Can’t deny it, choosing the best child bike seat is not a simple task, regardless of your needs or budget ranges. This gear decides the safety, comfort, and many more things of your kid during the ride so there’re lots of features to consider.
Along with that, you need to know which brands are good to go.
In this article today, I’m going to walk you through the 14 top-rated options on the market in 2020 as well as a complete guide to choose from. Don’t miss out!
Top 14 Best Child Bike Seats Reviews In 2020
Hamax Caress Child Bike Seats
Overall, this brand-new Hamax Caress Rear-Mounted Child Bike Seat is awesome.
It is easy to install or swap between bikes, comfortable for a 9-month toddler to sit on, and seems quite secure. I like the shock-absorbing suspension to give the kiddo a smoother ride, meaning for no waking them if they are napping on the ride.
It also allows you to recline up to 20 degrees for extra comfort while your kid is sleeping. There are, on the other hand, foot straps, footrests, backrest, and adjustable straps.
For souped-up safety, it includes an ergonomic helmet recess space for the kid’s head to comfortably rest without being pushed forward.
Above all, this child bike seat is safety certified by TUV and ASTM.
Pros
- Very secure – foot straps, adjustable shoulder straps, & safety certified by ASTM and TUV
- Comfortable to use – shock-absorbing suspension, footrests, backrest, and ergonomic helmet recess space
- Easy to swap between road bikes – Quick-Release
Cons
- The harness goes from above head
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 37 inches x 14 inches x 11 inches |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs. |
| Weight Capacity | 48.5 lbs. (22 kg) |
| Material | 100% recyclable, phthalate-free |
| Highlight features | foot straps, adjustable shoulder straps, & safety certified by ASTM and TUV; shock-absorbing suspension, footrests, backrest, and ergonomic helmet recess space; Quick-Release |
See also:
- Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2020
- Top 11 Best Cruiser Bikes Reviews In 2020
- Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts in 2020
- Top 20 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500: August 2020 Update!
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2020
iBert Child Bike Seats
This innovative child bike seat is a nice blend for those parents who want to provide their kids with a better view without compromising mobility and ease of riding.
This center-mounted design is also easier for communicating as well as prevents water, rocks, or dirt thrown in the kid’s face. There is no knee scraping or awkwardness in maneuvering.
I also found zero problems with legroom, and steering was simple. However, pedaling uphill with a new load is more challenging so take note of that.
Seat belt and lap bar is a great option.
In terms of installation, it’s simple. There needs to be a minimum of 13 inches between the drops for the seat to fit between.
Pros
- Provide the kid with a better view, extra safety, and easier communication
- Not lose the center of gravity to struggle your riding experience – Center-mounted design
- Extra-protective – Seat belt and lap bar
Cons
- Instructions aren’t totally clear
- A bit challenging to ride uphill
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 26 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 3.68 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 38 lbs. |
| Material | rust-resistant aluminum and stainless steel. |
| Highlight features | Center-mounted design; Seat belt and lap bar; |
Schwinn Deluxe Child Bike Seats
The Schwinn Deluxe is a wonderful child bike seat. It is made of lightweight yet durable polypropylene material along with Velcro straps at the legs, a lap bar, and 3-point adjustable harness.
The seat in general seems to be comfortable and is secure, keeping the kid from sticking their feet in the wheels or kicking their Dad while riding.
There is a little spring-loaded lever that you move to slide the seat on that prevents it from sliding off, and a safety threaded (push down and turn like a medicine bottle) lock on the mount.
Installation isn’t a big matter to this kid’s bike seat. It comes with a bike rack that keeps the seat securely and can also be utilized as a traditional bike rack to hold your stuff.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable – polypropylene material
- Security & protective – Velcro straps at the legs, a lap bar, and 3-point adjustable harness, a little spring-loaded lever, & a safety threaded lock
- Comfortable – good cushioning
Cons
- The shoulder straps aren’t adjustable
- Wish the Velcro straps were sturdier
- It does not really snap on and off
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 16 x 9.9 x 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.92 ounces |
| Weight Capacity | 40 pounds |
| Material | polypropylene |
| Highlight features | polypropylene material; Velcro straps at the legs, a lap bar, and 3-point adjustable harness, a little spring-loaded lever, & a safety threaded lock; good cushioning |
WeeRide Kangaroo Child Bike Seats
If you are looking for a center-mounted child bike seat with an independent bracket that no lines interfere with it, the WeeRide Kangaroo is worth a try.
