Using a bicycle with a sling ...?

[glacierchick]

Ok, I suspect I know what the answer to this one is, but I would very much like to get back on my bike as soon as possible after birth (currently 32 weeks so a bit of time yet).

Do you think it's possible and (safe of course) to cycle while carrying a baby in a sling?

Bearing in mind that I live in a very cycle friendly city in continental europe, with separate from the traffic cycle lanes everywhere, and that I ride an upright bike rather than a hybrid/mountain bike type bicycle, I don't see why it wouldn't be possible, but the safety aspect of course is a different matter.

Pregnanmt women cycle here as a matter of course (I'm 32 weeks and still cycle an hour a day to and from work) and I have seen one woman carrying a baby in a sling while using her bike, but mostly slings don't seem to be used that much here. I'm really thinking about the early days when the child is too young to go in a child seat on the back of the bike...

[UnholyMoley]

I definitely would not cycle with a baby in a sling. Imagine what could happen if you came off?!

[coventgarden]

No way.

[Graciescotland]

I used to live in Groningen, NL where bikes were used as family vehicles. It's completely different to the UK I think you might be better consulting with the locals.

Gracie xx

[Honeydragon]

No, every kind of sling that you can buy that I am aware of ( and I've had loads) specifically state not for use on a bike.

As a matter of extreme necessity I had to transport my son quickly when he was 3 months old, and strapped his car seat into my bike trailer (designed for children that can sit unaided from 6 months) but I was terrified the whole time cycling through very light traffic.

To be brutally honest I am certain that as soon as your dc is born you wouldn't dream of even contemplating it - babys can't wear helmets - end of.

But do get why you don't want to stop, but it won't really be for lomg

[PlanetEarth]

I've fallen off my bike at pretty much a standstill (hit a pothole, no street lighting nearby) - hate to think what would have happened if I'd landed on a baby doing this...

[glacierchick]

Ok, so that's a definite no then...
Just thought I'd check.

[MrsBadger]

no

you can get a thing that will attach a maxicosi to your carrier - much better idea
will hunt for link

[Honeydragon]

oooh yes mrs Badger

I've seen someone out with a proper attachment set up - I sooooooo wished they had those when ds was small (now 7) - would have had him in the trailer loads more younger.

When you are ready to cycle again I loved my trailer as if ds was asleep it converted into a fixed wheel pushchair thing - about the size of a double pram but meant I could push him around without dragging the bike around. Was very handy.

[MrsBadger]

good article here

[ragged]

Keep in mind we are mad --
we cycled with DS1 at 5 months old in a Baby Bjorn carrier on DH's back -- DS1 didn't like it much .

Glacierchick, This looks good.

[ragged]

ps: the more conventional solution is a regular carseat strapped into a child trailer that you can tow. We have done that loads with our tiny infants.

[glacierchick]

Cheers for the links, it looks like the bike trailer with a car set is going to be the cycling solution then, I have seen people round here using a bakfiets-type system with a small baby in, but it doesn't seem to be common...

Perhaps I need to add a new item to the neverending baby list, hmmmm....

[mummyreynolds]

I know someone from BabaSlings who is doing a charity bikeride and he is wearing a BabaSling all the way although it only has a doll in it, i still think it shows it can be used for cycling.