Bringing your baby along for a bike ride is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active as a family. However, with so many Bike With Baby Seat options available, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. After 14 years and testing over 60 child bike seats with our own children, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the choices and select the best seat for your child and your bicycle. Whether you’re looking for a baby bike seat for your infant or a child bike seat for your growing toddler, we’ve got you covered.
| Bike Seat | Why We Love It | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Bike Seat: 1 – 3 years old. Smaller fit for smaller bodies. | ||
| Peg Perego Orion | Best front seat on a budget | $79 |
| Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini | Lightweight, baby in front | $219 |
| Burley Dash | Rear storage pocket | $169 |
| Hamax Caress | Fits on more bikes | $169 |
| Toddler Bike Seat: 1 – 4 years old. Fits smaller and bigger bodies equally well. | ||
| Bellelli Pepe | Best on a budget | $109 |
| Topeak BabySeat II | Comes with a rack | $209 |
| Thule RideAlong | Best fit and most comfortable | $299 |
| Child Bike Seat: 2 – 4 years old. Harness height best for 2+. | ||
| Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi | Most lightweight | $249 |
| Kids Bike Seat: 2 – 5 years old. No harness, higher weight capacities. | ||
| UrRider | Budget friendly | $95 |
| Mac Ride | On and off in seconds | $229 |
Child Bike Seat Fit and FAQ Guide
Choosing the right bike seat for baby or child involves answering a few key questions. Many parents wonder about the different types and features. We’ve broken down the most common concerns to help you make an informed decision:
1: Front or Back? Should you choose a front-mounted baby bike seat or a rear-mounted baby bike seat?
2: Frame or Rack? What are the pros and cons of frame mounted baby bike seats versus rack mounted baby bike seats?
3: Price? How much should you invest in a quality and comfortable bike seat with baby in mind?
If you’re new to the world of bikes with baby seats, we recommend exploring our “How to Choose” section before diving into our top seat recommendations.
Learn How to Choose the Best Child Bike Seat
Want to see these seats in action? Watch our 10 Best Child Bike Seats video for a closer look at our favorite features and real-world usage.
Top Baby Bike Seats (1-3 Years)
Baby bike seats, designed for children aged 1 to 3 years, offer a snug fit for smaller bodies. You’ll find both front baby bike seat and rear baby bike seat options in this category. Front-mounted seats enhance interaction between parent and child, though they may not last as long as your toddler grows.
Best Budget Front Baby Bike Seat: Peg Perego Orion
The Peg Perego Orion is an excellent budget-friendly front baby bike seat, priced at $79.
Age Range: 12 months – 33 lbs
Mounting: Frame-mounted, compatible with various frame styles.
Key Features: Suspension, 3-position adjustable footrest, standard nylon shoulder straps, versatile mounting bracket.
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Why We Recommend the Peg Perego Orion:
For its affordable price, the Peg Perego Orion is hard to fault. Its unique frame mounting system is especially beneficial for bikes with limited headset space. By attaching to the head tube, it provides consistent balance, which is advantageous for riders who are still getting used to riding with a baby bike seat. While it’s a smaller seat, and the handlebar is only for children up to 22 lbs, it’s a great entry-level front mounted baby bike seat.
Lightweight Front Baby Bike Seat: Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini
The Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini is a top-tier, lightweight front baby bike seat, priced at $219.
Age Range: 12 months – 33 lbs
Mounting: Threaded headset mount (requires 0.83″ stem space).
Key Features: Ventilation, secure foot straps, adjustable footrests, handlebar, magnetic buckle.
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Why We Recommend the Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini:
The Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini is not only a best-in-class seat but also remarkably lightweight. It boasts Thule’s renowned quality and user-friendliness, featuring a childproof magnetic buckle and ventilation for warmer climates. The quick-release bracket allows for swift seat removal, ideal for spontaneous rides. The handlebar is a thoughtful addition to keep little hands occupied.
Rear Baby Bike Seat with Storage: Burley Dash
The Burley Dash is a versatile rear baby bike seat with unique storage, priced at $169 (frame or rack mount).
Age Range: 12 months – 40 lbs
Mounting Options: Frame mount (requires 4.1″ seat tube space) or rack mount (with or without rack, MIK compatible version available).
