For parents eager to share the joy of cycling with their little ones, Childrens Bike Seat Front models offer an unparalleled experience. Imagine the delight of your baby or toddler, nestled safely in front of you, as you explore the outdoors together. Having spent over a decade and tested 27 different seats with our own children, we wholeheartedly believe that there’s nothing quite as special as those bike rides filled with shared songs and conversations with your child right up front.
Before diving into our top picks for front bike seats – each rigorously tested and parent-approved – it’s crucial to understand a couple of key points. Firstly, medical experts advise against bike rides for babies under 12 months. Secondly, childrens bike seat front options are not universally compatible with all bikes. To ensure the perfect fit and a safe, enjoyable experience, consider these five essential questions before you buy:
BEFORE YOU BUY: 5 KEY QUESTIONS FOR FRONT BIKE SEAT SHOPPING
- What type of headset does your bike have: threaded or threadless? (Confused? Click here to learn the difference)
- What is your child’s weight? (If they are over 33 lbs, front seats may not be ideal. Explore rear child bike seats here)
- Are you riding a bike with a small frame? (Fit can be tricky on smaller frames – our guidelines below can help! See our fit guide)
- Is your child old enough to hold on without a harness? (For younger children needing more security, focus on the top section of our recommendations.)
- Do you plan to ride on mountain bike trails or own a modern geometry MTB? (For off-road adventures, the MTB section in our chart is your best bet.)
Looking for a new bike to pair with your childrens bike seat front? Check out our guide to the 10 Best Women’s Bikes for compatible and comfortable options.
Top 9 Front Child Bike Seats: Our Expert Recommendations
| Bike Seat | Why We Picked It | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Front-Mounted Seats with Harness (Ages 1 to 3) | ||
| Peg Perego Orion | Best Value Front Bike Seat | $79 |
| Thule Yepp Mini** | Top Pick for Ventilation in Hot Weather | $159 |
| Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini** | Most Lightweight Front Child Bike Seat | $219 |
| Important Note: These traditional seats are designed for bikes with threaded headsets and are generally NOT compatible with mountain bikes. | ||
| Front-Mount No Harness Seats (Ages 2 to 5) | ||
| UrRider | Best Budget Front Bike Seat for City Riding | $69 |
| DoLittle | Most Versatile Front Bike Seat – Fits Almost Any Bike Style | $85 |
| Tyke Toter | Easiest Front Bike Seat to Take On and Off (Standard Bikes) | $149 |
| Mountain Bike Kids Seats | ||
| Shotgun Seat | Best Value Mountain Bike Child Seat | $110 |
| Mac Ride | Easiest Mountain Bike Child Seat to Take On and Off | $229 |
TRADITIONAL FRONT BABY BIKE SEATS: Secure and Safe for Young Riders
Childrens bike seat front designs in this category are specifically made for toddlers from 12 months to 3 years old. Safety is paramount, so these seats include harnesses to securely hold younger children. While primarily designed for bikes with threaded headsets – typically found on city or cruiser bikes – some models like the Peg Perego offer mounting solutions for certain threadless headsets as well. However, they are generally not recommended for mountain biking due to their design and bike compatibility.
Understanding “Inches to Mount”: When you see “Inches to Mount” in our seat descriptions, it refers to the minimum vertical space required on your bike’s headset to install the seat’s mounting bracket. This is a minimum requirement. If your bike doesn’t have this clearance, the childrens bike seat front simply won’t fit. For a deeper dive, check out our Front-Mounted Seats Fit Guide below.
best on a budget
Peg Perego Orion: Budget-Friendly Front Bike Seat
$79
AGE RANGE: 12 months – 33 lbs.
INCHES TO MOUNT: 0″ – Unique head tube mounting system
KEY FEATURES: Suspension system, 3-position adjustable footrest, standard nylon shoulder straps.
Pros:
- Versatile mounting system fits a wide range of bikes
- Quick-release mechanism for easy seat removal
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- More involved installation process compared to other seats
- Shoulder straps need to be pulled over the child’s head
- Smaller seat size, may be outgrown sooner
- Does not lock onto the bike for security
- 3-point harness instead of the more secure 5-point harness found on some competitors
View on Amazon Our Full Review
Why We Recommend the Peg Perego Orion
The Peg Perego Orion consistently offers incredible value, often priced under $100. While it might not boast the premium features of a Thule, it remains a comfortable and user-friendly childrens bike seat front option.
