Best Child Bike Seats

When it comes to buying a child's bike seat, you want to be sure that it is safe and sturdy enough to carry your child. You can often get a secure seat for a reasonable amount, however, you can never put a price on safety.

Additional features may come at an additional cost. This includes things like the ability to recline the seat if your child falls asleep, for example. Luckily there are plenty of styles to choose from to suit you and your child so you can enjoy lots of fun, safe, bike rides together. To help you choose the right seat for you, we've found the best child bike seats in the UK so you can pick the right one for you.

In this article we will look at:

• Types of child bike seats
• How to fit a bike seat
• Pros and cons of front and rear bike seats
• The best child bike seats

Types of Child Bike Seats

There are three main types of child's bike seats that are fitted to different parts of the bike. These include rear bike seats, rack-mounted bike seats and front-mounted child bike seats. Most bike seats come with an adjustable safety harness, including shoulder straps and a secure buckle, as well as footrests and adjustable straps for added security and safety. They also come with a weight limit and recommended age range so you can be sure the seat you choose is right for your child.

Rear child bike seats

Rear bike seats are one of the most popular, and probably the most recognisable. They are fitted to the back of the bike, behind the main seat, usually over the back wheel and have a high back, secure harness and leg guards. Some rear bike carriers are capable of carrying children weighing up to 22.5kg, or 50lb. So, they are generally suitable for children up to 6 years of age, depending on how much they weigh.

There are various types of rear child and baby bike seats but the best one for you may depend on the age of your child and the price you want to pay. All rear bike seats are slightly different and there are pros and cons of each so we have outlined them below to help you decide which type is best for you.

Cantilevered Rear Child Seat

A cantilevered rear child bike seat has a plastic bracket that sandwiches around the bike frame, keeping the bike in place. The plastic bracket has two holes which bolt into the seat tube of the bike frame and has a two-pronged rack that slots in to support the seat.

Cantilevered bike seats are one of the most popular and often, the more you pay, the sturdier they are. However, if you have smaller children, they might not have enough weight beneath them to flex the suspension, leaving them tilted slightly forwards.

Rack-mounted Rear Child Seat

Rack-mounted child and baby bike seats are pretty self-explanatory, as they use a mounting system to install the bike rack above the rear tyre. They usually slide onto the rack and lock into place, with a strap that secures it around the seat tube.

Rack-mounted bike seats are easy to install and remove. However, if you have never ridden with extra weight on your rear wheel before, this can take some getting used to.

Front or Centre-Mounted Bike Seats

You don't always need a straight top tube to use a centre-mounted bike seat. Many come with a rail so you can attach it to the handlebars and the seat tube. Centre-mounted bike seats can be a little bulky between the handlebars but it does mean you can see your child and keep them close.

Centre-mounted bike seats are great for stability as all of the weight is in the centre of the bike. However, it could mean that your child is more exposed to wind chill and rain. If you have older children, you can get a saddle attached to the central bar which makes it easy for them to hop-on and off without being too intrusive.

How to fit a bike seat

Generally, fitting a child bike seat is pretty straightforward and can be easily done by following the instructions or watching a YouTube video. However, each bike seat will be fitted differently depending on the type of seat it is. We'd always recommend following the manufacturer's instructions but here is a quick overview of how to fit each seat type.

Fitting a rear child bike seat

Rear child bike seats generally use a bracket, fitted to the seat tube, and long legs that bolt into the seat stays. Most rear bike seats will come with a quick-release mount so you can fit and uninstall the bike rack pretty quickly.

Fitting a cantilevered rear child bike seat

Cantilevered bike seats are installed by sandwiching a large plastic bracket, with two holes in, around the seat tube. A two-pronged rack slots in to support the seat and is clipped into place which can also act as a suspension. This allows the rack to be removed with ease.

Fitting a rack-mounted bike seat

Rack-mounted seats usually slide onto the rack above the rear wheel of your bike. They are secured into place with a safety strap around the seat tube which makes the bike seat easy to remove when not in use. However, you will need to ensure that your rack is capable of carrying a bike seat first.

Fitting a front or centre mounted bike seat

Front-fitted seats are a bit different and they can be fitted to a bracket on the head tube, the top tube or onto a bar fixed above the top tube. Because there are a variety of front and centre mounted bike racks to choose from, how you install the bike rack will vary.

Pros and Cons of Front and Rear Bike Seats

Everyone has different priorities when looking for a child's or baby's bike seat, so what suits you might be no good for someone else. So, make a list of priorities and take a look at the pros and cons of a front and rear seat to help choose the best one for you.

Safety Standards for Bike Seats

You should consider the following advice for your child's safety when it comes to choosing a bike seat:

• Seats that are certified (BS EN 14344) are designed to carry children who are between roughly 9 months and 5 years of age. (Between 9 and 22 kg)

• Check that your child sits comfortably in the seat.

• Check that the seat is suitable with your type of bike.

• Never use a seat without footrests to act as a shield between the child's feet and the wheel.

