Just because you're now a parent doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your active lifestyle. In fact, it is important that you stay active and exercise regularly so that you can maintain a healthy body because well, you now have kids to look after (or chase around when baby starts walking - trust us, you will need ALL the energy and stamina)!
One activity that we'd highly recommend doing is biking. Not only is it fun as you get to go outdoors, the best thing is you can do it together with your children! Yup, you can either cycle with your little one as s/he scoots around or teeters in their balance Bike or tricycle, or you can go for longer rides/adventures together in a Bike Trailer.
1. What You Need To Know About Bike Trailer
A bike trailer is a wheeled frame encased in strong, durable fabric that has a zippered enclosure and attaches to the rear of your bicycle. Children can sit in it as you cycle in front and it is one of the best activity that parent and child can do and enjoy together.
Is bike trailer safe?
This is perhaps one of the biggest concerns that most of you would have and we don't blame you. Let us assure you, bike trailers are actually much safer than you think they are.
First of all, they are much lower to the ground compare to bike seats (another option for biking together) so in the event of any falls, the level of injuries is definitely much reduced.
Secondly, the encased compartment provides extra roll-cage like protection in that it remains sitting upright even if your bike goes down so that harm to children can be minimized, if not totally eliminated.
We recommend sticking to bike lanes or park paths when using a bike trailer, at the very least, you should steer away from busy city roads, keep a helmet on your child, and you (and your little one) would be fine.
When should you use a bike trailer?
There is no mandatory rule or law on this, but you should only let your child sit in a bike trailer when s/he can sit upright unassisted, and this is usually around the 1-year-old mark. This is because you will go through uneven terrains where bumping is unavoidable and that may cause damage to your little one's still developing brain. So wait until they are at least a year old when most will be able to hold their head up before seating them in a bike trailer.
2. Types of Bike Trailers
You may not know it, but there are actually a few different types of bike trailers that you can choose from, with some that can set you back as much as $1,000 so that is certainly a deciding factor in a lot of parents' decision-making.
A. Trailer Only
As its name indicates, this type is purely trailer only with no attachments available to make it into a stroller. Because of this, it is (usually) the cheapest compare to the other types. It usually comes in 2 sizes - single or double bike trailer. While double child bike trailer is usually more convenient in that even if it doesn't house two children, you can use the other space for storage. The downside is - it is harder to manoeuvre because it is wider than single trailer.
B. Trailer + Stroller/Jogger
This is the convertible type where you can switch it to stroller or jogger mode, though most will still use it primarily as a trailer. Some higher end trailers even provides a ski attachment to make going over ice or snow easier for parents. Likewise, there are usually two sizes - single or double.
C. Pedal Trailers
Pedal trailers are catered to older children who can pedal themselves. This allows you to cycle with your little one together, on the same bike, instead of him/her scooting next to you in another separate bike. It provides great bonding and fun for both adult and child, although we must say there is less protection for your little one in this type compare to regular trailers. Also, there's the age limitation with this one because younger children can only be placed in regular trailers since they are not able to pedal themselves yet.
Whichever type that you eventually choose, we recommend looking for brands/models that come with the ASTM sticker because it guarantees that safety standards have been met. It is not mandatory by law, but we'd highly recommend it because it means your trailer has undergone, and passed, rigorous safety tests and standards.
3. Top 5 Best Bike Trailer for Kids (Trailer Only)
1. Burley Design Bee Bike Trailer
EDITOR RATING:
The Burley Design Bee Bike Trailer is one of the most popular bike trailer for sale in the market. If you're looking for something simple and fuss-free, this entry level double bike trailer for kids is the best child bike trailer for you.
As one of the best double bike trailer, it weighs only 20.5lbs and protects up to two passengers with its full internal roll cage, heat-treated aluminium frame and 5-point safety harness. The Flex Connector allows the bike to lay flat while the trailer remains upright, and reflective piping, reflectors on wheels as well as a neon orange safety flag that is attached to its rear work to raise attention on roads for safety purpose.
Do note that while the hammock style seat means your child/ children do not need to sit on the floor of the trailer, it is not padded. Nonetheless, the side battens create a barrier between the wheels and your child, and velcro is provided on the seat for you to add extra padding (with additional accessories) if you wish. The newly incorporated tinted side and rear windows with integrated UPF 30 shield your children's face from harmful sun rays and rear window ventilation keeps them from overheated.
As with all Burley child trailers, the Bee also has a spacious rear cargo area for you to fit your stuffs and the under-seat cargo barrier keeps cargo in the back, and children’s toys and snacks in the front.
Storage is easy - when you don't need to use it, the front to back fold flat design allows you to compact the trailer in a streamlined manner after releasing two red latches at the top frame bar.
Coming from a company that has manufactured multiple top rated bike trailers, this burley double bike trailer is one of the lowest-priced ASTM-certified child trailers in the market that did not compromise on features that many have came to know and love about Burley. Now you know why the Burley Design Bee Bike Trailer is such a popular choice among parents!
2. InStep Take 2 Double Trailer
EDITOR RATING:
The Instep Take 2 Double Trailer is another highly rated best bike trailer for baby that is simple, fuss free and very affordable.
Many love a good instep bike trailer, and this one here is a two-seater that can hold children up to 80 pounds in total. The two-in-one canopy acts as a bug screen and weather shield for protection from the elements, and the universal coupler attaches easily to almost any bicycle. Seriously guys, this is one of the most versatile bike trailer in the market!
When not in use, its unique folding frame and quick release wheels allows you to pack it up neatly for compact storage and transport so it wouldn't take up much house space.
As pictured left, this bike trailer has a rear window that can be rolled up for better ventilation. Between the back of the seats and the rear is a compartment for storage that can easily fit in a standard size backpack, a diaper bag or grocery bag with still room to spare.
