Many of us like to jog or cycle. Once baby is born, you might wonder how you can still enjoy your exercise and have baby keep you company. At first, this may not be possible because baby is too small and fragile. However, once your child can sit up and walk, there is a plethora of opportunities for you to take baby with you when you want to get out and run or take your bike out for a cycle round the trails.
In this article, we are excited to bring you a range of choices, from a seat that fits on to your bike to a contained bike trailer or jogger. Just as a treat, we have also found a couple of jogger/trailer combos, which are simply fantastic.
Now you can look forward to pumping up your tyres or pulling on your trainers and heading out into the open air with your child right there with you.
We have selected the best of the best, finding quality products at reasonable prices and with the backing of many other active parents endorsing them with their own stamp of approval
BIKE SEATS & CHILD CARRIERS
The quality Hamex Caress has a shock-absorbing frame or rack rear mount. It is suitable for babies from around 9 months old and up to 48.5lb.
Your child is ready to use this bike seat when he can completely support his own head and not before.
Founded on a 35-year award winning European brand, the Hamex child bike seat is safety certified, meeting all European & ASTM standards. It has adjustable straps and footrests.
The seat is rear position fastening and all features are fully adjustable. It is easy and quick to adjust single-handed.
It fits bike frames 28-40mm ad cargo/rack carriers 120-180mm and it has anti-theft locks. The seat can be reclined up to 20 degrees, and the design allows plenty of room for a helmet with its ergonomic helmet recess. There are reflectors on the seat and spoke guards
Your baby will be comfortable, whether asleep or awake as the awesome shock absorbing suspension prevents your child from being jarred if you are riding over bumpy or uneven terrain. The seat is fully lined and soft, being easy to clean as the seat padding is removable.
Should you have any issues with fitting the Hamax child seat, Hamax customer service will happily advise you.
Overall, Hamax offers quality, comfort and security. It is attractive and robust bike seat at a reasonable price
Schwinn Child Carrier
The Schwinn is a low price, quality frame mounted rear bike seat, suitable for toddlers. It is easy to assemble and fits most adult bicycles. The design is strong and lightweight and made from polypropylene construction.
The child carrier has a quick release harness and a padded safety bar as well as leg restraints. It is suitable for children weighing up to 40lbs, ideally from one year and older.
It is easy to fit and a practical design. It is much less expensive than the Hamax so is ideal for if you are working to a smaller budget but don’t want to compromise between quality and safety.
Overall, this is a good buy child carrier. There have been one or two issues with it not fitting certain bikes but, should that be the case, there is a full refund upon return. This is the minority or instances, we might add.
BIKE TRAILERS & TRAILER/JOGGER COMBOS
Burley Design Bee Bike Trailer
The Burley Design Bee Bike trailer is a fantastic product. We love the compact design, which folds down to flatten the trailer for super easy storage and transportation. It has posh tinted windows and ventilation in the rear window for those hot days.
The trailer has push button wheels, which are super quick to remove. It includes everything you need – the hitch, towing arm and a safety flag.
The cargo area is spacious with plenty of room for a grocery or diaper bag. There is an under seat cargo barrier which holds the cargo in the back and you can put toys or snacks in the front
The seat is comfortable with hammock style seat, ensuring your child is not sitting on the floor of the trailer, preventing your child bouncing about. The tyres are 20” pneumatic, giving you good clearance on streets or trails.
A helmet pocket is standard and the harness system is a fantastic 5 point fitting. A nice touch is the Velcro on the seat, so you can add extra padding if you wish.
A big feature of the Burley Bee is the high visibility. The bright yellow polyester cover has reflective piping and reflectors on the wheels and front and back of the trailer. It also has a bright neon orange safety flag. This is particularly important if you are riding along the roads.
The Burley Bee is purely a bike trailer and does not have the capacity to second as a jogging buggy. That said, it is a top quality bike trailer, safe, comfortable and functional for your child.
It is at the higher price range for bike trailers but we truly believe it one of the best.
InStep Quick N EZ Double Bicycle Trailer
The pneumatic tires are 16” with moulded rims to assist performance. The coupler attaches to most bikes and includes a stroller kit with swivelling front wheels and handlebar. It has a stonking 80lb weight limit.
It has an unusual parking brake, which is a strap that you wrap through the rear wheel and around the back of the trailer frame.
The two-seater trailer is comfortable with nice padding and support for your children.
It is surprising to learn that the InStep converts to a stroller so can second as a jogger. This represents great value at a super price.
Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Child Bike Trailer/Stroller/Jogger
It is easy to transition between each kit. With its Scandinavian safety and design, Hamax is renowned for top quality build and quality.
It is durable and lightweight, made from 100% aluminum frame, which provides superior rollover protection.
It has 5-point padded safety harness, with parking brake, reflectors and reflective material, giving your maximum visibility when you are out on the roads or trails.
The cockpit is super roomy but folds swiftly for storage or transportation. It has quick release wheels and plenty of room for your child’s feet and with rubber lined mats for easy cleaning.
The suspension and seats are fully adjustable, providing a smooth, secure and comfortable ride. The push bar is height adjustable with a comfortable grip. The seats are padded and fully reclining with adjustable headrest for neck support.
You will be glad to hear that the Hamax has weather protection and wide UV protected windows with an optional sunroof. Built in ventilation comes as standard, with sunshade, rain cover and bug screen.
The fabric is water resistant and it comes with a rain cover and storage pocket.
The Hamax combo has top of the line safety features with aerodynamic design and low center of gravity providing great, stable steering control.
You have a choice of 2 passengers or single passenger.
A top product that comes at a premium price but you get three products in one with this versatile stroller/trailer.
It is worth the price with the safe, secure and quality design. Knowing your child is safe in the trailer gives total peace of mind as you venture into the great outdoors.
The jogger kit sells separately at a reasonable price.
Allen Sports Child Jogger Trailer
It is quick and easy to assemble with a universal coupler suitable for most bicycles. It has 16” rear wheels and, for the jogger it has a 12” front wheel for low rolling resistance.
The trailer has large front and side windows, giving your child a visual treat and preventing any feelings of claustrophobia. It has a foot bar for protection of your child’s feet and a removable bug sheet and rain cover.
To put away or transport, the quick release wheels make it an easy and quick job.
It is suitable for up to 50lbs in weight and has a lifetime warranty from Allen’s.
The Allen is a great buy for the cost conscious. Saving a few dollars, you are not giving away safety, design or security as the Allen provides all of that and more.
Clevr 2-in-1 collapsible 2-Seater Baby Stroller Jogger / Bicycle Trailer
It comes with a universal bike hitch to rear axle. A great safety feature is that the trailer will stay upright even of your bike tips over. So, you know your child is safe.
All four sides of the trailer have reflectors for extra visibility and safety. It can take up to 80lbs in weight. The front wheel is lockable and has a front wheel, hand brake system. It comes with a safety flag. Clevr suggest that a minimum age of six months is the guideline.
It has large 20” rear wheels for a smooth ride and it has full suspension for comfort. It has a 12” pivoting front wheel.
This is a cost effective trailer/jogger combo if you have two children. Well built, good safety features and a great price, what’s not to like?
Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed exploring the range of bike seats and stroller trailers/joggers. You don’t have to wait until your child is all grown up before you start exercising again. Using one of the able products, gives you back the freedom to exercise but to be able to take your child with you, sharing the experience and helping you to bond.
Enjoy your time outside getting fit and active!