Key Features: Rear storage pocket, 5-point harness, optional recline, easy-clean padding, adjustable footrest.
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Why We Recommend the Burley Dash:
The Burley Dash combines durability and thoughtful design at a fair price. Its standout features include a rear storage pocket—perfect for keys and essentials—and a highly adjustable 5-point harness for enhanced safety. The option for a proprietary rack or MIK compatibility simplifies rack mounting, especially for cargo e-bikes.
Versatile Rear Baby Bike Seat: Hamax Caress
The Hamax Caress is a highly adaptable rear baby bike seat, priced at $169 (frame and rack).
Age Range: 12 months – 40 lbs
Mounting Options: Frame mount (requires 3″ seat tube space, wire compatible) or rack mount (rack not included).
Key Features: Reclining feature, dual suspension (frame and rack versions), helmet recess, adjustable backrest and footrest, non-slip straps, theft protection.
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Why We Recommend the Hamax Caress:
The Hamax Caress excels with its universal mounting system, overcoming bike wire interference issues that plague many frame-mounted seats. Its compatibility with a wider range of bikes, combined with a rack-mounted option, increases its versatility. Comfort and safety are paramount with features like recline, suspension (rare for rack-mounted seats!), and secure, non-slip shoulder straps.
Top Toddler Bike Seats (1-4 Years)
Toddler bike seats are designed to accommodate children from approximately 1 to 4 years old, offering adjustable harnesses to fit growing toddlers. These seats are all rear-mounted, available in both rack and frame mounted styles.
Best Budget Toddler Bike Seat: Bellelli Pepe
The Bellelli Pepe is a fantastic budget toddler bike seat, priced at $110 (frame) and $95 (rack).
Age Range: 12 months – 48.5 lbs
Mounting Options: Frame mount (requires ~4″ seat tube space) or rack mount (rack not included).
Key Features: Lightweight, adjustable footrest, two buckle depth settings, excellent ventilation.
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Why We Recommend the Bellelli Pepe:
The Bellelli Pepe offers great value, combining quality and comfort at an affordable price. Its ventilation system, high sideboards, and adjustable footrests ensure a comfortable and safe ride for your toddler. Unique features like the two buckle depth settings enhance fit for smaller children, addressing potential issues with standard shoulder straps.
Toddler Bike Seat with Included Rack: Topeak BabySeat II
The Topeak BabySeat II is a convenient toddler bike seat with rack included, priced at $209 (rack mount only).
Age Range: 12 months – 48.5 lbs
Mounting: Rack mount only (rack included, options for standard or disc brakes).
Key Features: Wrap-around protection, suspension, mesh padding, adjustable footrest, easy mounting system.
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Why We Recommend the Topeak BabySeat II:
If you need a rack-mounted bike with baby seat setup and want simplicity, the Topeak BabySeat II is the clear choice. It is unique as the only seat we know of that includes a rack, eliminating the hassle of finding compatible components. Its proprietary mounting system makes it exceptionally easy to attach and detach from the rack.
Most Comfortable Toddler Bike Seat: Thule RideAlong
The Thule RideAlong is the premium, most comfortable toddler bike seat, priced at $299.
Age Range: 1 year – 48.5 lbs
Mounting: Frame mount (requires >6″ seat tube space).
Key Features: 5 reclining positions, suspension, user-friendly adjustment buttons, adjustable footrest, stay-in-place shoulder straps.
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Why We Recommend the Thule RideAlong:
The Thule RideAlong is the luxury option in bike seats for babies and toddlers. Its exceptional quality and thoughtful design are evident in features like the best-in-class harness with comfortable, stay-in-place shoulder straps and easy height adjustment. The 5 recline positions are a standout, easily adjusted for napping toddlers. DualBeam suspension and a low-saddle adapter for smaller bikes further enhance its appeal.
Top Child Bike Seats (2-4 Years)
Child bike seats in this category are best suited for children aged 2 and older, with harness systems designed for older toddlers. These are all rear-mounted seats, available in frame or rack mount options.
Lightest Child Bike Seat: Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi
The Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi is the lightest child bike seat, priced at $249 (rack mount) and $279 (frame mount).
