How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet for a Child

If you are trying to choose a helmet for your child here is an article that explains the standards to look for and why. It also provides information on other types of helmets and whether they should be used for bicycling. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a set of standards that bicycle helmets should meet. There should be a label inside the helmet indicating compliance with these standards.

2. When choosing a helmet remember that bicycle helmets are made specifically for head first falls. Not all helmets are designed for this type of accident. The label inside the helmet should indicate compliance for bicycle safety.

3. Most toy stores and bicycle shops carry bicycle helmets. They may also be available at discount or department stores.

4. Bicycle helmets often come in soft shell or hard shell. The main difference between the two is just the outer shell. The soft shell is normally made of polystyrene for impact resistance and shock absorption. The soft shell is not protected with a tough cover or hard shell. Both of these types can meet the standards for the CPSC. The advantage to the hard shell is it protects against sharp objects but it tends to be warmer and heavier.

5. It is important to make sure the helmet fits snugly to the head without sliding down when pushed or pulled. The helmet should sit squarely on the top of the head and over the forehead. The helmet should have a chin-strap that should be adjusted to fit snugly to hold the helmet in place. It is a good idea for look for a pinch proof buckle on the chin-strap.

6. Usually it will not be necessary to buy a new helmet each year as heads grow more slowly than arms or legs. Some helmets are available with different size polystyrene inserts so they are adjustable as your child grows.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget to wear your helmet as that will encourage your children to wear theirs.
• Bright colored helmets are more readily seen and pleasing to a child.
• Outside the United States, you should be careful to look for a standards sticker that you recognize like the CEN standards in Europe or the AUS standard in Australia.
• Be careful if you get a used helmet as they are no longer safe to use if they have been in a crash. There should be evidence of dented or smashed polystyrene.
• It is not recommended to have children wear their helmets when playing on the playground so the helmet doesn’t get caught on the equipment.

Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute