Biking is a great exercise. Being able to zip around town or simply go biking at the park with your little one on tow is an even more wonderful experience and you can do that precisely by having a child bike seat attached to your adult bicycle!
1. Types of Child Bike Seat
There are actually three types of child bike seat available in the market, each with their own pros and cons.
A read of the child bike seat reviews below will probably help you determine which is the best child bike seat that suits your requirement and needs best.
A. Front Mounted
Where to attach: Mounts to the front of the bike near the handlebars
Pros: Smaller, lighter and easier to attach/remove; Easier to communicate with your child (better bonding time); Better view for your little one
Keep In Mind
- Your child may get in the way of your steering
- Shorter life span use because of weight and height limitation
- Smaller seat and not reclinable
- No suspension
B. Rear Frame
Where to attach: Mounts to the bike frame in the rear (right on the seatpost)
Pros: Don't need to buy separate rack; Bigger seats and usually reclinable; Better suspension to weather the bumps
Keep In Mind
- Cannot see nor talk to your little one
- Depends on your bike, some models may not fit
C. Rear Rack
Where to attach: Mounts to a rack at the rear of the bike
Pros: Easy to remove from rack ; If you already have a rack installed before, this is the best option to go for; Usually the last resort if none of the other two options suit
Keep In Mind
- Check the weight capacity of your rack and make sure it can support at least 50-60 pounds before you install your bike seat
- Usually no suspension and reclinability
2. Baby Bike Seat Age
There is no mandatory rule on this, but like a bike trailer, we do not recommend using a child bike seat for babies smaller than 1 year old.
Even more so than bike trailers, you should wait until your little one has absolute strong neck and head control before you pop him/her into a bike seat, and it goes without saying that baby needs to be able to sit up on his/her own.
This is because being seated higher than in a bike trailer, your little one is exposed to stronger bumps on the roads so it's important that s/he can support themselves in order to avoid being jiggled around too much.
That being said, front mounted child bike seat is able to accommodate children as young as 9 months old up to around 2 to 3 years old, while most rear mounted child bike seat will have to wait until baby is at least a year old.
Nevertheless, make sure to check the specifications of your child bike seat to confirm its capacity before your little one sits in it and keep in mind to always, always make him wear his helmet, and all will be fine as you cruise along together!
3. Top 4 Best Child Bike Seats (Front-Mounted)
EDITOR RATING:
You would probably see the Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat in many front mounted child bike seat reviews, not a surprise, considering it is one of the best front mounted child bike seat in the market!
Suitable for kids from 9 months old (who are able to sit up by themselves) up to 3 years old (or up to 33 pounds), the Yepp Mini is very light and easy to use and is compatible with most bike models.
Simply attach it to a 1.5 inch exposed quill-type steel stem (a thread-less adapter is included) and you're ready to go.
Made of flexible shock absorbing rubber foam, the seat is very comfortable and easy to clean thanks to its water-repellant materials.
The integrated handlebar (pictured left) allows your child's hands to be comfortable and the fully adjustable footrest and straps grow with your little one for the perfect fit.
A multiple award-winning baby bike seat front, the Dutch-design Thule Yepp Mini Child Bike Seat gives your kid a full view of the road while at the same time ensuring maximum safety and comfort with its high insulation factor (summer and winter) and 5-point safety harness that has a user-friendly buckle.
And with the additional integrated lock, it guarantees extra safety and guards against theft. When your child has outgrown the mini, s/he can move to the Yepp Maxi, another favourite rear child bike seat!
EDITOR RATING:
Made in the USA, the iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat is another front mounted baby bike seat that is popular amongst parents who love to bike with their little one.
Some would say it is a center mounted child bike seat, given its unique center-positioning which is nestled between the adult's arms and behind the protection of the bicycle handlebars.
This helps with balancing and increase the mobility for the adult rider. Not only can your child look around freely, s/he can be involved with the ride by turning his very own padded steering wheel too!
Unlike trailers, there won't be dirt, rock or water thrown in your child's face with this child bike seat front and it is easier and safer to load and unload.
Keep in mind though, the iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat does not have a tall back, nor a headrest so your little one may not be comfortable dozing off in it.
Nevertheless, it is one front facing child bike seat that is sturdy and reliable (it is made of rust resistant aluminium and stainless steel) that you can trust and enjoy with your little one.
EDITOR RATING:
The Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Bike Seat is the best toddler bike seat that fits most bikes thanks to its unique adaptable mounting system.
It has a unique design bracket that allows this front mounted baby bike seat to be fixed to the head tube of the bicycle.
This enables it to be mounted onto almost all types of support frames, fitting bicycles from 32mm to 52mm (1.3 - 2.0 inch)
without throwing off the center of balance for the rider. And we mean it when we say all types of bicycles, because the Orion can also be mounted on electric bicycles (E-Bikes) too!
We do have to say this baby bike seat front is smaller in comparison to others, however, it is still in a good size that fits children ages 12 months to 33 pounds.
The One-Click installation system is innovative which makes attaching and detaching the child bike seat to the bicycle frame quick and simply, and the adjustable footrests (3 positions) lets the Orion grow with your child.
