Best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children

A rear bike seat is a great way to carry your young child on the back of your bike, providing an easy way to introduce your little ones to the sensation of being transported by bike. So if you’re looking for one of the best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children, you’ve come to the right place.

For parents who are cycling with babies and toddlers, rear bike seats are one of the most popular methods for carrying kids by bike. 

They are designed to carry children from about 9 months to 5 or 6 years old. Some are mounted to your bike's seat tube, while others are attached to the pannier rack of your bike. There’s even a type of rack mount, MIK (Mounting Is Key) that is becoming more commonplace and working towards standardising rack mounting options across the bike industry.

That’s why, with so much to choose from, deciding which one to buy can be an absolute headache. There’s so much to consider before making a purchase, but we’re here to help.

In a rush? No problem. We’ve provided some quick picks of the best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children, covering a range of budgets, plus some top tips to consider before you make your purchase. 

If you have more time, take a look at our full list of the best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children, complete with in-depth information about each model we recommend.

For more guidance, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive Q&A at the bottom of the page.

We’re only looking at bike seats for toddlers and very small children here, so if you’ve got a bigger passenger to think about, check out our guide to the best rear bike seats for older children.

Best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children

Contents

Use the links below to navigate the article, as there's a lot to cover!

• Quick picks: for parents in a hurry
• Top tips & things to consider
• Best rear bike seats for babies and toddlers
• How to choose the best rear bike seat

Polisport Groovy

Best budget rack-mounted seat

• Price: £39.99
• Mount: Rack
• Weight: 3.66kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 6 options
• Accessories: N/A
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You’re on a tight budget and already have a rear rack installed

If you want a budget-friendly rack-mounted rear seat, then the Polisport Groovy offers good value for money.

It has lots of adjustment built in to help it grow with your child. There are three forwards and backwards positions, four foot height positions, and a three-point safety harness with length and height adjustment. It’s designed to be comfortable, with ergonomically shaped armrests and a helmet recess so your child can lean their head back.

Made from UV-resistant plastic, the Groovy includes reflective stickers for enhanced visibility, and provides reasonable protection at the sides. It’s easy to set up without tools and can be quickly installed or removed from the bike, with a quick-release system.

It’s a good practical choice, with a removable waterproof cushion and all adjustments and buckles designed to be operated with one hand so you can hold onto the bike with the other.

Buy Now

Polisport Bubbly Maxi Plus

Best budget frame-mounted seat

• Price: £45.00 (frame), £91.99 (MIK HD)
• Mount: Frame, MIK HD
• Weight: 3.27kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 5 options
• Accessories: N/A
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You’re on a tight budget and don’t want to buy a rack as well

For a frame-mounted option that’s also easy on the bank account, the Polisport Bubbly Maxi Plus offers affordability without compromising on safety and comfort.

It comes with many of the same features as the Groovy listed above, such as the adjustability of the footrests, safety harness and forwards/backwards positioning. It also comes with the same waterproof removable cushion, one-handed operation and quick installation, and helmet recess for them to lean their head backwards.

It’s compatible with or without a rear rack, so if you choose to opt for this model, you don’t need to remove your ability to use panniers when you’re riding without your little passenger.

Buy frame-mounted Buy MIK HD

Polisport Groovy RS Plus

Best budget reclining seat

• Price: £65.00
• Mount: Frame
• Weight: 4.47kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 6 options
• Accessories: N/A
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You want a bargain reclining seat for mid-ride naps

For one more budget-friendly option, we look once again to Polisport, whose rear bike seats are definitely among the most affordable on the market.

While the Polisport Groovy RS Plus is priced a bit higher, for the extra money you get a reclining seat with three positions — 0 degrees, 10 degrees and 20 degrees — which makes it perfect for mid-ride napping. If your little one is likely to fall asleep while you’re cycling, then you can lean them back a bit for some extra comfort.

On top of this, you get all the same features we’ve mentioned previously, like all the adjustability, the removable waterproof cushion, one-handed operation and quick release system for easy installation and removal. You also get the ergonomic armrests and helmet recess for comfort, and safety reflective stickers to help you stay visible in low light conditions.

This seat is perfect for parents who want their child to nap comfortably during rides, but don’t want to spend more on something like the Hamax Siesta.

Buy Now

Bobike Go Maxi

Most affordable MIK HD fitting

• Price: £71.99 (frame), £72.99 (rack), £81.99 (MIK HD)
• Mount: Frame, rack, MIK HD
• Weight: 4.47kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 7 options
• Accessories: Windscreen, frame adapter
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You’re keen to try out MIK HD for less of an outlay

The Bobike Go Maxi rear bike seat comes with three fitting options: frame-mounted, rack-mounted, and MIK HD.

