Best Infant Bicycle Carriers
If you love to cycle, or if you are looking for a recreational way of getting your little one out of the house more often than not, then you need to get the best infant bicycle carriers you can find. We understand that there is so much to be considered when purchasing baby stuff, especially online. A lot of parents and caregivers are not aware of what to look out for while those of them who have an idea of what they want may not find verified vendors to purchase from.
This is why we have put together this carefully researched content to serve as your buying guide. We have also selected the top five brands of infant bicycle carriers for you to conveniently choose from. Investing in these products would help you solve the problem of if you should take your child on a bicycle ride, and how to carry them. If your child is too young to sit on the typical rear carrier of your bicycle, your best option would be to invest in an infant carrier.
How Did We Pick the Best Infant Bicycle Carriers?
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Best Overall
Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Mounted Child Carrier/Bike Seat
Key Features
- Mounted on the rear back seat
- Made with lightweight polypropylene construction
- Quick-release 3-point harness and leg restraints
Why It is Better?
- Compatible with a wide range of bike models
- Easy to set up or dismantle
- Standard safety measures put in place
- Why Do You Need an Infant Bicycle Carrier?
- How to Pick Right Baby Bicycle Carrier
- Top 5 Best Infant Bicycle Carriers
- 1. Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Mounted Child Carrier/Bike Seat
- 2. iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat
- 3. WeeRide Kangaroo Child Bike Seat
- 4. Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat
- 5. Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat
- Types of Baby Bike Carriers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Do You Need an Infant Bicycle Carrier?
In some parts of the world, like the Netherlands, it is pretty normal to see people riding with their little ones on a bicycle. To them, it is natural. As a matter of fact, a lot of parents and caregivers carry their babies on their bodies in a baby backpack carrier while they ride on their bicycles which, according to experts, is a risky way of transporting babies. Holding them in a suitable carrier is safer, and it offers quite a bunch of advantages.
Promotes bonding: Children naturally want to go with their parents wherever they go, which is a good way to promote bonding. Installing a baby bicycle carrier on your bike makes it easier to move around with your little one and spend more time with her.
Spending more time with your kids is a great way of making memories together, find and create a suitable atmosphere for both parents and children to thrive, set a strong foundation for teen and adult stages, and demonstrate love for each other.
Improves physical wellness: When you ride with your little one on your bicycle, you would most likely expose her to a lot of sun and air, both of which are great ways of developing and maintaining good physical wellness. They may not be actively involved in pedaling the bicycle, but being under the sun for a while increases the level of vitamin D in their body.
It has been confirmed that outdoor time in a natural setting soothes little children so much that it lowers their needs for medications. It makes it easier for them to develop healthy outdoor hobbies in contrast to being on their phones, playing video games, and watching a lot of television. You can also opt for an outdoor baby swing just to give you a variety of reasons to spend time outdoors.
Widens the scope of your child: There is more to this life than your immediate family, and you should share that with your baby. With a bike child carrier, you can conveniently move about with your little one to enjoy and internalize the beautiful gift of nature. By doing this with your baby more often, you are helping her develop better personalities, longer attention span, great interpersonal skills, creativity, and the tendency to get better grades in school.
Good for their health: Once your little one starts to sit up on her own, you should encourage her to sit up more often to help with their growth and development. Having them seated on their infant bike carrier with their cute little baby sunglasses on is a great way to practice sitting up and general body movement control. It would be great if you do fun things with your baby at the beach, too. You can get some beach stuff for babies to help you with that.
Great for cognitive and emotional wellbeing: Finally, these infant carriers expose your babies to fresh air and sunlight, which in effect helps them to develop healthy cognitive ability and a good emotional balance. With emotional balance, a child is less likely to throw tantrums and more likely to be gentle, honest, wise, and assertive in her dealings with other people, even in troubling situations.
With a healthy cognitive ability, children are more likely to reason on their own, learn faster, and apply their knowledge in a creative way. Always remember to use a baby sun hat whenever you are out with your little one under the sun.
How to Pick Right Baby Bicycle Carrier
There are a number of things you have to consider before deciding on what particular product to go for. Note that a brand that was perfectly great for Jane’s baby may not be ideal for you. The reason is that her baby may have different needs from that of yours. So, keep that in mind.
