Toddler Safety

Helmets, Tricycles, and Bicycles

When your toddler is playing on a riding toy or tricycle, provide a properly fitting helmet. Watch carefully, and make sure your toddler is playing in a safe place.

Helmets

The illustration below details the four S’s that can help you check your toddler’s bike helmet for safety:
• Size
• Strap
• Sticker
• Straight

Other Helmet Safety Tips:

Choose a bike helmet made especially for young children.
Choose a bright colour so your toddler can be seen.
Store helmets on handlebars, ready for the next ride. Store helmets out of the sun. Don’t store them in the back window of cars.
Replace old helmets. Their lifespan is only five years, because the foam lining breaks down.
Do not use a helmet that has been in a crash, dropped, or damaged.
It is not recommended to buy a second‑hand helmet. You won’t know how old it is or whether it has been in a crash.
Choose round helmets rather than “aero”‑shaped ones. The tail of an aero‑shaped helmet forces your toddler’s head forward when it rests against the back of the seat. This is not good for her neck.
It is not recommended to put stickers on helmets because this can affect the condition of the shell so that it does not protect properly.

Tricycles

Most children are well into their third year before they start to ride a tricycle.

Tricycle Safety Tips:

Start early to get your toddler used to this rule: no helmet, no bike ride.
Always supervise your toddler closely while she or he learns to ride.
Don’t offer a tricycle until your toddler can control it and ride it safely.
Make sure the tricycle is solidly built.
Make sure the tricycle is the right size for your toddler. Your toddler should be able to pedal while sitting squarely on the seat.
Avoid all areas that are close to cars, swimming pools, or other dangers.

Bicycles

Children under the age of 12 months should not ride with you on a bicycle. They should not be put in a bicycle‑mounted trailer, child seat, sidecar, or any other carrier. A very young child’s back and neck muscles are not strong enough to withstand the jostling of bike riding. They also cannot support the extra weight of a helmet. Wait until your toddler can sit well without support and is able to wear a helmet. Both of you should always wear a certified bicycle helmet whether your toddler is in a trailer or a bike seat. You must also have the safety belt done up.

Only skilled cyclists should carry young children on bicycles or in trailers. These bike rides should be only in safe areas, such as parks, bike paths, or quiet streets. Practise turning, stopping, and hill climbing with some weight (such as a bag of flour) before putting your toddler in a carrier. This will help you learn how to manage the extra weight.

Bicycle Child Trailers

Trailers have a lower centre of gravity and are more stable than child seats mounted on a bike. They can be used for one or two children weighing up to 45 kg (100 lb.)

Here are some bicycle child trailer safety tips:

Use a bike flag to increase visibility.
Make sure the trailer has a tail light and reflector.
Choose quiet, protected areas in which to ride.
Do not ride with your toddler during bad weather or when road conditions are bad.
Your toddler should not be able to reach the wheels while in motion.
Make sure the trailer is stable. Make sure the hitching bar and connection that joins the trailer to the bike is strong.
Your toddler should be well protected from sand and grit thrown up by the bike tires.
Check that your toddler’s harness is well designed and secure.

Bicycle‑Mounted Child Seats

These seats can be used until your toddler reaches 18 kg (40 lb.) in weight.

Here are some bicycle‑mounted child seat safety tips:

Buckle the harness snugly around your toddler.
Check that your toddler’s feet, hands, and clothing are well away from the spokes or other moving parts of the bike.
Be prepared to be thrown off‑balance if your toddler moves suddenly.
Never leave your toddler alone in a bicycle‑mounted child seat.