How to Choose Which 2021 Child Bike Seat Option Is Best for Your Kids

Looking to get out in the fresh air and go on a bicycle ride with your infant or toddler? Now you can, thanks to the variety of baby bike carriers available today. We’ve done the research for you, putting at your fingertips the top-rated baby bike seat options to ensure your child rides along safely and comfortably on your bike.

Just like bicycles come in different designs and styles, so do bike child seats. In this buying guide, you’ll be able to compare options for the three different baby seat types for bikes: front frame, rear frame and rear rack.

How to choose the best child bike seat depends on these factors:

Type of Bike: There are many different types of bikes, such as road bikes, cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes and racing bikes, to name a few. What type of bike you have is a key factor in determining which baby saddle to buy. Not all bicycle types are compatible with front frame, rear frame, or rear rack seat styles.

Age and Weight of Your Child: In order to ride on your bike, your child must be able to sit upright without support. Some states require a child to be 12 months old before riding in a seat on a bicycle. Most infant bike seats start at 9 months and range up to 3 years. Others vary in weight, with limits ranging from 35 to 45 pounds.

Performance: The type of suspension is very important. The seat’s suspension matters in minimizing bounce when you ride over bumps. Look for a suspension flex of between one to three inches, which provides the best cushion.

Safety and Comfort Features: Some baby bike chairs offer more safety and comfort features, like adjustable footrests, recline positions, easily adjustable shoulder straps, a comfortable seat design, safety bumpers, windscreens and handlebars.

Not sure which type of child seat to get? To help you make an informed decision, read on for additional information and check out our reviews of the highly rated baby bike seats. You’re sure to find the best one to meet your needs so you and your baby can enjoy a bike excursion riding together.

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Types of Baby Bike Seats

Front frame, rear frame and rear rack are the three types of child bike carriers, named for how they attach to the bicycle. Not all types of baby bicycle seats fit all types of bicycles, so it’s important to know which ones are compatible with your bike.

Jump to Ratings & Reviews of the Best Child Bike Seats

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Best Front Frame Mounted Kids Bike Seat Receiving the Top 2021 Rating for Safety, Comfort and Performance

Features like a high seat back, a handlebar, recessed helmet pocket, and adjustable safety straps and footrests, enhance the safety, comfort and performance of a front mounted baby bike seat. A bonus feature is a windscreen to block strong breezes as you ride. A common feature found on the top rated front frame seats is a lightweight design.

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2021 Rating for Rear Frame Mounted Baby Bike Seat Based on Ease of Install, Durability and Functionality

Easy removal of the seat when not in use, a design focused on safety and comfort, and a good suspension system for a smooth ride factor into an all-around good rear frame seat. All the top rated seats also have height adjustable shoulder straps, a recline position with a recessed helmet pocket, and adjustable footrests and foot straps.

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Check Out the Best 2021 Child Bike Seat Rating for Rear Rack Mounted Styles

Good suspension and being lightweight, yet study are key features of highly rated rear rack mounted seats. The best of the bunch are also equipped with important safety features, like either a 3-point or 5-point harness safety strap, a supportive backrest, adjustable footwells, and guards to protect against the bike’s moving parts. Comfort features range from a padded handlebar to a recessed seat back.

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Taking the Confusion Out of Buying a Baby Bike Seat – Here’s All the Information You Need to Know Before Shopping for Baby Bike Seats

Shopping for a baby bike seat can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many concerns right off the bat, like:

• Will the baby bike carrier fit my bike?
• Will my child fit in the seat?
• Is the child seat safe?
• Will I be able to ride with the extra weight on the bike?
• How do I decide which baby bike seat is best?

With so many different types and brands and so many different price points, it can be difficult deciding which one to choose. That’s where this shopping guide comes in. It takes you through every stage of the buying process so that you end up with a baby bike seat that’s the right fit for you and your child.

First, let’s start with the pre-shopping decisions.

Is My Child Old Enough to Ride in a Baby Bike Seat?

Just like car seats are regulated by the federal government, baby bike carriers are also regulated to some degree on the state level. Some U.S. states have laws that require children to be nine months old to ride along in a seat on a bike. In other states, children must be 12 months.

Many manufacturers design seats that accommodate babies as young as nine months. However, pediatricians and bike safety experts emphasize that children who are not able to sit up on their own should not ride in a baby bicycle seat.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children in bicycle mounted seats should be at least 12 months old and weigh less than 40 pounds. Youngsters should wear a bike helmet and bike trips with a child on the bike should be limited to bike paths, parks and streets with little to no traffic.

The bottom line: Before buying, check your state’s law for age requirements.

Does My Child Have to Wear a Bike Helmet in a Child Bike Seat?