It is very easy to install, taking less than 20 minutes, and seems secure and tight. Setting it apart from the previous iBert child bike seat is a reasonable design with good adjustments.
Even if you’re a short bike rider, just adjust it to the lowest position so that you can securely stand with the bicycle when stopping, as well as have plenty of room between you and your kid’s helmet. On the other hand, you still can pedal without your knees hitting the seat.
A big bonus is its padded dashboard to prevent face accidents and give your son a holding area instead of holding the steering bar of your bike.
Pros
- Ideal for short riders – provide adjustments to the lowest position & give plenty of room between you and your kid’s helmet
- Prevent face accidents & a place for kids to hold – padded dashboard
Cons
- The straps aren’t really functional
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 20 x 12 x 20.5 inches |
| Weight | 8.4 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 33 pounds |
| Material | Sturdy steel/plastic |
| Highlight features | provide adjustments to the lowest position & give plenty of room between you and your kid’s helmet; padded dashboard |
CyclingDeal Child Bike Seats
The CyclingDeal Child Bike Seat is a very reliable option to consider.
It passed the swinging test 30k times with a max loading weight of 25 pounds, and moreover, has met the American safety standards for kids from 9 months to 4 years old to use.
While being so safe and durable, it is full of protection with an emphasis on the cocoon seat design as well as recess room to keep kids from slumping forward. Besides, it has foot straps with adjustable footrest and shoulder harness.
Without forgetting about its comfort, CycingDeal also adds adjustable backrest and cushions.
If you are wondering about its assemble process, rest assured, it’s very easy, all thanks to the universal quick release front mount bicycle seat saddle which lets the seat itself swap between bicycles in a blink of eyes.
Pros
- Reliable and heavy-duty – pass the swinging test 30k times & meet the America safety standards
- Protective – recess room, foot straps with adjustable footrest, shoulder harness & cocoon design
- Comfy – adjustable backrest and cushions
Cons
- No buckles or snaps around the waist
- No instructions
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 24.4 x 8.3 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 6.44 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 40 lbs./18 kg. |
| Highlight features | pass the swinging test 30k times & meet the America safety standards; recess room, foot straps with adjustable footrest, shoulder harness & cocoon design; adjustable backrest and cushions |
Bell Shell Child Bike Seats
This is an excellent carrier for a child weighing under 33 pounds. It is super easy to assemble and attach to the bike whereas sturdy enough to keep your kid in place well.
It feels safe and is well-cushioned enough for him/her to have fun and comfort during the ride. I love the bar across the front as I can attach toys to it for my little one to play with. The ergonomic seat design also makes it a perfect place for your kid to sleep.
Take note that because of the size of the shell, you’ll definitely want to make sure your child is wearing a helmet.
A notable feature is a clamp which is sturdy, and a 1-year-old child fits it without issues.
The design is also perfect for those bicycle designed with a back basket as it is a couple of inches back away from the handlebars.
Pros
- Allow kids to seat and play or sleep – ergonomic seat design with comfortable foam seat pad
- Able to grow with kids – Adjustable footbeds
- Breathable – well-ventilated design
- Sturdy and secure – feature a clamp
Cons
- The assembly app is terrible
- No reinforcement in the back.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 30.4 inches x 17 inches x 11.9 inches |
| Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 33 lbs. |
| Material | Steel |
| Highlight features | ergonomic seat design with comfortable foam seat pad; Adjustable footbeds; well-ventilated design; feature a clamp |
Topeak Babyseat II Child Bike Seats
I love this seat. It is measured by 15.4 x 32.5 x 19.8 inches, made of solid T6 aluminum material, and adjustable to provide lots of room to grow with a young kid.