Its standout feature is the mounting system. Unlike most front seats that attach to the headset, the Orion mounts directly to the head tube. This is a significant advantage for bikes with limited headset space. However, it’s essential to check the specific frame requirements to ensure compatibility with your bike before purchasing.
This mounting style also provides a stable ride. Because the seat remains stationary as you steer, the child’s weight and the seat’s center of gravity stay consistent, which some parents find improves their balance.
Keep in mind that the Orion is on the smaller side for front-mounted seats, so it’s best suited for younger or smaller toddlers who may outgrow it faster.
best bang for your buck
Thule Yepp 2 Mini: The Goldilocks of Front Bike Seats
$199
AGE RANGE: 12 months – 33 lbs.
INCHES TO MOUNT: 0.83″
KEY FEATURES: Superior back ventilation, effective foot straps, adjustable footrest height, handlebar for child to hold, 5-point harness, quick-release mounting, seat lock.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Enhanced safety with a 5-point harness
- Excellent ventilation to keep your child cool
- Easily adjustable harness and footrests
- Quick-release mounting system for convenience
- Integrated lock to secure the seat to your bike
- Comfortable, soft shoulder pads prevent strap slippage
Cons:
- Buckle may be unbuckled by determined toddlers
- Incompatible with threadless headsets
View on Amazon Our In-Depth Review
Why We Love the Thule Yepp 2 Mini
The Thule Yepp 2 Mini strikes the perfect balance of features and value, earning its spot as the “Goldilocks” of childrens bike seat front options. Constructed from a comfortably firm, “Crocs”-like material, the Yepp Mini 2 provides a smooth ride and exceptional durability in all weather conditions. It’s designed for breathability with 20 rear ventilation holes and recessed dips to minimize skin contact and maximize airflow.
Adjustability is key, and the Yepp Mini 2 delivers with easily adjustable shoulder straps and foot trays, accommodating your growing child while maintaining security. The flexible, slightly tacky shoulder pads further enhance safety by preventing strap slippage.
Two potential drawbacks to note: the Yepp Mini 2 is not compatible with threadless headsets (common on mountain bikes, hybrids, and high-end bikes). Also, while the buckle is designed to be secure, a determined older toddler with escape artist tendencies might be able to unbuckle it with persistent effort.
best for mini escape artists
Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini: The Premium Lightweight Front Bike Seat
$219
AGE RANGE: 12 months – 33 lbs.
INCHES TO MOUNT: 0.83″
KEY FEATURES: Large ventilation holes, effective foot straps, adjustable footrest height, handlebar for child to hold, 5-point harness, magnetic child-safe buckle, quick-release mounting, seat lock.
Pros:
- Premium quality built to last
- Enhanced security with a 5-point harness and child-safe magnetic buckle
- Exceptionally lightweight design
- Two large ventilation holes for superior cooling
- User-friendly adjustable harness and footrests
- Quick-release mounting system
- Seat lock included for theft prevention
- Soft, no-slip shoulder pads
Cons:
- Not compatible with threadless headsets
View on Amazon Read Our Detailed Review
Why We Recommend the Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini
The Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini and Yepp Mini 2 share many similarities, including the mounting bracket, handlebar, and adjustment systems for shoulder and footrests. They are also similar in size and suitable for children aged 12 months to 33 pounds.
So, what justifies the extra $20 for the Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini over the Yepp Mini 2? Beyond aesthetic differences, the Nexxt Mini 2 upgrades to a truly child-safe magnetic buckle, includes a thicker, more cushioned seat pad, and features two large ventilation holes instead of the Yepp Mini 2’s smaller, more numerous ones. It’s also significantly lighter, weighing 1.3 pounds less.
Whether these enhanced features are worth the additional cost is a personal decision. However, if you have a determined toddler who is a master of escapes, the added security of the Yepp Nexxt 2 Mini’s buckle might be well worth the investment.
