The grass is green, the birds are singing, and all the bike paths are clear of snow. It’s time to pump up your tires and breathe in some fresh air as you take in the sights and sounds of spring.
But you are not the only person in your family who needs to exercise. Your children should stay active before they turn into zombies in front of their computer screens.
Why not make your biking passion a fun-filled family activity and create some memories everyone will remember?
Before you rush into your living room and announce, “Freedom from computer day,” don’t forget to make some safety purchases, such as a good bike helmet. To help you in your quest, below is a review of some of the best bike helmets for kids.
Best Kids Bike Helmet Reviews
Are you one of the many who is thinking of a Giro scamp youth bike helmet? You don’t need to look further. The Giro scamp helmet has some astounding features along with the safety you expect in a Giro product.
The helmet comes with a pinch-guard buckle, meaning you can get the headgear on quickly. The Giro kid’s helmet is also adjustable, so you don’t need to keep buying protective shells each year.
The most significant feature is something called MIPS or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. MIPS redirects energy when your child gets into an accident, meaning there’s less of a chance of a life-altering injury.
The reviews are in, and they are positive. One happy customer commented that the Giro kid’s helmet was the only one on the market to fit his daughter. Another enjoyed the MIPS safety feature and felt it was very comfortable.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you still wading through the sea of children’s bicycle helmets and not sure which option is best?
You might be thinking there are too many bicycle helmets for kids, but perhaps Krash has the headgear for your son or daughter.
Your child will love the mohawk design as they envision themselves riding on their next adventure. But there’s more to love than just a fresh look. Take for instance the aerodynamic cooling vents on top or the adjustable sliders ensuring the perfect fit.
The Krash could be the safest kid’s bike helmet with an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) inner shell. There are also soft pads to provide comfort. But is the Krash a good kid’s mountain bike helmet? Will it withstand a severe crash?
Maybe a few stories will help. One parent confessed that he had a small head and wore his child’s bike helmet. On the first day he wore it, he was hit by a car running a red light. The helmet protected the parent from head trauma.
Another parent used the helmet and unfortunately fell on some broken glass. The helmet protected the father from a head injury.
Pros.
Cons.
The youth bike helmets reviewed here all have something unique to boast about, but does anyone promote having “True-Fit” as their number one supported feature?
This kid’s bicycle helmet fits head sizes from 52-56cm. There’s also a pinch-free buckling system, so you have the assurance the product will not come off. Your children will love the epic visor, and you will finally get some peace of mind that comes with having a headgear with CPSC certification.
What are parents saying?
Some like how the design appeals to their children like the Paw Patrol helmet. Another commented it was easy to adjust the chin strap.
Pros.
Cons.
Why can I make such a boast?
Well, you get safety with CPSC certification and a suitable multi-sport headgear. Not only can you stop worrying about head injury, but you can stop getting multiple helmets for your child’s skateboarding, rollerblading, scooter, bicycle, and other outdoor sports needs.
But wait—the features keep rolling on, because there’s a durable construction of a tough ABS outer shell and an EPS inner shell, meaning your child will endure an unfortunate skateboard accident. There’s also fantastic adjustability with a dial system to give the gear a custom fit.
Do you want more to keep your child safe?
Not only do you get a helmet, but you also get durable knee, elbow and wrist pads made from breathable polyester material. There’s also a nylon button to prevent your child’s protective gear from falling off.
Parents are raving about one of the best kid’s bike helmets. One was grateful for how well the gear protected his child. Another loved the adjustability feature.
Pros.
Cons.
Do you want what some say is the safest kid’s bike helmet?
The Funwave bike helmet is not only CPSC-certified but is one of the most stylish children’s bicycle helmets with a fun aqua design. Your preschool son or daughter will want to wear this headgear around the house.
Do you want comfort?
Well, the comfort you will have in this headgear. There are no rough straps. Instead, a softer material is used that won’t scratch. There’s also a quick-release clip for a top-of-the-line pinch experience.
Are you tired of getting a new helmet every year? Put those fears in the garbage, because this product comes with two padded inserts, allowing one of the best kid’s bike helmets to “grow” with your child up to seven years of age.
One parent felt the helmet was well made and there’s no constant adjustment with the straps. The same person also raved about the customer service. The company took the time to explain the fantastic features and even made a follow-up call to find out if there were any problems.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you looking for some cool kid’s bike helmets your children will love to wear?
If you are going to spend money on a kid’s bike helmet, then it should be something they will crave to wear.
Your children will love placing this bad boy on their heads with out-of-the-world graphics, sensational color, and soft flip visor. Parents will love the solid construction.
Customers are raving online about the Bern headgear. One commented about the lightweight feature and how the helmet offers excellent protection, covering not only the top of the head but also the forehead and back.
