Whether you’re an avid biker or only like to go for the occasional ride, a bike trailer is a great way to take your child along with you. They’ll love getting some fresh air and riding along as you pedal away in front of them. There are many different brands, styles, and features for bike trailers on the market, making it hard to choose the right one.
I’ve compiled this list of the 7 best bike trailers for babies to help you make that decision. Each trailer on this list is safe and durable, and I’ve provided different styles and sizes to make sure there’s a match for every family.
Best Bike Trailers for Babies
1. Burley Bee, 1 and 2 Seat Lightweight
(Most durable — $$)
Why it’s great: Burley is a well-known name when it comes to quality and durable bike trailers. Each of their trailers is put through multiple safety tests, so you can rest assured that your child will be protected in this trailer. This is their entry-level model, and it comes in either one seat or two. It has a hammock-style seat, which means your child won’t be sitting on the floor of the trailer, and a five-point harness. There’s also velcro on the seat, so you can add extra padding if you desire. The wheels can easily be removed, and it folds down compactly, fitting easily in the trunk of a car. It’s also lightweight, easy to attach, and provides a smooth ride. It even has cargo space in the back for storage. You can also purchase an infant insert that will allow you to carry your baby in this trailer.
Keep in mind: This one is only a bike trailer – it doesn’t convert to a stroller. Also, there’s mesh at the top of the seat that allows helmet space, but the seatback will push your child’s head forward if they’re younger or too short to reach it. This is easily remedied by either purchasing and installing the extra seat padding or just putting a pillow behind your child’s back.
Good for: Parents that want a sturdy, safe, and reliable bike trailer.
2. Schwinn Echo, and Trailblazer Child Bike Trailer
(Best first trailer — $$)
Why it’s great: If you want to try out a bike trailer to see if your child or children will like it, these Schwinn trailers are a perfect choice. They’re affordable, sturdy, and offer a smooth ride. You can choose between the Echo, which is just a bike trailer, or the Trailblazer, which converts to a stroller. You can also decide if you want one seat or two. This trailer is lightweight, folds down compactly, and has a canopy with a 2-in-1 bug screen and weather shield. The seat is bench style, meaning your child will be sitting on a firm chair with five-point harnesses for safety. Also, the trailer stays upright and stable, even if your bike falls over, keeping your child safe!
Keep in mind: Your baby will need to be able to sit up on their own before using this, and it’s recommended that they be a year old.
Good for: Parents looking for a quality, entry-level bike trailer.
Why it’s great: This trailer is great for parents on a budget. It’s very affordable and comes with all the basic features you need in a bike trailer. It comes in one seat or two, and the two-seater can carry up to 100lbs. It’s lightweight and easy to fold down for storage. It has hammock-style seats with a five-point harness. It also has a weather cover, or you can use the mesh screen on warmer days. This trailer is straightforward to put together and attach to your bike. For younger babies, you can strap in their car seat until they’re old enough to sit up on their own without support.
Keep in mind: This one isn’t as roomy and has smaller wheels than all the others on this list.
Good for: Parents on a budget that need an affordable bike trailer.
Why it’s great: Thule is another quality brand when it comes to bike trailers. This one meets all safety standards and has a very secure attachment. It also comes with a front wheel, so it can easily convert into a stroller. This wheel flips up and out of the way when you attach the trailer to your back, which is very convenient. The stroller handlebar is height adjustable for comfort, and there’s plenty of storage space in the back. This is a two-seater with five-point harnesses, and Thule offers an infant insert that you can purchase for younger babies that can’t sit up on their own. It offers a smooth ride and is simple and easy to assemble and attach. It folds down compactly and can easily fit in the trunk of a car.
Keep in mind: The side windows aren’t mesh and don’t open, so you’ll have to open the cover to offer more ventilation on hot days.
Good for: Parents that want a safe, high-quality bike trailer that also converts to a stroller.
5. Instep Bike Trailer for Toddlers, Kids, Single and Double Seat
(Best basic trailer — $)
Why it’s great: The Instep bike trailer is a great trailer for families that just need a basic version. It’s lightweight and folds down compactly to fit in a trunk. It comes with one or two seats and in four different color options. This one is nice because it comes with the regular bug shield and weather cover, but it also has rear vent windows for better airflow in the warmer months. It has hammock-style seating for extra comfort with a five-point harness for safety. The attachment is easy to use, and the trailer stays upright, even if your bike falls over, keeping your little one safe.
Keep in mind: This is only a bike trailer and doesn’t convert to a stroller. It also has smaller wheels than most, and its weight capacity is only 80lbs for the two-seater. You’ll also need to make sure your baby can sit up unsupported before using this trailer.
Good for: Parents that just want an affordable bike trailer to carry around younger/lighter children.
On An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.
