Cycle Sprog - A Full Guide to Cycling with Babies and Toddlers

Are you an outdoor-loving parent who enjoys walking with your children but is curious about cycling with them? Blaze Trails and Cycle Sprog have teamed up to share detailed information and expert advice to help you start cycling with your children. 

Going on a bike ride can be a fantastic way to explore the outdoors with your little ones, offering the chance to cover more ground than on foot. Bikes also provide a brilliant alternative to car trips, meaning you’ll spend less time in traffic jams and searching for parking, and more time outside with your child.

Here's an in-depth guide from family cycling experts Cycle Sprog to help you get started on this journey!

Why cycle with your baby or toddler?

Cycling is not only a fun and efficient way to get around, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for bonding with your child. It allows you to explore new places that might be too far to walk to, all while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise for you and an enjoyable ride for your child. Cycling with your baby or toddler enhances fitness, boosts mental well-being, and encourages a love for the outdoors from a young age.

Getting started

Choose the right gear

Selecting the appropriate gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. Knowing which seat, trailer, or bike will be right for your family and child can be confusing. Cycle Sprog offers an online masterclass specifically aimed at helping parents buy the right equipment for cycling with babies and toddlers. 

Here are some options to consider:

• Rear-mounted seats: These seats attach to the back of your bike and are suitable for children aged nine months to six years. They are a popular choice for many families as they can be budget-friendly, fit on most types of bikes and will fit your child for many years. The thing children love most about bike seats is that they are up high and can see everything around them. This article, the best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children will help you decide which is best for your family.

• Front-mounted seats: Positioned between the handlebars and the rider, these seats are ideal for younger children, providing them with a great view, ideal for children aged nine months to three years. This article summarises the best front bike seats for toddlers and young children.

• Trailers: Trailers can be a big investment, but offer a way to carry one or two children and offer lots of additional storage space. Trailers keep children warm and dry and are good for naps if you're planning longer bike rides. Premium bike trailers have features such as suspension, reclining seats and running and stroller wheel accessories, meaning you can have one bit of equipment for many sports- even skiing! Head to our best kids trailer guide to find out more. 

• Cargo bikes: Cargo bikes are becoming an increasingly popular way to carry children for short journeys around town, acting as the perfect car replacement for many families. While more suited to utility cycling, there are a few off-road suitable cargo bikes! Many cargo bikes come equipped with electrical assist, ideal for carrying lots of children or in hilly areas. Box bikes are ideal for carrying young children who are too young for seats or trailers, as you can fit a car seat into the box of the bike to carry your baby! Find out what type of cargo bike is best for your family and see our pick of the best cargo bikes for families. 

Practice makes perfect

Once you’ve chosen the right equipment, start by practising rides without your child to increase your confidence; the bike will handle differently with the new accessories. Gradually introduce short rides in a safe, traffic-free area to get both you and your child used to the experience. As you both become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the length and complexity of your rides. Here are some tips for practising:

• Take potatoes for a ride: To get used to the weight of your new equipment and the impact it will have on how your bike handles, load up the seat or trailer with a bag of potatoes and take them for a ride or two.

• Start slow: Begin with short, easy rides in familiar areas to build your confidence.

• Frequent stops: Take breaks to check on your child and make any necessary adjustments. Keep the first few rides short and fun so they are excited to go on the bike again!

Plan your route

Choosing the right route is essential for a successful family bike ride. Opt for easy, quiet routes with interesting things along the way to keep your child entertained. Parks, designated cycle trails, and disused train lines are excellent options for family rides. Cycle Sprog offers lots of family cycling route recommendations if you’re looking for rides in your area. Consider the following when planning your route:

• Traffic-free zones: Look for routes that minimise exposure to traffic, ensuring a safer and more relaxing ride for you and your child.

• Engaging scenery: Choose routes with parks, playgrounds, or natural attractions to make the ride more enjoyable.

• Rest stops: Plan frequent stops to rest, snack and allow your child to stretch and explore.

Tips and tricks

Pack essentials

Ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen, and don’t forget extra layers for changing weather conditions. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

• Snacks and drinks: An essential for any outing with kids!