Another satisfied parent mentioned how his son typically cries if a child’s bike helmet doesn’t fit properly. But with the Bern product, the helmet fits so well that his child forgets he’s wearing a helmet.
Pros.
Cons.
As you have probably noticed, child’s helmets come in many shapes and colors, but maybe you want something simple. Well, the Gasaciods helmet has something for you.
Take for instance how the helmet has simple graphics and is composed of EPS material. There’s also a warning light, helping one of the best kid’s bike helmets to obtain a CPSC safety rating.
There’s also incredible adjustability for head circumferences of 50-54 cm. The circumference range translates to children in the range of 3 to 8 years old, meaning you don’t have to keep buying a new helmet each year.
Does your child play a variety of sports?
This helmet is useful for cycling, skateboarding, roller skating, inline skating, and even two-wheel electronic boards.
One parent loved the versatility of the helmet. Another caregiver commented on how she liked the color and durability of the product. The same parent loved the LED light on the back.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you still wondering which of these helmets for kids is the best one?
Let’s see what the Melon helmet has to offer.
The Melon has some astonishing features. Take for instance the high-tech in-mold construction. The Coolmax pads result in incredible adjustability, covering head circumferences of 46 to 63 cm. Then there’s superb comfort with 12 air inlets and air channels.
Are you looking for some style?
Well, the Melon has a visor available in six different colors. Not many helmets for kids offer quality UV protection.
Parents love how the helmet adjusts to the inevitable growing head of their child. Another person felt the headgear was very comfortable for children.
Pros.
Cons.
We just looked at one mohawk helmet. Now we have two Mohawk kid’s helmets.
What makes the Raskullz different?
Some features are the same. There are aerodynamic cooling vents on top to keep your child cooled. There are even adjustable straps. There’s also the same great shock absorbing EPS shell designed for ultimate protection.
But there are differences. Do you need a helmet for a 5-year-old boy?
The Raskullz is for kids 5 to 8 years old. The Mohawk also lights up with LED lights in both steady and flash mode.
But wait—there’s more to consider. Kids love the mohawk design. One grandmother boasted that her grandson wanted to sleep in his helmet. Adults love how the protective shell is safe for children.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you looking for a durable and creative kid’s helmet? Do your children like cartoons?
Now you can have the best of two worlds with an innovative cartoon helmet that is also safe and strong.
You don’t need to second-guess your buying decision with this kid’s bicycle helmet. The shell is made of PC material while the inner shell has EPS foam, meaning quality shock absorbing the material.
Is your child into a variety of sports such as mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, and inline skating? Instead of buying a wide assortment of child’s helmets, now you only need one product to keep your son or daughter safe.
But wait…there’s more—not only do you get a 3D design, but you also get a money back guarantee. If you aren’t completely satisfied, let the company know, and you will get a full refund or replacement at no additional cost to you.
What do others have to say?
One felt the inner padding was too thin for adequate protection, but another loved the realistic 3D design. Another commented on how the child’s bike helmet was adjustable and lightweight.
Pros.
Cons.
How To Find The Best Kid’s Bike Helmet: The Ultimate Guide & Common FAQs
You are done reading reviews of some of the best youth bike helmets. Some have a high safety rating while others have mind-blowing designs.
But you have some unanswered questions, and you wish there were more to read. Well, buckle-up buttercup, because we have your answers.
Why Wear a Helmet?
If you are looking at helmets, I have some certainty that you already know the need for a protective shell on your head, but if you want some safety statistics, get ready.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 800 bicyclists are killed annually, and another 500,000 end up in emergency rooms. If you are still not convinced, then keep in mind that two-thirds of the deaths involved injury to the head and face. A helmet can reduce head injury and death.
As a parent, you want to have peace of mind that your children are safe. I realize that we can never prevent every injury, but we can try to stop a life-altering event. You owe it to the future of your children.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Kid’s Bike Helmet
There are many factors to consider when choosing a kid’s bike helmet.
For some parents, the decisive factor will be:
The safety rating
Some of the helmets above have CPSC/ASTM certifications.
Some concerned caregivers want
Something that will keep their children safe if an accident occurs in the yard or the street.
Another feature some parents want is
A multi-sport headgear. Some children do more than ride a bicycle. They wish to rollerblade on Monday, skateboard on Tuesday and do some BMX racing on Saturday.
For some parents
The best choice is to get something that their children can use no matter the sport.
Other parents are more concerned that
Their children will want to wear a helmet so that they will get something with a children-friendly design. In the above article, we had helmets with mohawks and others looking like dinosaurs.
There’s also adjustability to think about when getting a helmet. Some parents don’t want to get a new headgear each year, and would instead get something that will adjust to the growing circumference of their child’s head.
How to Fit a Kids Bike Helmet
Before you purchase one of the best kid’s bike helmets known to humankind, you need to measure your child’s head. The measuring is quickly done:
Using a soft tape measure. You wrap the measuring device around the circumference of their head, one inch above the eyebrows.