6. Clevr Deluxe 3-in-1 Double 2 Seat Bicycle Bike Trailer
(Most versatile — $$)
Why it’s great: This is the most versatile bike trailer on the list. It has a front wheel to convert to a stroller, but this wheel is larger than the 2-in-1 trailers on this list, allowing you also to use this as a jogging stroller too. You can enable the front wheel to pivot or lock it straight. The handlebar is adjustable for better comfort too. This is a two-seater with a firm, bench-style seat and five-point harnesses. It has an extra-large cargo area in the back and even has a couple of mesh pockets on the sides of the seats. One of the things that set this trailer apart from the previous options is that it actually has a suspension system, which offers your child a much smoother ride, even over bumpier terrain.
Keep in mind: This one is recommended for ages 18 months and up. However, many parents said they could use it for 9 months and up with extra padding and as long as the child could sit up unsupported.
Good for: Parents who want to be able to bike, jog, or walk with this trailer.
7. Burley D’Lite X, 1 and 2 Seat Kid Bike Trailer & Stroller
(Best premium option — $$$$)
Why it’s great: This is another trailer made by Burley, which means it passed all the same safety and durability tests as the Burley Bee. However, the D’Lite X is one of their premium options. It comes with a front wheel and handlebar to convert to a stroller and is compatible with Burley’s other conversion kits, such as the two-wheel stroller and ski kits. This one comes in one or two seats and has premium seat pads and a comfy headrest, all of which are removable for easy cleaning. The seats also have a three-position recline, and the two seats can recline independently, so one child can sit up while the other reclines for a nap. This trailer also has a 5 point adjustable suspension, providing your child with a smooth ride no matter the terrain. You can purchase the Burley infant insert to use for babies 6 months and up. Plus, it can also convert to a cargo trailer when your kids outgrow it!
Keep in mind: Make sure to read the directions carefully since this trailer is a little more complicated with all its different features.
Good for: Parents that want the best of the best when it comes to bike trailers.
The Burley Bee, 1 and 2 Seat Lightweight is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
Even the smoothest bike trailer can jostle your child around a little, depending on the terrain. Children under 12 months old typically don’t have the neck or back strength to withstand a bumpy ride. That’s why the AAP recommends that bike trailers should only be used for babies 12 months and up. However, some trailer companies do make infant inserts or are compatible with car seats. Check with the manufacturer before purchasing a trailer if you want to use it for a baby under 12 months. Also, keep in mind that some states have laws about this, so you may want to look into that if you want to start sooner than 12 months.
2. Should my child wear a helmet while riding in a bike trailer?
Yes! Your child must wear a bike helmet if you’re using the trailer in bike mode. If you’ve converted it to stroller mode, it’s not necessary. Wearing a helmet in bike mode will protect your child in case of an accident and also helps them develop the habit of wearing a helmet when biking.
3. What is the weight limit for bike trailers?
This can vary based on the brand, style, and whether the trailer is a single or double seater. Most singles can hold between 50 and 75lbs. Doubles usually range from 80 to 100lbs. Keep in mind that the individual seats also have weight capacities. So even if the total is 100lbs, each seat may only be able to hold 50lbs, which means that you can have a 20lb kid in one seat and a 70lb kid in the other. Also, some have a seating capacity and a cargo capacity, such as 40lbs per seat and 20lbs for cargo, which would be a total capacity of 100lbs on a double seater.
4. What size wheels are the best?
Bike trailers’ wheels typically only come in two sizes – 16” and 20”. The smaller wheels are okay, but if you can afford to get the 20”, you should. They absorb the bumps in the road better and offer a smoother ride for both you and your child. They can also handle speeds up to 15mph, where 16” wheels shouldn’t exceed 10mph.
5. What features should I look for in a bike trailer?
Other than wheel size and safety concerns, the extra features are all personal preferences. Take a look at the size, especially when folded up, and make sure that you have the space for it. Think about whether you need one seat or two. If you choose two, keep in mind that even if you have a single rider, they’ll have to sit on one side since there won’t be a harness in the middle. This isn’t a problem, but it doesn’t leave them with as much room or as comfortable as they’d be in a single-seater. Think about whether you prefer a more supportive bench seat or if hammock seats work just fine. Do you want extra padding or reclining seats? What about suspension for a smoother ride and the ability to go on dirt trails or rougher terrain? Do you want your trailer to be able to convert to a stroller? How much cargo space do you need? These questions should help you decide what bike trailer works for your family.
6. What are the safety concerns with a bike trailer?
If you’re planning to take a baby in a bike trailer, the main concern is neck injury. Babies’ necks aren’t very strong, and too much bouncing and jostling could lead to injuries. That’s why it’s recommended that you wait until your baby can easily support their neck and sit up on their own before riding in a bike trailer. This is usually around 12 months of age, so that’s the age that the AAP recommends. Another safety concern is if the bike trailer tips over. Most are made and attached in such a way that they’ll never fall over, even if your bike does fall. However, if you’re on a dirt road or uneven terrain, it could be a possibility. Make sure your child is always wearing a helmet when the trailer is in bike mode. Also, if you plan to ride anywhere other than pavement, choose a model with a good frame for rollover protection.
Conclusion
Biking with your whole family is a great way to spend some time together and enjoy the outdoors. Little ones love going along for a ride, and most kids love bike trailers (once they get used to them). Whether you need a single, double, or convertible bike trailer, this list should provide you with an option that fits your family’s needs.
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