Wearing a helmet can protect your face and head (including the brain) if you fall down! – isn’t this a universal logical guideline applicable to all humans, whether young or old, who ride either their bicycles or even motorbikes? We guess IT IS! Bike helmets are considered as a safety guard, not an add-on component. The U.S. government has laid safety rules for bike helmets because it is salient for bikers.
Helmets are most commonly used for:
Further on, this article entails:
- Key factors to consider while buying a Helmet for Kids
- Highly Recommended Bike Helmets for Kids – Classification by Age
- Is there a difference between biker helmets and skater helmets?
- The argument on – whether it is important for kids to wear Helmets or not
- What should parents/family know and be responsible for, concerning their child’s safety?
Key factors to consider while buying a Helmet for Kids
- It all narrows down to the SIZE of the helmet, ultimately. When it comes to helmet shopping, we suggest the size of the helmet to be your first criteria to focus on.
The protection of a child’s head during a crash is directly proportionate to the size of the helmet (correlating with the head circumference). Everyone’s head isn’t shaped the same. Not all helmets are of the same fit. The size, shape, and style of the helmet will differ from brand to brand. There are narrow ones and wider ones. So, before you buy one, we recommend you try one in real to know whether it is the best fit for your child.
With the help of the closest head size and age chart below, you should be able to pick the right-sized helmet for your child.
- Make of the helmet
Predominantly, there are two types of helmets in the market – in-mold and hardshell. Although both types render ample protection in the event of a crash, they fail to agree in terms of durability, a number of vents, and even designs. Hardshell helmets are typically meant for bikers. It has a thin layer of tape around the middle section which covers the rough edges of the plastic shell, making it comfortable to use. Whereas in-mold shells have inner foam and fused outer plastic shell, making it lighter to use.
Hardshell helmets are heavier, highly durable, and have excellent resistance to impact and penetration. Whereas in-mold helmets are lightweight, have more room for vents and they are less durable.
- It is going to be easy if it is not weighty
Weight is the second most crucial factor in deciding on kids’ helmet. It is better when the helmet is lighter. There is more pressure created on the head due to the weight of the helmet, which may not be a good idea. Especially when the kids’ neck muscles are not ready to take on much weight yet, it is recommended to consider the lighter ones for now. Perhaps, wearing a lighter helmet makes it easier for kids.
- CPSC and/or ASTM – required safety certifications
Bike helmets are certified with CPSC certification. And it is meant for biking use only.
For multi-sport helmets, there is a dual certification of CPSC and ASTM. If a helmet has both(dual certification), then there is nothing like it! Usually, the helmets will have stickers of CPSC and/or ASTM on it. So, don’t miss out on that.
- Check if the helmet has adjustability features and buckling
Ensure to have the helmet adjusted rightly on your child’s head. There are ones with the dial-adjust system at the back of the helmet that helps the child adjust the helmet for an apt fit. The Dial-adjustment system enables the helmet’s inner cage to either loosen or tighten to hold your child’s head firm. There are cheaper ones too. But they may not promise accurate fittings with pads of varying thickness. Hence, we recommend the dial-adjustment feature in your helmet. Another type is a laser self-adjustable feature mostly found in the higher-end helmets.
Also, standard buckles are fixed on most of the helmets. It helps hold the helmet firmly as it buckles onto the neck of the child. ‘Pinch-free’ buckles are also available as a feature on higher-end helmets.
Highly Recommended Bike Helmets for Kids – Classification by Age
The following brands are currently hot in the market and are known for keeping helmet safety standards. Perhaps, you could get a fantastic offer, along with gaining trust and safety for all your helmet needs.
Below listed are helmet brands for 1-4 years, old kids.
| Image | Products |
|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALLSchwinn 3D Teddy Bear Helmet |
 | BEST BUDGETJoovy Noodle Helmet XS-S |
 | AFFORDABLEOuwoer Kids Bike Helmet |
1. Schwinn 3D Teddy Bear Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Infant-Teddy-Bear-Helmet/dp/B06XW7W9FR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=kids bike helmet 1-2 years&qid=1564993058&s=gateway&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=b3137d93593cbc4af6cd58f21de6a6e1&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
Schwinn 3D Teddy Bear Helmet is specially designed for infants who are 1-3 years old. This brand features a 360-degree dial-adjustable fit system, ultra-lightweight vented design, and lower molded shell. It has full-range padding for a suitable and comfortable fit.
