The Best Bike Helmets For Children

Learning to ride a bike can be a rite of passage for a child. Not only is it great exercise, it also provides hours of fun. But bike riding does come with some dangers, including the risk of head injury. In fact, each year, 26,000 children visit emergency rooms with cycling-induced traumatic brain injury.

The good news is that there’s an easy way to protect your little one. The right bike helmet can substantially decrease a bike rider’s risk of being injured. According to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 45% or more, with brain injury reduced by 33%.

But bicycling isn’t the only reason to wear head protection. Any activity that could result in a traumatic brain injury needs some sort of protection for the head to reduce impact should an accident occur. If your child skateboards, rollerblades, skates or rides a scooter, a helmet can be the best way to give your family peace of mind.

Choosing the right helmet is just as important as having one in the first place. Technology has made it possible to find a helmet that absorbs impact while also being comfortable to wear. Beyond that, the only other consideration is stylishness. The good news is that you can find helmets in a wide range of colors and designs to find the look that works best for your kiddo.

• Local laws govern whether children are required to wear a helmet for certain activities. In addition to keeping your child safe, it’s important to heed those regulations. Some states require helmets not just for bicycling, but for activities like skateboarding, rollerblading and riding scooters.
• In addition to protecting kids, helmets help teach children the importance of staying safe even while having fun. They help kids understand how sensitive the head can be to direct impact with hard surfaces.
• If you have a tough time getting your child to wear a bike helmet, setting a good example can be a great start. Wear a helmet yourself while engaging in activities like biking or rollerblading to show that you take head protection seriously. You can also try educating your child on the dangers of head injury.
• Helmets typically are recommended for children ages 2 and up. They can hold an infant’s head at an awkward angle, which is why they aren’t usually recommended for younger age groups. That works out well, though, since infants aren’t usually riding bikes, anyway.
• Helmets are certified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which holds manufacturers to testing standards. Look for this certification on any helmet you buy.
• Child helmets typically come in small, medium and large sizes. Some have straps to help you customize the fit, but these straps will have limits, so make sure you’re getting the right fit before you buy.
• It’s important to try a helmet on and make sure it fits before your child’s first use. Check for a snug fit and make sure it doesn’t move around. Also verify that your child can see, hear and turn their head in either direction with the helmet on.
• Ventilation is an important feature on a helmet. It helps keep air moving to prevent moisture buildup.
• Helmets come in a variety of colors, with some even having designs. You can find helmets with fun characters like dinosaurs, making them more appealing to little ones.
• A type of foam called EPS foam is a popular insulator in helmets. This foam is known for its ability to absorb shock, making it ideal for crash protection.
• You should always replace a child’s helmet if it suffers an impact, including being dropped on a hard surface. Helmets are designed for one impact, so continuing to use the helmet afterward can be risky.
• Stay away from used helmets. It’s impossible to know for sure that the helmet hasn’t experienced an impact in the past, which could reduce its shock absorption power.
• If your child will be wearing a helmet for long rides, look for one that’s lightweight to keep it from becoming uncomfortable halfway through the day.