Yes I feel it is just fine to “trick” (but not force) your child to ride in a trailer. As parents we need to expose out children to many activities and they are not going to like all of them right away.
I am reluctant to force a child into a trailer. If you have tried all the tips above and you still can’t get your little one in the trailer, maybe give it a little break and try again in a day or two. They will come around.
Is there a right way of introducing a child to a trailer riding?
I dont think there is a right or wrong way. Each child is different in terms of what they are prepared to try. Most times when I see kids not wanting to try trailers out it is because the parent is in a hurry and forces the child to do it before they are ready to. Often times you can tell these kids are tired or cranky before they put them in the trailer. You might need to keep the trailer in the living room for a few day before you try it out. This way your child will be use to it and even interested in it.
The most important thing is to get your child buy in first. Perhaps include them in the purchase of the trailer. It should be referred to as “their bike”, or “their toy”. Give them as much pride and ownership in the trailer as you feel about your bike. Let them customize the trailer (stickers, water gun to shoot mommy with, their own water bottle, get matching helmets for you and your child) anything that can make it fun.
With younger children I always recommend showing them video’s on youtube of other kids having fun in our trailers.
Use the trailer with an older sibling even if it is not for them, this will also get the younger child more interested. DONT try the first ride when your child is grumpy, tired, or hungry. A good idea for a first trip is to go get ICE CREAM, or a treat.
Geoffrey Wanamaker runs the business development team at Weehoo. Geoffrey has helped Weehoo Inc launch in over 18 countries and has developed a reputation for Weehoo being a leader in customer service. Geoffrey lives in Colorado and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Family cycling is Geoffrey’s passion. Reach him at jeff@weehoogear.com with any questions.
that is sooo neat! i haven’t even seen one of those before
Personally, I wish the other half would ride me around in one of these, but I’m a tad too old! I agree, I think positive ‘convincing’ (I don’t like the term trick, lol) is acceptable. Kids need new experiences and often judge falsely based on perception!
What great ideas! I’ll have to keep these tips in mind for my cousin, in case they get a trailer like this. I kinda want one for the dog… but I need a working bike first 🙁
i will have to keep this in mind as my baby boy grows into toddlerhood!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
I have been wondering about whether to buy a trailer or a mounted seat for my bike and you’ve given me some perspective, so thanks!
That’s some interesting information. Thanks for sharing!
I think this was wise and sound advice and I enjoyed reading the article.
That looks pretty cool. Not sure if my kids would have enjoyed it or not.
Wow…I would have automatically assumed that toddlers would LOVE this! Shows what I know. LOL.
That is such a smart idea! Putting the trailer somewhere in the house that your child can see and maybe even climb into on their own before trying to convince them to go for a ride in it. So smart!
This would be great for my toddler. Thanks so much!
Kids are so funny because one minute they DON”T want to ride, and then they can shift on a dime. I guess sometimes you just have to start the trip right?
These are great tips…luckily my kids loved when we had one!
Growing up we never had one of these, but I’m sure it would have made family bike rides so much better. Sitting in those plastic seats attached to the back of a bike always seemed a tricky thing for my parents to balance. This would have solved that problem. – Katy