(Last updated on March 16th, 2023)
When introducing a child to cycling, a great way to do that is by using an add-on bike seat. It gives them a feel for what cycling is like without proper technique and builds the confidence it takes to ride a bike.
Cycling has many benefits, and getting your child and starting early really helps. Our readers often ask, “What is the best child seat for bike?”. In this article, I will tell you:
- What Is A Children’s Bike Seat?
- What Do I Look For In A Child’s Bike Seat?
- Our Recommendations For The Best Childs Bike Seat
- Child Bike Seat Buyers Guide
- What is a Children's Bike Seat?
- What Do I Look for in the Best Child Seat for Bike?
- Our Recommendations for the Best Childs Bike Seat for Different Ages
- For Infants and Toddlers
- For Infants
- For Infants and Toddlers
- For Toddlers and Preschoolers
- For Toddlers
- For Preschoolers
- Child Bike Seat Buyers Guide
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Children’s Bike Seat?
Before I tell you the finer details of a baby bike seat, one must understand what one is. A child’s bike seat is different from a saddle, which many people first assume. It’s an attachment added to a bike a child can sit on.
It gives a child the opportunity to experience cycling without needing to pedal. It’s a safer, more comfortable ride that can help build confidence. It means they can get used to cycling until the time comes for them to ride their bikes or to go on a tag-along system.
They come in different styles and designs and have many safety features, such as harnesses, footrests, and armrests that wrap around the child to ensure that they will have much more security if the bike is dropped.
Child bike seats typically come in two main styles, rear-mounted and front-mounted. You get other styles, such as tag-along and rear trailers, but I don’t feel they are typical bike seats. If you want to learn more about bike seats and trailers, check out this cool video:
What Do I Look for in the Best Child Seat for Bike?
There’s a lot to think about when looking for a child’s bike seat. As expert in cycling, I am very particular about the seats I recommend. Here’s what I look for:
Safety
Is the first and most important thing in a child seat. I look for the correct safety standards to ensure they have been tested very high.
Compatibility
I look for child seats that offer a huge amount of compatibility. I want them to be able to be used on many different bikes and with many different users.
Comfort
I want seats that are going to be comfortable. Unlike you, the rider, the child cannot stand up and move around very much. It’s important that when they are seated, they can get comfortable and stay comfortable.
Design
I want bike seats that not only work excellently but also have a great design and a bit of style to them. Child seats can easily take over a bike with their size, but I am seeing many companies make some excellent-looking seats now that look great.
Price
Finally, we have the cost. I don’t go for the cheapest or the most expensive. I look for excellent value-for-money child seats. You don’t have to spend much money on a great child’s bike seat.
Our Recommendations for the Best Childs Bike Seat for Different Ages
| Seat | Price | Mounting | Age Range | Max Weight | Weight | Our Rating |
| Hamax Caress | $165 | Rear Mount | 9 Months to 4 Year | 48lbs Max | 4.4lbs | 9/10 |
| Peg Pegero Orion | $80 | Handlebar Mount | 1 Year | 33lbs Max | 4.8lbs | 7/10 |
| Burley Dash | $169 | Rear Rack Mount | 1 – 5 Years | 40lbs Max | 5.5lbs | 8/10 |
| Thule Yepp Maxi | $219 | Rear Mount | 1 – 6 Years | 40lbs Max | 5.7lbs | 9/10 |
| Mac Ride | $229 | Handlebar and Seat Mount | 2 – 5 Years | 60lbs Max | 5.2lbs | 8/10 |
| UrRider | $85 | Handlebar and Seat Mount | 2 – 6 Years | 60lbs Max | 2.2lb | 8/10 |
For Infants and Toddlers
1. Hamax Caress
Our Rating
9/10
$165
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Rear Mounted |
| Age Range | 9 Months – 4 Years |
| Max Weight | 48lbs |
| Weight | 4.4lbs |
PROS
- Very lightweight at 4.4 lbs
- Higher weight limit than others at 48 lbs
- Very adjustable feet
- Very safe with the harness system
- Suspension is excellent
- Large cushioning for comfort
CONS
- Age range is less than others
- Quite a big unit
Next, we have the Hamax Caress, a rear bike seat you might have encountered. Hamax makes a lot of different child seats, and the Caress is one of the most popular in their range and on the market.