The seat back is reclinable into 2 positions, and the adjustable footrests enables your little one to sit comfortably in all stages, apart from keeping his/her feet away from dangling or hitting the bicycle frame in any way.
If you have trouble finding a baby bike seat that fits to your bicycle frame and does not want to add a separate rack just to fit one, the Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat may just be the best bike seat that solves all your problems.
EDITOR RATING:
Last but not least is this WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat, the best kids bike seat for children 1-4 years old (or 33 lbs) that does not break the bank.
This is an improved version of the Kangaroo Classic, complete with all the features that you love and with the added bonus of a two-tone, thicker seat, back padding and dash board as well as padded shoulder harness.
The seat especially deserves extra mention - not only is it one of the most plush carrier the brand has made, it is also perhaps the only child bike seat that you will find having such comfortable padded seat and back that are at par to sofa level.
It is truly the best bike seat cushion we'd ever came across.
Improved with openings in the footcups now for added comfort, the adjustable foot cups protect and support your child's legs and feet.
Also exclusive to this kangaroo child bike seat is the deluxe safety harness with oversized buckle system to strap your little one in.
The WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat installs easily in the front of most bike saddles with the included new mounting bar design and it distributes weight evenly for added stability especially when navigating corners.
You don't have to worry about it impairing your bicycle's stability, rather, it enhances safety because your arms will be surrounding your child while riding.
For all the extra features and luxury paddings, we're pleased to find that the Weeride child bike seat doesn't reflect on its price, which remains very family-friendly and best of all, it comes with a 2 year warranty for peace of mind.
4. Top 4 Best Child Bike Seats (Rear-Mounted)
EDITOR RATING:
With so many Hamax child bike seat reviews out there, it is perhaps not a surprise that the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat took the top spot in our best child bike seat reviews - rear mounted edition.
Being one of the rare rear mount seat that can accommodate children as young as 9 months old, your child can use it up till s/he reaches 48.5lbs European standards (or 40lbs weight limit based on optional US standards).
But that is not the most amazing feature of the Hamax Caress - what's truly exceptional is that it is available in both Frame Mount and Rack Mount options.
Yes, this means the Hamex Caress is able to fit the widest variety of bike styles.
In Frame Mount mode, it comes with a dual-bar steel suspension system and lockable bracket
that allows you to secure the anti-theft lock and take the keys with you at the simple push of a button.
The quick-disconnect design allows you to easily remove the seat from your bike, but note that this style is not compatible with most e-bikes or carbon frames.
There is a reason the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is one of the top best seller child bike seat in the market.
Being the only rear child bike seat that enables single-handed adjustment of every feature so that you can always leave one hand on the bike for stability and safety, this multiple award-winning rear child bike seat has everything from plush comfort and generous suspension to adjustable features and safety reflector.
The best thing is, it does not cost an outrageous amount, in fact, it is cheaper than many other models in the rear-mount category, which is definitely something we all want to hear when it comes to price tags!
EDITOR RATING:
Another rear baby bike seat that we'd highly recommend, especially if you have a smaller budget, is the Schwinn Child Carrier that accommodates children 1 year and up (40 pounds).
Constructed of polypropylene that is strong yet lightweight, the Schwinn bike seat has a molded structure to give extra protection to its young passenger.
To keep it comfortable and safe, it has a padded cross bar, quick release harness and leg restraints with bonus spring guard and spoke guard included.
However, we do have to say that it is not one of those that fit most bicycles, not even some of Schwinn's very own bikes which is why it also comes with its very own steel cargo rack for a more secure and wider variety fit.
Otherwise, the Schwinn Child Carrier is very easy to assemble and dismantle from most adult bicycles without any tools required so you shouldn't have any problem or inconvenience with it.
EDITOR RATING:
The Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat is the brand's version of rear mounted bike seat that has a longer lifespan/usage from 9 months up to 6 years old (48.5lbs).
This is one of the best bike seat for comfort because it has a dual beam suspension that absorbs the bumps you may encounter on the roads so that the ride can be smooth for your little one.
It also has five reclinable positions up to 20 degrees for your child to nap in comfort should there be such need.
With its universal quick-release bracket, the RideAlong seat can be mounted/dismounted from the bike in literally seconds and it fits most bike frames, be it round or oval.
Thanks to the single-hand adjustable foot rests and foot straps, you can ensure a perfect fit as your child grows.
The integrated protection wings safeguard your child's hands when the bike is leaned against a wall, and the detachable, water-repellant padding is machine washable and reversible.
There is nothing much to fault the Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat really, the only con we would say is that it is on the pricier side.
But if budget is not an issue for you, then the RideAlong is definitely a good and luxury choice you can offer your little one with.
EDITOR RATING:
At under $50 (!), you cannot find any rear child bike seat cheaper than that of the Bell Cocoon 300 Child Bicycle Carrier.
A simple and straight forward child bike seat with no fancy bells and whistles, the Bell Cocoon is equipped with everything you need for a rear mounted child bike seat.