- Brands: There are different brands on the market, but they are not all of the same quality and design. The best brands that have great qualities and designs are usually in popular demand, so you can start by looking at those. Since they are quite popular and in high demand, their cost may be different from that of others, but if it suits your specifications, you would realize that it is a worthwhile investment in the long run. Speaking of brands, we recommend iBert, Schwinn, WeeRide, and Thule Yepp Nexxt.
- Safety: Some bike seats for infants are good looking, but at a closer look, you would realize that they are not safe enough for your little one and would be very risky for them. Only use the carrier for babies that are, at least, a year old. Make sure you buy the one that has straps for holding your baby in place while you are riding and always keep an eye on her all the way.
- Durability: This is also an important fact to consider if you are looking to enjoy your investment for a long time. the durability of a carrier is based on how well it is constructed, the material used in making it, colorfastness, flame resistance, odor resistance, and how neat the finishing is. If you are not sure of the durability of a particular brand, try comparing it with other brands to see which is better. You can also ask for recommendations from the sellers or other people who have used carriers before.
- Material: The material used in making a carrier is important because it contributes to its efficiency, level of comfort, and durability. Most carriers in the market are made of heavy-duty plastic materials or strong metal. The best of them are strong enough to withstand weather elements and are easy to clean as well.
- Comfort: You do not want to put your baby in an uncomfortable carrier for long. It would make her cranky all the way and that would cost you both a bunch of benefits. To enjoy the ride, ensure that the seat of the carrier is comfy enough for your baby. Most carrier seats are made of heavy-duty plastic materials or metal. It may have some additional components like a soft pad to make it cozier and a connector as well.
- Weight: One of the things you should be clear about is the weight of your baby. With this information, you can tell if a particular product would be suitable for your little one or not. You should get a front carrier for your baby if she does not weigh much and is still quite young. Older kids weigh more, so the back carrier would be best for them.
- Design: There are two different carrier designs–front-mounted ones and the back-mounted ones. If your baby is quite small, then you should get the front-mounted ones for her so you can monitor her closely throughout the ride. If your baby is a bit older, old enough to support her body movement to a reasonable extent, then you can get the back-mounted design for her.
Most of these factors apply fairly well when purchasing other forms of carriers like a baby travel system or baby bike trailer.
Top 5 Best Infant Bicycle Carriers
1. Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Mounted Child Carrier/Bike Seat Review
Key Features
- Mounted on the rear back seat
- Made with lightweight polypropylene construction
- Quick-release 3-point harness and leg restraints
- Adjustable footwells and removable headrest
- Seat comes with vents in the back
- Custom comfort padding
We Like
- Compatible with a wide range of bike models
- Easy to set up or dismantle
- Standard safety measures put in place
- Comfortable enough for babies
- Designed to prevent wind drag
- Suitable for children one year and above
We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for small frame mountain bikes
- Installation may be a little too technical for some
There are a lot of things about this brand of infant bike carrier that makes it stand out from the rest by the standards we mentioned above (and even more). It makes are cool first impression judging by the appearance. It looks quite sizable and can hold a child of 40 pounds comfortably well. This carrier makes it easy and natural to enjoy a safe family bonding bicycle ride each time.
This brand is designed to be mounted on the rear back seat of the bicycle, which means that your baby should be a little older, two to three years at least. This product is made with lightweight polypropylene material, which is durable and can stand weather elements. It comes with three quick-release harnesses and a leg restraint to keep your baby safely in place while you ride. The level of comfort is commendable as well, and there is even a custom comfort pad on the seat for extra coziness. There is also a vent at the back for better air circulation, adjustable footwells, and a removable headrest.
2. iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat Review
Key Features
- Front center-mounted carrier
- Available in three different colors
- 3-point safety harnesses
- Made from plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Suitable for smaller babies
- Compatible with many bicycle frames
We Like
- Gives the child a better view
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Long-lasting, sturdy, and reliable
- Easy to assemble or dismantle
- Rust and weather-resistant
- Comes with a two-year warranty
We Don’t Like
- Metal quality not very great
- Problem with packaging
This is another great product that we highly recommend if you have a small baby that is a year plus. The design is quite attractive, but even better than that, it is functional enough for your little one to sit comfortably in it and enjoy a fun ride while you bond with her. It is available in three different colors for you to choose from, and it comes with a multiple-point safety harness to safely keep your baby in place while you ride. The carrier fastens well to just about any bicycle frame, so you do not have to bother about it falling off while it is in use.
