Choosing the right bike helmet for your child is a decision that's as important as choosing their bike. Helmets generally come in two varieties: hard shell and soft shell. Hard shell helmets have either a fiberglass or hard plastic coating over a plystyrene mold. Soft shell helmets consist of a solid polystyrene layer covered in cloth or other material. Both styles offer similar protection and are approved for use. Always verify the helmet you select is approved by ANSI, CPSC or Snell as a safe product by checking for a sticker inside the helmet.
Selecting a bicycle helmet that fits your child properly is an important task. You'll find two different types of helmets are avaialabe: soft shell and hard shell. The hardshell helmet has an exterior coat of hard plastic or fiberglass over a polystyrene mold. Helmets deemed "soft shell" have a thick mold of polystyrene covered by fabric or other soft material. Both types of helmets have been approved by safety boards for use and the protection provided is similar. To ensure you are purchasing an approved helmet, check inside the helmet for a sticker from ANSI, CPSC or Snell who test and rate products for safety.
You will find that most retailers offer either a helmet specific to cycling or a multi-purpose helmet used in other street sports like skateboarding. Both are fine, but a cycling helmet tends to be lighter and is better designed for a front impact colllision. Regardless of the type of helmet selected, consider getting a helmet that is brightly colored as they are easier for motorists to spot.
The helmet should fit comfortably but snug on the child's head. A good test is to place the helmet on the child's head and twist gently left to right. If there is a slight pull on the skin of the forehead, the helmet is properly sized. If it slides around the head it is probably too large. Youth helmets are usually sized small, medium and large with some manufacturers providing infant helmets as well.
Choose a helmet with straps that do not touch or bind the ear and are not too tight. A strap should fasten snugly under the chin without causing discomfort. Make sure there is a little room to grow and adjust. Most helmets have a "pinch-proof" clip to fasten the strap, a feature your child will appreciate.
Let your child choose their own helmet. They are far more likely to wear it without a fight if it represents their own individual style. Helmets should be replaced every three to five years or after a collision or crash. For a proper and protective fit, nothing should be worn under the helmet (hat, hair bows or barrettes, etc).
A helmet should rest squarely on top of the head and not move when the strap is secured. A helmet that wobbles on the head is dangerous as it may obstruct a child's vision and won't protect the forehead or face. Give the helmet a good tug back and forth before every ride to make sure it is adjusted properly. When choosing your child's bike helmet select a helmet that that fits well and has a safety approval seal. From there, let your son or daughter make the choice. The best helmet is one that a child is happy to wear on every ride.