Designed for safety, it has a wrap-around high-backed bucket seat with thick seat pad for added comfort to support and provide additional protection for its little rider.
In addition, the five-point harness keeps your child strapped in securely and a molded spoke guard protects him from the spinning rear bike tire.
Fits most 26-27 inch bikes, there is no rear suspension with the Bell Cocoon 300 Child Bicycle Carrier but that is not something surprising, considering its very price friendly range.
Nonetheless, it does come with a rear reflector for safety purpose so we'd say it is still a good choice for those who are on a tighter budget but still want to enjoy fun rides with their little one.
5. Top 4 Best Child Bike Seats (Rear Rack)
EDITOR RATING:
As mentioned above, the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat offers what it calls the Rack Mount mode that allows the bike seat to be attached to any bicycles with a pre-installed carrier rack.
Yes, that includes all e-bikes, carbon or just any non-standard frames with an installed carrier rack.
The dual-spring suspension carrier adapter with innovative twist-closure design will give you a tool-free installation that makes mounting and dismounting easy to transfer between bikes (with rack).
In terms of its other features, we will not be repeating them as they are exactly the same as its Frame Mount mode which we've reviewed above.
Just remember to choose the Rack Mount mode before you check out your purchase here and you'll have the best rear child bike seat (rear rack) shipped to you in no time.
EDITOR RATING:
The Topeak Babyseat II with Non Disc Rack is another rear rack mounted child bike seat that we'd highly recommend if you want something high quality that does not break the bank.
Having undergone a complete redesigned from its predecessor, it now offers better protection and more versatility than before.
The rear rack that is included in the package is made of T6 aluminium and it features what is called a MTX track system that makes it compatible with all Topeak trunk bags.
This heavy-duty rack features an innovative baby seat attachment that requires no tools to attach and remove the seat from the rack, something you can do in three easy steps starting from just a push of a button.
In terms of its seat, it uses a wrap-around structure molded using engineering grade plastic to create a virtual cocoon of protection. The recessed area at the head rest provides extra room for helmet so that your child will not slump forward.
Other safety features include an updated 6-point shoulder harness with multiple height adjustment as well as adjustable footrests and straps to keep the small feet away from spinning wheels.
Not many child bike seat offers 6 points harness, which is why the Topeak is regarded as one of the safest child bike seat in the market.
The seat pad is removable and easy to clean and a padded handrest provides extra comfort and an added level of protection.
An innovative suspension system cushions the bumps and jolts to give your little passenger a smooth ride, while the integrated roll bar provides extra head protection as well as doubles as a carrying handle.
All these, at a price below $80. Yep, we couldn't quite believe it ourselves too!
The only 'downside' is, the Topeak Babyseat II with Non Disc Rack probably takes some getting use to in terms of its installation but nothing too confusing - once you get the hang of it, it will be a breeze to use each time!
EDITOR RATING:
If you wish to extend the use of your child bike seat, the Bellelli Pepe Seatpost Mounted Baby Carrier is a good choice because it has by far the biggest child bike seat weight limit in the market - up to 50lbs!
Made possible by its clever design of utilising high side boards and ergonomic shoulder support, this means you can be biking with your little one at your rear until s/he turns 7 years old.
Likewise, it has broad height-adjustable footrests to accommodate your growing child so that s/he can always sit in comfort. A 3 point safety harness with childproof, parent-friendly safety buckle is incorporated to strap your little one in safely.
Exclusively made in Italy using certified non-toxic plastic, the Bellelli Pepe has a frame that is lighweight, resistant and washable. It is also very easy to put it on and detach it with a quick release anchoring system.
The Bellelli Pepe Seatpost Mounted Baby Carrier, as its name indicates, mounts on your bicycle's seattube using a universal quick mounting system that is easy and convenient to use.
Price-wise, it is also family friendly in that it sits below $100. If you'd already have a rack installed, we would advise getting the Bellelli Pepe because this one here does not come with a rear rack, which is a bit of a bummer.
Otherwise, we would recommend getting the Topeak as it comes with a non disc rack, saving you all the trouble.
EDITOR RATING:
As with each category, we would find a simple, no fuss model that is affordable and easy to operate (although easy installation is one trait that we always look for) and for the rear rack category, this falls on the CyclingDeal Rear Baby Bike Seat Carrier.
Compatible with all frame sizes 26" mountain bikes and 27-29" hybrid road bikes with rack holes, the CyclingDeal is one of the best mountain bike seat that meets USA safety standard with a weight limit of 18kg/40lbs.
Despite its price point, it comes with everything you need, including a compatible rear rack aside from the baby seat and all accessories including a handrail.
This means you won't need to buy any other accessories separately to get this bike seat ready. But keep in mind that it supports rack assembly only - it cannot be mounted onto the bike frame directly.
For what it's priced, we think the CyclingDeal Rear Baby Bike Seat Carrier offers so much more, including a one-year warranty, it is truly a value for money buy that you will not regret purchasing.
6. Before you go ...
Do you know that there is more than one way to go biking with your little one?
