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Biking With Baby: Picking the Right Gear

bike attachments for kidscanada (Apr.13.11)

   




According to our friends at Safe Kids Canada, here's what you need to know: 
  • No bike attachment is 100 per cent safe. There are risks to using all of them.

  • Bike trailers are believed to be safer than bike carriers. This is because children are held closer to the ground in trailers, thus less distance to the ground, should there be a crash/accident. Carriers can also throw of the adult cyclists' balance, increasing the chance of a fall/accident.

  • The main advantage of a bike carrier is price — they typically are less than half the price of a trailer.

  • Front- vs. rear-seat carriers: Whether you place your carrier on the front or back of your bicycle does not affect safety. Experts suggest testing out different carriers with a sack of potatoes (to mimic your child's weight) and see which one feels more comfortable for the rider.

How to Reduce the Chance of Injuries:
  • Always make sure your child wears a properly-fitting bicycle helmet. 

  • Never use a trailer or carrier for children younger than one-year-old. Firstly, it's tougher to find helmets fitted for children younger than one, and secondly, children need the appropriate head and neck strength to support a helmet, as well as the bumpiness of biking.

  •  Make sure you are visible to drivers. If forced to bike at night, place large reflective patches on your trailer as well as your clothing. Use reflective flags on your trailer since trailers are so low to the ground.

  • Always have another adult hold the bike stable while getting on or off.

SweetMama's Shopping Suggestions:

InStep Quick 'n' Easy Bike Trailer, $130
Nite Stripes Deluxe Scotchlite Stickers, $5.75
Polisport Boodie FF Child Bike Seat Carrier, $70


Purple Medium Bicycle Safety Flag, US $29
CCM Ultimate Bike Trailer, $250
Rawlings Infant Bike Helmet, $25



Tags:  Gear, Safety, 1-3 years, baby & toddler



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