It’s made for children from 9 months up to 4 years and has a weight limit of 48 lbs. It mounts onto the frame itself and is very easy to install. It comes with a quick-release system, making it easy to remove without the required tools. The seat weighs only 4.4 lbs which is very lightweight for a rear seat.
Not only does it have great specifications they have also made it very comfortable for the child who will be using it. It has an inbuilt suspension system, so those bumpy roads will not be an issue.
It has lots of adjustability in the feet to cope with fast-growing children and can be reclined up to 20%. A 5-point harness keeps the child secure, and big armrests for protection are ideal.
OUR VERDICT
The Hamax Caress is excellent. The price is great. It’s easy to mount, does a very good job, and is lightweight. The only thing I didn’t really like was the age range is much less than others, and it’s not a small unit; apart from that, I can’t fault it.
For Infants
2. Peg Perego Orion
Our Rating
7/10
$80
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Front Mount |
| Age Range | 1 Year |
| Max Weight | 33lbs |
| Weight | 4.8lbs |
PROS
- Excellent price at only $80
- Looks great and comes in different colors
- Very secure with the front rest
- Lightweight at only 4.8lbs
- Secure molded plastic seat
CONS
- Very limited age range
The Peg Perego Orion takes the best of both worlds when it comes to this child’s seat. Designed in Italy, they have taken the comfort and structure from a rear rack and put it onto a front rack. It looks great, comes in four different colors, and it’s comfortable for the child.
It is designed for children of 1 year old and has a maximum weight of 33 lbs. So it doesn’t have a huge range, and you won’t get a huge amount of use out of it before they grow up compared to the others. It mounts onto the handlebars and offers the child a seat in front of the rider. Although a decent size, it doesn’t weigh down the bike, as it only comes in at 4.8 lbs.
It offers a lot of support for the child with a comfortable base and harnesses holding them in tight alongside leg straps. It even has a table in front of them so they can support themselves. Coming in at only $80 is incredibly cheap. So although you don’t get a huge amount of use from it as it is quite small, it comes in at 35% of the cost of models with a wider age range.
OUR VERDICT
The Peg Perego is a great child’s bike seat. It offers the support of a rear mount seat but with the convenience of a front rack. It isn’t going to last many years of growth, but it is excellent and only costs $80.
For Infants and Toddlers
3. Burley Dash
Our Rating
8/10
$169
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Rear Mounted |
| Age Range | <1 – 5 Years |
| Max Weight | 40lbs |
| Weight | 5.5lbs |
PROS
- Price is excellent at only $169
- Very supportive with the large armrests
- 5 point harness
- Lightweight at 5.5lbs
- Very adjustable feet
CONS
- Is quite large
- Requires a rack
The Burley Dash is a child seat designed to sit on a rack on the bike’s rear. If your bike already has a rack, it’s an ideal solution. If not, you might need to purchase one to make it work. Burley does a rack to suit this if required. It’s designed for children ages 1 to 5 and has a max weight of 40 lbs.
Although the seat looks quite large, it only comes in at 5.5 lbs, making it light. It is made from a plastic mold, is easy to clean, and is durable. The Burley can easily accommodate growing children with adjustable footrests and foot straps.
It has the ability to recline in a couple of different positions and offers a lot of support with its 5-point harness system. It comes in two different colors and even has armrests.
The rear seat looks good and doesn’t look out of place on a bike. It comes in very well priced at $169, but it’s worth noting that it’s for the seat without a rack. The Burley rack is an additional $169, which could make it an expensive setup. One of the big selling points of this rack is you can use it alongside panniers for those long days out on the bike.
