*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you have ever been on a shopping trip for a helmet, you have probably realized that there are hundreds of brands and styles to choose from. But do you really know the differences between the different styles? Which helmets are the best for your child’s age and size? Which are the most comfortable? And which have the best safety ratings? We’ve done all the hard work for you so that you can make a smart buying decision. In this in-depth guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each helmet and give you shopping and safety tips to help you choose the right one for your child.
The title doesn’t give much away, but the reason for this article is to help parents find the best helmet for their kids, which can be a difficult task. We have tested over 20 different helmets and found the top five below.
Most kids’ bike helmets are designed to fit a very small range of children, since they have to be small enough to fit under the child’s helmet. So, we decided to make a selection of the best kids’ bike helmets, based on the actual measurements of children from around the world, and use this data to create a chart for determining the right size for your child.
If you’re searching for a new helmet for your kid, whether they’ve just begun cycling or have been riding for years, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best choices to help you choose the best one for them.
Cycling is a fantastic sport for kids since it provides them with exercise, fresh air, freedom, and independence. Getting kids involved in cycling should hopefully be the start of a lifelong love. With this helpful tutorial, you’ll learn how to teach a kid to bike in only 30 minutes.
While riding is usually a fairly safe sport, accidents can happen, especially as your kid begins to ride. As a result, it is strongly recommended that children wear helmets at all times when riding, but the final choice is ultimately up to you, the parent or guardian.
Discover our top choices for the best kids’ bike helmets, whether you’re searching for the finest kids’ bike helmets for Christmas or you’ve read our beginner’s guide to riding with kids and want to pick up some gear.
Bike helmets for kids that are the best
MIPS Helmet for Kids by Giro
The Giro Scamp is a bit more expensive, but it has MIPS for additional protection. Giro
The Scamp incorporates all of the features found in Giro’s adult helmets into a smaller compact for young riders. The rear RocLock retention mechanism adjusts the fit around the head, and the ‘pinch-guard’ buckle protects tiny chins from being trapped. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, and it’s an extra layer of protection that fits within the helmet shell, intended to defend against angle forces as well as the direct force of an impact.
Sizes XS (46–50cm) and S (50–54cm) are available.
- AU$TBC / £49.99 / $34.95
Helmet with Bell Span
Bell’s Span is a skateboard-inspired cycling helmet.
A skateboard-style helmet with bright graphics and ventilation to keep your child’s head cool. This kind of helmet offers a lot of protection and includes an adjustable fit system with a dial to tighten or loosen it, so you can make sure it fits well. There are two sizes of the Bell Span: 49–53cm and 51–55cm.
Elfo Kids Helmet by MET
The MET Elfo helmet is developed specifically for the requirements of children.
MET claims that their helmets are especially developed for the requirements of younger riders, with a variety of features to prove it. The helmet, for example, is intended to avoid making contact with the fontanel, the most delicate region of a child’s skull. The design enables the kid to sit up straight in a child seat rather than being thrown forward, and there is a built-in red LED light at the back for enhanced visibility. It also has a chin clasp that prevents pinching, an adjustable fit, and reflective stickers.
The MET Elfo is available in a single size (46–53cm) in a variety of colors.
- £34.99 / $49.00 / AU$54.99 $69.99
Kid’s Giro Flurry II Helmet
The Giro Flurry is a cost-effective alternative that comes in a variety of colors and designs. Giro
The Giro Flurry II is a great kid’s helmet at an inexpensive price, with lots of ventilation and a snap-fit visor to block off the sun’s glare. The Flurry is available in one size, 50–57cm, with an adjustable dial for the perfect fit and ponytail compatibility. Furthermore, the built-in bug net will prevent different flying insects from being trapped in your child’s hair!
Kitten Helmet that looks like a cat
Like a Cat Kitten has the same unique style as Catlike, the mature version.
This kid’s version is based on the technology and unique design of the adult Catlike helmets, and it’s ideal for your future pro rider. It will keep your child’s head cool while they’re ripping along the pavement or trail thanks to lots of air provided by the numerous vents. The helmet comes in three different sizes: XS, S, and M.
Children’s Cycling Helmet with Crazy Safety
We’d want to see an adult version of this… Exceptional Security
Do you want to try something new? Crazy Safety offers a variety of animal-inspired helmets, including lions, sharks, and dragons!
These helmets won’t go unnoticed, and they’re all compatible with the European safety standard EN1078, ensuring that your child’s head is protected.
S/M (49–55cm) sizes are available, but we’re wondering whether they’d suit us grown-ups as well?
- £32.99 (about $48 / AU$TBC)
Children’s Bicycle Helmet Buying Guide
What to Keep an Eye On
Helmets are constructed of relatively low-cost materials. A more costly helmet may not provide greater protection, but it will be lighter, have better ventilation, and have more style.
As a result, be sure the helmet you’re considering meets the required safety standards. The CE symbol should be visible in the UK and Europe, and the helmet should comply with BS EN 1078. (BS stands for British Standard, EN denotes it is a European standard).