When buying a helmet, have the child try it on for size. Once the headgear is on, make sure the product doesn’t move from side to side. Some of the helmets reviewed above come with sizing pads. Make use of the pads if you need a more secure fit.
The helmet should sit low on your child’s forehead. There should only be one or two fingers width between the eyebrows and the lower rim of the helmet.
The side straps should form a “Y” and meet right below your child’s ear. The chin strap should also be snug. Only one finger should fit under the strap.
Boy’s Helmets And Girl’s Helmets
The only real difference between helmets for boys and girls is the color. Boys will typically have darker colors and girls will gravitate more towards the pastels. Also, the designs are different.
Boys will have dinosaurs and girls will have pink ponies and unicorns.
Kid’s Helmet Safety Tips
There are many opinions on how to keep your children safe. First and foremost, make sure your child is wearing a properly fitted helmet.
Where to Ride
Another piece of advice is to have your child ride on the sidewalk if you live in an urban area. If you reside in more of a rural setting, try riding a bike during times when there are typically fewer cars. If you are navigating on the road, then make sure to flow with traffic instead of against it.
Signals And Lanes
Encourage your child to use hand signals and follow traffic laws, such as stopping at stop signs. Make sure your child is predictable for other drivers. In other words, no swerving between cars or lanes.
Be With Them
It’s always best to ride with your child so they can copy your good biking habits and how to obey traffic laws. Always have your child wear bright colors and use a light during dawn and dusk times.
When Should My Kids Start Wearing a Helmet?
If your child is riding a bike, then your child needs to wear a helmet. Some children start earlier than others, so there’s no standard for everyone. Some kids start at three years of age, while others start later, like maybe four years old.
Remember, bicycling isn’t the only sport where children need protective gear. Whenever there’s a chance of an accident involving the head, your child needs to wear a helmet.
So, if your child loves skateboarding, skiing, ice shaking, or rollerblading, having headgear ought to be automatic.
Research has proven that a fall from even two feet can alter the life of your precious one forever. So, for the sake of their future well-being, make your child wear a helmet.
What is The Best Age For a Baby to Begin Wearing a Helmet?
Parents tend to worry if they see a flat spot forming at the back of their baby’s head. The flat spot phenomenon can be scary, but most babies don’t have a perfectly shaped head. Adults don’t always have pristine shaped heads either.
The best advice is to voice your concerns with your doctor during your scheduled follow-up visits. At four months your licensed health care provider may suggest that your baby wear a helmet. Effective treatment of flat spots should occur between the ages of four and six months.
Are There Any Side Effects of Wearing a Helmet?
For babies wearing a plagiocephaly helmet, there are a few side effects to consider, such as rash, discomfort, sweating, and skin irritation.
How Long do Babies Have to Wear a Helmet?
Babies wear a helmet to help mold a baby’s soft skull to correct a misshapen head. The length of time to wear a headgear will depend on the severity of the condition. Your baby may need to wear the plagiocephaly helmet for only one month, but it could also be as long as six months.
Doctors will tend to encourage parents to leave the helmet on their baby for 23 hours a day, removing it only during bath time.
Can a Bike Helmet be Used For Other Activities?
There are a few helmets suitable for a variety of sports. In the article mentioned above, there were a few that were labeled “multi-sport” as pointed out in the table. If the manufacturer doesn’t specify multi-sport usage, then it’s safe to assume to only use the helmet for bicycling.
When to Replace a Kid’s Bike Helmet
There are some obvious cases when a helmet should be replaced. For example:
Replace a helmet after a crash.
The foam part of the protective shell is only suitable for one crash. After having an accident, the damaged foam is no longer able to provide the same degree of protection.
If you have a helmet from the ’70s, then you need to replace it. Those made in the ’70s tended not to have a Styrofoam liner. Also, some of the outer shells have foam or cloth instead of plastic. The best helmets came after 1984 when ANSI standards took effect.
Your helmet should have either a CPSC, ASTM, or Snell sticker inside. These stickers prove that the helmet meets strict standards for impact protection. If you don’t see a sticker, then get one with proper certification.
Also, your helmet needs to fit correctly. If the helmet is too loose, then it will be worthless in an accident.
Conclusion
There you have a review of bicycle helmets for kids. Each one has special features to keep your child wanting to wear their amazing gear. The goal shouldn’t be buying something that only looks fantastic. You want your child to wear something that will prevent a life-altering accident.
The next step is to get yourself to the store or online and get your child one of the bike helmets for kids. Let’s keep our children safe as they enjoy some warm weather and make some memories that will linger into their adulthood.
Let’s do something special for our kids before they call you boring and old-fashioned, and you see them driving away in a car and starting their own families.
Read Also: Best Toddler Bike Helmet.