Burley Baby Snuggler and Baby Seat Insert

Here at Cycle Sprog we often get asked "what is the youngest age can I take my child in a bike trailer?"

To use a standard kids bike trailer your child needs to be able to fully support their head (and for the duration of the ride, not just for a few seconds!)

This can typically happen between 9 and 12 months, but this is something only you, as a parent,  can really make a call on, and can't be rushed.  (If in doubt ask your GP or health visitor for advice)

For those keen to get their baby out cycling with them as soon as possible there is the option of using a baby sling specially designed to allow younger children to ride in a trailer safely.

We spoke to kids' bike trailer experts Bike Trailer Hire about the Burley Baby Snuggler and Burley Baby Seat Insert, to find out whether it's any good for cycling with babies and young toddlers.

So, what is the new Burley Baby Seat Insert?

The Burley Baby Seat Insert is a soft, padded, insert for a standard bike trailer using a five-point fixing system.

The insert attaches to the trailer's existing 5-point-harness harness and creates a supportive, safe way to carry your baby, from 1 month old!

The new Burley Baby Seat Insert is an upgraded version of the Burley Baby Snuggler, offering more support, comfort and safety for carrying younger children.

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What age is the Burley Baby Seat Insert recommended for?

The Burley Baby Seat Insert is perfect for those wanting to get out with their precious cargo as soon as possible.

Below is some guidance on the baby's age, sizing and recommended use.

• Compatibility: All Burley trailers that include a 5-Point Safety Harness
• Minimum child age: 1 Month
• Max Child Height: 69.85cm
• Max Child Weight: 10kg
• Recommended Use: Strolling only. Please consult your paediatrician before using this product.

What age is the Burley Baby Snuggler recommended for?

The Baby Snuggler is perfect for those wanting to use it for cycling and running when the baby is a little older.

Below is some guidance on baby's age, sizing and recommended use.

• Recommended age: 3 – 12 months
• Approximate height: 64cm - 79cm (25” – 31”)
• Approximate weight: 6.8kg - 9.5kg (15 – 21 lbs)

Recommended Use

• 6 months and under: Snuggler should be used for strolling only on fairly smooth terrain.
• 6-12 months: Snuggler may be used for jogging or strolling in a Burley trailer or stroller if your child is able to sit upright unattended.
• 12 months and above: Snuggler may be used for towing your child behind your bicycle if your child may sit upright unattended while wearing a bicycle helmet.

Warning: each child’s development is unique, so it is important to be sure they are ready to participate in these activities. If you're in any way unsure please consult your GP. 

What is the difference between the Burley Baby Snuggler and Burley Baby Seat Insert?

Released in 2024, the Burley Baby Seat Insert offers more support for your baby, meaning it can be used in stroller mode from your child being 1 month old.

Fixing the Burley Baby Seat Insert into the trailer is a little more complicated, but once its in you won't need to remove it until your baby has grown quite a bit. The seat insert folds with the trailer so you don't need to remove it.

The Baby Snuggler is a simpler attachment, still offering increased support for babies as young as 3 months old. As it is less structural than the Baby Seat Insert, the fitting is a little quicker and it's a little cheaper.

Why isn't the Burley Snuggler's recommended use with a bike trailer until 12 months?

Did you spot the problem? Burley doesn't recommend using the Baby Snuggler if you're cycling until your child is over the age of 12 months - when most children will be starting to grow out of it! And the Burley Baby Seat Insert is recommended ONLY for strolling...

And as most people buy a Burley trailer to cycle with, this does seem a bit strange and annoying.

As with everything to do with raising children you - as the parent - have to decide about if, how, and when you do something.

You have to remember every reputable product will be tested to meet all the safety standards for every usage - and that these standards keep shifting.

A brand certainly can't take the risk of claiming something is safe if they've not conducted all the most up-to-date testing for every safety authority in every country their product is sold in.

No surprise that it's sometimes easier, cheaper and less risky to just say it's not suitable for use, and pass the decision on to us, as parents.

And obviously, it's worth pointing out they have covered themselves in case of complaints if something did go wrong - Burley is an American company and operates in a highly litigious environment.

But, the good news, if you start using a Burley trailer from when your baby is 1 month old with your Burley Baby Seat Insert, then move onto a Baby Snuggler for running from 6 months and cycling from 12 months, then continue using until your child is around 6 years old, that is A LOT of use from one trailer- we are impressed!

Should I hire or buy the Burley Baby Snuggler or Baby Seat Insert?

Buying a Burley Baby Snuggler or Seat Insert is a great idea if your baby is towards the lower end of the age limit, and you know you're going to get a lot of use out of it.

If they're nearing 12 months however it's not going to be long until they can sit unaided, so you may prefer to consider a rental instead.

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Other articles you might be interested in:

• Best kids bike trailers
• How to carry kids by bike
• Cycling with babies and toddlers: everything you need to get started
• The best bike for a 1 year old toddler
• The best front bike seats for toddlers and young children
• Can I cycle with my baby in a sling, papoose or baby carrier?
• Advice on cycling while breastfeeding your baby
• Kids bike trailers that cost less than 2 tanks of fuel
• The best balance bikes as recommended by parents
• Best bike helmets for babies and toddlers