Age Range: 1 year – 40 lbs (48.5 lbs in Europe)
Mounting Options: Rack mount (rack eyelets needed) or frame mount (requires >6″ seat tube space).
Key Features: Lightweight, ventilation, secure foot straps, adjustable footrest, 5-point harness, magnetic buckle.
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Why We Recommend the Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi:
The Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi stands out for its lightweight design and low center of gravity, minimizing balance impact for the adult rider. It features ventilation for comfort in warm weather, a comfortable foam pad, and user-friendly features like a magnetic buckle and secure foot straps. Thule’s quality and ease of use are, as expected, top-notch.
Comfortable Child Bike Seat: Thule Yepp 2 Maxi
The Thule Yepp 2 Maxi is a comfortable and reliable child bike seat, priced at $229 (rack mount) and $195 (frame mount).
Age Range: 1 year to 40 lbs (48.5 lbs in Europe)
Mounting Options: Rack mount (rack eyelets needed) or frame mount (requires >6″ seat tube space).
Key Features: 5-point harness, adjustable footrest, suspension on all models.
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Why We Recommend the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi:
While the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi offers excellent quality and usability, it’s worth noting that the buckle is not entirely childproof, potentially allowing older toddlers to unbuckle themselves. For ultimate security, consider the Thule Yepp Nexxt or RideAlong.
Top Kids Bike Seats (2-5 Years)
Kids bike seats in this category are open-style, without harnesses, and designed for older toddlers and preschoolers. They offer higher weight capacities and are ideal for children who can confidently hold onto handlebars. For more open-style front seats, see our 8 Best Front Child Bike Seats list.
Easy-to-Use Kids Bike Seat: Mac Ride
The Mac Ride is an easy-to-use kids bike seat, priced at $229.
Age Range: 24 months – 5 years (up to 60 lbs)
Mounting: Headset and seat post mount (headset spacer required).
Key Features: Open design, low saddle, ample parent space, secure U-shaped saddle, quick on/off.
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Why We Recommend the Mac Ride:
The Mac Ride is a unique mid-mount kids bike seat that positions children centrally. Originally designed for mountain bikes, it fits a wide range of frames, from mountain bikes to cruisers. Its key benefits include easy on/off mounting and minimal impact on bike balance, even with heavier children.
Budget-Friendly Kids Bike Seat: UrRider
The UrRider is a budget-friendly kids bike seat, priced at $229.
Age Range: 24 months – 5 years (up to 60 lbs)
Mounting: Headset and seat post mount (headset spacer required).
Key Features: Open design, low saddle, comfortable for kids, frame protection.
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Why We Recommend the UrRider:
The UrRider offers a comfortable ride for children with its soft saddle, handlebar grips, and footrests. Parents will appreciate the frame-friendly rubber-lined legs, all at a budget-conscious price point.
How to Choose the Best Bike with Baby Seat for Your Bike
With a vast selection of baby bike seats and child bike seats available, knowing how to choose the right one is crucial. Our extensive testing experience highlights the key factors to consider for a successful purchase.
STEP 1: Front or Back Child Bike Seat?
The choice between a front mount baby bike seat and a rear mount baby bike seat often comes down to personal preference, child’s age and weight, and rider comfort.
Rear vs Front Harness vs Front No Harness
Rear Mounted Seats
- Age & Weight Capacity: Best for ages 12 months to 40 lbs (48 lbs in Europe). Larger, longer-lasting, but may not fit smaller toddlers as well.
- Mounting: Frame or rack mount options.
- Features: Reclining, suspension, adjustable straps.
- Benefit: Longevity (3-4 years of use).
- Drawback: Can affect balance, especially with growing child.
Explore Rear Mounted Child Bike Seats
Front Mounted Seats (with Harness)
- Weight Capacity: Typically 12 months to 2.5 years, up to 33 lbs.
- Mounting: Headset or head tube mount.
- Benefit: Close interaction, better visibility, easier handling, “snuggle factor”.
- Drawback: Shorter lifespan.
Explore Front Mounted Child Bike Seats
Front Mounted Seats (No Harness)
- Age & Weight Capacity: 2 to 6 years, up to 60 lbs. Child must hold handlebars.
