Exploring the world together with your child by bike is of course the most fun thing there is, but what is the best way to do this? A bicycle seat on the front or back of your bike is a perfect way to go on an adventure and it is also very practical if you want to do a quick errand. But making a choice can be difficult, read on to find out everything about bicycle seats so that you can make a good choice.
Bicycle seat in short
Bicycle seats for on the bike are special seats that are attached to a bike, so that you can safely transport a child. They are available for the front (usually for younger children) and for the back (often for slightly older children), and have a belt system and footrests for extra safety and comfort.
Main safety precautions
You want your child to be safe during your cycling adventures. A bicycle seat that meets the European safety standard EN 14344 is therefore essential. This standard guarantees that the seat has been extensively tested for safety and durability. Always check whether this code is on the seat, usually as a sticker or incorporated in the plastic.
In addition to ensuring that the bicycle seat is safe, we recommend that your child wears a bicycle helmet . This is not mandatory, but it is a sensible choice, not only while cycling but also when standing still. Because your bicycle is somewhat heavier when there is a bicycle seat with a child in it, the bicycle is more likely to fall over. So don't take any risks and buy a new bicycle helmet for your child!
Advantages and disadvantages of a front seat
You can use a front seat for your child until your child is 15 kg , after that your child is simply much too heavy to have on your handlebars and you will lose your balance more quickly. You can start using a front seat when your child can sit independently. The advantage of the front seat is that you can easily reach your child because your child simply sits comfortably between your arms. Furthermore, it is also very nice for your child to be able to see exactly what you can see, this is not the case with a rear seat. To ensure that your child sits more comfortably, it is recommended to add a front seat with a windshield. This ensures that your child is nicely sheltered from the wind and that no flies fly into his or her face.
Advantages and disadvantages of a rear seat
A rear seat can be used by children from 9 to 22 kg , after that it is wiser to use a bicycle cushion . What is advantageous about the rear seat is that you cycle a lot more stable than with the front seat because the weight is distributed over the rear wheel. A rear seat is of course a bit less cozy than a front seat and you can pay less attention to your child. Therefore, only use a rear seat if you are sure that your child can remain seated safely. What is nice about a rear seat is that your child can sit nicely sheltered against your back and is therefore protected from the elements.
Extra fun: Did you know that there are also children's bikes with a special doll seat on the back, such as our Jildau ? This way, your child can take their favorite doll or cuddly toy with them on an adventure, just like you take your child on your bike!
Conclusion
Buying a bike seat for your bike is a practical but also a very fun choice. Look at the needs of your child to determine whether you go for a front or back seat and go on an adventure with your child!
And when your child is big enough to ride a bike by themselves? Then a new phase begins in your cycling adventures. Children grow quickly, and before you know it, that first bike is too small. That is why we have developed the BikeFlip children's bike subscription . With this, you always have a suitable bike for your child, which grows with your child as he or she grows. This way, you can continue to enjoy beautiful bike rides together, first with the bike seat and later side by side on your own bikes.
💚 Curious about the BikeFlip children's bike subscription? Check out our website for more information!
