Cycling

Hi R.,

My twins have been riding in their double chariot since they were about 5 months old. They have inserts that you can put in that will hold your daughter snugly over any bumps. My kid's bike helmets are just starting to fit (they're 2 1/2) so we just stayed on the sidewalks and rode carefully. If you have a helmet that fits your daughter, great, but if you don't then don't let that keep you inside, just probably off the street :)

If she can wear a helmet and still hold her head up, she can go cycling with you. I think that the manufacturers of helmets suggest one year, but if you think that the helmet fits her well and that she can wear it without a problem for an extended amount of time, then go for it.

I do not go cycling myself, only because my bike needs a lot of fixing up, but I did look into doing it when my son was about your daughter's age. Good Luck:)

Hi R.,
Is your daughter pretty stable sitting up? If so, then try this toddler seat that mounts in front of you on the bike. This might be ideal for you since your daughter is only 6mos.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4660...

Since this seat doesn't have a shade, early morning, or late evening ride might be best for her.

I thought this request was a coinsidence because my husband and I just got back from our first bike ride with our two year old son! He loved it. At first he was unsure about it, but then he was like, "Weeeee"..LOL What a work out too! We bought the trailer toddler seat that hitches to the axle of the bike wheel. It was a fun ride for all of us. :-) I hope this helps you and enjoy your ride! G.

We have been biking with our kids since they were very young. The general rule is that they be able to hold their head up well.

There are infant helmets on the market, and I've found that a small cushion placed behind the baby's back helps to keep the helmet from forcing the baby's head forward. The maker of our trailer, WIKE, sells a "helmet relief cushion" that has loops for the harness straps to fit through. It makes the positioning of the head and neck much more comfortable! Because our kids have been wearing helmets since before they can remember, they don't argue with our rule of always wearing a helmet when riding in the trailer or on their own bikes. I definitely suggest starting early for that reason, as well as for safety.

We started with short rides and built up. Our kids are now 2 1/2 and 4 and are happy on long rides, as long as there is a park stop along the way!

If you're interested in riding with someone, let me know!