GUIDE – Riding with a baby or 1 year old
goRide your Family Riding Specialists – supporting you to be confident and enjoy riding as a family.
Get the right solutions & support to bike with a 1 YEAR OLD.
SMILE when you ride
Welcome to goRide’s Riding with a baby or 1 year old guide. This is where we help you to get riding as a family with your young child. We are here to support you to be prepared so that you can feel safe and confident about riding a bike with a baby or toddler.
Let’s work through what you need to consider, help you understand your options and determine what is the best solution for your family.
To ride with your baby or 1 year old you will need to either:
- Attach a Kids Bike Seat to the front of your bike – Front Kids Bike Seats
- Attach a Kids Bike Seat to the rear of your bike – Rear Kids Bike Seats
- Tow a Kids Bike Trailer behind your bike – Bike Trailer or Multi-Use Trailers (can be used as a stoller, towing on the bike as well as option for jogging)
Options for Riding with my Baby/Toddler – Learn More
All of the following options are suitable because they have a secure harness system and provide support for sitting. For a more detailed comparison please read our story…
Front Kids Bike Seats
Age Range 1-3 yrs
We love this option because of the position and your ability to interact and enjoy the experience with your young child… LEARN MORE
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Age Range 1-6 yrs
These seats are so versatile giving a growing family flexibility. They are suitable for a wide age range and there is a solution for most bikes… LEARN MORE
Bike/Multi-Use Trailers
Age Range 0-6 yrs
Brilliant to give your family access to lots of outdoor fun, can be used for stroll/bike/jog in all sorts of environments… LEARN MORE
Bike Trailers as Strollers
Use your bike trailer as a stroller
Add a Infant Sling (0-10 months) to the trailer seat and your family will have years of outdoor adventures.
Feel safe and confident riding with your baby/toddler
Safety is your number one priority when you begin to ride with your young child. You need to understand when is it safe to start riding with your baby/toddler and how will adding the weight of your baby to your bike make it feel when you ride? What will it change compared to when you ride solo?
- When is it safe to start riding with my baby?
If you want to ride with your baby the first thing to understand is when does it become safe? You can begin to think about riding with your baby or toddler in either a front or rear kids bike seat or a kids bike trailer when they can:
- Fit into a Toddler Bike Helmet and are happy to keep it on their head. Babies need to have a head circumference of greater than 45cm to fit a Toddler Bike Helmet
- They are well balanced in unsupported sitting on the floor
Most babies will meet both of these criteria around 9 to 12 months of age. There will be some variation depending on your child’s development.
2. Feel confident to ride with your baby/toddler
Riding with a baby/toddler changes the feel of the bike and alters your riding experience. Understanding the changes helps you be prepared for riding with your child making the experience safe, easy and enjoyable right from the beginning. If you are wondering if you can manage or to help you get prepared, please read our stories, which are full of great information and tips.
What is the right choice for my family?
There can be many factors that will influence your decision about which seat or trailer to buy. So there are different ways to go about making your choice.
- The style of bike you have
- The places you want to ride now or in the future
- The size of your family – how many children, now and in the future
- What bike will you be riding?
Not all kids bike seats and trailers can be used with all bikes. The design, style and size of a bike influences what can be attached to them. Click on the situation that best relates to you…
I want to search by matching my bike to a kids bike seat/trailer.
I have an E-Bike or Cargo Bike that I want to match to a kids bike seat/trailer.
I have an x-small or small bike frame as I am reasonably short and I want a kids bike seat match.
I want to buy a new bike to use with a kids bike seat/trailer.
2. What options are best suited to where and for how long I want to ride ?
Certain kids bike seats and kids trailers suit different riding environments. It is a good idea to consider where you want to ride with your 1 year old now, and where you might like to ride together as you gain more confidence and as they get older. To understand more read our stories about riding environments and the bike seats that suit them.
Considering the type of riding you want to do – short or longer rides or multi-day can influence what kids bike seat or trailer best suits your family.
3. The solution that best matches your family now and in the future
It is important to consider what solution works for your family now and how this will influence your family riding in the future. If you are planning to have a sibling, or maybe already have one, then you might like to understand your options for riding with more than one child. If you are wanting to ride a bike with twins then let us help you consider how. Please read our Riding with Twins/Young Siblings story.
