How to Buy a Child's Bike Helmet

Protect your child’s precious noggin when it’s speeding around on a bicycle, skateboard or scooter. A properly sized and frequently worn helmet can help prevent injuries. Here is how to find one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare your child for the shopping trip by explaining that yes, you too want to buy him the coolest-ever helmet, but that safety and fit is the top priority. Try to ignore any whining or eye-rolling that follows.

2. Visit a reputable, experienced bike shop or sporting goods store.

3. If you’ve done Step #2, then every helmet in stock will be approved by at least one of these organizations: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPSC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Look for one of these stickers on the inside of the helmet.

4. For the best fit, look for a helmet that has an adjustable retention device that fits against the base of the head. The beauty of this feature is that you can loosen the retention device, put the helmet on your child, then tighten it to fit. Some of these straps are adjusted using Velcro. A more secure style has a ratcheting-element that allows you to make micro adjustments and lock them in place. As you tighten, you hear a click with each step, until the helmet fits well.

5. Keep in mind that the strap encircling the head should be snug all over. This strap, not the rigid, Styrofoam shell, should be touching your head. This system helps accommodate different shaped heads.

6. Look for a pinch-proof buckle. This is especially important with a young child’s helmet. One pinch of the tender neck skin and your child may give up on biking for months.

7. When the helmet is on, gently push down on your child’s head. The shell of the helmet should touch his head. If the helmet only touches the front/back or sides of his head, it is too small.

8. Once the helmet is buckled and snug, ask your child to shake his head up and down, then side to side. If the helmet wobbles around, it is too big.

9. Look for a chin strap that has an easily adjustable locking/unlocking piece at the ear. When adjusted properly, the chin strap should form a “Y” directly underneath the ear.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt about correct sizing, measure the circumference of your child’s head. Most brands will have a circumference range.
• When worn properly, a helmet should be level and show no more than a two-finger width of forehead between the eyebrows and helmet.
• Be a good role model and wear your helmet every time you are on a bike, skateboard or scooter.
• Teach your child to be smart when riding his bike or skateboard. Helmets provide great protection, but they are not foolproof.