How to Ride a Bicycle With a Child Seat

Using a child seat on your bicycle is a great way to spend some family time with your child and get some exercise at the same time. While this is a relatively easy task, you must exercise some caution in order to protect you and your little one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Riding a Bike with a Child Seat

Things You’ll Need:

Bicycle
Helmet (adult and child)
Child seat with safety belts

Step 1

Check your bike to make sure it is safe and ready to ride. Inspect the tire pressure, chains, brakes and seat height. Make sure the child seat is securely fastened.

Step 2

Place a helmet on yourself and your child. Wear reflective clothing if you may be traveling in low light.

Step 3

Secure the kick stand.

Step 4

Pick up your child and stand with your body touching the bike on the side of the kick stand. This way, if the kick stand were to give way, you could use your body to brace against the bike while you quickly remove the child from the seat.

Step 5

Remain close to the bike while you fasten the child's safety belts.

Step 6

Grasp the handlebars firmly as you mount the bike and take off slowly.

Step 7

Avoid rough patches and high speeds, as your child may shift his or her weight, which can throw off your balance.

Step 8

Arrive at a smooth stop and stand next to the kick stand side once more as you retrieve your child from the seat. Never leave the child unattended or take your hands off of the bike while he or she is in the child seat.

Tips & Warnings

Only ride a child who is old enough to hold up his or her head. Check for state laws in your area, as some states require a child to be at least one year old before riding in a child bike seat.

Article Written By Charlotte Johnson

Charlotte Johnson is a musician, teacher and writer with a master's degree in education. She has contributed to a variety of websites, specializing in health, education, the arts, home and garden, animals and parenting.

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