If you had to sacrifice your morning bike ride once your baby arrived, we’ve got a treat for you. Baby bike seats are a great solution for bicycle enthusiasts who have babies over 9 months old. They will allow you to take your nugget along safely and comfortably.
Knowing which seat to buy can be challenging — there are different types for varying bikes.
We’ve spent hours looking into the best baby bike seats to create this ultimate list.
- Designed by moms and dads
- Easy to install
- Kind to the frame
- Shock-absorbing suspension
- Suitable for almost all bikes
- Packed with features
- Safety features
- Comfortable for children
- Straightforward installation
- Comfy seat
- Sturdy and stable construction
- Easy installation
- Fun ride
- Seat belt included
- Suitable for most bicycles
- Secure and safe
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfy for toddlers
- Adjustable fitting
- One-click installation
- Three-point harness
Types of Baby Bike Seats
Front/Center Mounted
The best option for babies is a front-mounted baby bike seat. They’re usually suitable for children from 9 months up to 2 to 3 years (1).
Many parents prefer them because your child is visible between your arms. It’s also in a position to give your little one the best view, which works well for curious toddlers.
However, they fit best if you have a wide handlebar that you can easily reach on either side of the seat. They also have a lower weight limit, so your child will outgrow it faster than other types of seats.
Front-mounted seats require a bike with a threaded or stem headset where there’s available space for mounting. Additionally, there should be enough distance left between the saddle tube and the seat for you to pedal.
Pros
- The best option for small babies (over 9 months).
- You can see your child at all times.
- They’re often easy to install.
- Your child has the best view.
Cons
- The weight limit is often much less than rear-mounted seats.
- It can be tricky to reach the handlebars if they’re narrow or you have short arms.
- Not ideal for bikes promoting a forward-leaning position.
Rear Frame-Mounted Seat
Rear frame-mounted seats are significantly larger than front-mounted. They often include additional features such as suspension systems, recline options, five-point harnesses, and footrests with restraints.
Some allow you to use them for babies over 9 months, but often the minimum age is one year. Most will accommodate a child up to 45 to 48 pounds, which is around age 6.
One of the most significant advantages of frame-mounted seats is that they’re cost-effective. They usually don’t require additional purchases of racks or adapters, depending on the brand.
One drawback is that frame-mounted seats aren’t always easy to install. Most require a particular frame thickness and shape.
If you want this type of seat, check your bicycle’s brake and gear cables. Verify they run along the frame as opposed to the tube (the portion between the pedals and seat). Also, your bicycle should have at least 1-inch clearance between the saddle set and frame.
Pros
- Can usually support children up to 6 years, or 45 to 48 pounds.
- They offer lots of additional features, such as suspension and recline.
- Generally cost-effective.
Cons
- They can be challenging to install.
- The seats have strict requirements in terms of frame thickness, cables, and distances.
Rack-Mounted
Rack-mounted seats attach to a bracket, sitting above the rear tire. They’re suitable for all bikes with a rear rack that has a weight capacity of at least 60 pounds. If your bicycle doesn’t have one, you can purchase one separately.
These baby bike seats are similar to frame-mounted. They typically offer good-to-have features and can support children up to 48 pounds.
But most rack-mounted seats lack good suspension — your passenger might not be as comfortable as in other types of seat.
Manufacturers rarely include mounting racks, so that could be an additional purchase.
If your bike doesn’t have a rack, ensure that it has eyelets to fit one. These are small holes in the tire axle or rear triangle.
Pros
- Compatible with most bikes suited with rear racks.
- They often have a high weight limit.
- The seats are generally easy to install if you have a rack.
Cons
- They usually require additional purchases.
- Most lack good suspension.
How to Choose a Baby Bike Seat
Seat Belt and Shoulder Straps
A proper restraint system is a necessity in baby bike seats. You want to ensure your little one is secure should you lose balance or they decide to try to get up.
Bike seats usually have either a three-point seat belt or a five-point harness with shoulder straps. The best type to choose is an adjustable five-point harness. These go across the midsection, over each shoulder, and between the legs.
