Consider these things before you hop on your bike, strap on that soft infant carrier or backpack carrier, and roll out the stroller:

1. Your cycling ability. If you’re in the market for a bicycle trailer or a bicycle-mounted seat, go with a front-mounted seat if you’re a novice cyclist or not in top physical shape. A rear-mounted seat with a child in tow can otherwise be unnerving and exhausting to operate. Keep in mind that we don’t recommend bike seats and trailers for children under age 1.

2. How much walking you’ll do with a backpack or soft infant carrier. If you plan to use a soft infant carrier (generally for babies under 20 pounds) or a backpack carrier (for babies who can sit up independently, usually at least 6 months old) for day hikes and frequent outings, consider models that have better padding and a seriously comfortable fit for both you and your child. Otherwise, go with a lesser-priced model, or, in the case of backpack carriers, consider sharing with a friend. Check for recalls on soft or backpack carriers at www.cpsc.gov.

3. How long your child will be strolling. Umbrella strollers (for babies older than 6 months) are great for travel because they’re lightweight; they typically weigh less than 12 pounds, and fold easily and compactly. But because they lack suspension and seat support, they don’t provide a cushy ride. They’re fine for short trips to the mall, but for meandering through street fairs and day trips to Disney World, consider bringing your traditional stroller, if you have one, especially if it reclines for napping. You’ll have a better time knowing your child is more comfortable.