Another Chariot fan here. We have the
Cougar 1
Made in Canada with a lifetime warranty. Can't beat it.
My daughter will be 3 next month. She's been in the Chariot since we bought it at about 5 months. Walking, jogging and skiing in the
infant sling for the first year. Only started biking the spring after she turned one. She's got the seat support, similar to the
Baby Supporter with a pillow around the back of the head, and side bolsters, so she's actually supported in an upright position. I guess it's been redesigned, as I can't find the one we have.
I wouldn't feel comfortable with her any smaller and just bundled in with blankets and straps.
It's about neck strength and support. I wouldn't take her behind a bike untill she was ready to be front facing in her carseat.
And she doesn't get in it without her helmet on. When it's converted into a trailer and attached to the bike, the Chariot is "her bike" and everybody wears a helmet on their bike. Necessary, or not, it instills good safety rules.
Though, I'd hate to collide with another cyclist or jogger, or whatever, and have the trailer roll over such that a rock or curb was able to reach her head.
She was 2 1/2 and her poppy was going to take her for a ride with dad's bike. She stood next to the Chariot with her helmet on and would not climb in until poppy put a helmet on.