Are you considering getting on a bike with your baby? When is the right time to make the decision to try this type of family riding? Let’s take a look at what you need to know to make this a safe enjoyable experience.
The ability to jump on a bike with your baby and get out into your community opens up a whole lot of possibilities and is nothing short of liberating. The choices these days for carrying your infant on a bike are comprehensive. If you can think of a scenario chances are someone has designed something that will fit it. From trailers to child seats, to front and back cargo bikes, parents all over the world are riding with infants. As your family grows the fun and adventure that can be had because you are travelling by bike through your community will bring smiles and great memories for everyone.
So what is the answer to the question; When can I ride a bike with my baby in NZ?
When exactly will depend on the development and size of your baby as well as your confidence and comfort/ability as a parent. The best guide is approximately 1 year old (range from 9months to 18months). To follow there is a list of things that you will need to solve or that will influence your decision as to when it is right for your family.
Your Bike Riding Baby must wear a bike helmet
In New Zealand it is law to wear a helmet on a bike, this includes any passengers on a bike. Therefore you cannot ride a bike with a baby until you can find a helmet that will fit correctly and is not too heavy for their neck to support (see below for some tips).
Tips for buying your child’s first bike helmet
- Size – for a child around 1 year of age you will need a 45-50cm helmet. Measure with tape one finger width above the eyebrows or use a piece of string then lay it along a ruler.
- Coverage – seek out a helmet that covers as much of the head as possible therefore protecting more of it
- Weight – the less the better. There are helmets out there that weigh as little as 185 grams, try to find one but don’t comprise with too little coverage
- Adjustment – it must have a sizing system for you to adjust it to a perfect fit
- Heat & Care – ventilation is good for summer so they don’t get too hot. Washable pads are also good
The biggest determining factor for getting a baby on a bike in New Zealand is having a helmet that fits well and they can safely wear. Apply the low, level, snug and stable rule. See How to Size & Fit a Kids Bike Helmet for more guidance on fit. We have done a lot of research into what we think is the best “First” helmet available in NZ. See the photo and link button.
Your Bike Riding Baby must be able to sit unsupported
Children are just learning to sit unsupported at about 9 months of age. Until this age, infants have not developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight. Pediatrician’s advise against having infants sitting in a slumped or curled position for prolonged periods. “This position may even be exacerbated by the added weight of a bicycle helmet on the infant’s head.” The US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Rider Confidence
A bike feels different with a baby on board. You are responsible for this precious cargo. You will have additional load on the bike. Your balance will be affected due to the increased load and having to work around a bike seat… whether it’s in the front or the rear.
Ability & Bike: are you a confident rider? Do you believe in your own ability to enjoy a ride? Do you want to share this with your child? Could you manage extra weight on your bike or do you want to tow a trailer? How will this effect your balance?
Practice & Process: One of the keys to enjoying your time out on the bike is to practice in a safe environment before you do it for the first time and to know your routine or process.
There are lots of ways to make your initial experience of riding with your toddler a really positive one. Please read the story on Confidently Riding with a Toddler which is full of advice.
Choosing where you ride
Always safety first. Start with route or trails that you know and enjoy. Try to make them wide smooth bike path trails… away from traffic, make it easy in the beginning. Progress as your confidence allows. Avoid excessively bumpy trails in the early days – you don’t want to expose your toddler to a lot of vibration or jostling.
Smiles… riding in a Front Bike Seat.
1 year old in a Rear Bike Seat wearing an XS Toddler Helmet
A bike trailer gives your child lots of protection & space
Ride a Bike with a Baby…
There are lots of options for riding with a 1 year old, have a look at what we think are the best options… Riding With a 1 Year Old
Your baby will be sitting on the bike or trailer while you do the work so it is vitally important to make sure they are kept comfortable while you ride. Think about the weather and how this will effect their comfort and don’t ride for too long, take lots of breaks… Riding with a Toddler – Are They Safe?
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Front Kids Bike Seat Buying Guide
Is a front kids bike seat ,,,the right option for your family. Use the goRide Buying Guides to get the right kids front bike seat attached to your bike.
Riding with my kids - What are my options?
This goRide Story has helped direct many. Get an overview of the options that are available so you can ride with your family.
Attached to the Bike Buying Guide
What is the best way to ride with your child? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Buying Guides to get the right kids bike seat attached to your bike.
First Bike Helmet
Everything we ask for your first bike helmet. Lightweight, good head coverage, adjustable, chin pinch guard. The back of this helmet is flat so toddlers can comfortably lean their head on bike seats
Front Bike Seat - FAQs
Read through this list of questions that many people have when thinking about a front mounting kids bike seat. Is this seat the right solution for your family?
Towed by the Bike Buying Guide
What is the best way to ride with your child? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Buying Guides to get the right bike seat – towed by the bike.
E-Bikes & Kids
Is an E-Bike a good choice for transporting kids or grandkids? What do you need to know about an E-Bike before using it with your family?
Balance Bike Buying Guide
What is the best balance bike for your child? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Buying Guides get the right Balance Bike.
Rear Carrier Mount Bike Seat
We love this seat. Super lightweight, quick, & easy to attach to a carrier and change between bikes. Suitable for a wide age range – 1-6 year olds.
Biking with Babies
When is it safe to start riding with your young child? Learn what the NZ laws are and what the experts recommend and why? Be safe and your first riding experiences will be good ones.
Ride More Places
Read stories about riding trails, tracks and mountain bike parks in beautiful NZ. Be inspired and learn whether this may be an option for you or your family.
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
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