The latter is new to the market and offers a more universal approach that spells out good things for the future. If you’re keen to give it a try, but don’t want to spend a huge amount of money, then the Bobike Go Maxi could be your best bet. Otherwise, it makes a great mid-range option for parents in need of a frame- or rack-mounted rear bike seat.

It features a double-walled shell construction to provide extra protection, and an integrated lock for added security. There’s integrated head protection, a childproof three-point safety harness with three-position adjustability, and a reflective rear sticker.

The footrests are adjustable for 12 positions, allowing for quick one-handed operation. Available in stylish pastel colours, the Go Maxi Frame also offers an alternative bar for 29ers and small-framed bikes, pushing the seat up and back in relation to the wheel. 

Buy frame-mounted Buy rack-mounted Buy MIK HD

Hamax Amiga

Best for riding off-road

• Price: £89.99
• Mount: Rack
• Weight: 3kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: Black/grey
• Accessories: Neck pillow, rain poncho
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You’re riding on light trails or navigating potholes

The Hamax Amiga is the best choice for riding off-road, thanks to its free-hanging bracket that provides integrated suspension to smooth out bumps, making it suitable for uneven surfaces.

It combines lightweight design with durability, and comes with soft, removable padding and a helmet recess for comfort. There are are reflectors for added visibility on the roads in low light conditions, while the adjustable harness and footrest allow the seat to grow with your child.

If you’re heading out in bad weather, they have a rain poncho available separately, that’s specifically shaped to fit around your child and the seat, to keep everything dry. There’s also a neck pillow for added comfort.

Buy Now

Urban Iki Rear Seat

Best storage solution

• Price: £74.99 (rack), £94.99 (frame), £114.99 (MIK HD)
• Mount: Rack, frame, MIK HD
• Weight: TBC
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 9 options
• Accessories: Backpack
• Warranty: 2 years

Buy if: You need to carry a backpack with you

If you’re doing the school run on the way to the office, or you have a need to pack a rucksack full of essentials to take with you, you may run into a bit of trouble.

Wearing a backpack while your child is in a rear bike seat behind you can be an issue, as you greatly reduce the amount of space they have. If this is something you might need a solution to, then the Urban Iki rear bike seat has a backpack accessory that attaches to the rear of the seat, meaning your little one has all the room they need, and you can bring your stuff along.

This is especially good in the summer, as you get to avoid the dreaded sweaty back! It also features a five-point harness and a water-repellent seat cushion, adjustable footrests and ergonomically shaped seat for comfort, and includes a frame and rack mount for greater flexibility, plus an integrated lock for security.

Buy rack-mounted Buy frame-mounted Buy MIK HD

Hamax Zenith Relax

Best for napping

• Price: £124.99
• Mount: Rack, frame
• Weight: 3kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 2 options
• Accessories: Neck support pillow, waterproof rain cover
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: Your little one enjoys a mid-ride snooze

If you like your little one to get a good nap in on your rides, then the Hamax Zenith Relax is designed with that in mind.

It reclines by 12.5 degrees without impacting their centre of gravity, making it perfect for comfortable snoozing. The seat can be rack or frame-mounted and uses the Hamax Safety System, which is easily fitted to most bikes with only four screws.

It includes a curved head area for helmet support, a dual-bar steel suspension system for shock absorption, and reflectors for added visibility. The double buckle harness can be fastened with one hand, the straps have locking adjusters so they don't wiggle loose, and the removable padding is easy to clean. The seat is incredibly lightweight but durable.

This seat comes highly recommended by our Cycle Sprog review family. Check out our Hamax Zenith Relax review for more details.

Buy rack-mounted Buy frame-mounted

Thule Yepp 2 Maxi

Best for daily use, year round

• Price: £119.99 (rack), £139.99 (frame), £149.99 (MIK HD)
• Mount: Rack, frame, MIK HD
• Weight: 4.6kg
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 6 options
• Accessories: Rain cover, seat tube adapter, custom rear light
• Warranty: 5 years

Buy if: You want a great quality seat that will stand the test of time

The award-winning Thule Yepp 2 Maxi is ideal for daily use year-round, thanks to its robust and high quality design.

It’s constructed from the same EVA material as Crocs, which is antibacterial, shock-absorbent, water-resistant, and easy to clean. The five-point safety harness has a childproof buckle and adjustable shoulder straps with soft padding for comfort.

The seat is quick and simple to snap into place and detach, with an integrated anti-theft lock and a safety light attachment point (and there’s a custom rear light available separately). If buying second-hand, note that Yepp was acquired by Thule in 2016, so try both names when searching.

