How to Bicycle with a Baby
If you're a bicycle commuter, you may be more than ready to head into the great wide open with your baby in tow. While you'll find plenty of baby-centric bicycle gear out there, all of it should be approached with caution. First of all, health and injury experts don't recommend that children under 12 months old ride on a bicycle, trailer or carrier of any kind. When they are old enough, it's important to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and yours.
Things You'll Need
- Bike trailer or carrier
- Safety flag
- Helmet
Instructions
Check the bicycle and any additional components, such as seats or trailers, to make sure they're in proper working condition. This includes making sure the tires are properly inflated, the chain is greased, the brakes are working correctly and there are no missing parts, such as spokes or reflectors. Get the right carrier for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends bike trailers over rear-mounted bike seats, since there have been fewer reported injuries from this type of setup. Since it sits low to the ground, your trailer should have a bright orange flag attached to it. The AAP recommends that only children who are more than 12 months old ride in a rear-mounted seat. In either case, the baby should be secured in the seat with a shoulder harness and lap belt. If you're using other transport methods, such as front-mounted seat or a cargo bike, check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure your baby is the right size for that equipment. Put an infant bike helmet on your child, ideally one that is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To set a good example and prevent serious injuries, you should also wear a helmet, reminds the AAP. Dress your baby for comfort. If you're riding in cooler temperatures, your body is going to warm up from the work you're doing -- but your baby's won't. Likewise, make sure your baby is getting proper ventilation inside the trailer on warm days. Use extreme caution when you're out on city streets. If you're using your bicycle for commuting, check whether there are any bike paths or trails meant for non-motorized vehicles, as these will be far safer for you and your infant. If not, ride in control, obey all traffic signals and use hand signals when you're changing lanes or turning. Practice doing this without your baby in the trailer or on the bike first, to make sure you're able to do it safely. Check on your baby often. Babies are not in control of their bodies and won't be able to move a strap that's gotten loose or adjust a blanket that's gotten in their faces.
