Most cycling enthusiasts can't wait to get on a bike with their baby. For some of them, cycling is a way of life. In North America, officials recommend cycling with your baby at one year of age. In Canada, little information is available. In cycling crazy, the Netherlands, some parents cycle with babies as young as two months. In this article, we shall look at some of the benefits of cycling with your baby, risks involved, and how to do it safely.

Cycling with babies can be done safely without exposing yourself and the baby to unnecessary risks. If it is safe to travel with a baby in a car, then it should be safe to cycle with it. When cycling with a baby, common sense should always prevail.

Benefits of Biking with Babies:

Spending quality time with babies

Parents know that routine around the house can be very monotonous, going out cycling can be a great way to spend time with your baby and the rest of the family. It is also an excellent way to introduce cycling to your baby from a very young age.

Keeping fit

NetParents recommends cycling as an excellent way to stay fit. You don't have to exclude your baby from this fun way to keep fit. For mothers, bike riding with babies can help with losing the baby fat. Parental responsibility should not come in the way of taking care of your body. Get your baby on the bike and go cycling and have fun while at it.

Breath fresh air

A bike ride with a baby enables both of you to get outdoors, breathe some fresh air and enjoy the environment. This is therapeutic, even for the baby. It relieves them of the pressure of being indoors.

Type of Carrier

Type of carrier will mainly depend on the age of the baby, the city you live in, the trail you choose, the type of bike, and cycling expertise.

Trailer

Trailer is the most common option for biking with a baby on bike. Trailers are widely available and affordable. A good trailer should secure the aby eve in case of an accident. Some have roll cages to prevent injury. The trailer is attached behind the bike at the rear axle. This ensures they have a very low center of gravity. This makes their handling easier as they don't affect the leaning of the bike. Trailers offer better protection against the elements.

Rear-mounted seats

These are very common for babies older than one year. They are fitted over the back wheel and have a high back for support. They can have leg guards, raised sides and a harness for extra support of the baby even if they fall asleep.

Front-mounted seat

This seat is mounted at the front via the handlebars and is a good bike for mommy and baby. It is exciting for the baby since they can have a clear view. The parent can also monitor the baby, unlike the rear seats. This seat can affect the handling of the bike as it is attached close to the handlebars. A windshield protects the baby from the wind if you are using this type of seat

Cargo bikes

These may either be front loading or long-tail bikes. They are popular with families are they can carry more than one child. Kids find them fun. The bike is designed sturdy enough to haul heavy loads. With a few modifications, such as straps, sitting bench, you can comfortably carry your kids with it.

Helmet

Some jurisdictions require all children riding a bike to have a helmet. This includes baby. The catch here is that you cannot put a helmet on a baby less than nine months old. Thus, in such places, you can only wait until that age. Before nine months, the baby's neck and head are not firm enough to support themselves. In other areas where the law doesn't expressly outlaw riding without helmets, you can ride with a baby as young as several weeks old. The best way to do it is to use a baby car seat secured to a trailer.

Cycling Route

Cycling with a baby requires careful route planning. It is advisable to choose dedicated bike trails, alienated from other forms of traffic. If the baby is younger than one year, a trail that is smooth is much better to reduce the vibrations. Researchers are still looking at the effect that a rough trail has on a baby. The mild trauma constantly shaking their heads may not be safe. It is best to avoid bumpy trails. Older babies are okay on any trail. Due to the rising demand for cycling trails, most of them are generally safe.

Some Useful Tips for Cycling With a Baby

⮚Get over your fear of falling with the baby. You are more likely to trip and fall while walking than when on the bike. However, cycle at a safe speed

⮚Always check at the bike shop if your specific type of bicycle is suitable for baby carriers. The attendants will advise which type of seat is most appropriate.

⮚Take frequent stops when cycling with your baby. Check on how they are doing and probably feed them. If the baby cries, they might be uncomfortable.

⮚Only adults should cycle with babies. Adolescents and teenagers may not have the best judgement.

⮚Always secure the baby in the seat with a harness

⮚A study done by the Dutch found out that the legs are the most likely to be injured when cycling with babies. Always protect those delicate feet with some feet protection.

There is much debate regarding the safety of cycling with babies. Many people tend to err on the side of caution and wait till the babies are more than one-year-old. With adequate planning, cycling with a baby is safe and something fun to do.