Choosing the perfect child trailer for your family
Getting Started:
You've seen them around town, and they look like a lot of fun, for both you and your little one(s), but there are so many options, it's hard to know where to start. That's what we're here for. These days, there is a lot to choose from in bike child transportation. The three most common options are bike child trailers, trailer cycles, and bike child seats. There are pros and cons to each mode of bike child transportation, so it is important to consider what type of riding you plan to do with your child and which option would make you and your child most comfortable.
As far a bike child trailers are concerned, there are a few important factors you may want to consider before you purchase one. The first and most important factor to consider is the age and development of your child. For all modes of bike child transportation, we recommend that your child wear a helmet. However, babies who are not old enough to hold their heads up on their own should not wear a helmet. So consult with your child's pediatrician to determine when he or she is ready to wear a helmet and thus, ride safely and comfortably in a bike child trailer. However, most bike child trailers are easily converted to strollers, so you can use the stroller feature until your child is ready to join you for a bike ride.
The second factor to consider is the types of activities you plan to do with your child. Our selection of bike child trailers offer a lot of great options. These days, it's almost a misnomer to call them bike child trailers. At the very least, all of the models we sell can be converted to a stroller. Most can also quickly transform into joggers, and there are also ski and hike options available as well. We recommend selecting a trailer or stroller that caters to your favorite activity and expanding your options from there.
Features to Consider:
- Occupancy - How many children will it carry?
- Single: Single child bike trailers, such as the Burley Solo, the Chariot Cheetah 1, the Chariot Cougar 1, the Chariot CX 1, and the Croozer 737 are more compact and slightly nimbler than their two seat counterparts.
- Double: The rest of our bike child trailer line consists of trailers that will hold 1-2 children. Though slightly larger than the one seat trailers, they are great for bringing along the whole crew.
- Suspension: Bike child trailers that are equipped with suspension offer a smoother ride for you and your little one(s).
- Attach System - How does the trailer attach to your bike?: Each trailer manufacturer has a different style attach system. However, there are four main attach system styles.
- Axel mount: Many trailers clamp directly to the rear wheel of your bike and may require a longer axel on your rear wheel.
- Seatstay mount: Some trailers clamp directly to the non-drive side rear triangle of your bike.
- Seatpost mount: This type of trailer attaches to your bike using a quick release clamp and shims that go around the seatpost. Though convenient and easy to use, this type of mount system is less stable since there is a higher center of gravity.
- Rack mount: Rack mounted systems are generally only used for trailer cycles.
- Safety Features: All of the bike child trailers we carry meet and exceed all ASTM standards for testing and materials.
- Trailer Design: Some trailers are designed with the child facing towards the back of the bike, while others are designed so that the child faces away from the bike. The best child trailers allow for easy communication with your child, so all of the products we carry are designed so that the child faces the the rear wheel of the bike. Additionally, all of our products are designed with a low center of gravity, making them less likely to roll over.
- Roll Cage: A good roll cage prevents the trailer from collapsing in the event that it does roll over.
- Harness: It is essential that your child buckle-up when inside the trailer, so all of our products come with a harness system.
- Child Protection: The rear wheel of your bicycle throws dirt and debris from the road, so it is important to protect your child from these road elements. All of our trailers are equipped with strong mesh covers, which allow air to flow and cool the trailer, while protecting your child from road debris.
- Conversion Options: All of our bike child trailers can easily be converted to other setups for all of your outdoor activities! Please check trailer specifications to find out which options are available for each brand.
- Bicycle Trailer
- Stroller Kit
- Jogger Kit
- Ski Kit
- Hiking Kit
- Other Features & Accessories: All of our products work with a wide array of accessories to make you and your child as comfortable as possible.
- Folding: Most trailers can be folded down for storage or transportation.
- Cover: Rain covers keep your child warm and dry.
- Kick Stand: Don't forget this important accessory, which makes getting into and out of the trailer much easier.
- Infant support: If your child is between the ages of 1-18 months, a child sling (1-10 months) or baby supporter (3-18 months) should be used in the trailer.
- Other Accessories: We carry a wide array of parts and accessories, and we are happy to answer any of your questions.
- Is A Bike Child Trailer Suitable for Your Child?
- Age: Child trailers are recommended for children up to the age of six or until your child it too tall to sit in the trailer comfortably. You should consult with your pediatrician when introducing your child to a bike child trailer. Children who are too young to support their own heads should not wear a helmet or ride in a bike child trailer. However, babies are can ride in the stroller before they may be able to ride in the trailer.
- Weight: Check each trailer for exact specifications, but most trailers are rater for children between 75 - 100 lbs.
*For further information on child trailers, please review our Bike Child Trailer FAQ's and our Bike Kids Comparison Chart.
Our Brands:
Burley : Since 1978, Burley has been designing and building exceptional and safe family cycling gear and accessories that help you and your family get out and have fun.
Chariot : Chariot Carriers is dedicated solely to the outdoor transportation of children, and it shows. Their purpose is to produce the most innovative, safest, and highest quality child carriers on the market.
Croozer : Croozer, a division of Chariot Carriers, aims to provide safe, comfortable child trailers at economical prices.