• Puncture fixing equipment: It’s a good idea to take a small puncture repair kit, some tools and a pump with you as well as the knowledge to use it- or have a plan for getting home if you get a puncture!

• Weather-appropriate clothing: Dress your child in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Remember if they aren't peddling, they will need more layers as they aren't creating any of their own heat and in a front or rear seat, will be exposed to wind chill.

Try before you buy

If you’re unsure if family cycling is right for you or if you want to test equipment before making a purchase, there are lots of organisations around to allow you to try before you buy or options for short or long term hire. This allows you to see how a piece of equipment feels and determine if it suits your needs. 

Invest now, make memories for years

Investing in quality cycling equipment now can lead to many years of happy family bike rides. Whether you choose a rear child seat, a front seat, trailer or a cargo bike, the research and investment you make while your child is little will pay off in the long run. Here’s why:

• Durability: Quality equipment lasts longer and provides a safer ride.

• Comfort: Well-designed seats and trailers ensure a comfortable experience for your child.

At what age can I start cycling with my baby?

This depends on a whole host of factors, as well as your physical recovery and cycling fitness and ability. 

Cargo bikes with a front box can be fitted with a standard car seat, meaning you can cycle with a newborn. 

Families looking to invest in a bike trailer or seat must wait until the child is old enough to support their head, usually around 9 months old.  

Cycling with your baby or toddler is a rewarding way to stay active, explore new places, and create lasting memories together. By choosing the right gear, practising regularly, planning engaging routes, and packing essentials, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying many joyful family bike rides. Cycle Sprog are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to embark on this exciting adventure with your little ones.

There is so much information out there to help with working out what equipment is right for your family, but we know it can be hard to sift through it all! 

These two resources are here to help!

• How to carry your kids by bike: answer these 10 questions about your family and get solutions straight to your inbox.

• Understanding Cycling Gear for Babies and Toddlers online masterclass- Using your Blaze Trails members discount code, save 20% of the cost of our online course, teaching you everything you need to know about equipment needed for cycling with babies and toddlers broken down into bite-sized videos. 

Happy Cycling!

A guide to Summer Walking with babies and toddlers

Last week we had our fabulous summer walking workshop sharing our Blaze Trails top tips and tricks to help you stay safe walking with your little ones throughout summer.

Missed the workshop? Fear not, we have rounded up all the essential details here for you!

The joy of walking in Summer with little ones

Getting outside with your little ones can be a challenge especially when those temperatures start to rise and everyone is a bit hot and bothered, but getting outside may just be exactly what you both need.

A short summer walk under the shade of the trees, the warm breeze rustling through the leaves, the distant sound of the stream trickling and that ice cream van waiting just around the corner with a cold sweet treat. The perfect reset from the sweaty sticky house.

Summer isn’t necessarily a time for summiting mountains with babies and toddlers - it’s a time for slowing down, taking time to stop and listen, enjoy the sun on your face a while, take your shoes off and dip your feet in the stream, stop and count the minibeasts, picnic in the park, help your toddler climb that tree - the list is endless!

So how do we get out there and start enjoying summer…

Planning safe and enjoyable summer walks

First things first, pick a route you know or are confident with - woodlands and water provide shade and place to cool down so are always a good bet for a warm sunny day.

Avoid wandering too far off course or away from civilisation - you don’t want to get caught out in the heat, especially with a baby or toddler in tow.

Keep walks short and sweet - it’s easy to want to make the most of good weather (this is the UK so we never know when we might see the sun again!) but that doesn’t mean walking for miles. Your energy can be drained quickly in the heat so be sure to stay hydrated and eat little and often - a good tip is to always drink before you’re thirsty!

Think about timing - try to stick to cooler parts of the day. Earlier in the morning and evenings can be more comfortable for walking, particularly when baby-wearing. Plan how you are going to take your little one outdoors - will it be in a baby carrier, pushchair or on their own two feet. What will be the most comfortable for you both?

When walking in the heat it’s important to be flexible and have a plan B - if you don’t complete your planned route that’s fine, it’s just about getting outside safely and enjoyably.  