- Mounting: Mid-mount, between saddle and handlebars.
- Benefit: Longest lifespan, minimal balance impact.
- Drawback: No harness for younger toddlers.
Explore Front Mounted Child Bike Seats
STEP 2: Bike Compatibility – Frame or Rack Mounted?
Bike compatibility is critical. Many negative reviews stem from incompatibility issues. Determine if you need a frame mounted baby bike seat or a rack mounted baby bike seat based on your bike.
Rear Frame Mounted Child Bike Seat
Frame mounted rear baby bike seats are generally more affordable as they don’t require a rack. However, bike compatibility is key.
Key Compatibility Questions:
(1) Seat Tube Compatibility: Is your seat tube compatible?
(2) Saddle Position: Is your saddle too low?
1) Seat Tube Compatibility
Frame-mounted seats require a round seat tube with 4-6 inches of clear space, free from water bottle mounts, wire mounts, and wires.
Interfering Cables:
2) Saddle Position
Even with sufficient seat tube space, a low saddle position can interfere with mounting.
Rear Rack Mounted Child Bike Seat
Rack mounted rear baby bike seats attach to a rack over the rear tire. Racks are usually sold separately. Ensure your rack has a 60 lbs weight capacity.
Key Compatibility Questions:
(1) Rack Eyelets: Does your bike have rack eyelets?
(2) Disc Brakes: Does your bike have disc brakes?
1) Rack Eyelets
Eyelets are necessary for rack mounting. Two sets are typically found on rack-compatible bikes.
2) Disc Brakes
Bikes with disc brakes require a disc-brake compatible rack.
Front Frame Child Bike Seat
Front frame baby bike seats vary in mounting style. Common methods include threaded stem and head tube mounting.
Key Compatibility Questions:
(1) Bike Size: Is your bike large enough for a front seat?
(2) Headset Type: What type of headset do you have – threaded/quill or threadless/ahead?
1) Bike Size
Front seats need approximately 10″ between the stem and saddle. Top tube length should be at least 20″ (18″ for upright bikes). Road bikes are generally unsuitable.
Photo Source: Dutch Trading Company (Brighton UK)
2) Headset Type
Two main headset types exist: threaded/quill and threadless/ahead. Headset-mounted front seats usually require threaded headsets.
Threaded/Quill Headsets
Mounting brackets clamp around the quill stem. You’ll need 0.5″ to 1.5″ of stem space. Handlebars can often be raised to create space.
Threadless/Ahead Headsets
Options exist for threadless headsets. The Peg Perego Orion mounts to the head tube, and the Hamax Observer offers a threadless adapter.
Front Mount Seats – No Harness
Front mount no harness baby bike seats are generally easier to fit. They often mount by clamping to the top and bottom tubes or seat post, accommodating various bike types.
Mid-mount seats vary in design. Recreational seats are for casual rides, while mountain bike seats are more robust. Refer to individual reviews for specific fitting details: Do Little, Tyke Toter, Mac Ride and Kids Ride Shotgun.
Baby Bike Seat Age and Safety
While some baby bike seats are safety-rated for infants as young as 9 months, it’s generally recommended to wait until your child is at least 12 months old. Many regions have legal restrictions for children under 12 months.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and organizations like the CPSC advise waiting until 12 months and when the child can sit unassisted. See the CPSC guidelines for more details. Babies also need sufficient neck strength to support their head while wearing a helmet.
ASTM and EN Safety Certifications
Rear child bike seats have different weight limits based on safety standards. In the US, ASTM F1625 sets the limit at 40 lbs, while the European EN 14344 standard is 48.5 lbs.
Many seats sold in the US are certified to both standards. If a seat advertises a 48.5 lbs limit in the US, it likely refers to the European rating. For children over 40 lbs, open-style front seats like Mac Ride or Kids Ride Shotgun Pro (up to 60 lbs) are alternatives.
Always ensure your rear baby bike seat has ASTM or EN certification for safety. There is currently no ASTM certification for front-mounted seats.
Related Articles
Child Bike Seats: How to Choose: Learn about proper fit for your child and bike.
Child Bike Seats: Comparison Chart: Compare and review more bike seats.
10 Best Women’s Bikes: Find great adult bikes for yourself.
