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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to even consider cycling with my baby in a baby bjorn carrier?

32 replies

Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:15

Before I get totally flamed I'd like to explain a few things.

Firstly I live in a modern town in Holland with miles and miles of perfectly flat, well maintained cycle paths so the traffic risk is not an issue, I can cycle for hours without having to risk coming into contact with any cars at all.

Secondly the Dutch bicycles are slightly different to the majority of the UK bikes, more "sit up and beg" style so you ride in an upright position with your arms out stretched and plenty of room for the baby between you and the handlebars as they curve at the ends towards you.

My DS is 8 weeks and LOVES being out in the baby carrier! We dont have a car and although I go out walking with him every day I do miss cycling. Also I'm part of a mother and baby group which have weekly meetings, I end up having to beg for lifts every time, if I could cycle I could be independent but it's too far to walk (about 40 mins cycling) and there's no footpaths, only roads and cycle paths.

Before he was born I cycled EVERYWHERE up to the day before his birth.... the bikes here are really comfortable and I couldnt walk due to SPD but could still cycle!. I miss it and am tempted to try it out but am hesitent due to the amount of "ney-sayers" I've found online (mostly UK sites advising not to because of traffic or american sites and I find they can be rather over the top safety concious).

I'd never even considered it until the idea was suggested by a few friends of mine with young kids. Apparently it's quite common to do it here and I'm wondering what the MN thoughts are, given the situation......

WWYD?

OP posts:
memoo · 15/09/2010 10:19

What if you fell off and landed on your baby?

Sounds too risky for me!

kreecherlivesupstairs · 15/09/2010 10:23

Go for it, we are in Belgium so a similar situation to you regarding bikes and paths etc. I have seen several women with their baby strapped to their chests.

cory · 15/09/2010 10:24

I don't know about Holland, but I have noticed about Sweden (another safe, cycling country with sturdier bikes) that they are a lot keener on child safety these days: all children wear helmets and proper shoes. And I can't imagine the scenario you describe- for good reasons.

The absence of cars is no guarantee that you can't come off your bike. If you do, there will be nothing to protect your baby's head. (or do they do helmets for 8 week olds?). Babies are very sensitive to being shaken: the shock of falling alone could easily kill a small child. 8 week old babies are not the same as 8 year olds: they cope far less well with falls and blows to the head.

Even with the handlebars you mention, a twisted one could end up in your baby's stomach. Again, babies are not 8yos: that could do a lot of damage.

If the bike falls, you are likely to fall on top of him.

I sympathise with your difficulties, as another non driver, but I wouldn't do it. And for the record I am Swedish so not prone to British 'elf and safety paranoia. But still think this situation sounds dangerous.

Original poster
Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:24

TBH I think it's more risky falling down the stairs while carrying him but I do that several times a day!

I've never fallen off my bike here in Holland but yes, it is a consideration. But how does the risk balance with the falling down the stairs or crossing a busy road etc?

I was wondering what other risk factors people could come up with as the majority quoted seem to be regarding other traffic.

OP posts:
FerminaUrbinoDaza · 15/09/2010 10:25

I really wouldn't and I've never seen anyone doing it. I don't know what the official line is here, why not ring the Consultatiebureau and ask?

annh · 15/09/2010 10:25

I lived in Holland for a few years (with small children) and saw all kinds of contraptions used for carrying children but I don't recall ever seeing someone carrying a baby in the way you mention. I wouldn't do it. Ask some of your Dutch mum friends what they think and if they would do it and take a lead from them, perhaps. Anyway, although it may be a pain now, it will be only a few months until your baby can sit upright and be put into a proper bike seat or you could buy one of those baby carriages which go behind the bike?

BooBooGlass · 15/09/2010 10:25

Crazy. Wait until you can get a proper bike seat. The dutch liek the ones that sit in front of you iirc. Madness to even consider using the babybjorn.

cory · 15/09/2010 10:27

I think there is more of a chance of being able to break the fall when you fall down the stairs. Also, you won't have the same speed on the stairs as when cycling, so the fall will be less bad. And presumably your staircase is not lined with concrete?

dinkystinky · 15/09/2010 10:28

Yes I think so I'm afraid. Wait till she's got neck control and you can put her in a baby seat or one of those fab box thingies I've seen attached to boxes in Holland - and enjoy walking around with her in the baby bjorn/sling in the mean time. It wont last for long and soon she'll be wanting to be crawling everywhere...