The Yepp 2 Maxi comes with a five-year warranty - the longest of all the seats listed here.

For more details, check out our Thule Yepp 2 Maxi rear seat review.

Buy rack-mounted Buy frame-mounted Buy MIK HD

Bobike Exclusive Tour Plus

Best for long rides

• Price: £125.00
• Mount: Rack / Frame
• Weight: TBC
• Max load: 22kg
• Colours: 6 options
• Accessories: Windscreen, rack clamps
• Warranty: 3 years

Buy if: You’re taking your little one on a bike tour

The Bobike Exclusive Tour Plus is the best choice for long rides or cycle touring, and is very popular in the Netherlands.

It features an adjustable headrest for an additional 10cm of comfort and increased head protection, while the adjustable footrests offer six positions to accommodate growth. It uses the brand’s own E-BD mounting system with easy click-and-go functionality, and allows easy switching between bicycles.

It attaches to almost any rack with a width between 120-175mm and round-shaped side tubes with a diameter of 10-16mm, and Bobike sells clamps for wider or unusual shaped racks. The five-point seatbelt is designed for one-handed fastening and is contoured to keep them upright while they sleep.

There’s a flashing LED light at the rear, for better visibility, while the whole thing is built with Bobike’s double-wall construction for added protection.

Buy rack-mounted Buy frame-mounted

Different types of rear bike seats

There are three different types of fittings for rear bike seats: frame-mounted, rack-mounted and MIK HD-mounted.

MIK HD is a type of rack mount, but worth considering as a separate option.

Frame-mounted bike seats attach to your bike's seat tube. Rack-mounted bike seats attach to a pannier rack, on the rear of your bike, usually by clipping onto the sides of the rack or slotting into a rack. MIK HD mounts work in the same way, and work specifically with a MIK HD rack.

Many of the bike seats available have different models for different fixing methods, so do make sure you're buying the correct one for your needs.

On longtail cargo bikes, rack-mounted rear bike seats are usually used.

Overview of frame-mounted rear bike seats

Frame-mounted rear seats fit most bike types, and are therefore more commonly found. However, be particularly vigilant if you have a carbon bike as it may not be suitable. Also, make sure your seat tube is round or oval because that's a requirement for most brackets for bike seats.

Overview of rack-mounted rear bike seats

For rack-mounted seats you need to make sure your bike is able to take a rear pannier rack if you don't already have one fitted. You'll need to have the appropriate eyelets on your bike frame for this - not all bikes have these, so check before you buy your bike seat.

Overview of MIK HD mounted rear bike seats

More and more bikes are coming with MIK HD equipped rear racks, and many seat manufacturers are designing MIK HD compatible seats.

This is an exciting standardisation within the cycling world that will hopefully increase compatibility between products and make it much easier to know if a piece of equipment will fit your bike or not.

Does your bike or cargo bike have a MIK rear rack?

If yes, then a MIK HD rear child seat will be very easy to attach and detach. But you don't have to choose a MIK HD rear seat, the rack will most likely still be compatible with 'normal' rack-mounted seats.

If not, then unless you want to buy a MIK carrier plate to be compatible with MIK products, then stick to any of the usual frame or rack-mounted seats listed above.

What’s the youngest age a child can use a rear bike seat?

Before using a rear bike seat it is very important that your child can sit independently and hold their head upright for the entire duration of your journey.

9 months is the age most rear bike seats say they are suitable from, but every child is different.

If you’re in any doubt please consult your Heath Visitor or GP before setting out. The younger your child the more support they will need, so you also need to check the minimum age range for the seat you are buying. 

You may want to invest in a seat with head support or reclining features if your child is younger and more likely to need to nap during your ride.

Is my child too old to use a rear bike seat?

As each child is different there’s no hard and fast rule as to when they’ll grow out of their seat. 

The maximum weight limit for each bike seat will vary, so check out on the manufacturers website.  Some seats have an upper limit of 18kg, others 22kg and some may be suitable for older children.

However, each child is different and limits vary by seat model, do make sure you check the suitability of the seat as your child grows. In reality it is likely that you will find your child outgrows the rear bike seat before reaching the weight limit. A good indicator is when you feel their feet knocking into your legs as you pedal. You’ll also know if they’re getting too heavy, as you’ll struggle to ride the bike with them in the seat!

Their increasing weight can also start to affect the stability of the bike and make if much harder for you to get them into and out of the seat. Some children will also start to get restless in a rear seat and may demand a more active role so it could be time to consider ways of pulling their own bike behind you instead, or upgrading to a trailer or cargo bike.