Also, coupling and uncoupling it is pretty simple and straight to the point. Note that this carrier is meant for young babies that do not have a lot of weight and can be carried in front. If you have any doubts about this product, then you can make use of the warranty window, which lasts for two years.
3. WeeRide Kangaroo Child Bike Seat Review
Key Features
- Available in two different colors
- Mounted on the rear back seat
- Made of sturdy plastic and steel materials
- Five-point seat harnes
- Padded front bumper
- Height adjustable leg support
We Like
- Can fit just about any bicycle
- Beautiful and safe design
- Suitable for kids of one year plus
- Can hold a maximum capacity of 33 pounds
- Easy to clean and maintain
We Don’t Like
- Straps may fall off
- May make the rider uncomfortable
WeeRide makes one of the best bicycle carriers for babies, which is not surprising considering that it is one of the most popular companies out there with great marketing strategies for their products. It is available in two different colors for you to choose from and is made of sturdy plastic and steel materials. It comes with a five-point seat harness, which you may need to fix since they may fall off your baby if she does not weigh much.
Interestingly, this product comes with a unique pad on the seat to provide your little one with some comfort, which is great. The height of the leg support can be adjusted to suit the length of your baby’s legs. It is compatible with a good number of bicycles, and easy to set up. To do a good job of installing it, do well to read the manual and follow the instructions as they come. This product is suitable for kids who are a year and older and do not weigh more than 33 pounds.
4. Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seat Review
Key Features
- Front-mounted infant carrier
- Completely padded interior
- 5-point seat harness
- Magnetic child-proof safety buckle
- Adjustable footrest and straps
- Water-repellant materials
We Like
- Lightweight and stylish design
- Soft and shock-absorbing seat
- Comfortable and ensures a smooth ride
- Easy to mount and dismount
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Weight capacity of 33 pounds
We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with most bikes
- Cheap-quality materials
If you are looking for something that is budget-friendly and effective at the same time, then this has got to be your best option on the market. It has all the basic features expected of a typical child carrier for babies that are at least a year old and weight no more than 33 pounds. It is designed to be mounted in the front seat, and it comes with a balancing technique that keeps it in place while you ride.
You can ride through the rockiest of roads with this carrier and your baby would feel fine all the way because the interior of the seat is made with soft and shock-absorbing material. The five-point harness on the seat makes it quite safe for your little one while the bike is in motion.
You can adjust a couple of things in this product to make it fit your little one perfectly well. There are the adjustable safety buckles on the seat which are magnetic and child-proof, and there are also the adjustable footrest and straps to enhance safety.
5. Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat Review
Key Features
- Available in four different colors
- Suitable for bicycle frames from 32mm to 52mm (1.3 - 2.0 inches)
- Quick and easy installation technique
- Three-position adjustable footrest
- Built-in suspension system
- Three-point safety seat harness
We Like
- Aesthetically appealing and functional design
- Suitable for ages 12 months and above
- Weight capacity of 33 pounds
- Comfortable and fun to ride in
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Budget-friendly and convenient
We Don’t Like
- May cause some discomfort for the rider
- Problem with packaging
This product is the last on our list, but it is still a recommendable one considering that it has all the bare necessities required of a carrier and even more. First, it has an interesting design that is appealing to the eyes and functional at the same time. It is even available in four different colors for you to choose from and match the way you like.
As far as safety goes, this product is a good one. It is quick and easy to install, and if you do a good job of it, you would not have to worry about it falling off your bike. Speaking of which, this carrier is only compatible with 32mm to 52mm bicycle frame, so take note of that. The three-point safety seat harness does a good job of holding your little one secure while you ride. The footrest is also a great selling point for this product. It can be adjusted on three different levels, which makes it comfortable for kids of a year and older with different leg lengths.
Types of Baby Bike Carriers
From what we have mentioned so far, you may already have an idea of the different types of bike carriers there are, but for the sake of clarity, we would address them properly in this session and explain which of them is the most suitable for babies of different ages and needs.
Front or center-mounted carrier: Some would usually suggest that you do not put your baby on a bicycle carrier if she is less than a year old for the sake of her safety, but after careful research, we came across a lot of experts who strongly believe that you can use a carrier for your little one of nine months and nothing less. And in doing that, you need to consider your baby’s safety and go for the front or center-mounted carriers that were specifically designed for babies as young as nine months to three years of age.