As the rear rack part stays in place, it’s super-easy to put on and off a bike.
What makes it outstanding is the added lap bar where you can attach some of his/her favorite toys to play with during the ride. If he/she falls asleep, rest assured as there is a place for his/her head to securely rest on without getting pushed forward like in some other styles.
Just one thing to keep in mind: Make sure that your bike has the compliant pre-drilled holes for the braces.
Pros
- Solid, sturdy, and flexible enough to grow with kids – made of solid T6 aluminum material & adjustment construction
- Make kids enjoy the ride more – a lap bar to attach kid’s favorite toys
Cons
- A bit pricey
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 32.5 x 19.8 inches |
| Weight | 13.65 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 48.5 lbs. |
| Material | T6 aluminum |
| Highlight features | made of solid T6 aluminum material & adjustment construction; a lap bar |
Polisport Guppy Child Bike Seats
The Polisport Guppy Child Bike Seat receives two awards – winner of a Taipei Cycle Awards and winner of an IF Design Award. It also complies with TÜV GS – EN 14344. So in terms of durability, safety, and performance, there’s no need to worry about it.
It is specifically designed to carry a kid from 9 months to 5 years old, weighing no more than 48.5 pounds.
The seat is adjustable to fit different kid’s height and bike size. It can be moved forward and backward, along with four footrest positions and two harness height adjustments.
The cushion is comfortable and well-ventilated for breathability. Above all, it is removable for easy maintenance or replacement if needed.
The seat doesn’t lack safety and security by featuring larger foot protection and a childproof frame belt. All-in-all, it’s well worth the price.
Pros
- Trusted and reliable – winner of a Taipei Cycle Awards and winner of an IF Design Award & TÜV GS – EN 14344 compliant
- Adjustable and flexible – four footrest positions and two harness height adjustments
- Protective and secure – larger foot protection and childproof frame belt
- Comfortable – padded cushions & good armrests
Cons
- Too little information on Amazon
- Not many color options
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 33.86 x 14.96 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 7.83 pounds |
| Weight capacity | 9 -22 kg |
| Highlight features | winner of a Taipei Cycle Awards and winner of an IF Design Award & TÜV GS – EN 14344 compliant; four footrest positions and two harness height adjustments; larger foot protection and childproof frame belt |
Bellelli Pepe Child Bike Seats
To be honest, I was skeptical about the plastic pieces of this Bellelli Pepe because they seemed to be flimsy. But they turn out to be a lot sturdier than my initial expectation.
The seat is very lightweight and easy to use – taking less than 5 minutes. They even provide an Allen wrench (hex key) for the bolt.
It has a higher weight limit than most, meaning that it can last with your kids longer when they grow up. The seat is also very good quality and there is no way the baby can kick the spokes as it has a nice safety feature in that there is a guard inside the foot/leg area.
The arm straps are the same equivalency to a stroller seat belt. They hold pretty well.
In a conclusion, for anyone who has a cruiser-styled bike but you don’t have to compromise the style of your bike or the safety of your child when looking for a kid bicycle seat, pick this.
Pros
- Strong and safe to use – high-quality non-toxic plastic
- Easy to install – lightweight, good instructions, and provide an Allen wrench (hex key) for the bolt
- More versatile – higher weight limit to fit more kids
Cons
- The leg guards bend
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 27″ x 15″ x 14. 1/4″ |
| Weight | 7.25 lbs. |
| Weight Capacity | 50 lbs. |
| Material | non-toxic plastic |
| Highlight features | high-quality non-toxic plastic; good instructions, and provide an Allen wrench (hex key) for the bolt; higher weight limit |
Copilot Child Bike Seats
This Copilot model is a nice bike seat for a little one to ride along with you, and it’s specifically designed for recreational bicycles.
It is also compatible with CPSC reflectors and Blackburn flashers for extra safety while you’re riding.
The overall design of this child bike seat is quite durable. Its Blackburn ex-1 rack is made of tubular aluminum, not plastic like other low-end models, and meanwhile, the heavy-duty metal pieces are easy to wash off.
