Bike enthusiasts who are also dedicated parents can combine these two passions by purchasing baby safety seats for their bicycles so that Baby can travel with them. The safety of your child is paramount when traveling by bicycle so there are several things you'll want to take into consideration before buying a child safety seat for your bicycle.
Consider the Age of the Child
The minimum age for transporting your child in a bicycle safety seat is 12 months of age. The main reason for this involves the strength of the child's neck muscles. The baby must have the physical ability to not only manage the weight of his own head but also the weight of the helmet as well. In addition, even the smoothest of roads may have some ruts and bumps and you'll want to ensure that your child is not only safe but comfortable on the journey.
Front or Back?
Most bicycle seats in the U.S. are made to be mounted so that children are seated in a face forward position behind the cyclist, although seats mounted in front are gaining in popularity. Rear-mounted seats are more comfortable for the cyclist but he can't see and interact with the child directly, except by looking at the rear view mirrors. Front-mounted seats allow more interaction with the child but may also lead to fatigue for the cyclist. In addition, safety seats mounted in front cause the cyclist to have to position his arms around the child and safety seat to steer the bike.
Bike Seat or Trailer?
One advantage of bike trailers that attach to the rear axle of a bicycle is that they are lower to the ground. In the event of an accident, the child has a shorter distance to fall compared to the three feet or so they would encounter falling from a traditional bike seat. However, bike trailers are subject to tipping over, may be slightly more difficult to maneuver on corners, and when riding in traffic, they are not easily visible to drivers. In general, bike trailers are best used in open areas on smooth roads where there is little to no traffic.
Design and Durability
A baby safety seat should carry a tag indicating that it meets ASTM Standard 1625-00 which covers safety, construction and durability on rear-mounted seats. Avoid buying a baby bicycle seat online unless it is a replacement for one you have already used and are familiar with. One manufacturer's seat may not attach as securely as another's depending on your bicycle's design, so it's best to bring your bike along with you when purchasing a child's safety seat to ensure the best fit. Check to see how easy it is to place the child in the seat and remove him.
Test Drive
The added weight of the child and the seat not only changes the bicycle's center of gravity, it also means more work for the cyclist. An additional 20 or 30 pounds of baby weight may feel manageable on a flat, smooth surface but riding uphill may present a challenge. If you can, bring an object equivalent to your child's weight when shopping for a safety seat, and take a short test drive to see how it handles. Consider your own biking ability and endurance to help in making your decision.
Safety Tips
Never leave your child unattended in a bicycle safety seat with the kickstand down as the kickstand is not meant to support the extra weight.

Don't give your child anything to hold while he's in the safety seat. An accident can occur if the object falls into the spokes while the bicycle is in motion.

Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle and put one on your child as well, even for short trips.