i've heard from a VERY reliable source at a local bike shop that one of the major trailer manufacturers that we've all heard of and/or owned has two standards: one for the US, (babies should be 12 months) and one for Europe, (babies should be 6 months).

take that for whatever it's worth.

we're having a baby in may, and we're car free. some of the  biggest concerns we've come across:


the jostling/shaking of the baby (long rides, bumpy roads, suspension-less trailer/carrier) is not good.

babies that young often can't hold their head up on their own, so in the event of a crash or a tip of the trailer, severe head/brain injury will most likely result.

once they do develop the muscles to hold their head up on their own, the helmet weight extends the period of time which is safe and/or comfortable for them to do so...helmet wearing also don't jive well with baby car seats, and i've often seen kids older than 1 one or two years riding in a burley, with helmets on, and the helmet is pushing their head forward, which looks extremely uncomfortable.










On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 8:18 AM, Bruce Lien <bikedadlien@yahoo.com> wrote:
I believe it actually is called shaken baby syndrome, though usually applied to abusive situations of domestic violence.

--- On Thu, 2/26/09, Ryan Miller <rmiller@cityworks.com> wrote:

From: Ryan Miller <rmiller@cityworks.com>
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] [SLC Bike Collective] babies and bikes
To: "'SLC Bicycle Collective'" <community@slcbikecollective.org>, "'The Think Tank'" <thethinktank@bikecollectives.org>
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 12:54 PM

Ya, continually shaking a baby can't be good. Probably a syndrome out there
for it already.

;)

-----Original Message-----
From: community-bounces@slcbikecollective.org
[mailto:community-bounces@slcbikecollective.org] On Behalf Of krisha
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 12:49 PM
To: mtbiker62@comcast.net
Cc: SLC Bicycle Collective; The Think Tank
Subject: Re: [SLC Bike Collective] babies and bikes

Ryan - I don't think you're off on this subject at all! An infant too young
could easily be injured (even if not visibly) while in a trailer. I do
however think it can depend if you have a cheap trailer vs. a model with
shock absorption features etc. Also if you are on a newly paved road vs. an
older bumpy road. Continual shaking of a newborn on a bike ride is not
something I'd recommend though.

Bob - Child carriers are an absolute MUST for mom and dad to have! They have
those you've linked and also slings/mei tai are options as well. They're
great for any time you need free hands, happy babies, and hiking of course.
As far as putting it into a bike trailer for security.. I can't recommend
that as they can be unsturdy, bulky, and may not fit in properly.

I've seen dozens of parents come to the downtown farmers market with infants
in trailers under 12 months! I haven't done it myself, but have been
commuting with my toddler for a almost a full year now. I'd stick with a
Chariot for an infant and then Burley as a runner up for trailer choices.

Chariot makes a baby supporter for infants 3 -18 months.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/accessories.php?accID=3

Burley makes a baby snuggler for infants 3-12 months.
http://www.burley.com/products/accessories/index.cfm

I'd chose a Britax car seat if I were to use one in a trailer.
http://www.britaxusa.com/safety/what-safe-reason.aspx
http://www.britaxusa.com/products/product_detail.aspx?ID=2

Any of the infants I've come across in trailers are in car seats. I do
recommend waiting until your infant can sit up though which would occur
sometime between 4-7 months. There is always public transportation and
taking turns with dad staying home when going out. Trust me it goes by quick
and there is always a way!

Congratulations Shea!

Krisha

--
Krisha Pessa
Youth Director
Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
2312 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
w: 801-328-2453
c: 801-931-0895
f: 801-466-3856
krisha@slcbikecollective.org
www.slcbikecollective.org
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