The peculiar thing about this type is that it allows the rider to keep an eye on the baby all the time, and the baby gets to enjoy a great view uninterrupted since the carrier is mounted at the front. Also, it comes with more safety features than other types to help support the younger babies since they may not be strong enough to control their entire body movement.
Rear-frame mounted seat: As the name implies, this type of carrier is mounted at the rear frame of a bicycle and is significantly larger than the front-mounted type because it is meant for babies as old as six years old. Another reason why it has to be at the back is that it can come in the way of the rider’s view, which is not safe at all.
You can switch to this type of carrier if your baby starts to get too big for the front. Some of the front-mounted types have leg rests that can be extended to accommodate your baby’s growing legs, but it may hit with your knee while riding, so the back-mounted ones are the best option or you in such cases.
Rack-mounted carriers: If your bicycle has a bracket situated at the rear tire, then this may be your best option as it was specifically designed for such bikes. To install it, all you have to do is attach it to the rear rack of your bicycle following the instructions of the manufacturer. They are great for older kids that weigh more than 40 pounds.
More often than not, you may have to buy extra accessories if you intend to enjoy this product type to the fullest. For instance, most of them do not come with a good suspension, so you would have to spend extra money to get that.
As far as this topic is concerned, these three are the basic types of carriers for your babies. However, there are other ways you can transport your babies with your bicycle. You can use bike trailers, trailer-cycles, tow bars or ropes, tandem, or cargo bikes.
It is important to note that you have to take precautions when riding with your baby. Just like you are expected to have your baby put on a baby life jacket while at the beach (or any water body), you are also expected to have them wear proper helmets while riding with you in a bicycle carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help you by listing some of the FAQs and answers:
If you feel the need to hold your little one while she is riding with you on a carrier, then the purpose of the carrier is defeated. If this need arises, maybe because the carrier does not see safe enough for your baby, then you may have installed it the wrong way or it may not have enough safety features for babies and you should return it.
From another perspective, you may want to hold your baby because you feel she cannot control her body enough to sit still in the carrier. First of all, you should not have your baby in a carrier if she is too young, specifically less than nine to twelve months of age.
Like we already mentioned earlier, make sure your little one is within the age bracket of nine to twelve months before attempting to transport them in a carrier for the first time to avoid exposing them to risks. Another safety tip is to have your child wear a helmet every single time she has to ride with no exceptions. You can get a helmet for babies as young as six months old.
The safety straps and harnesses are there for you to use them to hold your baby in place, so make sure you use them. Also, make sure the type of carrier you decide to buy is suitable for your baby’s age and weight.
These are two different types of carriers designed specifically for kids of different age brackets considering their safety, but if you have to choose one, we would go for the back-seat carrier. If you are considering getting a carrier for your little one who is a nine to twelve months old, then you should go for the front seat carriers, which are most suitable for them.
But if your baby is, say, two to three years old, we would recommend that you skip the front-carrier and go for the rear carriers so reduce how much weight you have to control while riding and avoid disturbing your view.
If you have some skills and the right tools, like most people do these days, then you can go ahead and install the carrier for yourself while following the manufacturer’s instructions as written in the manual. Most of the time, it is pretty easy to do this with little or no hassles at all.
However, if you are not sure about your skillset or you do not have the luxury of time, then you can seek the help of a friend, family member, acquaintance, or a professional. After installation, try pushing the carrier around gently to see if it is holding on strong enough to your bicycle.
Yes, you do have to make sure your baby is properly dressed to ride with you. Preferably, dress her in bright colors so she can be easily seen. Children need a sturdy closed-toe to cover up their feet while on the ride. Just like you would use a baby beach tent on the beach, you should also make use of the overhead carrier cover all the time, or at least when the sun is up.
Conclusion
Infant bicycle carriers are for the sole purpose of accommodating a baby in a bicycle ride, especially those of them that are not old enough to cycle on their own. What carrier you go for depends on the age of your baby with the front-mounted for younger ones and the back-mounted for older babies. Whatever be the case, always make sure the carrier is safe and comfortable enough for your little one.
Aside from being safe and comfortable, all the products we reviewed on this list is are cost-effective, made from quality materials to ensure their durability, and designed in a way that is aesthetically appealing. They rank among the best in the market and would definitely be a worthwhile investment if you purchase any of them according to you and your baby’s needs.