Bike trailers - from what age are they safe?

8 replies

SquidgyMaltLoaf · 04/02/2015 21:24

We have just bought a Giant Peapod Duo bike trailer. DD is 7mo and can sit up pretty well and has good head control, but I'm now a bit worried about her being in the trailer and it being too bumpy for her. She's 15lbs. Ai can't seem to find any definitive info about how old they need to be! We plan to take it on cycle paths - both smooth Tarmac ones and ideally woodland ones. Any opinions welcome!

OP posts:

Clure · 07/02/2015 22:30

Our DD went in when she was about one but thats when we bought the trailer. I was under the impression as long as they are stable in holding up their head and are supported. We used to pack our bags and blankets etc around her. Also one of those pillow things to go around the neck as DD inevitably used to fall asleep!

fredfredgeorgejnr · 08/02/2015 09:38

Bumpy is just going to cause her discomfort if she doesn't like it, although she'll probably just sleep, but you want very good head control and sitting etc. There's no definitive age, because it is development related, so even at 12 or 18 months there's some who won't be ready. Normally a few months after very good head control comes in.

DD first went in at 9 months, she'd had good head control for a long time at that point and had been in a running buggy so was used to going fast and bumpy. Although she just slept in both.

One thing you may not realise is that it's not hills that hurt you with a trailer, it's wind, a headwind is really hard work!

lljkk · 08/02/2015 09:43

9 months is about right, so their heads & necks are strong enough. I think we managed 8 months with DD but only on smooth roads (she cried on bumpy bits). Reclining seat would be better methinks.
The trailer manufacturers also recommend helmets, which we didn't bother with but easier to fit when older, too.

Unescorted · 08/02/2015 09:44

Ds went in one from a few weeks - we strapped the car seat in and rode very cautiously on trails / cycle paths. It was a Burley duo - which is designed for strapping either 2 kids or one child in the car seat, before anyone flames me for being reckless.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 08/02/2015 09:46

From birth with the correct newborn inserts...

SophieBarringtonWard · 08/02/2015 09:47

DC2 went in about 3/4 months I think, in a Croozer for 2, in a baby hammock thing.

Sa334qe1 · 31/03/2015 17:09

Is seven months to young for a trailer? She can sit up well and has been able to for two. MOnths or so.

Tricycletops · 31/03/2015 20:32

We bought a Weber baby seat and used the trailer from 6 months. The Weber seats have excellent resale value (ours was only about £10-15 cheaper than new) but it's worth checking that it will fit in your trailer before you buy.

We've been using just the 5-point harness in the trailer since about 10mo, and DD now (13mo) happily goes on a seat on the back of my bike.

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