• A harness is essential. Seats that conform to BS EN 14344 must have a good restraint system, with a child-proof quick release buckle, to hold your child in place.

What Safety Equipment Should My Child Wear on a Bike Seat?

When riding in a bike seat, children should wear appropriate safety equipment to minimise the risk of injury in case of a fall or collision:

Helmet

A properly fitting helmet is crucial for protecting your child's head in the event of a crash or fall. Choose a helmet specifically designed for cycling and ensure it meets safety standards. The helmet should fit snugly on your child's head, covering the forehead and sitting level, with the straps securely fastened under the chin.

Closed-toe Shoes

Children should wear closed-toe shoes while riding in a bike seat to protect their feet from injury. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with open toes.

Appropriate Clothing

Dress your child in comfortable, well-fitting clothing that is suitable for the weather conditions. Long pants and sleeves can provide additional protection against scrapes and abrasions in case of a fall. Bright or reflective clothing can also improve visibility, especially when riding in low-light conditions.

Eye Protection

Sunglasses or clear safety glasses can help protect your child's eyes from wind, dust, insects, and debris while riding. Choose glasses with shatterproof lenses and ensure they fit securely to prevent them from slipping off during the ride.

Reflective Gear

Adding reflective elements to your child's clothing or bike seat can increase visibility, especially when riding in low-light conditions or at night. Attach reflective stickers or strips to the bike seat or clothing to make your child more visible to motorists and other cyclists.

The Best Child Bike Seats

We've looked at lots of different bike seats, taking into account budget and customer reviews on Amazon. So, here is our pick of the best bike seats for kids.

The Best Rear Mounted Bike Seats

Cicli Bonin Men's Bellelli Rear Pepe Frame Seats

Price: £42.98

The Cicli Bonin bike seat has a single anchor point beneath the saddle, so it can be installed on almost any bike. The seat and footrests can be height-adjusted so your child is not too close to the ground and their feet can hang comfortably. This is a light and durable seat that is convenient, practical and easy to install. It is also relatively cheap.

The best bits:

• Suitable for kids up to age 7
• 22kg maximum weight
• 3-point safety harness

Thule RideAlong Rear Bike Seat

Price: £106.99

The Thule RideAlong is a rear bike seat with lots of adjustments for a comfortable ride. Although some people think it is a bit heavy and tricky to fit, it is very secure and doesn't sway when you are peddling. The seat is comfortable and although it is a bit pricey, you definitely get what you pay for.

The best bits:

• Suitable for kids from 9 months to age 6
• 22kg maximum weight
• 3-point safety harness

Hamax Rack Mounted Rear

Price: £134.86

The Hamax seat mounts onto the rack on the rear of your bike and is also compatible with E-Bikes. It is made from sturdy, hard plastic and is easy to install and remove. Not only does it look great but it is robust and can be reclined if your child falls asleep. It is more on the expensive side but it is easy to install and remove and is definitely worth the money.

The best bits:

• 22kg maximum weight
• Minimum age 9 months
• 3-point safety harness with shoulder straps

The Best Front Mounted Bike Seats

UrRider Front Mounted

Price: £89.99

The UrRider Front Mounted seat is slim and unobtrusive and fits right in front of your seat. The handrail folds down and it is easy to store and it takes just minutes to attach to city, mountain, hybrid and fitness bikes. The UrRider provides a more interactive way of riding and is easy for both you and your child to see while riding. It is better suited to older toddlers who can comfortably sit up and hold the handrail and it can be a bit pricey but is definitely worth the money.

The best bits:

• 27kg maximum weight
• For kids aged 2-6
• Portable and folds down when not in use

WeeRide Central Mounted

Price: £89.99

The WeeRide bike seat is ideal for younger kids who like to be closer to you during your ride. Feel more secure with your arms wrapped around your child and you can both see what's going on in front of you. Not only is it great quality, but it is also easy to install with the included crossbar. The WeeRide bike seat is central mounted so your weight is central which makes it easier to balance.

The best bits:

• 5-point harness
• Suitable for kids from ages 1-4
• 15kg maximum weight

Okay Baby Orion

Price: £57.97

The Okay Baby Orion seat is a great baby bike seat for smaller children. It mounts onto the head tube of your bike, beneath the handlebars, and has adjustable footrests and a 3-point safety harness to support your child as they grow. It's great for both you and your child to see everything around you and it comes at an affordable price. However, it can be slightly heavier to steer your bike and your child is much closer to the handlebars than with some central or front-mounted seats.

The best bits:

• 15kg maximum weight
• 3-point safety harness
• Suitable from 7-8 months to 2-3 years

Overall, bike seats are a great way to enjoy long cycle trails or short commutes with your child. There is, of course, lots of choice so it is always best to go with something that comes highly recommended and meets all of your needs.

You should always wear a helmet when cycling and have someone to support you when you first test out the seat before setting off for your bike ride. And, for more exciting adventures around the country, you'll probably need a bike rack so take a look at our range. Most importantly, have fun!