Footrests with Restraints
Loose feet can cause a world of trouble while you’re riding. On front-mounted seats your little one could kick the handlebar, causing it to turn and throwing the bike off balance. If they sit behind you, they could get their feet caught in the wheel.
Footrests with restraints are, therefore, vital to include. We also recommend you find one that is adjustable. This supports growth, allowing the seat to be used for longer.
Recline Options
Reclining bike seats are considered a luxury feature and are not a necessity. That said, if you’re often going on long rides or perhaps picking a tired toddler up from daycare, it’s good to have. A recline feature is exclusive to frame-mounted seats.
Appropriate Size
Young children can vary immensely in weight and height from each other. Be careful to pick a seat that will accommodate your child comfortably and don’t rely totally on age guidance. Weigh and measure your child before going out to buy.
This will get the maximum life out of your product.
Rear-mounted, whether frame or rack, is often preferred, seeing that parents can use them for longer.
If you’re planning on using the seat from an early age, though, front-mounted is best. You have your little one close to you and can comfort them when needed.
Check The Law
High Backrests
A concern with front-mounted seats is that many don’t offer any back support. Some resemble a bike seat, and while these are usable for older children, they aren’t ideal for small toddlers who may fall asleep.
If your child tends to snooze during journeys, a supportive backrest is essential. Otherwise, they may slump down to an uncomfortable position.
Suspension
When choosing a rear-mounted seat, look for suspension. It can quickly get bumpy for your passenger, so a good suspension system will smooth out uneven grounds. You want to make the ride as comfortable as possible for junior.
The suspension is a standard feature on frame-mounted seats. You may have to search a little longer to find a rack-mounted type with a decent one — we’ve reviewed one below so you don’t have to look.
Padded Seat
Padding on the seat helps your kiddo sit more comfortably. It’s not a standard feature that manufacturers include though. Some may use a soft material to compensate.
With padding or cushions, it’s always a huge plus if they’re removable. When you’re dealing with kids, things get messy, and accidents occur. Having something that you can wash is a boon.
The Best Baby Bike Seats of 2023
Here are the seven top baby bike seats on the market.
Shotgun Bike Seat for Mountain Bikes
Best Front-Mounted Baby Bike Seat
With outstanding reviews, the front-mounted bike seat from Shotgun is well worth our top spot. It’s a seat that promotes activity and being out in nature with your child in tow.
The seat is suitable from 24 months to 5 years, or up to 48 pounds. Shotgun specifically designed it for mountain bikes, but many reviewers say they used it on other types as well. It’s adjustable and can fit both sloping or flat bike tubes.
Removing the seat is effortless due to the quick-release system. The mounting bracket also sports protective rubber to prevent damage to your bike’s frame.
What We Like
Designed By Moms and Dads
One thing we appreciate about Shotgun is that mountain bike enthusiasts designed it. What’s even better than that? They’re parents as well, who recognized the need for a reliable seat.
It’s designed in New Zealand and made with high-quality materials to ensure your baby’s safety. The seat is excellent for going off-road.
Easy to Install
Installing the seat is straightforward. The quick-release system allows you to attach and detach it in a minute — helpful instructions are also included.
The seat is a bike-saddle style, with two footpegs for your child’s feet. Before you attach it, adjust the fitting according to your frame — whether it’s flat or sloping. The seat allows for alterations to suit your little one’s height.
Kind to the Frame
Sometimes the seat you attach will end up scratching your bike’s frame. Shotgun avoids this by including rubber protection on the mounting bracket. It ensures that no damage occurs to your bicycle.
Perfect for Mountain Bikes
Mountain biking doesn’t exactly sound like a baby-friendly activity. Shotgun likes to disagree. The baby seat is compatible with all adult mountain bikes and has your child riding shotgun, sitting comfortably in front of you.
What We Don't Like
Not Suitable for Small Babies
It’s essential to keep in mind the Shotgun seat isn’t for young babies. It’s a bike-saddle style with pegs for the feet — there’s no safety belt or backrest.
Product Specs
| Type | Front-mounted |
| Recommended age range | 24 months to 5 years |
| Maximum weight | 48 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
Hamax Caress Rear Child Bike Seat
Best Rear Frame Baby Bike Seat
If you prefer having your baby behind you, the Caress seat from Hamax could be an ideal choice. It’s a full seat, suitable for babies aged 9 months up to 48.5 pounds.
