Tips for winter traveling with kids in a trailer
—Tips by Jane Healy

Jane Healy uses a child trailer behind her bike to transport her children year-round.  Here are her tips for using a child trailer in the winter.
 

1. Put a fleece blanket under the seat to warm up the nether regions, if necessary. 
   
   
2. Use fleece baby blankets over legs to keep kids warm. (Fleece works well because it is very lightweight and keeps its warmth even if it gets damp). 'Camping' pillows are a nice option to keep napping comfortable. 
   
   
3. Be sure that all seams and fabric are well weatherproofed. You can use the seam sealant that is used to make tents waterproof (available at camping supply stores, some sports stores and some discount chains). 
   
   
4. Stock a few warming snacks for kids (raisins, cheese n' crackers, etc). 
   
   
5. Always have a spare pair of kids' gloves or mittens available. 
   
   
6. Fenders are a necessity. Otherwise the kids get a steady stream of goop on their windows, or worse, under the storm flaps. 
   
   
7. And a few tips from a reader "from the coast of Maine" --
   o cut a foam sheet sized to sit on and use down baby blankets for insulation., o wet face clothes microwaved to stay warm and stored in a zip lock bag in childrens' pockets (not to close to the skin) may also come in handy for a clean-up and helps to keep them warm in the real cold.
   o Make sure kids wear a hat as well.
   We have been in very cold winds and everyone has been happy and warm!
   
   
8. Go overboard on flashers and flags. I now have green flashers on the sides of my trailer, 3 red flashers on the back (far left, far right, and middle bottom), as well as numerous additional reflectors. I also use both a white flasher and a white headlight on the front of my bike since I end up commuting with the kids after dark.

The only time I really can't bike in winter with the trailer is when the snow is fresh and unplowed. I just can't get enough traction to get the bike AND trailer moving.

My kids never complain about being too cold (in fact, just the opposite usually). Even on the windiest, coldest days (when I'm covering every extremity for all it's worth), they are comfortable in their little cocoon.