NO HARNESS FRONT CHILD BIKE SEATS: Freedom and Fun for Older Kids
Best for Ages 2 to 5
Designed for older toddlers and preschoolers, these “open style” childrens bike seat front models forgo the harness, offering a simple seat for the child. Typically, the child holds onto the bike’s handlebars for stability.
These seats are incredibly convenient and easy to use, but they require a mature child who understands the importance of holding on securely. Caution is advised, ensuring your child is responsible enough to ride safely without a harness.
The seats in this section are best suited for casual “city” riding. For more adventurous mountain biking, skip to the MTB seat section below, which features seats designed for the geometry and demands of modern mountain bikes.
quick on and offs
Tyke Toter: Effortless On-and-Off Front Bike Seat
$95
WEIGHT LIMIT: None listed by manufacturer
MOUNTING LIMITATIONS: Requires 1.75″ of exposed seat post for mounting. May require raising the adult saddle if set low.
KEY FEATURES: Wide saddle, integrated child handlebars, small footpegs.
Pros:
- Extremely quick and easy to install, remove, or transfer between bikes
- Child has dedicated handlebars, keeping their hands off yours
- No stated weight limit, accommodating larger preschoolers
Cons:
- Requires a minimum 1.75″ exposed seat post, potentially raising the adult saddle height
- Footpegs lack straps to secure feet
- Saddle shape may not be ideal for extended rides
View on Amazon Read Our Comprehensive Review
Why We Recommend the Tyke Toter
The Tyke Toter stands out as our top pick for everyday, around-town use. Attaching easily to the bike’s seat post, the Tyke Toter is remarkably versatile and mounts to almost any standard bike quickly. Riders who prefer a very low saddle position might need to raise their seat by about 1.5″ to accommodate the Tyke Toter.
Unlike other open-style childrens bike seat front options, the Tyke Toter uniquely integrates handlebars directly into the seat itself, providing a dedicated handhold for your child. However, the close proximity of these handlebars to the seat means the child sits more upright, which can take up a significant portion of the adult rider’s cockpit space, especially with larger preschoolers.
One area for improvement on the Tyke Toter is the footrests. While they are conveniently removable, their small size and lack of foot straps increase the risk of a child’s foot slipping off.
best universal fit
Do Little: The Universal Fit Front Bike Seat
$99
WEIGHT LIMIT: 61.8 lbs.
MOUNTING LIMITATIONS: Fixed width, designed to mount on top tubes less than 2″ wide.
KEY FEATURES: Soft, padded saddle, fixed footrests (non-adjustable).
Pros:
- Versatile fit, compatible with city bikes, mountain bikes, and even cruisers with included adapters
- Sturdy metal foot rails to prevent feet from hitting the front wheel
- Includes two mounting brackets for greater bike compatibility
- Available in an e-bike version for thicker e-bike frames
Cons:
- Initial installation can be challenging and time-consuming
- Not easily removable or swapped between bikes
- Child does not have dedicated handlebars
View on Amazon Our Detailed Review
Why We Recommend the Do Little
The Do Little is a standout childrens bike seat front for its exceptional versatility. It’s designed to fit a wide variety of bikes, from city commuters to mountain bikes, and even beach cruisers, thanks to its included adapters. This “universal fit” capability is a major selling point.
However, the initial installation of the Do Little is more complex and time-consuming than other seats, and it’s not designed for frequent removal or swapping between bikes (taking approximately 5-10 minutes to remove/reinstall). Therefore, the Do Little is best suited for families who plan to leave it mounted on one bike for extended periods, rather than those needing to switch it frequently, making it less ideal for regular mountain biking seat swaps.
With a generous weight capacity of 61.8 lb., the Do Little is a practical choice for transporting older preschoolers, even 5 or 6-year-olds, for school runs or trips to friends’ houses.
good for casual riding
UrRider: Budget-Friendly Front Seat for Casual Rides
$69
AGE RANGE: Up to 6 years old, 4′ tall
MOUNTING INFO: Quick and easy seat post mount, rests against the top tube. Requires 1.5″ seat post space or seat raising.
KEY FEATURES: Ventilated seat, adjustable, grippy child handlebars, adjustable footrest angle.
View on Amazon Our Full Review
Why We Recommend the UrRider
The UrRider is a popular childrens bike seat front on Amazon, and we tested it to see how it compares to other no-harness options.