Your kid will appreciate the added padding around the harness as well as on the grab bar and armrests.
A cool thing is these armrests can be switched to the back of the seat to be used as a free-standing model. Last but not least, I like its bright color design, which is easy to see from the distance.
Pros
- Convenient – compatible with CPSC reflectors and Blackburn flashers
- Durable – tubular aluminum Blackburn ex-1 rack & heavy-duty metal construction
- Able to be used as a free-standing bike seat – the armrests can be switched to the back of the seat
Cons
- Not adjustable
- A bit heavy
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 16.7 x 17.2 x 30.5 inches |
| Weight | 11.75 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 40 pounds. |
| Material | Plastic |
| Highlight features | compatible with CPSC reflectors and Blackburn flashers compatible with CPSC reflectors and Blackburn flashers; tubular aluminum Blackburn ex-1 rack & heavy-duty metal construction; the armrests can be switched to the back of the seat |
Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seats
The Thule RideAlong Children’s Bike Seat comes in two versions – lite and full.
The reason why I choose the full is because of its extra padding in the retention straps, back, and seat. Besides, it has a bit more range in the adjustment of the straps and features 5 recline options, up to 20 degrees.
Small talk about its padding, the biggest advantage is waterproof. It’s also detachable, reversible, and machine washable for ease of maintenance and extra flexible to use.
Regardless, there is an integrated light and reflector attachment point for extra visibility. The childproof safety buckle also works well to remain your kid’s safety.
A small plus is it includes everything needed for installing to a bike, which is quick and effort-saving.
Pros
- Give more padding, adjustments of the straps, and 5 recline options than the Lite version
- Easy to maintain – removable, reversible, and machine washable padding
- Extra visibility – integrated light and reflector attachment point
Cons
- It is a little tippy by raising the center of gravity
- Not ideal for long rides
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 17.7 x 15.8 x 32.7 inches |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 40 lbs |
| Highlight features | Give more padding, adjustments of the straps, and 5 recline options; removable, reversible, and machine washable padding; integrated light and reflector attachment point |
Thule Yepp Maxi Child Bike Seats
If you want a good child bike seat to use for several years, the Thule Yepp is a nice choice. It is designed for kids from 9 months to 6 years old, weighing up to 48.5 pounds.
In my humble opinion, the seat is sturdy, easy to adjust, and has decent padding. Fit the kiddo great on the back of my electric bike and look stylish. Thanks to the easyfit mount, it is able to fit most rear bike racks.
In case that the mount doesn’t work, you can use the provided Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter instead.
What’s worth mentioning about this unit is the adjustable 5-point harness for extra fitting along with kid’s safety. It also has a childproof safety buckle, adjustable footrests, and safety light attachment.
For everyday rides, you hardly beat this seat.
Pros
- Able to last for years – weight capacity of 48.5 pounds
- Fit most bike racks – Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter & easyfit mount
- Extra fitting & kid’s safety – adjustable 5-point harness
Cons
- Instructions were a bit difficult to follow
- The straps feel a little weak
- The anchor is plastic
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 7.9 x 30.7 x 7.9 inches |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 48.5 lbs |
| Highlight features | weight capacity of 48.5 pounds; Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter & easyfit mount; adjustable 5-point harness |
Peg Perego Orion Child Bike Seats
For toddlers ages 12 months, I highlight recommend the Peg Perego Orion front-mounted bike seat because of its flexibility, comfort, and ease of use.
With just one click, you can set the seat up in a blink of eyes. For your information, it gives a nice fit to those bike frames from 1.3” to 2”, equivalent to 32mm to 52mm. What I like the most about this model is its flexible adjustments, from the harness to the footrests.
The harness has three points to customize its length while the footrests provide three positions, all to give your kid the highest safety level.
Another plus is its integrated suspension system to give him/her an easygoing ride, regardless of the terrains.
