I've got one word for ya-- babysitter (and if a grandma lives nearby you're doubley lucky-- they'd practically pay YOU for extra time with the grandkid while you go riding ). I have a 6 year old now who uses a trailer bike, but even then I can't go out for my much beloved 2-3 hour ride, it's mostly for shorter around the neighborhood kind of rides. I never used a trailer when she was younger. I like to cycle, but honestly I love to really escape-- by myself or with a small group. I really do consider it time just for me to get out exercise and feel the wind in my hair--I don't race, but I love zipping around on my road bike and feeling the speed of it all. I have some very reliable babysitters and sometimes trade time with the family across the way. They watch my daughter while I bike, while I watch their child so that they can run errands. Even if I can't work that out I find it much to my advantage to give me "Me Time" and pay someone $10-15 dollars so that I can go out, ride a good long ride, and have some time to myself to think and reflect. Besides I get too stressed out riding on the streets with the baby in the back and I'd die of lack of patience if I had to try to maneuver on the sidewalks or trails Although, I do see some advantage to having a trailer or trail-a-bike for shorter more intimate family times...I guess how you approach it depends a lot on why you like to cycle