How to Identify the Best Kid’s Helmet for Maximum Safety and Comfort
The importance of having your kid wear a helmet when riding a kick scooter, skateboard, balance bikes or roller skates cannot be underscored. Wearing such a helmet will reduce the risks and severity of a head injury in case of an accident.
In fact, credible statistics show that helmets reduce such injury risks by 85%. It is therefore important that you carefully review and identify an ideal helmet for your child’s safety and comfort. Below are some tips that will help you as you compare kids helmets.
Getting the Best Size for Your Kid
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing kid’s helmets is getting the right size. There are at least 11 different sizes of kid’s helmets to choose from. Toddler sizes range from XXXXS, which is the smallest helmet size that fits a head with a circumference of 18.11 inches to size 6.5 that fits a head with a circumference of 20.5 inches. Helmets for kids aged 2 to 8 will generally range from size 6 5/8 that fits a head circumference of 21 inches to 7 1/8 that fits a head with a circumference of 22 3/8 inches.
Amazon used to have have a full kids safety helmet size guide on their helmet buying guide section but that appears to have been deleted now!
Toddlers Safety Helmet Fitting Guide
- Your helmet should be level on your head
- You should be able to fir 1 to 2 fingers between the bottom of your helmet and above your eyebrow
- the front and back straps should be equally tight and meet at a 'V' just below your ear
- Buckle your helmet, you should be able to fit 1 to 2 fingers between your chin and the chin strap
- A perfectly fitted helmet will not move on your head
Other Factors to consider When Buying a Toddlers Safety Helmet
Besides picking the right and fitting size for your child’s helmet, there are other factors to consider when selecting an ideal helmet for your child to wear. Remember that we are just talking about kids helmets here and that there is a range of other kids protective gear that should also be used in conjunction with a safety helmet. That said, other factors to consider when choosing a helmet are discussed below.
Helmet Strap
An important factor for young children helmets is the adjustable chin strap. The design and fit of the adjustment strap enable your kid to tightly (but not too tightly!) hold the helmet on his or her head for maximum security.
Adjustable System
There are some kid’s helmets that are fitted with an adjustable inner insert that is controlled by a disc or other mechansm at the rear of the helmet. This adjustable feature not only ensures that the helmets fits in tightly but also enables your child to adjust the fit of the helmet as his or her head grows. This means that you get to use the helmet for longer and they can keep their favourite item of protective gear for a few years. My child for one, loves wearing his helmet as it makes him feel like a proper rider - so I know he will want to hang onto it for as long as he can before it is too small to wear anymore.
Colors and Designs
The color and design are also an important consideration. If your child gets to like the color and design of the helmet, he or she will look forward to wear the helmet. On the other hand, if the helmet is not attractive to your kid, chances are that he or she will find it a bother wearing the helmet and will snob wearing one when you are not around. This will definitely increase risk of injury, which highlights wearing the rest of the protective gear as so important. My son, for one loves putting on his knee pads, elbow pads and helmet so it's not an issue to persuade him to use the gear.
However, To ensure that your child loves the color and design of the helmet, you can go shopping with them and allow them to participate in choosing the helmet!
Comfortable Inner Pad
As you compare kids helmets, another important consideration is the inner pad. The toddlers safety helmet's inner pad has two functions; it increases the safety of the child as it reduces the shock in case of impact and secondly, it enhances the comfort of the helmet. Once again, shopping with your child and having him or her try out the various helmets will help you in selecting the best fitting helmet.
Helmet Vents
Ventsa and gaps in the toddlers helmet help to improve the air circulation and therefore overheating. A helmet can really get hot and uncomfortable especially on hot summer days. But with these vents, the air circulation keeps the head feeling cool and comfortable. A 6 to 8 vent helmet is ideal for a children helmet.
Ease of Cleaning – Another important consideration is the ease of cleaning. Most helmets have a removable inner pad that enables you to clean bother the padding and helmet with ease.
Reflectors
Safety reflectors enhance and safeguard play by making your kid more visible in the evenings or on dark days. In fact they are even useful on bright and sunny days to increase visibility. It is therefore important that you ensure the helmet has sufficient reflectors both in front and behind as you compare kids helmets. There is also a good case for buying a pack of reflector tape to stick it on the bike or clothing of the fledgling cyclist to significantly increase the chance of being seen by a distracted car driver.
Quality
The construction and durability of a kid’s or toddler’s helmet is determined by several things. Buying recognized brands may be a guarantee of quality. However, some of the branded helmets may cost significantly more than their true worth. You can therefore opt for a less popular brand that is fairly priced and of good quality. Also consider other factors such as the warranty offered on the product and customer reviews on the product so as to guarantee quality.
An easy way to see which helmets are getting the best reviews is to sort the list on Amazon for Kids Helmets that have a 4 star or greater rating.
Price
The best value is yet another consideration. However, you should not go for the cheapest because such cheap products may be a reflection of poor quality that will cost you more in the long run. It is therefore advisable to balance between cost and quality. Once you purchase the ideal helmet for your child, ensure that it is always worn and fitted properly and that it is kept clean and in good condition. As soon as your child outgrows the helmet, purchase a fitting replacement so as to ensure his or her safety.