The seat is fully adjustable and features shock-absorbing dual-bar suspension. You can mount it either on the frame or rear rack. However, you’ll need an adapter for rack-mounting.
The bike seat reclines down to a 20-degree angle for your little one to rest comfortably. The backrest is ergonomically designed with a dent, which makes room for a helmet.
What We Like
Shock-Absorbing Suspension
The Hamax seat is comfortable for your little one, even across uneven surfaces. When mounted on the rear frame, it has options for a dual-bar steel suspension system. If you put it on the rack, there are built-in dual springs to smooth out bumps.
On the seat, Hamax included extra padding for a comfy ride, which can be easily removed to clean it.
Suitable for Almost All Bikes
Mount it on the frame or rack, depending on your bicycle or preference.
For frame mount, the frame must be 1.10 to 1.54 inches thick. On the rack, it should be 4.72 to 7 inches. It’s easy to attach but verify that you get the right adapters.
Packed with Features
The Caress baby seat comes with some well-thought-out features. For starters, the backrest reclines to a 20-degree angle — it’s easy to adjust without dismounting your bike.
That dent in the backrest is also a plus, so your little one can wear a helmet comfortably.
Safety Certified
Hamax is an award-winning Scandinavian design, meeting ASTM standards. Your child will sit securely, strapped in by the seat belt with a child-proof buckle.
What We Don't Like
No Padding for the Head
The seat does not include any padding for the head. Their helmet is resting on plastic, and some parents noted this causes the baby’s head to bounce with every bump while they’re sleeping.
Product Specs
| Type | Rear rack or frame mounted |
| Recommended age range | Nine months to 5 years |
| Maximum weight | 48.5 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount Child Seat
Best Rack-Mounted Baby Bike Seat
If you’re searching for a rack-mounted baby bike seat, then take a look here. The Thule Yepp Maxi seat is suitable for bikes with an EasyFit window or EasyFit adapter, which is sold separately.
A safe and comfortable ride for your little one is provided with the Yepp Maxi. The seat can support babies from nine months up to 6 years. It has a maximum weight limit of 48.5 pounds.
For road safety, Thule attached reflectors and included an attachment point for a safety light. The seat is available in three colors — all made of water-repellent materials.
What We Like
Safety Features
You’ve got everything from reflectors and light attachment options, to harness and foot straps. The five-point-harness is fully adjustable for any size child, and it’s padded for comfort. The foot straps are also adaptable for various footwear and sizes.
Comfortable for Children
A comfortable ride is important for your passenger, and that is what the Yepp Maxi seat offers.
With shock-absorbing qualities, it smooths out the ride and prevents jarring. It has useful footrests for your child’s feet, keeping their legs in a pleasant position for long trips.
The water-repellent seat ensures your little one won’t have to sit in a pool of water if it rains. There are holes throughout, too, which provide a drainage point or ventilation on hot days.
Straightforward Installation
Many parents praise how straightforward the installation was. It fits bicycles with an EasyFit rack, or you can purchase the separate adapter. If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, most bike shops are familiar with the brand and can help.
What We Don't Like
Adapter Not Included
A few parents noted some disappointment that Thule didn’t include an adapter. Other reviewers said that with some bikes an additional bracket was needed as well, which isn’t mentioned.
Product Specs
| Type | Rear rack mounted |
| Recommended age range | 9 months to 6 years |
| Maximum weight | 48.5 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
WeeRide Safe Front Child Bike Seat
Best Baby Bike Seat for 1-Year-Olds
A stable seat, such as this one from WeeRide, will provide plenty of support for your 1-year-old. It’s a front center-mounted bike seat, so you’ll have your baby right before you.
The seat looks super comfy — it’s made of sturdy steel with plastic housing and installs on almost all types of bikes. WeeRide included a padded crossbar as well as a seat harness to keep your little one secure.
There are height-adjustable foot cups, and the seat is suitable for children aged one, up to when they reach 33 pounds. It attaches to your bike’s frame using a steel support bar.
