All the what, none of the why
“Why” is an important question. It can also be a long answer. Through these articles I plan to share the gear that made riding with my child not only possible, but safe and comfortable, for all kinds of trips in all kinds of weather.
Sometimes though, you really want to know the “what” before deciding if you are invested in the “why”.
Recently, in a children’s book—currently my primary reading material—I came across this quote by Aristotle: “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." Definitely applies to riding a bike… and parenthood.
Once we learn to ride a bike- by riding a bike- we figure out what we need on the bike. Pre-baby, my bike had the following gear:
a kick stand: kept bike upright
baskets and panniers (bike-specific bags): no grocery bags on handlebars
a cup holder: coffee, please
a phone holder: navigating and music
fenders: no mud, no splashing
lights and reflective tape: to see and be seen
skirt guards: to prevent dresses from getting caught in the back wheel
chain guards: to prevent pant legs from getting caught in the gears
Post-baby, I needed to add things to the bike to keep baby safe and comfortable. I’ll detail how I landed on each of these items in longer articles. But for now, this is the “what” to add to your bike, without the longer “why” you want it or “how” I found it.
FYI some of these are affiliate links. If you use them, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sitting
Rear Child Seat Connected to Adult Bike Seat Post: Thule Yepp 2 Maxi
Wondering why? Read this.
Standing
Extra-wide Extra-Strong Double-legged Kickstand: Jumbo Evo
Seeing
Mirrors: Mirrcycle
Sleeping
Neck brace: SleepFix Baby (up to 18 months old) and SleepFix Kids (18 months to 12 years old).
Wondering why? Read this.
Head Protection
Helmet with a flat back: Thousand Jr. Toddler Helmet
Pillow: Thule Chariot Baby Supporter (just the bottom half)
Weather
Sun/Mosquito protection: Snoozeshade
Infant Blanket: Pookie Poncho
Toddler Blanket: Tucano Urbano Opossum
Rain Protection: Bub-Up Kids
Carrying
Toy Straps: Andy Bear
Panniers: MEC Audax Roll-Up
If these items sound useful, stay tuned for future posts where I’ll explain how I selected each of these and expand on the difference they make every time you ride. In the meantime, I hope this list offers you a glimpse of all the things there are to consider when riding with a young child.