Lastly, go with someone! Join one of our amazing walks, go with a friend, or go with family - share the load, make sure you check in with each other about what kind of walk you’re up for, and be honest if you need a break. Look after each other.

If you prefer solo walks or can’t go with someone then always be sure to tell someone exactly where you are going and how long you expect to be.

Pushchairs, babywearing & toddling

Let’s talk about how we can get out little ones outdoors with us;

Pushchairs

When using your pushchair in the heat the first safety tip is to avoid fully covering your pushchair with fabric such as a blanket, towel or even muslin - doing this reduces airflow and temperatures can increase very quickly within the pram to potentially unsafe and dangerous levels.

Instead explore shade options that allow airflow and a large vented space beneath them such as parasols, or shades that can clip between the buggy hood and the handles creating an open canopy.

Babywearing

These tips come from our lovely organiser Daisy who is a qualified babywearing consultant at Stan & Flo.

• You count as a layer as does your sling (stretchy counts as 3 layers!) so bare this in mind when you are both getting dressed light fabric and less layers.

• You can put your baby in a sling in just a nappy!

• You can use an umbrella or drape a muslin over a sling to provide shade and use suncream from 6 months.

• Wear hats, you can use a dummy clip to attach a hat to the sling so you don’t lose it! Top tip is put a peaked hat on backwards to protect back of baby and so you don’t get hit with it!

• Keep yourself and baby hydrated, baby will likely need to feed more in the heat.

• Allow extra time to stop and let baby out of the carrier share the carrying if you can.

• A hip or back carry can be more comfortable in the heat

• Regularly check baby’s temperature and adapt if needed.

• Use a mesh, muslin/linen or single layer sling such as Minimonkey mini sling, Integra Solar buckle carrier, mesh Izmi or Tula, if you can.

Daisy’s Babywearing hack – You can use your snoozeshade as a sling cover!! Check out her Instagram @stan.and.flo to see how!

If you are worried or need some help visit your local sling library or consultant. 

Toddlers

If toddlers are fussy about having suncream on, try using a make-up brush or self applicator for toddlers to help put on their sun cream, find a hat they love so they will wear it and actually keep it on! Loose long and lightweight clothing helps keep them shaded and cool.

Walking sandals with good grip help keep little feet cool and they’re great for paddling in too!

Snacks such as watermelon and cucumber are great for keeping toddlers hydrated and a flask is perfect for keeping ice lollies in for that little sweet treat whilst out and about!  

What to wear for you and little ones on hot days

Dressing little ones is a minefield at the best of times but the heat can be a real curveball. Here are our top tips on how to dress for a sunny walk.

Dress for the route you’re walking - Will the woodland path be overgrown? If so wear trousers or longer layers to protect from scratches and ticks. Are you going up high? If so be more mindful of covering your skin - the more elevation you gain, the stronger the sun rays. Wind can also make a big difference to temperature leaving the potential for sun burn without you realising.

Lightweight and loose layers are always a winner - this type of clothing is great for protecting you from the sun, keeping you cooler and providing a barrier from bites and stings. Why not sport one of our very own Blaze Trails t-shirts to keep you comfortable on a hot sunny day?

A wide brimmed sun hat for both you and little one provides extra protection for the head and neck, and ones with chin straps are useful for babies who like to throw them off!

You can also get UPF rated clothing which is useful for babies under 6 months as it offers that protection when they can’t use suncream. However, do you ensure it is breathable fabric especially if babywearing, as this can cause overheating if not.

What to pack for a summer walk

 So you’ve got a route, you’ve planned your outfits, now what to pack?

Try and keep it simple - you don’t want to add extra weight on a hot day so take the essentials and leave the rest at home or in the car.

Don’t bring the whole heavy changing bag! 1 or 2 nappies and half a pack of wipes is usually enough for a short walk - don’t worry about carrying a separate changing mat if you’re bringing a blanket or large muslin.

Bring a lightweight foldable picnic blanket as you may need to stop and rest more than usual. At Blaze Trails we love a PACMAT picnic blanket - they are super light, machine washable, come in a variety of sizes and designs, and have loads of different uses. They fold up perfectly to fit in your bag, AND you can use code 15BLAZE25 at checkout for 15% off their range!

