What are fixed-position childseats?
Fixed position childseats are ideal for introducing small children to cycling. Suitable from around 9 months, or when the child is able to sit without support, they give your child a birds' eye view of their surroundings and keep them reassuringly close at hand. A fixed position childseat is upright, but not so uncomfortable that it won’t encourage a little nap during the ride!
Who needs a fixed-position childseat?
Parents/guardians/friends who want to incorporate cycling into their leisure time. There’s no need for a babysitter as you can take a child with you and the extra weight is great for building up muscle. Take your child on adventures, visits or even to and from school or nursery.
What are the choices?
There are a range of childseats available, with various features and in a choice of styles and colours. Look for a seat which will be easy to use – it can be quite a task balancing a bike and trying to get a squirming toddler in place and secure. For that reason, a one hand release mechanism is a good move. Feet stirrups also mean you won’t get kicked in the back while you’re riding!
What should I buy with it?
A helmet is an important piece of safety kit for your passenger. Rain ponchos are easily portable, so they are great in the event of a downpour. An additional mount means you can swap the seat between bikes with the minimum of fuss.
Anything else?
Remember that the child isn’t exercising, and can easily get cold. Make sure they are wrapped up warm and don’t make too long a day of it – small children can get bored easily so don’t overdo it and ride a sportive complete with child and seat as we witnessed recently.
See our Cycling with children guide for more.
