The foremost determining factor of when an child can join his or her parents on bike outings is the stability of the child's neck. Because of the jostling and the extra weight of a helmet (8-10 oz.), this is a few months after a child can first support their head. Note: many jurisdictions have laws requiring passengers on bicycles to be at least 12months old. Usually by age a year parents can begin checking with the child's physician to check if they feature the neck development to safely go for a bike ride. Most toddlers' neck and shoulder muscles are able to tolerate the weight of a helmet and take up shock from bumps in the road at 12months old.
We know of no extensive study on the prime method to transport a child on a bike and there are risks connected to all of them. Here are some indicators to evaluate: Backpacks Carrying a child on a bike in a backpack is possibly highly dangerous -- and unlawful in many jurisdictions. Some of the factors are: The center of gravity is greater; if you wear helmets -- as you needs to -- your helmets might collide together; the child is rather unsafe in a tumble because the distance is greater and there is a larger risk of the child winding up below the parent in a fall; also the backpack provides lower protection than a childcarrier or trailer. Baby Seats Physics informs us that a child, in a child seats, attached to a bike, raises the center of gravity of the bike. This modifies how the bike handles and heightens instability. The bicycle's make-up geometric also plays a roll in stability ? greater chain stays are an element that aids.
The denser the toddler the greater the impact. But, the density of an infant is negligible compared to the size and strength of several adults so normally the change in balance is not unbearable. If you wish to rehearse ahead of putting your toddler into the toddler seats, fill up a satchel with the infant's weight in books and strap it into the carrier and take it for a ride.
Baby seats often work best for kids 1-3 years of age. There is anecdotal evidence of children of 15-20 kgs., or 33-44 lbs., being transported in child seats.
In fact children usually grow too tall for toddler seats before they become too heavy. For many users the most hardest aspect of toddler carriers is normally getting the toddler into and out of the carrier, especially with back rack mounted seats (as opposed to front top-bar mounted seats). One danger of bike seats is not when the bike is being pedaled, but when it is halted. When the rider climbs off the saddle, or dismounts, it takes extra effort to maintain the bike's balance and keep it upright.
Smaller adults generally have the most difficulty loading and unloading the toddler. If the parent can manage this normally they are able to ride safely with a toddler carrier. Baby seats certainly have the advantage, especially in an urban area, of not adding to the size of the "foot print" of the bike, which might lessen harassment by motorists. In the occurance of a tumble, with back toddler seats -- even a wonderfully designed one with lots of safety features -- the toddler will certainly suffer at least small arm and neck injuries.
With poorly designed back mounted bike seats, there is also some hazard of the child's foot getting caught in the spokes. In the States, toddler seats should comply with the ASTM 1625-00 safety standard. A variation is "front-mounted" toddler seats. They are extremely favourited and have been used in Asia and Europe for years.
They are less common in North America. Many people swear by these because it is simpler to watch the toddler and talk to them, and move the toddler in and out with greater ease. In the occurance of a tumble, in many ways the toddler is more protected than with a back mounted toddler carrier, and people often say an mishap is unlikely since balance is better and there are fewer distractions from behind you. Note: We have one description of the convergence of a childs'size, with his helmet becoming snagged on the top lip of a back carrier causing the straps block his airway. The emergency was caught in time so that a tragedy was averted.
If your childinfant is behind you, this makes known the importance to mind them frequently, perhaps with a rear view mirror.
Read more about child bike seats and how to bike safely with your child at the WeeRiders website
