higher seat, which means your baby, soon to be infant and then toddler can see over you better and also talk with you near your head height as you ride which can be better for bonding. Remember to clip on the hand rest, so that when your infant falls asleep they end up resting on that plastic bar as you bob along.
CHECK YOUR BIKE AND GEAR
Before hitting the road, give your bike a thorough inspection. Ensure the tires are properly inflated, brakes work smoothly, and all components are in good condition. Additionally, equip yourself with essential safety gear, including a properly fitting helmet for your baby and for yourself. It’s worth noting that getting a helmet small enough may require a little looking around.
Noting that riding on a bike is a more vulnerable position than your child being in a car with a steel frame around them, you may choose to get a flag on a pole (even if you have to use masking tape to affix it to the baby seat somehow) and perhaps also some protective high vis reflective material to strap to the back of your rear mounted baby seat or the trailer. You really want to be seen and for cars to intentionally give you a wide berth.
START SLOW AND SHORT
Introduce your baby to biking gradually by starting with short rides in a controlled environment. This allows both you and your baby to get accustomed to the experience. Begin with rides around your neighborhood or a nearby park, and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable.
CHOOSE SMOOTH AND PAVED ROUTES
Opt for well-maintained and smooth bike paths or roads to ensure a comfortable ride for your baby. Avoid rough terrain or bumpy trails, as these can be jarring for your little one. Paved routes provide a more stable and predictable surface for a smoother journey.
BE MINDFUL OF WEATHER CONDITIONS
Inspect weather conditions before heading out on a biking adventure with your baby (rain and wind). Ensure that your baby is appropriately dressed for the temperature, and consider investing in a bike trailer with a weather shield to protect against wind, rain, or excessive sun exposure.
SECURE YOUR BABY PROPERLY
When placing your baby in the bike seat, ensure they are securely fastened with the harness provided. Double-check the straps to ensure a snug fit without being too tight. Your baby should be able to move their limbs comfortably while remaining well-supported.
BRING ESSENTIALS
Pack a small nappy bag with baby essentials such as nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and snacks. Having these items on hand ensures you are prepared for unexpected stops or needs during the ride.
MAINTAIN A COMFORTABLE PACE
Remember that your biking pace with a baby on board may be slower than usual. Maintaining a comfortable and steady pace ensures a smooth ride for you and your little one. Listen to your baby’s cues and be prepared to take breaks if needed.
Also you may need to occasionally push much harder on the pedals sometimes if you hit a steep section, as your bike with baby seat and child is much heavier than it was pre-baby. So make sure you have the energy to do that up any unexpected hills.
STAY ATTENTIVE TO YOUR BABY’S SIGNALS
Pay close attention to your baby’s signals and cues during the ride. If your baby becomes fussy or uncomfortable, be ready to stop and address their needs. Regularly check on your baby’s well-being and make adjustments as necessary.
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
Biking with your baby is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about enjoying quality time together. Point out interesting sights, sing songs, and engage with your baby during the ride. Creating positive associations with biking from an early age can foster a lifelong love for outdoor activities. It becomes a very bonding experience with time.
Biking with babies can be a rewarding and memorable experience for new parents. By following these tips and prioritising safety, you can create enjoyable biking adventures that contribute to your baby’s early exposure to the joy of outdoor activities. Embrace the journey, savour the moments, and create lasting memories as you explore the world together on two wheels.
Lachlan Soper | Doctor, Cyclist & Father 