There is no federal law requiring helmets when bicycling. However, all U.S. states have bicycle helmet laws. Most states require children under age 18 to wear a safety helmet when riding a bike.

While some laws do not state it specifically, anyone carried on a bicycle also should wear a helmet. Here’s why: Babies, toddlers and young children could suffer repeated brain trauma from their head bobbing around when riding over bumpy roads, in a crash, or if you and the bike fall. A helmet would keep your child’s head stable in these situations.

In some states, riders could face two violations and double fines. One for not having a safety helmet on their child and one for endangering their child by not having them wear protective headgear.

When shopping for a child safety helmet, it’s important to find the perfect fit for your child’s head. Also test that the weight of the helmet is not too much for your child. There are lightweight infant safety helmets, as well as those designed for baby bike seats that recline for sleeping. Some seats come with a safety helmet, but you may need to purchase another one as your child grows or if it’s not a perfect fit for your child’s head.

The bottom line: Whether or not it’s a law in your state, it makes good safety sense to put a helmet on your child when in a bike carrier. Plus, it gets your child in the habit at a young age of wearing a safety helmet whenever on a bike.

Do Baby Bike Seats Fit All Types of Bikes?

For the most part, baby bike saddles fit the majority of bikes. However, there are some bikes that aren’t compatible for mounting these types of seats or are only compatible with certain types or brands of seats. They include:

• Women’s bikes with small frames;
• Mountain bikes with full suspension;
• Bikes with disc brakes;
• Road bikes;
• Bikes with drop bars;
• Bikes with carbon fiber frames;
• Specialty bikes.

Several manufacturers sell adapters and brackets specifically for bikes whose design otherwise makes it difficult to accommodate a child ride along seat.

The bottom line: Read the installation requirements carefully. The complete manual is often available on the seat manufacturer’s website. Pay close attention to where the seat mounts, the measurements the bike frame has to be and the required space clearances between the seat and the bike’s frame or components. If you’re still not sure, contact the manufacturer and ask about your specific type of bike.

Is Your Bike Compatible with a Child Bike Seat?

In trying to accommodate all types of bikes, manufacturers have come up with three different types of baby bike seats: front frame, rear frame and rear rack. Here’s a look at each one, followed by the steps to take to determine whether your bike is compatible with it.

Front Frame Baby Bike Seat

This type is for youngsters ages 9 months to 3 years or up to 33 pounds. The seat mounts just below the handlebars, so the baby rides between your arms. These types of saddles are best for bikes where you ride upright, versus forward-leaning.

How to Determine if a Front Frame Child Bike Seat Is Compatible With Your Bike:

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   1. Check to see if there is a threaded locknut at the base of your handlebars. If there is, your bike has a threaded headset and should be compatible. If not, your bike has a threadless headset, where an internal bolt clamps the handlebars to the bike’s main (fork) tube. Usually, with threadless headsets, the base of the handlebars are too wide to fit the seat’s mounting bracket. You will need to purchase an adapter so the mounting bracket will fit.

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   2. Measure to see if there is room to mount the bracket below the handlebars. Using a measuring tape, measure the straight portion between the handlebars and the base. If this stem is between, 0.5 and 1.5 inches, then there is enough space for the seat’s mounting brackets. If there isn’t enough space, you need to buy a front frame carrier with a universal mount or an adapter to fit your measurement.

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   3. Measure to determine if the seat will fit. Using a measuring tape, measure the distance from the handlebars’ main tube to the seat tube. It needs to be over 20 inches to fit the unit and give your chest and knees plenty of room away from the seat. If there isn’t enough distance, your bike is not compatible for a front frame model.

Rear Frame Baby Bike Seat

This type is ideal for longer bike rides and accommodates youngsters ages 9 months to 6 years or up to 48 pounds. It’s installed on the bike’s frame, minimizing the bounce when riding over bumps. They have more features than front frames, such as a recline position and an adjustable footrest.

How to Determine If a Rear Frame Baby Bike Seat Is Compatible With Your Bike:

1. Check to see if your bike has cables running along the frame between the seat of your bike and the pedals. If so, this type of child seat is not compatible with your bike.
2. Measure how close the seat of your bike is to the frame of the bike. There needs to be about two inches below the seat. If there isn’t, you will need a low saddle adapter to mount the rear frame baby bike seat.

Rear Rack Baby Bike Seat

This type is mounted on a bike rack over the rear tire. It fits youngsters ages 9 months to 6 years or up to 50 pounds and is useful for longer rides where the child may fall asleep. If your bike already has a rear bike rack, check to see if its weight capacity is at least 60 pounds.