OUR VERDICT
The Burley Dash is a great infant bike seat. It comes in at only $169, and providing you have a rack is an absolute bargain. It could be an added cost if you don’t have a rack. Knowing you can use panniers with this is a big bonus, and being only 5.5 lbs, it’s not heavy.
For Toddlers and Preschoolers
4. Thule Yepp Maxi
Our Rating
9/10
$219
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Rear Mounted |
| Age Range | 1 – 6 Years |
| Max Weight | 40lbs |
| Weight | 5.7lbs |
PROS
- Looks great in mat black finish
- Big age range from 1 – 6 years
- Very comfortable with twin harness
- Easy to install onto seat post
- High Quality as many Thule products are
- Lightweight at 5.7lbs
CONS
- Isn’t the cheapest
- It’s pretty large
Thule currently has five different child seats, and the one I like the most is the Thule Yepp Maxi It had to be on our list for the best child seat for bikes. It’s one of their most popular models, and I can see why. It’s a rear-mounted rack and will work with many bikes.
It attaches via a clamp on the bike’s seat tube and can easily be taken on and off. Coming in at 5.7 lbs, it’s very light.
It’s made of high-quality materials that are easy to clean and durable. The seat is a molded shell and has a cushion for added comfort. Also adding to the comfort, it comes with a shock-absorbing system, adjustable feet, and a comfortable twin harness. It can even be reclined backwards to support the back more.
On top of all this, it can be locked to ensure nobody takes it and comes with a built-in reflector and a mounting bracket for a rear light. It costs $219, but it is well worth every cent as it will last for 5 years of use on a child and will work with any bike you might upgrade.
OUR VERDICT
Thule makes an excellent child seat, and I was very impressed. You can tell they have put a lot into the design, and although it may be on the higher end of the price range, I think it’s worth the money.
For Toddlers
5. Mac Ride
Our Rating
8/10
$219
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Centre / Front Mounted |
| Age Range | 2 – 5 Years |
| Max Weight | 60lbs |
| Weight | 5.7lbs |
PROS
- Lightweight at 5.7lbs
- Fun for the children as they sit upfront
- Easy to install on the seat tube and headtube
- Not bulky at all
- Great max weight at 60lbs
- It looks so minimal compared to the rear seats
CONS
- Not great for long rides
- Does require ability from the child
- Definitely not the cheapest
The Mac Ride differs from the other seats I have spoken about on this list. It was designed by a Canadian mountain biker who wanted to take his child on more challenging trails. It’s a unique design sits between the seat post and the handlebars. It looks great and removes the bulkiness you typically get from a children’s seat.
The Mac Rise works for children from 2 – 5 years and does require them to have some ability to hold on fairly well. It has a big weight limit of 60 lbs and weighs only 5.2 lbs. It’s designed for performance bikes but will still work on your general hybrid.
It is a large saddle with stirrups for the child’s feet. They also hold onto the handlebars as well to help them balance. It’s not something they will be able to be on for a long time, but it does offer a great experience for them as they feel they will be controlling the bike.
OUR VERDICT
The Mac Ride is a great way to carry a child on a bike. It’s minimal, puts the child right in the driving seat, and gives the adult cyclist more ability. It doesn’t offer the comfort of other seats, but it’s not designed for long rides.
For Preschoolers
6. UrRider
Our Rating
8/10
$85
KEY SPECS
| Mounting | Centre / Front Mount |
| Age Range | 2 – 6 Years |
| Max Weight | 60lbs |
| Weight | 2.2lbs |
PROS
- The weight limit is excellent at 60lbs
- The price is very low at $85
- A fun experience for the child being upfront
- Easy to install on seatpost
- Looks great and comes in different colors
- Wide age range from 2 – 6 years
CONS
- Not good for longer rides
- Not the best seat for style
The last on our list is the UrRider. This is a very popular design of child bike seat and very unique in design. It’s similar to the Mac Ride, but they have a support bar instead of using your bike handlebars. It comes in a few different colors and with different footrest options.