Overall, the UrRider is a decent front-mounted seat, especially considering its budget-friendly price. The mounting process is remarkably fast and straightforward. We also appreciate the adjustable handlebar angle, allowing you to customize your child’s riding posture – more upright or leaned forward.
Similar to the Tyke Toter in its seat post attachment, the UrRider adds stability by resting against the top tube. This design prevents the seat from pivoting sideways, a potential issue with the Tyke Toter depending on seat post diameter.
On the downside, the UrRider’s design can be tricky to fit if you prefer a low saddle height. (See our full review for detailed fitting information!) It’s also not ideal for cruiser bikes with low, swooping top tubes, as the tube may be too low for the UrRider to rest on properly.
MOUNTAIN BIKE CHILD SEATS: Hit the Trails Together
Mac Ride vs. Shotgun
Specifically engineered for trail riding, both the Mac Ride and Shotgun childrens bike seat front options are compatible with modern geometry mountain bikes. A significant advantage is their quick and easy removal (after initial setup), so you don’t have to keep them on your bike when riding solo.
For a detailed comparison of the Mac Ride and different Shotgun seat models, check out our review: Shotgun Pro vs. Original Shotgun.
Important Note: While the Thule Yepp Mini was once popular for mountain biking, the latest version lacks a threadless headset adapter and is no longer compatible with mountain bikes.
best bang for your buck
Shotgun Seat: Best Value MTB Child Bike Seat
$110
WEIGHT LIMIT: 48 lbs.
MOUNTING LIMITATIONS: Best for bikes with front suspension forks (rigid forks may lack downtube clearance). Fits top tubes 35 – 68mm wide and down tubes 35 – 100mm wide.
KEY FEATURES: Padded saddle, optional mini-handlebars, footrests (non-adjustable height).
Pros:
- Comfortable padded and adjustable saddle
- Simple, straightforward installation
- Adjustable foot strap tightness for secure or looser fit
- Optional mini-handlebars available
Cons:
- Frame contact points
- Non-adjustable footrest height
- Removal less streamlined than Mac Ride
- Not compatible with e-bikes (standard Shotgun, but Shotgun 2.0 is e-bike compatible)
View on Amazon Our Detailed Review
Why We Recommend the Shotgun Seat
If you’re planning to introduce your little one to mountain bike trails, the Shotgun Seat is a solid and affordable entry point. Mountain bike frames vary greatly, but the Shotgun Seat is designed to fit a wide range, even bikes with wider tubing (excluding standard e-bikes – for e-bikes, consider the Shotgun 2.0).
The thickly padded saddle can be tilted independently of the seat base, improving its adaptability to different frame geometries. Reinstallation is relatively quick, but adjustments may be needed when moving it to a different bike.
A popular accessory is the optional mini-handlebars for kids (pictured above). Some children enjoy having their own handlebars to hold onto, keeping their hands off your grips. However, many kids are perfectly comfortable holding onto your handlebars near the stem, so mini-handlebars are a matter of personal preference.
easy on and offs
Mac Ride: Premium, Quick-Release MTB Child Bike Seat
$229
WEIGHT LIMIT: 60 lbs.
MOUNTING LIMITATIONS: Mounts to seat post and headset. Requires a 10mm spacer on the steer tube to swap for the mounting spacer. Includes two 1 1/8″ spacers, spacers down to 1″ available. See Mac-Ride.com for less common limitations.
KEY FEATURES: Scooped saddle, adjustable footrests, optional mini handlebar grips.
Pros:
- Exceptionally quick and easy to remove and attach (seconds!)
- Scooped saddle design keeps child securely in place during aggressive riding
- Easy to swap between bikes (includes two installation spacers)
- Height-adjustable footrests with secure foot straps
- Sits lower on the bike compared to the Shotgun PRO
- Optional mini handlebar grips available
Cons:
- Saddle padding is less substantial than some competitors
View on Mac Ride View on Amazon Read Our Detailed Review
Why We Recommend the Mac Ride
For families who value quick and frequent seat removal or bike swapping, the Mac Ride is the top choice. While the initial installation is slightly more complex than the Shotgun, once the mounting hardware is in place, the Mac Ride can be removed or attached in mere seconds.