What We Like
Comfy Seat
The WeeRide seat is all about comfort and support. Your little one will sit snug and secure right in front of you, enabling you to interact and enjoy the ride together. The seat features lots of padding, and the front bumper provides excellent support as well as a place to hold onto.
Sturdy and Stable Construction
WeeRide used a mix of durable plastic and sturdy steel to create a steady bike seat. The center position helps to balance out the bicycle so the chair won’t feel cumbersome. As your baby grows, it will aid the balance further.
A lot of parents said they felt secure having their baby sitting between their arms.
Easy Installation
The installation is pretty straightforward and many parents said they completed it in less than 30 minutes. However, you must make sure it’s secure — one reviewer said it came undone while riding. All the installation tools are included.
The sturdy steel attachment won’t meddle with the brake cable, so you’ve still got full control of your bike. Once you’re riding alone, the seat is simple to remove too.
What We Don't Like
Not Good for Short Arms
Because the seat is center-mounted, it requires the driver to have their arms around it. If you have short arms or the wheelbase (the distance between the wheels) is long, you’re likely to need a handle extension.
Long Legs May Struggle
A few long-legged parents said their knees would bump into the seat as they were riding.
Product Specs
| Type | Center-mounted |
| Recommended age range | 12 months to 4 years |
| Maximum weight | 33 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat
Sturdy and Comfortable
Center-mounted seats, like this one from iBert, are stable and comfortable for both parent and child. Your little one gets to experience the view from the “driver’s” seat while being close to you.
The baby bike seat from iBert places your child right behind the handlebars with their legs stretched forward. There’s lots of support for their legs and feet, also keeping them away from the front wheel.
It’s an easy installation, which also allows you to detach it when not in use. It can safely support children aged one to four, with a maximum weight capacity of 38 pounds.
What We Like
Fun Ride
Your little one will love riding in this. They’re right in front, enabling them to get a good view of their surroundings with their mom or dad right behind. It includes lots of support for legs and feet, and they will sit snug thanks to the crossbar at the front.
It’s available in three colors, and it includes a fun steering wheel for junior to hold.
Seat Belt Included
Once seated, your little one won’t go anywhere thanks to the secure seat belt. It goes over their shoulders and between the legs, keeping them safe and sound for your daily commute or ride through the park.
Breezy Attachment and Detachment
If you’re sharing driver duty with a partner, you’ll surely appreciate how simple the seat is to install and detach. It attaches using a metal mounting bar, which goes on the frame. Once secure, you connect the chair, and you’re ready to go.
A lot of reviewers said they purchased an extra mounting bar and placed it on another bike. Then when needed, they switched the seat.
Suitable for Most Bicycles
It’s fantastic how versatile the iBert baby bike seat is — it attaches to almost all adult bicycles. It only requires a high front frame, which most bikes have.
What We Don't Like
The Bar Lifts Easily
The crossbar lifts when you take your little one in or out. Some parents noted that their child could easily lift it while riding. One parent said they fixed it by drilling a hole and attaching a metal clip.
Product Specs
| Type | Center-mounted |
| Recommended age range | 12 months to 4 years |
| Maximum weight | 38 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Child Carrier
Most Secure Baby Bike Seat
For everything in kid’s bikes, one of our favorite brands is Schwinn, and its baby bike seat is well worth your attention. The Deluxe Child Seat is lightweight, made of polypropylene material. It’s a frame-mounted rear seat — easy to assemble and install.
We voted this the most secure because your baby will sit snug as a bug. It features a three-point harness, a padded crossbar, and leg restraints. Schwinn also included adjustable footrests as well as a removable headrest.
Your little one will be comfortable, too. The backrest has vents for the wind to come through, cooling your baby on warm days. It can accommodate children aged one and up, with a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
What We Like
Secure and Safe
The seat offers outstanding safety components that’ll secure your little one. The three-point harness is child-proof, so small fingers can’t accidentally open it.
The padded crossbar prevents your child from slipping forward or hurting themselves. Restraints keep tiny legs from kicking or wiggling, making sure they don’t compromise your control of the bike.
Lightweight and Durable
Schwinn uses polypropylene in the seat’s construction, making it incredibly lightweight yet durable. It’s capable of carrying up to 40 pounds without jeopardizing the balance of the bike.
