The 5 Best Baby Bike Trailers

What do Kids think of these Things?

A baby bike trailer genuinely offers a thrill that never seems to fade. I have seen even tiny children jump for joy at the thought of a ride to the supermarket. Promise them a park with ducks and they will explode with excitement!

What About Babies?

Babies seem to love the motion and rarely cry. If your baby needs a lot of eye contact and reassurance, though, it might be worth thinking about a side-mounted trailer-- or leaving your purchase until the child is older.

What About Mom and Dad?

Well, it helps if you have a good sunny climate and it helps if you live in a place without too many hills. On the other hand, if you are a regular cyclist, these trailers don't add much to the effort of any normal ride. They are very lightweight and well designed. Also, whenever a baby is in back you will probably find you just want to go gently to enjoy the experience more.

Hitching and unhitching is a breeze and if you have a double trailer with just the one child, you get some useful extra space for the groceries or anything else. Just don't be surprised if unguarded cookies get eaten on the longer journeys.

Is a Kid's Bike Trailer Safe?

I have seen people riding through heavy city traffic with child trailers. Personally, I would avoid the rush hour and find routes with bike lanes in busy areas. In small towns and out in the country they are perfect.

They are certainly safer than kids bike seats, especially the kind that goes on the handle bar. Accidents can easily happen before you even set off- letting the bike slip can mean a serious fall for a baby.

If you fall off a bike with a trailer, it should stay upright unless you are travelling very fast. The connecting bar between the trailer and the bike pivots. This means that if the bike does fall over, the trailer will not twist round. The trailer is also very low so there is almost no distance for a child to fall.

Some Wise Precautions

Babies need to be in a supporter firmly attached to the anchor points provided.There is a video of how to install one in a 'Chariot' down the page.

Toddlers should always wear helmets and some states require this by law. 'Aero' style helmets with back projections can hurt a child's neck and should definitely be avoided. Heavy helmets can also injure very young children. Cushions to support a child's head are advisable. Safety belts should always be worn.

A recent German study concluded that bike trailers were a particularly safe way of carrying children- although, being German, they also recommended a few improvements to present models!

There is a useful page on how to carry infants safely here :http://www.ibike.org/education/infant.htm

Can they be Used for anything else besides taking Baby?

It is amazing what people transport in a baby bike trailer. Dogs, cats, spare parts for tractors or sailboats and, of course, a full weeks supply of food- regularly. One of my neighbor's kids used her old baby trailer to take all her belongings to school. Yes, it lasted that long.

Most trailers will double as strollers. Some can even have skis as an optional extra!

Features to look out for

If you are trying to choose the best trailer for your particular needs, these are some important features to think about:

• Will it make a good stroller?
• Is it big enough? You might want to use a trailer for a number of years as your baby grows.
• Double size? Are you going to add to your family soon? Do you want space to carry other stuff?
• A real double-sized trailer has two individual seats so that children don't get squashed together in the middle of a sagging seat.
• Does it fold for easy storage?
• Easy step in and out? Or robust bumpers (perhaps inconvenient for access) for extra protection?
• Attachment points for a baby supporter?
• 5 point harness for older children?
• Padded seats and backrest? Removable for easy cleaning?
• Complete weather protection
• Vents or mesh to prevent condensation on rainy days

Where to Buy a Baby Bike Trailer

Many major stores carry baby bike trailers, though you can save money buying online

Whether or not you plan to buy online, it is always worth reading through buyer reviews at places like Amazon.com or Target. If someone bought a product they were not happy with, they will certainly tell you.

I picked out 5 trailers that got the best reviews all round and represent the different choices available. I can recommend the Chariot range from personal experience and I have heard plenty of good things about the Burley Bee.

Best Baby Bike Trailers

Instep

One of the most popular and inexpensive lined of kid's bike trailers comes from Instep.

From around $90 online for a single-seater. you can carry your baby or toddler around economically and enjoyably. The Synch model has plenty of room for one small child (for children over three years, space can be tight) plus a small amount of space behind the seat for a baby bottle or diapers. Children seem happy to be carried along in one of these and the cornering is comfortable for the rider too. You need to buy a stroller kit separately to add this model.

The 'Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer'. from Instep, is a larger version, with stroller modification already included. The seat might be a squeeze for two bigger toddlers but the extra room is always welcome for toys, bags and things like picnic items. This is one of the most widely used models in the US.

The more expensive InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer has twenty-inch wheels for smoother, quieter rides at speed. It also has outrider guards and is a popular mid-price choice.

Burley Bee

This is another popular mid-priced model. The most basic Burley Bee (pictured right) costs around $220 online or $250 in stores. It has a lightweight, aluminum, folding frame and stain-and-mildew-resistant covers. If you live in a very sunny state the UV filtering power of its windows will be welcome.

The Burley Baby Snuggler is purpose made to keep young babies safe and comfortable.

Croozer Double Child Trailer

If you are lloking for a bike trailer that is purpose built for two children, the Croozer should fit the bill. It has two seperate seats which makes each child comfortable and secure. Most double child carriers have a single seat and 2 children together can easily end up wedged together in the middle- especially if the seats is fabric stretched between the bike's frame. Kids might not complain on short journeys but on longer journeys there can be tantrums!

The build quality of the Croozer is high all round and this is a model that will last. The large wheels mean a smooth ride. It will fold for easy storage.

Schwinn Joyrider

This is another bike trailer with two individual seats, and, just as importantly, individual seatbelts. It also makes a stylish stroller and a great place to sleep!

Chariot Carriers

Chariot carriers are the Rolls Royces of the bicycle trailer world. They are more expensive than other comparable makes but they offer a lot for the extra money. The basic models are sturdy buggies with weather protection. You then choose the conversion kit (or kits) that you want. The bike trailer kit is just one option.

Things you can Add to a Chariot Chassis!

• Bicycle Trailer Kit
• Strolling Kit
• Jogging Kit
• Hiking Kit
• Cross-country Ski Kit

You can expect to pay around $500 for a single-seater chassis and around $900 for a two-seater. The conversion kits start at around $60.

All models come with a lifetime warranty. You can also expect rear brakes and parking brakes. They are manufactured in the US.

Side-Mounted Chariot

One advantage of Chariot Carriers is that the side-mounted models are ideal for keeping an eye on baby and for babies who need to feel close to a parent. These models are also very stable-- if less maneuverable-- in use. On a windy day, you will notice the extra air resistance.