Bike Seats and Trailers
When we started looking for bike seats this was our "wants" list: fits on the front of the bike, easy to swap out between our two bikes, holds larger/older children, and is comfortable and fun for our little passenger.
The iBert Safe-T Seat fit every single one of our requirements and we have absolutely LOVED everything about it! It comes in three different colors, has a cute little steering wheel to keep your passenger occupied, and the weight limits goes all the way up to 38lbs (our almost 4-year-old can actually still use it)!
As far as trailers, there are SO many to choose from, but we wanted something fairly inexpensive but also really safe. We bought the InSTEP Quick N EZ Double Bicycle Trailer a few years ago, and have been VERY satisfied with it. It easily adapts to fit one or two children, has a bug shield and weather shield, and folds down flat for easy storage. Added bonus? It swaps between several bikes within seconds and can quickly be transformed into a jogging stroller if you would rather run than bike!
Toddler/Preschooler Bikes
When it comes to this age group, I am all about the balance bike! For those that haven't heard of them, they are training bicycles that don't have pedals or a drivetrain, and they are FANTASTIC for helping young kiddos learn both balance and steering. Some parents feel that they are on the expensive side, but they actually replace the need for BOTH tricycles and traditional 12 inch bikes with training wheels. If you add the price of those two together you are actually SAVING money!
In my opinion, balance bikes are significantly safer than tricycles (because they don't tip on uneven surfaces) and much easier to maneuver as well. They also make the transition to pedal bikes a complete BREEZE! No more skinned knees and fear of falling!
My almost 4 year old is getting a pedal bike for her birthday in a few months, and based on what I have seen her do on her balance bike I don't think she will have any problems with the transition!
So, what are my favorite brands? Again, after TONS of research we bought a FirstBIKE for my daughter, and a Strider for my son, and the FirstBIKE is DEFINITELY my favorite! It took just a little longer to put together, but I like that the bike wheels aren't plastic, I think it is easier to steer, and the seat is more comfortable for longer rides.
Bike Helmets
There is one piece of advice that I ALWAYS give the parents of my patients.....any time your child is on something with wheels that takes them off the ground (bike, roller blades, skate board, etc.) they HAVE to wear a helmet! As an ER nurse practitioner I see TONS of injuries related to bikes this time of year. I can fix almost all of them, but little brains can't be fixed as easily as broken bones and scrapes.
Think helmets are too expensive? Check out the Safety Store at Riley Hospital for Children! Helmets there may not feature faux hawks and characters from Frozen, but they do come in several different colors, and are only $6.75 plus tax!!!
Even better than the price? Safety Store employees are specially trained to fit their bike helmets perfectly to your little one's noggin! They measure their head, adjust the straps, and show them exactly how the helmet should be worn.
Please make sure your kids have properly fitting helmets, and have them on their heads every single time they are using something with wheels! It only takes one bad wreck or fall to change their little life forever!!!
Bike Accessories
While you're buying bike helmets at the Safety Store, check out all of their awesome (and super cheap) bike accessories! They have flashing lights that attach to bikes (and kiddos), bike flags, bike horns and more for MUCH less than you would pay anywhere else!
As an aside, they also have car seats, sleep sacks, and several baby proofing items....all of which are dirt cheap!
That's all the info I have to share on this topic for now, I would love to hear about your favorite bike products and accessories! Comment below or email me at TiaM@macaronikid.com.
Have a great week!
Tia
