I've asked this before, but am asking again.

[Jenn]

We have one of those bike buggy/trailers enroute for our 14 month old daughter. Has anyone ever used them and did you or did you not like them? Also, how do I keep a helmet on a 14 month old? She freaked out at the LBS when we put it on her.

[DebW]

I used one years ago when my kids were small, and more recently as my nephew is now at the trailer-riding age. I like trailers - very stable, lots of room for the kid and his/her toys. The child is protected by metal all around, and even if you fall over, the trailer won't. I've also tried child seats on the bike, and that puts weight high up when it tends to unbalance you and where the child can pull your hair while your ride.

As far as the helmet, maybe you could try it in the house briefly until she gets used to it.

[KnottedYet]

I used one, and it was fabulous.

SKnot saw us wearing our helmets all the time, so it wasn't too big a deal for him. We let him wear it around in the house, and we made a "helmet" for his stuffed rabbit out of a yogurt tub. He decorated the yogurt helmet with stickers.

He'd put the yogurt helmet on the rabbit, we'd put the toddler helmet on him, pack both of 'em into the trailer, and away we went!

[Jenn]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! My husband and I have been thinking gosh, what if we just bought a $200 mistake. However, we saw a couple out yesterday with one, and it looks like so much fun, not to mention getting Kaitbug out there....she'll LOVE it I HOPE! How hard are they to pull, do you notice much of a difference?
Thanks for the great idea's on the helmet, I'm going to try that!!

[DebW]

How hard are they to pull, do you notice much of a difference?

A trailer won't affect your bike's handling very much, but you will be using lower gears to pull the extra weight. You'll notice the weight, but hopefully you have enough gears to compensate and you don't mind riding slower.

[mimitabby]

I used one, and it was fabulous.

SKnot saw us wearing our helmets all the time, so it wasn't too big a deal for him. We let him wear it around in the house, and we made a "helmet" for his stuffed rabbit out of a yogurt tub. He decorated the yogurt helmet with stickers.

He'd put the yogurt helmet on the rabbit, we'd put the toddler helmet on him, pack both of 'em into the trailer, and away we went!

what a cute picture Knot! the rabbit's helmet was a GREAT idea!

[KnottedYet]

They really aren't hard to pull, just go slowly and be careful over bumps. You can "post" yourself with your legs, but the kiddo is sitting on their butt so they feel the bumps a lot more.

We pulled the trailer with commuter bikes, and it was perfect.

[limewave]

I've just started using a bike trailer with my dd. She is 17 mos and also hates her helmet. At this point, I've decided to not maker her wear it while she is in the trailer. It has a roll cage and she's strapped in tightly, she's fairly safe. And, right now I only take her on rides through our neighborhood where there are more kids playing in the street than cars or we ride on bike paths.

[Jenn]

OH, thanks again, I can't wait to get it so we can all get out there!!