Biking as a family is one of our favorite ways to spend time outdoors, but having kids of different ages can make it tough to get everyone on a ride at the same time. That’s why choosing the right bike accessories to carry toddlers is so important, because having enough room and the right set up makes all the difference. In this guide, I’m sharing my top gear picks that make family bike rides easier, safer, and more enjoyable for toddlers and the rest of the family.
Front vs. Rear Toddler Bike Carriers:
When it comes to carrying toddlers on a bike, you generally have two main options: front mounted and rear mounted carriers. Each has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your child’s age, your bike setup, and the type of rides you want to do.
Front Mounted Carriers:
- Positioned over or in front of the handlebars, so your toddler sits right in front of you.
- Great for younger toddlers who like to see your face and feel close to you.
- Offers more interaction and a little bit easier supervision during rides.
- Can affect steering and balance slightly, so best for light kids, and shorter rides.
Rear Mounted Carriers:
- Attached above the back wheel, behind the rider, or behind the bike.
- Often accommodates heavier toddlers or children who want more independence.
- Keeps handlebars and steering fully unobstructed, making it easier to ride longer distances.
- Usually paired with additional safety features like padded seats and footrests.
Quick Tip: I’d recommend starting with a front carrier for the first year or two and then transition to a rear carrier as their child grows and is a little more stable. It helps both kid and parent feel more confident on a bike together.
My Favorite Front Bike attachments
MAC-Ride child seat: This is the seat we own and have used for all of our kids. I have a video of us using in our recent reel. The seat is the most comfortable for kids we’ve found, and tilts slightly up which makes it slightly more secure. My older kids like to hold on directly to the adult handlebars, but you could also purchase the little kid handlebar attachment that works awesome too.
Shotgun Child Bike Seat: The seat and handlebar combo for kids 2-5 years old, with a 60 pound weight limit. It has adjustable leg length to adjust as needed. This is the most compatible set up, fits most mountain bikes and e-bikes. It mounts to the seatpost and handle post (headset) so it doesn’t rub or scratch the actual bike frame. The small handlebars are a game changer! I have used this seat for my kids but prefer the Macride just slightly.
Shotgun Pro Evo- Front Mounted Child Bike seat: Great for the tiniest of riders. This is a new bike seat that Kids Ride Shotgun came out with and we’ve been using it for our youngest starting at 9 months old. The max weight limit is 33 lb, and the soft and shock absorbing foam seat makes it perfect for the mini bike buddies. Super easy to mount and compatible with most bike models. My little guy loves holding onto the handle.
Another similar option is the Thule Yepp 2 Mini Front Mounted Bike Seat
Shotgun Child Bike Seat and Handle Bars: This is the least expensive option and a really good one. It’s the older model and fixes directly to the bike frame, which some people actually really like vs. the more movable model. It can scratch your bike frame so just be aware of that.
Kids Ride Shotgun -Seat Only: This is great if you want the floating seat but don’t need the handle bars. Great if your child prefers holding onto the adult handlebars, and this seat is super easy to move between bikes. Mobile enough you could stick it in the car for all sorts of bike adventures or travel.
The Best Rear Bike attachments
Thule Yepp 2-Rear Mount Seat: Comfortable, sturdy and super secure with the feet straps and snap seatbelts. They have two different buying options, one that secures onto the rack, and one that secures directly to the frame.
Thule Chariot Cross 2: This is the holy grail of strollers, and our favorite bike trailer. Perfect for a family bike ride, and transitions so smoothly form trailer back into stroller. Comes with rain cover and a sun shade shield. This is one of our favorite pull behind bike trailers because it has adjustable suspension depending on the weight of your kid or gear load. Can purchase as a single seater, or double!
P.S. There is a pet friendly version of this, our dog Summit loves it!
Pull behind Bike Bungee Tow Rope: The perfect solution for little riders who sometime need help on uphills or on a long ride. Attaches so easily to both adult and kid bike is sturdy and durable.
Piccolo Trailer Bike: An REI find, Burley’s kid attachment is perfect for longer riders with (almost) independent riders. Recommended for riders 4-10 with adjustable handlebar for growing kids. Comes with it’s own rack and mounting system, making it super comptable for lots of different types of bikes. I also saw this one on amazon, that has great reviews and mounts directly onto your seat post.
For other gear recommendations, be sure to check out these posts!