How to Determine If a Rear Rack Child Bike Seat Is Compatible With Your Bike:

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   1. Check to see if your bike has two sets of eyelets on the frame to install a rack. If not, this type of baby seat is not compatible with your bike.

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   2. Check the type of brakes on your bike. If they are disc brakes, you need to purchase a rear rack baby bike carrier that has disc brake mounts.

The Bottom Line: Take the time to check your bike to see which type of child seat will fit it. If you plan on interchanging the seat between other bikes, check all bikes to see if they will accommodate the same type of seat.

How to Choose a Child Bike Seat

Now that you’ve made the pre-shopping decisions and know which mount type you’re looking for, it’s time to shop the different brands to find the best baby bike seat for your child.

Baby bike carrier seats come in all different shapes, sizes and materials. But, the five main things to look for are:

Age/Weight Requirements

Age and weight requirements differ greatly among baby bike saddles. This is an important consideration, especially if you are looking for a seat that will grow with your child. Some accommodate babies as young as nine months, while others require the child to be age 1 and older.

Most seat types use weight rather than an end age. For example, some are designed to hold youngsters up to 48 pounds, while for others, the limit is much lower, like 33 pounds.

Generally, rear frame and rear rack child seat types have the longest age and weight range than front frame seats.

Seat Design

Seat design plays several roles. The first is comfort and support. There are several different seat designs, from low back to high back to none at all. Other seats have a high profile similar to a car seat, while others have a low profile.

Another is functionality. Some seats have open air vents to allow for better air circulation and reduced wind drag. Others are solid all around.

The material used in the seat’s design also matters in terms of weight. Some are made from lightweight polypropylene, while others are made with heavier hard molded plastic. Additionally, some material is both water repellent and water resistant.

Suspension

Suspension is what cushions the impact of bumps and rough terrain to provide a comfortable ride for your child. Front frame styles do not have a suspension system, but rear seats either have a spring system or a suspension bar.

A spring system is located in the mounting bracket. It flexes 1 to 1-1/2 inches to absorb any impact. Suspension bars are located on the seat’s mounting bracket and provide greater absorption than springs, between 1 to 3 inches.

If you plan on riding on dirt roads or unpaved trails, invest in a baby bike seat with a good suspension system.

Safety Features

All child bike seats have safety features, some more than others. You will find differences in these safety features:

• Safety harness: Some seats come with a 3-point harness, while others have the safer 5-point harness.
• Shoulder straps: These vary in design, but most are adjustable to accommodate the child’s growth. However, the design of some straps cause them to slip down. The best fit can be found with shoulder straps that adjust vertically, like those in a car seat. In terms of functionality, look for shoulder straps that you pull down to tighten or have a sliding adjustment system. They are easy to adjust than those you have to rethread through the buckle.
• Footrests and foot straps: Not only do they support your child’s legs and feet, they also keep them away from moving bicycle parts. However, not all seats are designed with footrests and foot straps. Those that are vary in length and functionality. The safest seats are those that offer height adjustable footrests with wide foot straps that are also adjustable and lock the feet in place.
• Bumpers: These are located along the sides of the seat and are made to protect your little one’s fingers from being hurt as you ride by trees, walls, poles, or other objects.

Comfort Features

These are nice to have features, although some are actually must-haves. Here are some of the more common comfort features:

• Handlebar: This is one for the must-have category. A handlebar gives your child something to hold on to on bumpy trails or just somewhere to put his or her hands.
• Extra seat padding: Here’s another must-have, especially for long bike rides.
• Recline option: Some rear frame and rear rack mounted styles recline, so your youngster can nap on the ride.
• Recessed helmet pocket: Designed into the seat, this recessed area prevents your child’s head from moving forward and provides a more comfortable ride.

Baby Bike Seat Accessories

Some manufacturers offer add-ons to supplement existing safety and comfort features. Some options that can be purchased separately include:

• Safety Helmet: This is a must-have accessory if it’s not included. Be sure to buy one that properly fits your child’s head. Lightweight safety helmets are available for smaller toddlers.
• Knee and elbow pad set: These pads ensure safe riding and provide your child with added protection in case of a fall.
• Windscreen: This is particularly beneficial for front frame models. It reduces the amount of wind blowing in your baby’s face.
• Sun and rain shade: This shield serves dual purposes, protecting your child from the sun’s rays or raindrops.
• Cup holder: This offers a convenient place to hold a drink or a small snack.

Bike riding with your child on your bike in a ride along seat is a great way to explore the outdoors together. To ensure an enjoyable riding experience, use this shopping guide to choose the best baby bike seat that’s the perfect fit for your bike.

Remember, the right child bike seat makes all the difference in how safe and comfortable your child will be on your biking adventure. Happy riding!