Kid's Bicycle Helmet - Toy or Tool? 8 Features to look for!

Kid's are impulsive, eager to race like a madman on their bike without being totally aware of traffic and other hazards of the road. A toddler bicycle helmet can only help protect your child's skull when and if something happens if it is on their head and if it is held in the right place. What are the 8 features that encourage them to wear their helmet and wear it correctly?

Step one might be to make sure you buy the right kid's helmet. To help you in that adventure here's the 8 features to look for.

1. Certification: all helmets should come with a safety standard label on the inside of the helmet (full list of certification agencies on my website)

2. Get the right size. Dedicated sizes are typically easier to fit firmly than universal one size fits all models.

3. A Pinch Free Chin Buckle. If your child catches their neck skin in the buckle every time they lock it in place you can guarantee it will never get done up, then they might as well not be wearing one at all.

4. A Strap and harness system that adjusts easily with one hand and fits their head comfortably, around the forehead and past the ears.

5. Lots of Vents, especially for the passionate racer

6. Smooth, slippery outer shell that will slide around any and all obstacles. Aero tails look cool, but on a tumble the back fin can torque the head in a nasty fashion.

7 A pony tail port if the hair style dictates a need.

8. A colour and decoration that appeals to your child. Their input into the buying decision will definitely encourage more compliance.

Assuming you can then find a helmet that fits with these objectives and at the same time appeals to your young cyclist the next challenge is to get them to wear it. Take the time to fiddle with the strap to create a firm fit around the ears without the straps twisting, and then tighten up the chin strap to hold the helmet in place.

You should not be able to move the helmet more than one inch in any direction and if you twist the helmet the skin should move as well. The forehead should not be left exposed. When looking at the side, the helmet should be parallel to the ground and not tilted forward obscuring vision or the reverse of this and tilted to the back like a baseball cap.

Again the most important thing to remember is that the helmet is there for a reason, AND that has nothing to do with making a fashion statement. Keep your child safe with a well fitted and finely designed toddler bicycle safety helmet.

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