The Mac Ride is compatible with dropper posts, as the clamp attaches below the moving section of the post.
The unique “u-shaped” saddle of the Mac Ride was a favorite with our testers, effectively cradling riders and keeping them secure even during more dynamic trail riding. While mini handlebars are not included, optional small grips can be mounted inside your handlebar grips.
The Mac Ride’s adaptable design fits various bike styles, including both threaded and threadless headsets. However, on bikes with steeply sloping top tubes, the child will sit noticeably higher than with top-tube mounted seats like the Shotgun and Do Little.
Baby Bike Seats That Didn’t Make Our Top List
Being popular on Amazon doesn’t automatically qualify these childrens bike seat front models as the best. While the following seats may work for some families, we didn’t include them in our top recommendations because superior alternatives are readily available. Here’s why these seats fall short, despite their Amazon popularity.
minimal support
iBert Safe-T Seat: Easy Install, Lacking Support
$99
WEIGHT LIMIT: 1 – 3 years (38 lb. max).
MOUNTING LIMITATIONS: Compatible with threaded and most threadless headsets (not short stems).
KEY FEATURES: Padded steering wheel.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation
- Available in a range of colors
- Compact design, less cockpit space intrusion for the adult rider
Cons:
- Difficult shoulder strap adjustments, not easily adjusted while riding
- Straps prone to slipping even when tightened
- High seat position, potentially impacting steering stability
- Lap bar can easily detach with minimal pressure
- Footrest height adjustment requires tools
- Highest footrest setting too low, foot straps too long for smaller riders
- Minimal back and neck support
View on Amazon Our Detailed Review
Why We Don’t Recommend the iBert Seat
The iBert childrens bike seat front is affordable, incredibly easy to install, and compatible with most bike frames. These factors likely contribute to its long-standing popularity on Amazon.
However, many parents may not realize the shortcomings until they’ve used other seats. The iBert’s low backrest provides minimal back support for young riders. Additionally, the shoulder straps consistently slip down, compromising safety. Finally, the lap bar can detach too easily.
For a more comfortable and safer ride for your child, the iBert, while attractively priced and easy to use, is not the best front-mounted option available.
best for petite riders
Hamax Observer: Compact Seat for Smaller Riders
$129 Currently availability may vary*
AGE RANGE: 12 months – 33 lbs.
INCHES TO MOUNT: 1.9″
KEY FEATURES: Padded, non-slip, adjustable shoulder straps, 3-point harness, adjustable footrest height, one-hand safety buckle release, optional threadless headset adapter.
Pros:
- Threadless (ahead) headset mounting adapter available (often out of stock)
- Good quality for its price, often found on sale
- Quick-release seat for easy removal
- Includes lock and key to secure the seat to the bike
Cons:
- Smaller seat size, quickly outgrown by larger children
- Lacks ventilation compared to Thule seats
- 3-point harness instead of a 5-point harness
View on Hamax Our In-Depth Review
Why We Recommend the Hamax Observer for Petite Riders
As the smallest childrens bike seat front in this guide (in terms of physical size, not weight capacity), the Hamax Observer is a great option for petite children or parents. Its narrower profile takes up less space in the adult rider’s cockpit, offering more freedom of movement.
Despite its smaller size, the Observer is feature-rich, including easily adjustable shoulder straps, tool-free footrest height adjustment, a seat lock, and a child-safe buckle. Like the Peg Perego, it uses a 3-point harness, requiring straps to be pulled over the child’s head for buckling and unbuckling.
Mounting the Hamax requires the most headset space at 1.9″. However, unlike Thule seats, a separate threadless (ahead) adapter is available for threadless headsets.