Make sure you have enough water and milk for you and little one, and if you pass a cafe or pub, don’t be afraid to pop in and ask to refill your bottle.

High energy and hydrating snacks are a must, such as fruit, cereal bars and not forgetting the flask of ice lollies!

High factor suncream for you and little ones (over 6 months) to top up with throughout the walk, and of course you should never leave home without our Blaze Trails Ouch Pouch first aid kit and Tick remover.

So there you have it - our Blaze Trails guide to summer walking with your little ones. Stay shaded, stay hydrated and enjoy!

Happy Walking!

Having a baby was my gateway to the outdoors

Have you come across our community but wouldn’t think of yourself as ‘outdoorsy’ (whatever that means)?

Natasha - High Peak Organiser and Blaze Trails Regional Manager - tells her story as a new mum who didn’t see herself in the outdoors - until Blaze Trails came along…

When I became a mum I knew my life was going to change; little did I know just how much I would change as a person.

My pre baby checklist consisted of the usual stuff: nappies, baby grows, car seat, pram and a baby carrier. I’d ticked all the things off my list but not really thought about how I would use any of it! 

I signed up to every baby class I could find, and I excitedly took my little 4 week old off to baby yoga, baby sensory, baby sign language, baby art class you name it we tried it. People kept asking how many weeks, how much did he weigh, how was he sleeping, but never anything more than that.

I saw the other mums making friends and going out for coffee or lunch with their babies, but I was never invited. I felt so lonely.

Enter Baby Walking groups

When my local baby walking group popped up on Facebook I decided to give it a go. I had never been into walking before or the outdoors in any way other than a few camping trips as a child, but I’d given all the other baby activities a go so why not this one plus, this one was FREE! 

I practiced using the baby carrier, planned my outfit, and set out for my first group walk down the canal. I loved it, everyone was so friendly and I actually had a conversation that wasn’t just how is your baby sleeping/feeding/growing.

In the pub afterwards the other mums gave me the confidence to feed Ives in public for the first time.

This felt so different to the baby classes where everyone seemed to know each other. I felt like myself for the first time postnatally.

That was the start of this wonderful journey that I’m so grateful to Blaze trails for. I looked forward to getting out and as each term of baby classes ended I found I was seeking more time outdoors and less time sat singing nursery rhymes in the church hall.

Pursuing personal growth & joining a supportive community

When Ives was 10 months old, there was an opportunity through Blaze Trails to go on an introduction to Navigation course. I had zero experience navigating and I had no confidence to go out walking unless it was on an organised walk, so this felt ideal.

Ives however did not think a day spent outside in November learning how to read a map was ideal, he cried for the majority of the day. Being out with like-minded parents made what felt like a really intense horrible time, tolerable.

Everyone was happy to stop multiple times for me to try and soothe him they offered snacks and cuddles and kind words and because of this I was actually still able to learn something.

I got home, ordered myself a compass and a map and started route planning. 

Becoming a Blaze Trails organiser

I had spent an amazing 12 months learning how to do things I’d never considered I would be doing when I became a mum, feeding my baby in the carrier, changing my baby on a windy hillside, learning how to read a map, bagging my first Trig point, and I wasn’t ready for it to be over.

I spoke with a few other organisers and the volunteer regional manager for my area, and they all encouraged and gave me the confidence to do the training and become an official Blaze Trails walk organiser. 

My First Walk as an organiser

My first walk as an organiser went really well. We did a loop up Mam Tor and had a really nice picnic afterwards. I stuck to a shorter route and a route I knew well so I didn’t have extra things to worry about on the day.

I built up a lovely group of parents that kept coming back week after week. I loved getting out finding new routes, exploring new areas, spending days recceing walks with Ives and then sharing those walks with other parents; it was such a lovely way to get out and spend our time.

Learning from other parents

On one walk a mum turned up carrying a baby AND a toddler and my mind was blown! I had no idea that was even a thing people did, I was absolutely in awe of this superhuman walking with both her children what a hero!