Pros
- Ideal for kids ages 12 months – measured by 24.3” x 17.7” x 13”
- Very lightweight – only 4.85 pounds
- Flexible – adjustable harness and footrests
Cons
- Not ideal for tall riders
- The buckle can be a bit tricky to unfasten
Product Specs
| Dimensions | Height 24.3 inch, Length 17.7 inch, Width 13 inch |
| Weight | 4.85 pounds |
| Weight Capacity | 22 lbs. |
| Highlight features | measured by 24.3” x 17.7” x 13”; adjustable harness with 3-point safety design; adjustable footrests with three positions |
Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Child Bike Seats
Last but not least, I’d like to introduce the Thule Yepp Nexxt to anyone who wants a stylish and lightweight front-mounted kid bike seat. It is made for kids from 9 months to 3 years old.
Like most other counterparts here, it comes with adjustable straps and footrests to grow with your kid while the water-resistant material helps it last longer.
Thanks to the universal quick-release bracket, you can put it on or take it off within seconds with the least effort.
I do appreciate the comfort level of this seat according to the perfect combo of soft padding, handlebar, and shock-absorbing cushion design. Therefore, no matter how rough the terrain, your kid still feels joyful during the ride.
Pros
- Ultra-comfort – soft padding, handlebar, and shock-absorbing cushion design
- Easy to assemble/disassemble – universal quick-release bracket
- Grow with kids – adjustable straps and footrests
Cons
- Straps are pretty thin
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 1.8 x 1.2 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 33 lbs |
| Highlight features | soft padding, handlebar, and shock-absorbing cushion design; universal quick-release bracket; adjustable straps and footrests |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Child Bike Seats In 2020
Types
At the current, there are three main types of child bike seat for parents to consider:
- Front seats
- Rear seats
- Mid-mount seats (MTB)
The biggest difference between them is where to mount the seat, along with specific age recommendations and purpose of use.
To help you get a better image if what I’ve just said, take a peek at this table:
| Mount location | Age & Weight recommendation | Strength | Weakness | Best for | |
| Front seats | Below the handlebars | 9 months to 3 years old 33 pounds | Less effect on the rider’s balance easy conversation Close proximity to child Better fit for young toddlers and babies | Limits room for the rider Toddlers can outgrow them quickly | young toddlers and babies |
| Rear seats | a rear rack or a bike’s frame | 12 months and up 48 pounds | Suspension for bumpy rides Able to recline Grow with kids | Most effect on rider’s balance Conversations hard Kids out of sight | Longevity of use |
| Mid-mount seats (MTB) | Between the seatposts and handlebars | 2 to 5 years old 60 pounds | Safest for aggressive riding Take up less room in cockpit Cradles a kid between arms Ideal for older kids | No harness, child must hold on | Older kids who can hold on (no harness) |
Harness design
From the review above, it’s easy to guess that there are two designs of harness: the 3-point and the 5-point.
The easiest way to distinct them is a 5-point harness feature waist and shoulder straps meeting at the buckle while the 3-point only have shoulder straps meeting at the buckle.
From that point, a 5-point harness is much safer than another in some cases. In turn, it is more complicated to use and usually costs more.
FAQs
Is a front or rear child bike seat safer?
A front bike seat is safer for kids around two years old while a rear model will be a good choice for children within 5-7 years old.
What is the safest child bike seat?
My recommendations are:
- Hamax Caress Child Bike Seats
- iBert Child Bike Seats
- Schwinn Deluxe Child Bike Seats
- WeeRide Kangaroo Child Bike Seats
What age can a child go in a bike seat?
9 months or as long as your kid can sit firmly on their own for a long time.
Can you put a child seat on any bike?
It depends on the type of child seat. While a front-mounted model is versatile enough to be put on any bike, a rear-mounted baby seat could be a bit tricky.
What is the safest way to ride a bike with a baby?
Choosing a seat with the high vis cover along with a good-fitting helmet on the kid’s head.
Conclusion
Whether your baby is 9 months’ age or up to 3 years old, whether your budget is loose or tight, there are plenty of options for you.
I tested rigorously every single model to find which ones are the best child bike seats for specific needs, and hopefully, my findings help you narrow down to the right one for your little angel.
That’s all for this article. Thanks for reading!