UrRider is designed for children over 2 years and goes up to children of 6 years. It has an incredible weight limit of 60 lbs and only weighs 2.2 lbs coming in half any other child seat on this list. The bike doesn’t take up too much space and gives a great cycling experience for the child.
It isn’t designed for very long bike rides, but for short bike rides, it’s ideal. The child will be comfortable, and the support bar in front gives them confidence. It also is incredibly cheap, coming in at $70 to $90, depending on what foot supports you get for the passenger.
OUR VERDICT
The UrRider is amazing value for money and does give your child a great cycling experience. It’s not the nicest to look at, and it’s not great for long rides, but for $85, it’s incredible value for money and will be fun to use.
Child Bike Seat Buyers Guide
When buying a child seat for a bike, knowing what will be best can be challenging. Here’s what you need to be thinking about before making your selection:
Is it Compatible With Your Bike?
The first thing to consider is if it will be compatible with your bike. Not all child seats fit all bikes. It’s worth checking out the product to ensure it will work and not damage the seat or your bike in the process.
Will it Work for the Child?
All child seats have age ranges and weight limits. You’ll want to check that it will work with the child you are buying it for. If not, it isn’t going to be comfortable and could break.
Type of Rack
As I mentioned, children’s bike seats come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important to get the rack you want for the bike you have. Many people choose the rear racks, but a front mount rack can give the child a much more fun cycling experience. To learn more about front and back child seats check out this video:
Installation and Removal
Some baby bike seats are very easy to install, and others can be challenging. It’s worth checking the installation and removal process. Many riders tend to want to remove them if they are not going out with their child to make the bike smaller and lighter. If it takes 20 minutes, it’s not ideal.
Safety Features
When looking for the right child’s seat for you, I highly recommend ensuring a standards agency has tested it. The ASTM, European Union Safety Standards, and CPSC are some of the main governing standards when it comes to products like the above. Their seal of approval goes a long way.
Comfort
It’s a good idea to look at the comfort level the seat offers the child. If you’re planning longer rides out, you want the most comfortable seat possible so they can relax. You might want to avoid sporty seats where they must hold themselves up unless you only do short rides.
Conclusion
Cycling is fun, and taking your child on a bike adventure can be a great experience for you both. Having the right child seats makes this all possible, and I highly recommend having one. After reading this article, I hope you found the perfect child seat and are ready for many bike rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many bike seats work with children as young as 9 months, though most people start using a baby bike seat when the children get to about one year old. I also highly recommend checking out our article on child’s bike sizes when it comes to getting a bike after the seat.
Yes, a 5 year old would be fine in a bike seat, providing you have a seat that can go to the age of 6, which most I have recommended can.
Children start to learn to ride a bike from 3 to 8, so a child as young as three would be ok to start riding. Here I can recommend some excellent bikes for children. If bikes don’t amuse you much, you may consider one of the best electric scooters for children or if you want a more comfortable option, you can pick from the best electric scooter with seats.
When it comes to cycling, the safer, the better. I highly recommend if you are taking a child in a toddler bike seat, they should have a helmet. If you still need one, I have also recommended the best helmets for toddlers.
Generally, most say the front child bike seat is safer than a rear child bike seat. This is because the child is more visible and in a much better place on the bike.
I’m Robbie Ferri, a writer from Norfolk in the UK. I love cycling, the gym, and have a huge passion for sharing my stories and knowledge to anyone with the time to read them. My main passion is cycling. I started eight years ago. In that time I have broken world records, cycled all over the world in Ultra Bikepacking races, and am lucky enough to have enjoyed some incredible times on two wheels with some incredible people. I have also worked in a bike shop and with some of the industries leading brands, not just promoting products but designing them too.
Under it all I am just someone very passionate about exploration and living a healthy lifestyle. Everything I do I put 100% into it and feel that life is for living. Never should you have a dull day.
