Do you want to keep using your bike trailer after the temperature drops? Find out how to keep your little ones warm and cozy in their trailer all season.
As fall comes to an end, and after a wonderful year of walking or cycling your kids to school, winter is looming. The kids will still want to ride in their stroller or bike trailer, but you’re wondering: how are they going to stay warm and will they be safe and comfortable? We’re here to shed some light on how to keep your child trailer on the road this winter and keep your kids safe, warm, and cozy inside.
First things first - here’s a list of questions to ask yourself that should put you on the right track for winter bike child trailer safety and maintenance:
- Have you oiled your axles recently? Winter salt can cause issues which are mitigated by oil.
- How old is your trailer hitch (the flexible part at the end of the towbar)?
- Is your bike hitch still tightly fastened to your bike’s axle (if you are cycling)?
- Do you still have the safety flag that came with your trailer?
- Is your rain screen in good condition, with no holes or cracks?
If you can’t answer these questions confidently, it’s a good idea to have a thorough second look at your trailer; your cargo is the most precious of all, after all. If you’re unsure about any of these questions, be sure to reach out to our customer service team and they will be happy to shed light on anything that may be unclear.
Winter Bike Trailer Comfort for Kids
This time of year, in the northern USA and Canada, it gets cold. And we mean cold. It’s no wonder so many people wonder about how to keep their kids warm when walking or biking around town this time of year.
The first thing you’ll want to ensure is that your kids are wearing layers. A base layer of merino, fleece, or a poly blend is ideal, but we know that in practice it can be tricky to get kids to even get dressed at all. In these cases, their regular school clothes with a fleece sweater in between their clothes and jacket should generally be fine for short trips. Snow pants or a pair of pajama pants will offer another degree of warmth. Warm socks and mittens are a must as well; these extremities on little ones get much colder, much faster than adult hands and feet, especially when they are sedentary. As for heads, a hat may be a problem under the helmet.
Check out these links from other blogs we love for more information on how to keep their heads warm this winter:
https://www.statecyclist.com/what-to-wear-under-bike-helmet/
https://www.cyclesprog.co.uk/family-cycling-advice/childs-head-warm-under-their-bike-helmet/
Extra Tips and Tricks for Winter Bike Trailer Usage
As cold as it can get, once the plastic rain screen is applied, a greenhouse effect is often created within the bike trailer (this particular greenhouse effect is a positive one!). Please remember the the front rain screens are not very flexible in the cold so try not to fold them if it is freezing out. Since the bike trailer is fully covered, the kids may notice that it gets warmer the longer they are in the trailer, since their body heat will be mostly contained. This is another great reason to have layers – once things get a little bit too warm, children can often be unpredictable and take off their jackets without warning. Having a second layer ensures that they can cool off to a comfortable temperature, but with lesser risk of getting too cold before they’re able to get their jackets back on.
Extended Trips with the Kid's Bike Trailer
For longer rides, you should consider using a face covering like a balaclava within the trailer to help with any persistent chills or wind. Frostbite can happen at just barely below 0 degrees Celsius, so you’ll want to ensure that any exposed skin can be covered at a moment’s notice to ensure maximum comfort. Some parents even elect to put a hot water bottle somewhere in the trailer – not only will the ambient heat help to warm up the trailer, but the kids may also find extra comfort by having something warm to hug if they are feeling chilly.
It’s also a great idea to keep a soft blanket within the trailer; easy to put on, easy to take off, and it doesn’t take up a lot of room. Plus, don’t things just seem extra cozy, warm, and comfortable when there’s a fuzzy blanket involved? I think even as adults we can probably agree on that one.
With winter comes cold. With cold, comes the need (and want) for warmth. On longer rides or walks with your child bike trailer, it would be a fun and practical idea to make some hot chocolate in a thermos or even some soup for a wintery picnic. You should have plenty of storage space in your bike trailer to put a thermos or other mealtime items you may want to bring with you.
We hope that you have found this article helpful. Let us know what you do to keep your kids warm in their trailer! If you’re looking for a new trailer, or for assistance with your current trailer, reach out to our customer service team today; we’re always happy to help.