I need a bike seat for my 2.5 y.o daughter (35lbs, 35"), preferably a front mounted one.?

Question

I'm open to ideas but as she is too small for her own bike and I wanted a mounted bike seat for her and the front mounted ones look good but I think they might be too small for her. I could get a trailer if that is better? Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

I would suggest a trailer for a few reasons.  First, it's a more comfortable ride.  Their out of the elements, on a comfy seat, and they can easily eat snacks, read books, or color.  It also depends if you go on long rides, or around the block a few times.  My average ride with my kids is about 2 hours.  They sit in their trailer and talk, read or look around, and they truly have fun.  The other reason I suggest a trailer, is if you take a spill, and your babe is in a seat on your bike, they go down with you.  Can you imagine taking a hard fall and they also get hurt?  I'd feel horrible.  The trailer, on the other hand, has a pivot point, and when you fall (I say when, not if!), the trailer stays put.  I took a hard fall this year while I was pulling my kids, and they were completely unaffected.  If they had been in a bike seat, though, they would have been scraped up.  I started out with an Instep trailer from Target, and I think it a perfect trailer for starters.  It was $70.  I use a Chariot now, but since I ride so much, I can justify the price.  Sorry such a long answer!  You can e-mail me if you want, I love to help people bike with their kids!

Answer 2

I agree that a trailer is the best way to go however a rear mounted child seat is better than a front seat for several reasons.  First, the top tube was not designed to support weight, the rear racks and mounts are. Second, you cannot control the bike as well with a seat between your arms.  It will interfere with your steering and your vision.  Third, the child has no protection against rocks, bugs, etc.  If they are behind you most (not all) road hazards will hit you first, not the child.  Just some things to think about.

Answer 3

Dont assume she cant learn to ride a bike at her age.  When my son had his second birthday, we lived in a college married housing complex and he was surrounded by kids a little older than him who were riding bikes.  He really wanted a little bike, so we bought him a tiny little bicycle with training wheels.  Within a month, the training wheels were gone.  With that being said, The trailers seem very stable and safe and a lot of people really like them.  You could also buy a sturdy basket for the front handlebars and put her in that for a VERY thrilling ride for her....just kidding.