Meeting that mum meant that when I had my second baby Heath, I knew I had options and that I didn’t need to stop walking in the places I love, I could just take both children with me instead! 

Improving self-confidence, fitness and joining and growing a community

There’s so much more to Blaze Trails than just walking - it’s a huge community of parents that are full of knowledge and experience in all kinds of activities.

I’ve made friends that have introduced me to a whole new world.

Since having my second baby in 2024, I have walked 625km, climbed 18,560km (Everest more than twice!), ran 3 trail half-marathons, been spunching, been camping 3 times, been to a family festival, met some amazing friends and found some adventurous toddlers to join Ives on some toddler walks.

All of these things are because of Blaze Trails. 

I’m so glad to have found this amazing organisation that changed this very ‘unoutdoorsy girl’ into a much more adventurous, confident and capable outdoors mum. 

Out'n'About Nipper Wagon review

Our Director Elizabeth and her little adventure buddy Austin have been throughly testing the Out’n’About Nipper Wagon across the wilds of the Peak District. Read their honest review below.

This is the fourth installment of our reviews of the Out’n’About family adventure range. Check out our reviews of the Nipper Single V5 pushchair, Nipper Double V5 pushchair and the Nipper's Single Sport V5 pushchair.

Through our wonderful community partnership with Out’n’About, you can can get a whopping 10% discount off the Wagon or any off-road pushchair and accessories across the Out’n’About range by shopping at our affiliate link:

By using this affiliate link, you’ll also be supporting Blaze Trails as we get a small amount of commission. Rest assured, although our volunteer-led community is supported by Out’n’About, our primary aim is to offer parents trustworthy and honest reviews and support to help them get outside too.

Thank you!

Out N About Nipper Wagon aka the 'Adventure Chariot'

As a mum to a whirlwind 3-year-old and an equally energetic spaniel, finding kit that works for all of us can feel like an impossible task. Having spent the last few years streamlining our outdoor gear and making sure we only have equipment that can keep up with our adventures, adding something new that didn't fit our usual 'light and fast' criteria felt a little daunting and I worried it could feel like a step backwards after ditching the buggy a long time ago. 

However, let me introduce you to the Out N About Nipper Wagon, aka our 'adventure chariot'.

After weeks of putting it through its paces - on muddy trails, through snow and ice, around the grounds of stately homes, and even on an adventure to find Father Christmas himself - we're ready to tell you all about it. The Wagon has plenty of pros, a few cons, and tons of personality. Here’s everything you need to know.

Elizabeth, Director, Blaze Trails CIC

Assembly: A Total Breeze

I like to think of myself as a bit of a DIY queen and quite enjoy the odd flat pack challenge, but even with a very curious pair of 'helping' hands and a dog who fell asleep on the instructions, the Wagon was incredibly straightforward to assemble. I actually felt it had gone a little too smoothly, and wondered if I'd missed a few steps, but it really is that intuitive to put together.

That same ease of use applies when folding it down as all it takes is a few clicks and it's suddenly looking much more compact (although still pretty big which is something to bear in mind if you have a car with a smaller boot).

Not having to wrestle mud covered wheels to remove them was a very pleasant surprise as they pop off with just a press of a button and are ready to be stowed away. 

Once it’s set up, you start to realise just how thoughtfully designed the Wagon really is. There are so many features that just make sense - the seats are padded and comfy, it has secure 5-point harnesses to keep your little ones safe (contained) while riding. The wheels are reassuringly big and the suspension makes it feel sturdy without being heavy or clunky.

The foldable canopy would provide shade on a sunny day, or as is more common, shelter on a windy and drizzly day. And a pull bar on the front for those particularly steep hills when you need to use a little extra oomph. 

Storage: The Mary Poppins of Wagons  

Getting ready to head out with a toddler can often feel like you're packing for an expedition; snacks, drinks, monster trucks, wipes, spare clothes, first aid kit, more snacks, and if I'm lucky my flask of coffee too.