Comfy for Toddlers
Your toddler will feel comfortable sitting in this seat. It includes a headrest for added comfort on long rides, which is easy to remove when not needed. There’s also plenty of softness with an air-cushioned pad lining the seat.
For hot days, the large air vents on the backrest will promote wind drag, preventing your little one from overheating. They also act as drainage points when it rains.
What We Don't Like
Not Enough Shock Absorption
If you’re planning to go off-road with this seat, reconsider. It doesn’t offer any suspension, meaning your child would feel every bump in the track.
Foot Cups Aren’t Adjustable
The foot cups don’t allow for alterations. This means your child could outgrow the length before reaching the weight limit.
Product Specs
| Type | Rack-mounted |
| Recommended age range | 12 months to 4 years |
| Maximum weight | 40 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat
Most Versatile Baby Bike Seat
For the most versatile, we’ve chosen the Orion seat from Peg Perego. It’s adjustable to fit a wide range of adult bikes, and it allows for alterations for growing children.
The seat is front-mounted, suitable for frames measuring 1.3- to 2-inches thick. Installation is a breeze — it features a one-click system, allowing you to attach and detach it in seconds.
Orion offers plenty of support for your little one. A three-point harness, adaptable footrests, and a built-in suspension system are all included. It’s suitable for children from age one, up to 33 pounds.
What We Like
Adjustable Fitting
The seat fitting is versatile. You can attach it to frames of varying thickness and shape.
It includes an innovative mounting bracket system, allowing the chair to connect to the bicycle’s head tube. The way it attaches to the frame ensures it won’t throw off the balance of the bike, keeping you stable and steady.
One-Click Installation
Many commend the straightforward installation and how easy it is to detach when not needed. It’s a simple click if you want to remove the seat from the bracket. If you have more than one bike, you can purchase an additional mounting kit and switch the seat.
Secure and Comfy
Keeping your little one in place is the size-adjustable three-point harness. They’ll sit securely with the included crossbar keeping them from slipping forward.
You can even take a ride over uneven surfaces thanks to the seat’s suspension system. It will work to even out bumps for your little one, giving them a smooth, fun trip.
What We Don't Like
Might Interfere with Braking and Gear Cables
Although it’s easy to install, watch that your braking and gear cables don’t get caught. For some parents, the wires were in the way, and they had to return the seat.
Buckle Is Tricky
Perhaps Peg Perego child-proofed the buckle a little too well as some parents noted it was tricky to undo. On the other hand, this ensures your child can’t open it while you’re riding.
Product Specs
| Type | Center-mounted |
| Recommended age range | 12 months to 4 years |
| Maximum weight | 33 pounds |
| Suitable for all bikes | No |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Type | Recommended age range | Maximum weight | Suitable for all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun Bike Seat | Front-Mounted | Front-mounted | 24 mos – 5 yrs | 48 lbs | No |
| Hamax Caress Bike Seat | Rear Frame | Rear rack or frame-mounted | 9 mos – 5 yrs | 48.5 lbs | No |
| Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount | Rack-Mounted | Rear rack-mounted | 9 mos – 6 yrs | 48.5 lbs | No |
| WeeRide Safe Front Bike Seat | 1-Year-Olds | Center-mounted | 12 mos – 4 yrs | 33 lbs | No |
| iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat | Sturdy & Comfortable | Center-mounted | 12 mos – 4 yrs | 38 lbs | No |
| Schwinn Bicycle Child Carrier | Secure Bike Seat | Rack-mounted | 12 mos – 4 yrs | 40 lbs | No |
| Peg Perego Orion Front Mount | Versatile Bike Seat | Center-mounted | 12 mos – 4 yrs | 33 lbs | No |
Pedal On!
The best baby bike seats allow parents to take their child along on bike journeys. They’re generally suitable for children from nine months up to 6 years.
It’s essential to select the type that’s compatible with your bike. There are three to pick from — front-mounted, frame-mounted, and rack-mounted. Useful features to look for include five-point harnesses, footrests, recline options, suspension, and padding.
Always make sure your baby is safe by wearing a helmet on your adventures.
