Helmets are important safety gear for kids riding bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Although it is not required by law in every state, the use of helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 85 percent.
Do you have a child that needs a helmet? If so, do you know what size to get them? It can be confusing trying to figure out the right size, especially since there are different sizes for different ages.
To buy a kids’ helmet, you must know the child’s head circumference. This is because all helmets have an internal sizing ring that needs to fit snugly around the head. Helmet sizes are not solely based on age. However, sometimes you can approximate the circumference of your child’s head.
- Child Helmet Size Chart
- How To Get a Perfect Helmet for Your Child
- Kids Helmet Buying Guide
- Helmets Are Not One Size Fits All
- You Can’t Always Judge by Age
- Multiple Impact Protection System
- Look for the Safety Certification Label
- Internal Adjustability Is Key
- Check the Strap Length
- In-Mold vs. Hard Shell Construction
- Visors-Son and Facial Protection
- Ventilation
- Find a Helmet Your Child Will Actually Wear
- Helmet Size FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Child Helmet Size Chart
You can use the chart below to get a general idea of what size helmet your child will need. Please note that this is just a guide and that head circumferences can vary greatly from child to child.
The best way to determine the correct size for your child is to measure their head circumference and then compare it to the sizes listed below.
| Age (years.) | Head Circumference(cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 46 |
| 2 | 48 |
| 3-5 | 51 |
| 6-10 | 53 |
| 11+ | 56 |
When in doubt, always err on the side of buying a larger helmet. You can always pad a larger helmet with thin cotton pads to make it fit better.
A helmet that is too small will be uncomfortable and could potentially be dangerous.
How To Get a Perfect Helmet for Your Child
The following steps will help you get the perfect helmet for your child:
Measure Your Child’s Head
It is very important to measure your child’s head before you buy a helmet. You can do this by wrapping a flexible tape measure around their head, just above the eyebrows.
Ensure the tape measure is level all the way around and that you measure at the largest point of their head.
Check The Size Chart
Once you have the measurement of your child’s head, you can compare it to the size chart above. As a general rule, you should always buy a helmet at least one size larger than your child’s head circumference.
Try The Helmet On
Before you buy the helmet, make sure you try it on your child. The helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight. It should also sit level on their head, not tilted back or forward.
The straps should be adjusted so they are tight enough that the helmet does not move around on their head but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
Adjust the Side Straps
The side straps of the helmet should form a “Y” shape just below your child’s ear. The straps should be tight enough that you can only fit two fingers between the strap and their chin.
Buckle The Chin Strap
The chin strap should be buckled so it is snug against your child’s chin. You should not be able to fit more than one finger between the strap and the chin.
Keep Checking Regularly
Even after you have found the perfect helmet for your child, it is important to keep checking it regularly. Their head circumference will change as your child grows, and they may need a different size helmet.
Additionally, the straps may loosen over time and need to be adjusted.
Kids Helmet Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a helmet for your child, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Helmets Are Not One Size Fits All
Helmets are not one size fits all. Just because your child is a certain age does not mean they will need the same size helmet as other kids their age.
It is important to measure their head circumference and then check the size chart to find the right helmet for them.
You Can’t Always Judge by Age
There is no hard and fast rule for determining a child’s helmet size from their age alone. The circumference of the wearer’s head is commonly used to determine the correct size helmet.
Consequently, a younger child with a larger head may require a larger helmet than an older child with a smaller skull of the same age.
Multiple Impact Protection System
MIPS is an extra safety feature that is available on a number of expensive helmets. No matter which way the collision is coming from, the Multi-directional Impact Protection System, or MIPS, enables the energy from the crash impact to be absorbed by the helmet.
MIPS can reduce brain damage by 30%. The system consists of a non-obtrusive inner plastic cage that is attached to the foam core with flexible rubber anchors.
The foam core might spin around the child’s head due to the anchors stretching after impact. The spinning movement dissipates the crash’s energy before reaching the brain.
MIPS helmets are more expensive than regular helmets, but they offer extra protection for your child. If you can afford it, we recommend buying a helmet with MIPS.
Look for the Safety Certification Label
Helmets are required to bear a safety label. If the helmet has been tested and found to be compliant with CPSC requirements, it will include a label stating as much.
The size of the helmet is also indicated on the label. Before buying a helmet, measure your child’s head to ensure it will fit properly.
Internal Adjustability Is Key
Try on helmets and see if they have any internal adjustments. This indicates that the helmet features an adjustment device, such as a dial, to fine-tune the fit.
You can get a great fit and easily adapt the helmet to your child’s changing head size using this feature.
Check the Strap Length
Your kid’s helmet should have straps that are long enough to go under his or her chin and buckle in the front. Furthermore, they should be modifiable so that you can fine-tune the fit.
In-Mold vs. Hard Shell Construction
Today, most helmets are either in-mold or hard-shell designs. By bonding the inner foam liner to the outside shell, in-mold manufacturing creates a more durable and comfortable helmet. Because of this, a helmet of comparable protection can be made while being significantly less cumbersome to wear.
The liner and shell of a hard shell helmet are two distinct parts. They are usually cheaper than in-mold helmets despite their larger weight.
Visors-Son and Facial Protection
Most helmets have a visor to shield your kid’s eyes from the sun and other debris in the air. Helmets with face protectors or full-facial coverage are available if you’d like to take precautions.
Ventilation
More airflow is typically preferable when it comes to ventilation. Find a helmet with numerous vents to allow cool air to circulate around your kid’s head.
Find a Helmet Your Child Will Actually Wear
Most importantly, make sure your kid uses the helmet you get them. It’s up to them to locate a helmet that not only meets safety standards but also appeals to their individual tastes.
Finding a helmet that your child will really wear can be challenging but is well worth the effort.
Helmet Size FAQs
Final Thoughts
Think about your child’s age, head size, and amount of activity before making a purchase. Also, make sure the helmet is soft and your kid will actually wear it.
Using the size chart and advice on this page, you can pick the best helmet for your child among the various options available. We wish you a pleasant shopping experience.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
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