Front Mounted Child Bike Seat Comparison Chart
| Brand | MSRP | Child Age | Safety Straps | Mounting Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Mounted | ||||
| Thule Yepp Mini | $159 | 12 mo – 33 lb. | Yes | 0.83″ to mount, or special ahead adapter |
| Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini | $219 | 20 – 33 lb. | Yes | 1″ to mount |
| Thule RideAlong Mini | Disc. | 20 – 33 lb. | Yes | 3/4″ to mount |
| Hamax Observer | $129 | 12 mo – 33 lb. | Yes | 1/2″ to mount, or special ahead adapter |
| iBert Safe-T Seat | $99 | 12 mo – 38 lb. | Yes | 3/4″ on stem to mount |
| Kazam Kangaroo | $65 | 12 mo – 33 lb. | Yes | 5mm on head tube |
| Peg Perego Orion | $79 | 12 mo – 33 lb. | Yes | 0″ to mount |
| Tyke Toter | $149 | 3+ | No | Mounts to seat post |
| UrRider | $95 | 3+ | No | Mounts to seat post |
| Mid Mounted – MTB | ||||
| Kids Ride Shotgun | $100 | Up to 48 lb. | No | Fits bikes with top tubes 35 – 68mm wide and down tubes from 35 – 100mm wide |
| Shotgun 2.0 | $170 | Up to 60 lb. | No | Fits bikes with top tubes 35 – 68mm wide and down tubes from 35 – 100mm wide |
| Mac Ride | $229 | 24 mo – 5 yr | No | Mounts to seat post and headset |
| Do Little | $99 | Up to 61.8 lb. | No | Fixed width, top tube less than 2″ wide required |
| Shotgun Pro | $250 | Up to 60 lb. | No | Mounts to seat post and headset |
FRONT CHILD BIKE SEATS: FIT AND BUYING GUIDE
Childrens bike seat front models are incredibly fun for both parent and child, but figuring out bike compatibility can be challenging! Fortunately, we’ve installed all these seats on a wide variety of bikes and are here to simplify the process.
FIT GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Threaded vs. Threadless Headsets
- “Inches to Mount” Headset Requirement
- Fit Tips for Shorter Adult Riders
Threaded vs. Threadless Headsets: Identifying Your Bike’s Headset
Understanding your bike’s headset type is crucial for selecting the right childrens bike seat front. There are two primary types: threaded headsets (also known as quill stems) and threadless headsets (or ahead stems). The easiest way to tell the difference is to look for a locknut at the base of the headset. If you see a locknut, as shown below, your bike has a threaded headset. If there’s no locknut, it’s a threadless headset.
Threaded headsets are commonly found on cruiser and city bikes, while threadless headsets are standard on mountain bikes, most high-end bikes, and many hybrid models. While most childrens bike seat front options will fit bikes with threaded headsets, some are not compatible with threadless headsets (like Thule models, without specific adapters).
“Inches to Mount” Requirement: Headset Space Explained
If you’re considering a traditional, harnessed childrens bike seat front, you must ensure sufficient space on your headset for the mounting bracket.
Mounting bracket heights for these seats range from 0.5″ to 1.9″. You’ll need this amount of clear vertical space on your stem. Luckily, on bikes with threadless or quill stems, you can usually create more space by loosening the locknut and raising the handlebars.
On bikes with threadless headsets, finding enough space for the bracket is often difficult. Even if space exists, the bracket may not be wide enough to fit around the steer tube (explaining why Thule seats are generally incompatible with threadless headsets without adapters).
Therefore, specialized mounting brackets are needed for threadless headset compatibility. Currently, the Hamax Observer is the only traditional childrens bike seat front that offers a threadless/ahead adapter (sold separately and availability may vary).
Front-Mounted Seats on Small-Framed Bikes: Space Considerations
A frequently overlooked aspect of childrens bike seat front use is the cockpit space they occupy – the area between the handlebars and the saddle. Larger bikes naturally have larger cockpits. Front-mounted seats can extend up to 10″ into this space. Consequently, adult riders on smaller-framed bikes often feel cramped when using front-mounted seats.
To ensure adequate space for both you and a childrens bike seat front, we recommend a minimum of 20″ of space between your bike’s headset and the saddle nose.
Photo Source: Dutch Trading Company (Brighton UK)
For shorter adults on small-framed bikes, the harness-free Mac Ride seat provides the most rider space. The child sits lower in the cockpit compared to other seats, maximizing room for the adult rider (rider in the photo below is 5’4″).
Explore More Child Bike Seat Resources
Best Child Bike Seats: Rear, Front, and Frame Mounted Options
How to Choose the Right Child Bike Seat: A Complete Guide
Rear Mounted Child Bike Seats: Our Top Picks and Buying Guide