Supporting You to be Safe & Comfortable
There are a few things you can do to help both yourself and your baby enjoy your riding. It is important that everyone feels safe, comfortable and confident about exploring by bike.
Keep them dry & warm
Therm All Weather Hoodie $79.90
These are fun and bright all weather hoodies for 1 to 6yr olds. A waterproof & thermal jacket which is perfect for young kids sitting in bike seats or trailers… LEARN MORE
Be prepared
Tool Kit Range…
Bikes and bike seats need tools to tighten anything that comes loose. Have what you need when you are out riding. Easy to carry & use tool kits… LEARN MORE
Be safe, be seen
Bike Jacket Range
Choose the bike jacket option that works best for the riding you will do with your family. Bright outer layers are great for safety… LEARN MORE
Be visible on the bike
Visibility Solutions…
There are ways to make you, your child and your bike visible in the environments you are riding in. Learn about outer layers & light choices to be safe… LEARN MORE
Now that you have more understanding of the kids bike seat or trailer that is the the right choice for your family, read the Riding Safely Story that matches your choice. Learn how your riding will feel with the seat or trailer attached, how to get ready for your first ride and make every ride safe and enjoyable for the family.
goRide is here to support you through this experience. If you are struggling with the information, or just need some things clarified or some reassurance then please get in contact. We love hearing from you and want to help.
A selection of family riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE.
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Stories & Support – View stories relating to Rear Kids Bike Seat on one easy to navigate page.
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Stories & Support – View stories relating to Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats on one easy to navigate page.
Front Kids Bike Seats
Stories & Support – View stories relating to Front Kids Bike Seats on one easy to navigate page.
Kids Bike Trailers
Stories & Support – View stories relating to Kids Bike Trailers on one easy to navigate page.
Towing Kids who Ride their own Bike
Stories & Support – View stories relating to Towing Kids Riding their own bike on one easy to navigate page.
Kids Learning to Ride a Bike
Coming soon Stories & Support – View stories relating to Kids Learning top Ride a Bike on one easy to navigate page.
Want more from your riding?
Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.
All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
SMILE when you ride
Support & Inspire other riders and families
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 are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
Bike Saddles
Handlebar Grips
Bike Locks
Bike Carriers
Bike & Chain Cleaning
Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Towing Kids who ride their own Bike
Bike Trailers for Kids
Kids Balance Bikes
HIRE Kids Bike Seats
Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
Bike Path Riding
Beginner to Fitness
Multi-Day
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding Bikepaths
Multi-Day with Kids
Bike Path Riding Guide
Ride more Bikepaths
Mountain Biking
Women Beginner to Intermediate
Men Beginner to Intermediate
Multi-Day
With Kids of all ages
Kids Mountain Biking
Multi-Day with Kids
Mountain Biking Guide
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Riding in Traffic
Be Visible in Traffic
Commuting
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding in Traffic
E – Biking
E-Biking in Traffic
E-Biking on Bikepaths
E-Biking on MTB Trails
A Biking Holiday
E-Biking Guide
Multi-Day Riding
Multi-Day on Bike Paths
Multi-Day on MTB Trails
Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths
Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails
Multi-Day Guide
A Biking Holiday
Family Biking Holiday
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Family Riding
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
On Bikepaths with Kids
MTB with Kids
In Traffic with Kids
Family Biking Holiday
Family Riding Guide
Ride More Places with Kids
Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides
Rear Kids Bike Seat
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat
Front Kids Bike Seat
Towing Kids who ride their own bikes
Kids Bike Trailers
Kids & Youth Buying Guides
Kids Bike Helmets
Kids Riding Clothing
Kids Padded Bike Pants
Kids Padded Protection
Kids Handlebar Grips
Kids Balance Bike
Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides
Womens Bike Saddle
Mens Bike Saddle
Padded Bike Pants
Bike Jackets
Carrying Gear
Handlebar Grip
Hydration
Rider Safety Buying Guides
Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmet
Protective Padding
Be Visible
Bike Glove
Bike Light
Mountain Bike Light
First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
Bike Carriers
Bike Cleaning
Bike Locks
Chain Cleaning and Lube
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Women & Families Learning
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
Improve your Riding
Carrying Gear
Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
Ride more Bikepaths
Ride more NZ Cycle Trails
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Ride more Places with Kids
Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
Bike Gloves
Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.