It should have the US Snell B90/B95 certification in the United States. These certifications show that the helmet has passed a series of testing relating to impact resistance, retention strap systems, and other factors.
It’s worth noting that nothing prevents a helmet from being sold if it doesn’t satisfy the above requirements, so look for the standard markings, which are typically found on a label inside the helmet. Most major manufacturers’ helmets are generally standard-compliant, and your local bike store can assist and educate you.
In a helmet, style is essential since a lack of style may prevent your kid from wearing the helmet at all. Teenagers have a special problem with their appearance.
The longer and quicker you ride, the more important ventilation becomes; racers need it, but babies in child seats do not.
Infant helmets are considerably deeper in the back to protect the back of the head, but all helmets should cover the top and sides of the skull well.
A detachable peak is common on mountain bike helmets and many multi-purpose helmets, and it may be useful for keeping the sun or rain out of your eyes. When riding hard on a bike with drop handlebars, the peak only becomes an issue since you may not be able to see where you’re going!
How to Choose the Correct Size for Your Child’s Bike Helmet
You must first determine the size of your child’s head. You’ll either need a clothing measuring tape or a piece of thread that you can measure against a ruler later.
Measure around your child’s head horizontally, just above the ears and approximately two finger widths or an inch above the brows.
Although not all manufacturers utilize this categorization system, and dimensions may vary across brands, children’s helmets are typically labeled as baby, toddler, kid, or adolescent.
As a rule of thumb:
- Infant helmets are designed to suit youngsters with a head circumference ranging from 44 to 50 centimeters.
- Toddler helmets are designed to suit youngsters with a head circumference ranging from 46 to 52 centimeters.
- Helmets for kids are made to suit youngsters with a head size of 48 to 55 centimeters.
- Junior helmets are designed to suit children with a circumference of 52 to 58 centimeters.
Keep take note that these size ranges may differ across manufacturers, so double-check the measurements and try on helmets to guarantee a proper fit.
Kids’ helmets are sized based on the diameter of the child’s head rather than their age, so once you have that information, you may select the appropriate size helmet.
Don’t be tempted to buy a helmet that’s too large so the kid can’grow into it’; it won’t fit properly and won’t protect the child if they fall.
How to properly fit a child’s bike helmet
Step 1: Make sure the kid is wearing the proper size helmet.
Step 2: Position the helmet over the ears, level across the center of the forehead, and not tilted forward or back. Above the brows, the front of the helmet should be approximately the breadth of two fingers.
This is essential because if the kid falls off, the helmet will make contact with the ground, not the child’s head, regardless of the angle at which they strike the ground. To ensure that the helmet fits properly, you may need to tighten or loosen the helmet retention system at the rear of the helmet.
The helmet shouldn’t dig in, but it should be secure enough that it won’t slip off even if the straps aren’t tightened. Put the helmet on without tightening the chin strap and urge the kid to lean forward: the helmet should not slip off the child’s head.
Step 3: Adjust the chin straps to make them secure but not too tight, and check that the Y-shaped junction rests just below the ear and passes on both sides.
You should be able to slip a finger under the strap while it’s on to achieve the perfect fit. It’s also a good idea to put a finger between the clip mechanism and your child’s chin while putting the helmet on to prevent inadvertently snagging their skin in it.
If the youngster isn’t accustomed to wearing it, it may feel odd at first, and many will attempt to push it back on their head and off their forehead. It’s critical to urge them to maintain it in the proper position and get used to the sensation.
Helmets of various kinds
Riders, particularly BMXers and dirt jumpers, are occasionally seen wearing hard-shell helmets that resemble skating helmets. They’re sturdy but not well ventilated, and they’ve lately become extremely fashionable, especially among adolescents.
Downhill mountain bikes and enduro riders nearly exclusively use full-face helmets, which provide significantly greater protection, particularly to the chin and face. They resemble motorcycle helmets but are much lighter and less durable.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a feature found on certain helmets. This is intended to provide extra protection by minimizing the influence of rotational pressures on the head in the event of an accident rather than the usual direct forces.
All of these helmets are available in children’s sizes and patterns.
Visit the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation’s website for additional information on the subject of safety.
December 2017 update
Every parent knows how important it is to keep your child safe on the road. But if you’re looking for the best bike helmets for your little ones, it can be difficult to know where to start. What type of helmet should you get? Should you worry about sizing or just get the smallest one you can find? And how can you tell if it should fit properly?. Read more about youth bike helmet and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know what size helmet to buy for a child?
This is a difficult question to answer. There are many factors that go into the size of a helmet. Its best to ask your childs doctor or pediatrician for their opinion on this matter.
What kind of bike helmet does my child need?
A bike helmet is a type of protective gear for cyclists. There are many different types of helmets, but the most common ones are full-face helmets and open face helmets.
Which type of helmet is best for kids?
There are many different types of helmets that can be used for children. The most important thing is to make sure that the helmet is properly fitted and meets safety standards.
Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- bike helmet size chart by age
- child helmet size chart age
- bike helmet size chart
- bell kids helmet
- rei bike helmets