Original poster
Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:28

annh it was the Dutch mum's that suggested it which is why I'm posting here :)

OP posts:
AvrilHeytch · 15/09/2010 10:29

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canihavemypocketmoney · 15/09/2010 10:30

Why don't you buy a trailer for the bike, in which the baby can lie flat and be strapped in safely ? Then you can cycle and he will be safe.

DinahRod · 15/09/2010 10:32

When in Holland, I saw lots of children in those cool seats in front of the handlebars and I love the bikes, so practical. And cycling in Holland is such a different experience to here.

Did see a few parents with babies strapped to them on bikes, although they were very small babies at that stage. When bigger presumably their legs will get in the way a bit? Being Holland there must be other options, are there special baby seats?

And ime Holland also has a very different view to H&S than the UK. Initially we found it a bit alarming (on a day out, dh fell and had a head injury that needed stitching and was given a map so he could drive to himself the hospital in Den Haag) but also very refreshing.

Original poster
Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:32

fermina I've given up asking the bureau for any advice after they advised me to put my new born (2 weeks old) in his own bedroom to sleep!!!!

They have some very different ideas here! I've also been ostricised for co-sleeping. I dont tend to discuss anything with them any more, I think taking a concensus opinion from MN is far more sensible!

OP posts:
Mingg · 15/09/2010 10:32

"But how does the risk balance with the falling down the stairs or crossing a busy road etc?" This is a risk you do not have to take unless you want to - you won't necessarily have the same choice with regard to stairs/crossing roads.

lukewarmcupoftea · 15/09/2010 10:33

Yes. And I'm usually not a cotton wool type mum. You know you are, otherwise you wouldn't be asking!

Get a trailer if you need to cycle.

120 · 15/09/2010 10:34

I came here ready to say go for it, but I think that is very young for that. TBH for me it's also about heat and being able to check on them (heard a scary sling story recently).

It's a bit naughty, but we've done it here in London for a very short distance (5 min ride) when DS was 9mo to take him to nursery with DD on the back bike seat. DP cycled on the pavements though (or so he told me).

120 · 15/09/2010 10:36

also bjorn not the best head support. we were using a hug-a-bub (wrap sling).

Original poster
Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:39

120 he's still little enough that his head is inside the bjorn... IYSWIM. Also, I would consider cycling here on a cycle path far safer than even on the pavement through London.

Just for the record there's NO WAY IN HELL I would consider doing this anywhere in the UK, it really is a different world for cyclists over here!

OP posts:
colapips · 15/09/2010 10:39

What about this www.spoke.co.uk/cycle_trailers.htm they have specific extras for babies who can't sit up unaided if you look at the bottom.

HeidiS · 15/09/2010 10:42

I got an adult tricycle when I was about 6mo preg and lost sight of my feet. (something like this: palmerind.com/electric/images/commander_06.jpg )
I don't have a car either and use my tricycle to cycle everywhere around our village. The basket at the back hold shopping and my older daughter and just about anything that needs to be hauled. I rode around on it with my baby in a sling like you want to when she was about 3 weeks old.
I was too nervous about falling off my hiking bike...

Original poster
Jazmyn · 15/09/2010 10:42

I'd love one of those trailers but buying anything is not an option for us atm... I'm not working and we're busily using up savings each month!

I'll probably just stick to walking and being stranded at home tbh but thought I'd ask as MN always has some good varied opinions and ideas.

OP posts:
AvrilHeytch · 15/09/2010 10:44

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SkiHorseWonAWean · 15/09/2010 10:46

Do it. lol@"what if you fell on him you'd never forgive yourself". Grin How many times does the average adult fall off a bike?

As for the trailers... I also live in Holland - and I'd rather a baby bjorn than a trailer... just my opinion.

proudnglad · 15/09/2010 10:47

Jazmyn, I don't think you're daft or irresponsible for debating it.

But I wouldn't do it (says she whose son cut his head open this summer because stupid mother didn't make him wear a helmet!), too risky.

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