2. Joovy Noodle Helmet XS-S
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Joovy-Noodle-Helmet-XS-S-Blue/dp/B01N2Y99Z9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=kids bike helmet 2-4 years&qid=1564940129&s=gateway&sr=8-4&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=cf8d3a9d3dcfe77b2df13432cc2101e9&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
Joovy Noodle Helmet is meant for children who are 1 to 4 years of age. It features a chin strap, 14 vents including integrated bug mesh in the front vents, an adjustable fit dial, and extended visor nylon straps. It is CPSC-certified, available for both boys and girls.
3. Ouwoer Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Ouwoer-Certified-Adjustable-Multi-Sport-Toddler/dp/B07CY1SFLS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=kids bike helmet 2-4 years&qid=1564940129&s=gateway&sr=8-7&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=7811fa3b5beb43c0d533bba1e524cb47&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
This helmet complies with CPSC standards and EN 1078. It features an ABS shell that resists impact, shock-absorbing EPS foam, length-adjustable chin straps, 2 sets of pads, and 11 top and side vents. It is suitable for cycling, skateboarding, and more.
Below listed are helmet brands for 3-8 years, old kids.
| Image | Products |
|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALLXJD Kids Bike Helmet |
 | BEST BUDGETKAMUGO Kids Bike Helmet |
 | AFFORDABLEDostar Kids Bike Helmet |
1. XJD Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/XJD-Adjustable-Resistance-Ventilation-Multi-Sports/dp/B077B1L9PY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=kids bike helmet 2-4 years&qid=1564940288&s=gateway&sr=8-11&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=4e812656cc079b514662a2b33b51a8b9&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
XJD features ABS shell, high-density EPS inner shell, length-adjustable chin straps, and CPSE CE certification. This brand has helmets for both boys and girls. It can be used for cycling, skateboarding, and other outdoor sports.
2. KAMUGO Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RDPXFT9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07RDPXFT9&pd_rd_w=VrImx&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=WkWZP&pf_rd_r=8GJJ0ZAJ95YRS5JBWQDS&pd_rd_r=6f339251-f559-43ec-b768-47589ad4bb8b&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=6b48100fe261311d67f40a2abea3fbbd&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
Kamugo brands feature CPSC certified EPS, sturdy, durable, and adjustable construction, adjustable harness/wheel ratchet. This helmet is available for boys and girls and it can be used for cycling, staking, and other outdoor sports.
3. Dostar Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q4TP96Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07Q4TP96Q&pd_rd_w=VrImx&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=WkWZP&pf_rd_r=8GJJ0ZAJ95YRS5JBWQDS&pd_rd_r=6f339251-f559-43ec-b768-47589ad4bb8b&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=82d4524e38e0fc1997c9cc8660bd4fd5&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
This brand is CPSC certified, lightweight multi-sports helmet. It features impact resistance made of PVC+EPS, 11 top air vents, adjustable straps. Dostar Kids Bike Helmet is a lightweight, durable and tough shell. It is available for both boys and girls and a perfect choice for gifting purposes.
Below listed are helmet brands for 8-14 years old kids
| Image | Products |
|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALLGlaf Kids Bike Helmet |
 | BEST BUDGETSchwinn Thrasher Helmet |
 | AFFORDABLELANOVAGEAR Kids Bike Helmet |
 | Sarik Youth Kids Bike Helmet |
1. Glaf Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Resistance-Ventilation-Adjustable-Toddler/dp/B079M8SN19/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=kids bike helmet 2-4 years&qid=1564940288&s=gateway&sr=8-10&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=d2e4940aa92db3fa3dbc35b5ed2e61d3&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
Glaf Kids Bike Helmet is certified by CPSC and ASTM safety standards. It features ABC outer shell and shock-absorbing EPS foam, adjustable straps, spin dial, chin straps, 11 vents. It is available for both boys and girls. This helmet can be used for cycling, skateboarding, roller skating, inline skates, scooter, and more.
