Keeping warm on a bike seat, cargo bike or in a trailer – great ideas to keep the cold at bay

Here at Cycle Sprog, we're huge fans of bike seats, kids bike trailers as well as cargo bikes as a great way to get out riding with your child.

We've used both front bike seats and rear bike seats with our kids while they were toddlers and preschoolers, so understand that it's easy to consider this a purely summer activity, and pack the bike seat away once the colder weather arrives.

If you do this, you and your son or daughter are missing out on some wonderful experiences - including that of getting dressed up ready to cycle during the winter. There's something comforting about layering up against the elements and keeping warm on a bike, but when riding with a little one in a child bike seat or on a cargo bike it is crucial to remember that they aren't expending any energy, and will, therefore, get much colder than you, a lot quicker.

If they are in a front bike seat or electric box bike they will be taking the brunt of the elements, and whilst a rear bike seat may be protected more by your body, it's harder for you to keep an eye on how warm your passenger is.

It's essential therefore that the clothes you dress your little one in keep them warm and dry throughout the ride. Here's our round up of how to keep your child, warm and dry on a cycle ride this winter.

Little fingers get cold very quickly, so a good pair of warm gloves is essential.

It's difficult to find waterproof and windproof mittens or specific cycling gloves in very small sizes, so we were pleased to stumble across these Tigo Totes Warm gloves that start from 2-3 years.

You may want to consider the old trick of a piece of wool sewn into each mitten and through the arms of the coat to avoid them being cast off mid-ride.

Find out more recommendations for The best children's winter cycling gloves.

A warm base layer is worth several over layers, and so thermals will keep your little one toastie warm on a cold winter's day.

Decathlon has a good range of thermal base layers, including from their own ski range Wedze.

Swedish children's clothing brand Polarn O. Pyret offers merino wool base layers, which are more expensive but amazing for keeping warm and wicking away moisture. Most importantly, merino wool is not itchy.

Try to avoid too many layers of all in one clothing for little ones as this will make loo stops a nightmare. If the layers closest to the skin are all in one you're facing have to undress them each and every time, and letting the cold air in - this won't be popular!

Fleeces are great for keeping them warm - try to avoid those with hoods, which cause bumps on their back and can be uncomfortable when in the seat.

Don't forget about feet!

Toes can get chilly in winter, plus are partial to jumping in the nearest muddy puddle the moment they're unleashed from the bike.

Thermal socks are a great investment, especially when combined with wellies.

Blankets for cargo bikes and trailers

In an electric box bike you can use a blanket to keep your children warm on the bench. In a bike trailer, a blanket can keep their legs and feet cosy on a long ride.

We have been using a Bundlebean Go universal footmuff for years now in our box bike and it is great. It is water and windproof and can be wrapped around one child or put over the legs of two children when they sit next to each other on a bench. It also comes with a velcro strap which can be put around your child's back to keep the blanket in place.

Keep out drafts with a quick to dry fleece scarf or a neckwarmer like a Buff (also handy for mopping up running noses - we didn't say that honestly!)

Balaclava

During very cold weather we've used a balaclava on our youngest to protect him from the elements - you just need to loosen the helmet to make it fit and remember to tighten again when the weather warms up.

Read more about How to keep your child’s head warm under their bike helmet.

Hi viz vest

If you're riding on the road at any point then you may want to throw a hi-viz jacket over their other clothes to give that added bit of visibility to drivers. We've got a whole post on child sized high vis jackets.

Windshield

If you use a front bike seat, then a windscreen is a good way to shield them from the elements. We've reviewed the Polisport Windscreen.

Before you go...

For more information and tips on cycling in winter, go to our overview article on Winter cycling with kids.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• The best front bike seats for toddlers and young children
• Winter cycling with kids
• Best electric longtail cargo bikes to carry kids
• Best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children
• What type of cargo bike is best for my family?
• How to start cycling with a small child in a bike seat, cargo bike or trailer
• How to hitch a bike trailer- a simple guide
• Thule Yepp 2 Maxi Rear Seat Review