So one of the first things I noticed (and loved) was the sheer amount of storage the Wagon has; mesh pockets on the outside for everything I'd usually throw in my rucksack, as well as handy internal pockets for bottles and snacks allowing little hands to access them easily- anything that promotes independence is a win in my book.

We've even got a dedicated 'treasure pocket' for the inevitable, and apparently essential, haul of pinecones, sticks, rocks and leaves we collect every outing. 

All-Terrain Performance: Handles Like a Dream

This is where the Nipper Wagon truly shines. 

Having never really used a buggy, and certainly not an all-terrain one, I didn't really know what to expect when it came to how the Wagon would handle. I expected something so roomy and sturdy to feel a little cumbersome, but it's surprisingly nimble.

It's light and easy to steer, even with two 3 year olds stretched out like they were on some sort of VIP safari and the dog pulled along on one side too. 

Since its maiden voyage, which was around a relatively well surfaced and flat country park, we've had it out on all kinds of terrain: forest trails strewn with slippery tree routes, bumpy gravel paths, our local muddy farmland and even 5 inches of snow and ice in the Peak District.

It didn't miss a beat- it's like the 4x4 of child transportation. 

The 'Adventure Chariot': Toddler Appeal

Now, let’s talk about the most important critic: my 3-year-old, Austin.

This boy shunned a buggy the very moment he started walking, so I was expecting to be met with the usual sassy roll of the eyes and the 'I'm not a baby' line when I explained what the Wagon was actually for, yet it never happened. He hopped straight in, did up the straps and demanded to be pushed around the house.

I didn't know if it was the sheer novelty of having something new in the house that he liked, or whether it was the Wagon itself. Thankfully, it turns out it was the latter, and a few weeks and many outings later, he's still happy to climb aboard and be chauffeured about.

The open feel of the Wagon seems to appeal more as he loves the space and freedom it gives him. He can sit comfortably, stretch out, or even lie down and have a snooze on the rare occasions I've managed to tire him out. It’s also easy for him to climb in and out, which makes him feel more independent (and me less stressed). 

It isn't just Austin that loves his Wagon, let me tell you, this thing is a toddler magnet and gets a lot of attention from little ones and curious parents alike. We've had several of his little pals in it with him now, and apart from a few minor squabbles and the usual struggles to share, it's been a roaring success. 

The Downsides: Few and far between

As much as I love the Wagon (and I reallllly do) it does have a couple of drawbacks, albeit minor ones for us.

1. Hard to Keep Clean: The open design is fantastic for active kids as it's so easy for them to hop in and out, but it does mean dirt gets everywhere. Now I know not every child attracts quite as much mud as Austin does, but after just a couple of uses the canvas foot-well was filthy. I did consider enforcing a 'no wellies in the Wagon' policy but soon decided the stress of getting them on and off wasn't worth it, so instead used a spare piece of rubber matting to fashion into a footmat I can take in and out and wipe down with ease. The rest of the wagon does take a bit more effort to clean, but I've come to accept this isn't a battle I'm going to win with the lifestyle we have. 

2. Bulky When Folded: One of the biggest challenges is its size when folded. Even with the wheels popped off, it’s not small. If you’ve got a compact car, squeezing it into the boot will be a struggle—and might not be possible at all.

3. Explorer Pack Limitations: The Explorer Pack is only sold as a bundle. While the extras are useful, you can’t buy items other than the towbar separately, so if you don’t want everything in the pack, it can feel like you’re paying for things you might not use. 

4. Urban Usability: An fairly obviously downside, but unlike a buggy, you can’t easily tip or bump the Nipper Wagonup curbs or stairs. As most of our adventures are off-road, this hasn’t been an issue for us, but it’s something urban families should keep in mind. If you’re navigating narrow pavements, steep kerbs, or public transport regularly, this could get frustrating.

5. Price Point: There’s no getting around the fact that the Nipper Wagon is a bit of an investment. While I think it’s well worth it for the quality, versatility, and how much use we've already got out of it, the cost may give some families pause - especially if you’re not sure you’ll make full use of its rugged, all-terrain design.

In the grand scheme of things, these are relatively small gripes.

The performance, practicality, and overall ease of use still make the Wagon a winner in my book.