2. Schwinn Thrasher Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Lightweight-Microshell-Featuring-Adjustment/dp/B00836MBVE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=f160482bf8144e822824115cab97a0ac&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
This lightweight micro-shell helmet brand has a brilliant collection for kids who are 8-14 years old. It features Schwinn 360 degrees comfort with the dial-adjustable fit system, adjustable side straps, detachable visor, and 20 top air vents.
3. LANOVAGEAR Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/LANOVAGEAR-Resistance-Ventilation-Skateboarding-Rollerblading/dp/B07H9VFZ5M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=4263ad053d69d8aa13c8d2198b5352ca&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
This brand features durable ABS shell and EPS, 17 top and side vents, ergonomic interior padding, and adjustable straps. LANOVAGEAR helmet complies with CPSC standards and it has a super collection for both boys and girls who are 8-14 years old. These helmets can be used for bikes, skateboarding, roller skate, rollerblading, and other outdoor sports.
4. Sarik Youth Kids Bike Helmet
[wpsm_button color=”green” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Sarik-Resistance-Skateboarding-Rollerblading-Colorful/dp/B07JM3SYTJ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=kidsbike5-20&linkId=517a5c7516b3363d12b1974de0908b37&language=en_US” icon=”none” class=””]Check Price on Amazon[/wpsm_button]
This lightweight brand features PVC+EPS strong collision resistance material and 10 flow vents. It is recommended for kids who are 8-14 years old. This is a protective helmet for sports such as inline skating, riding bikes, scooter, skateboard, and others, not for racing.
Is there a difference between biker helmets and skater helmets?
Yes.
Helmets used for riding bicycles or even scooters are lighter and easily adjustable. Whereas skater helmets are on the heavier side but has more coverage.
Standard and traditional bike helmets are lightweight, have good ventilation, and are easily adjustable. But there are not many options on style or shapes; they offer less coverage for the lower back of the head, and they are not dual certified.
With skater helmets, you get dual certifications, more style options, better head coverage, and it can fit into odd-shaped heads as well. The cons of this type are: they are heavy, lack sufficient ventilation, and they usually don’t offer a dial-in adjustment facility.
Quite honestly, there is safety with either type. But, in the context of ‘Kids Bicycle’ helmets, we go with biker helmets for now.
An argument on – whether it is important for kids to wear helmets or not
The importance of kids wearing helmets while they ride a bike is quite underestimated. Nonetheless, there are thousands of bike-related accidents, visits to the emergency room, cases of severe injuries registered year on year, pertaining to kids. And in some cases, kids die from such fatal head or brain injuries. What’s the prime cause? Negligence of ‘not wearing a helmet’.
You may say, “Hey, kids aren’t ‘cool’ with this idea of wearing a helmet though!” Yes, trust us, they wouldn’t be at all. Nevertheless, if you are a parent or an elder, then you should definitely be reading further.
One of the chief parts of the body is the brain. It controls a body in terms of thinking, hearing, seeing, feeling, reasoning, making judgments, heartbeat, breathing, and much more. We believe the brain’s involvement is paramount in each developmental phase of a child, enabling them to grow, learn, and evolve.
One bad crash/hit to the head could cause severe damage even leading to lifetime threats and trauma. Fatal head injuries and non-fatal traumatic brain injuries in kids can be prevented with the help of bicycle helmets.
Isn’t protection better than cure? Now you see why wearing a helmet is emphasized for your child?
What should parents/family know and be responsible for, concerning their child’s safety?
- Parents/family needs to measure up the pro’s and con’s when answering the question “Should my child wear a bike helmet?”
- On the flip side, accidents happen. By wearing a helmet, you can exceedingly reduce the likelihood of severe injuries, but it can’t prevent all bike accidents though.
- It is advisable for you to read the safety regulations that come along with the helmet, even before using it.
Additional Tips:
- Helmets are best when they are not reused once in an accident, similar to airbags for cars. A replacement would be highly recommended.
- An ill-fitted helmet could also be dangerous. The proper fitting provides better protection. So, if you are wearing one, you better wear it correctly.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, we can say that there cannot be enough stress on how essential wearing a helmet can be. With helmets, there is protection for your child’s head, brain, and face, from injuries. Adequate protection can be expected only when your child properly and securely wears the helmet.
We hope this piece of information was of help to you. Let us know what you think.
If you would like reading our other articles on Kids Bikes, visit the link below:
kidsbikesadvisor.com/