For older children who don’t need the same level of restraint or support then it’s worth checking out a junior rear seat.  These are very popular in places like The Netherlands and Denmark, and allow you to continue to transport your child as they outgrow a rear child seat.  

Does my child need to wear a bike helmet when they are in a rear bike seat?

In the UK there is no legal obligation for anyone to wear a helmet, but many parents choose to use them. If you’re in need of one, take a look at our guide to the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers. Some toddler helmets are designed with a flatter back section, to make them more comfortable when sitting in a child seat, so this is worth looking for.

Pros and cons of a rear bike seat

If you’re on the fence about whether or not a rear bike seat is for you, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons below:

Pros

• Relatively cheap way to start cycling with your child.
• Better view than a pushchair in many cases.
• Premium models are very comfortable, great for nap time.
• Lightweight compared to a trailer or cargo bike, easier to manoeuvre.
• Easier to store than a trailer or cargo bike.
• Can take the brunt of road spray and double up as a rear mudguard.

Cons

• It’s attached to your bike, so it’s tricky to get them in and out without a kickstand, otherwise the whole thing could fall.
• Exposed to the elements in cold and wet weather, so they need wrapping up warm.
• Not as easy to hold a conversation with them behind you, compared to a front seat.
• You can’t wear a full-sized rucksack with them right behind you.

How much should you spend on a rear bike seat?

Rear bike seats come with a variety of price tags, and in a variety of qualities to match. In general you can pick them up from £30 – £120. 

Most manufacturers have a range of models, of differing quality and price. As with anything, the more you pay, the better the spec, but the basic models can serve you well for weekend use on flat terrain. It’s worth considering how often you’ll be using it.

The Hamax Buddy, for example, is an entry level model that costs just over £50, whilst you pay well over £100 for the Topeak Babysitter Child seat for use with disc brakes.

Whilst you’re in the process of taking the child out of the rear bike seat, if it’s not propped up right there is a very small risk of your bike slipping – the more pricey seats come with good protection around the head area, to help protect if it did ever fall.

Do you need to transport your child on more than one bike?

If you do, choose a model that allows you to buy additional fixing kits, and has a quick release mechanism. This allows for much more flexibility – for example, one parent can drop off at nursery in the morning, and the other can pick up in the evening. However, do be aware that anyone can walk off with your rear bike seat at any time if you don’t secure it with a suitable lock.

If you don’t need to transport your child on more than one bike, then a more traditional style rear bike seat that fixes permanently to your bike, may be more suited – especially if you park in a communal place.

How long is your child going to be sitting in the rear bike seat?

More expensive models come with a reclining back and adjustable headrests, and cut out areas for your child’s helmet to rest, so their head is not forced forwards by the back of the seat.

You pay a premium for these features, in models such as the Hamax Siesta, but they can be worth it to avoid complaints on an all day adventure. Your child is sitting directly over the wheel, which is worth remembering when you’re riding off-road or over the ever increasing number of potholes appearing on the roads these days.

Are rear mounted bike seats safe for my child?

Everyone has a different perception of risk, and presumably the fact you're reading this article means you’re probably not prone to wrapping your child up in cotton wool. Make sure you’re confident riding without your child on board, and always plan your route carefully. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fitting the seat (or get your local bike shop to help) and always make sure your child is securely strapped in. Always check that the seat is securely fitted to the bike before every ride and tighten anything that's loosened since the last outing.

I’m nervous about cycling with my child in a bike seat

We hear it a lot, parents who always loved cycling and would love to dig their bike out and take their little ones on a ride, but are too nervous to do it. It’s understandable, no matter how road-confident you usually are, because you’re carrying precious cargo.

Young children tend to copy the behaviours of the adults around them, so the first thing to do is become a confident cyclist in yourself. You could sign up for a training course, for example. Many local authorities offer these for free or reduced prices, so check your local council website, and look at Bikeability. 

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to cycle with a child on board, so make use of local cycle paths if you have them to develop your cycling muscles. Once you’re confident, it’s important to get time in the saddle with your little one. 

Fit the rear bike seat and do some practice runs with something less precious, like a bag of potatoes, to get used to the extra weight and manoeuvring with the seat on the back. Once you’ve mastered that, it’s time to try it with your child!

Check out our many family-friendly cycling routes if you’re not sure where to ride, and start small and local. With time and practice, you’ll be away and your little one will get the best introduction to life on two wheels.

Before you go...

Cargo bikes require a higher investment than a bike seat, but may well be the right solution for your family. Check out our cargo bikes section to find out what type of cargo bike would be best for your family.

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