My bike, and how to make it mine and carry toddler/groceries?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My advice would be to first get some riding skills under your belt before you consider riding with your toddler. Read traffic biking safety websites. Ride in traffic, get the skills to do hand signaling and to stop suddenly, veer, learn about when to 'take the lane', and defensive riding.
Between your somewhat heavy bike, groceries and panniers, and a small child, you are talking about a lot of weight...which can be tricky for even an experienced rider to keep balanced, especially in traffic or unexpected situations.
Do some riding first, learn safety skills. Then start adding groceries to the mix and see how it changes the whole feel. Take one step at a time...great that you are riding!

[buffybike]

Today I purchased an iBert (the green front-mounted seat) for my toddler and a Weehoo iGo pedal trailer for my 6 year old. That way I can take them both to school/the store/whatever. The iBert has lots of reviews--nearly all positive. The Weehoo was expensive, but I figure I'm going to get at least 5 years of use out of it AND I can take it out on singletrack. When my kids outgrow it, I'll sell it.

http://www.weehooinc.com

[hebe]

My advice would be to first get some riding skills under your belt before you consider riding with your toddler. Read traffic biking safety websites. Ride in traffic, get the skills to do hand signaling and to stop suddenly, veer, learn about when to 'take the lane', and defensive riding.
Between your somewhat heavy bike, groceries and panniers, and a small child, you are talking about a lot of weight...which can be tricky for even an experienced rider to keep balanced, especially in traffic or unexpected situations.
Do some riding first, learn safety skills. Then start adding groceries to the mix and see how it changes the whole feel. Take one step at a time...great that you are riding!

Thank you for such a detailed response. I'm taking instruction from a very experienced instructor and I'm confident that she will get me safe with all the areas that you mention. I am starting to manage my expectations with regard to exactly what I can safely carry. I'm hoping to actually take a lesson or two with my daughter in whatever carrier I end up with, though that might be a little way off yet.

Today I purchased an iBert (the green front-mounted seat) for my toddler and a Weehoo iGo pedal trailer for my 6 year old. That way I can take them both to school/the store/whatever. The iBert has lots of reviews--nearly all positive. The Weehoo was expensive, but I figure I'm going to get at least 5 years of use out of it AND I can take it out on singletrack. When my kids outgrow it, I'll sell it.

http://www.weehooinc.com

I'd love to hear how you get on with both of these, as I remain very interested in the ibert carrier.

Thank you again for all the replies, they are much appreciated.

[hebe]

Well, I had a go at riding with dd in a Burley trailer on holiday this week, and she loved it. I liked it too, and we're looking into getting one now. It felt very stable and secure.

[Melalvai]

You & your daughter will be just like Thistle & Fizz: