If your kid is going biking, he or she needs a solid kids helmet. The best kids bike helmet is, of course, the one your child will love wearingbut there are a few other factors to consider as well. If youre shopping on Amazon, keep in mind that not all options will work as a baby bike helmet or toddler bike helmetmany start in the five-year-old range.
Regardless of where you live, odds are strong that your child will get into biking at some point, so youll want to start nosing around for cool bike helmets (especially key if theyre a tween or older). A 2018 participation report by industry monitor PeopleForBikes found that more than half of all U.S. children rode a bike last year. Its social, its exercise, and its adventure. But how do you help ensure your child stays safe while riding a bike alone or with friends? The answer is relatively simple: You buy him or her the best bike helmet that fits, and ensure he or she wears it every timeeven for short jaunts down the block. Well say it again, the safest bike helmet is going to be the one theyre willing to put on.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics confirms what you already know: a helmet is effective at preventing a traumatic brain injury during a bike crash but only if it fits correctly and is secured appropriately. Seattle Childrens Hospital offers a handy infographic,which recommends a snug fit one- or two-fingers-width from the eyes, with slackless Y-straps over the ears secured snugly under the chin. But a helmets protection is only as good as its construction, and two organizations the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) work to ensure helmets components are ready to protect. Always look for at least one, as do the options on this list. The rest is up to you and your child.
Best Kids Bike Helmets
Well, hot damn, that's one bold and fine-looking kids' bike helmet.
Pros: This kids bike helmet, from the Bell brand, is made from thermoplastic rubber, has an open ventilation system, and an adjustable fit system. It complies with CPSC safety standards. But most of all, it just looks so badass that no kids will refuse to wear it.
Cons: Some parents say theres not enough padding inside the helmet.
The Nutcase Little Nutty bike helmet has a magnetic buckle and is made of durable ABS (that stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a fancy way of talking about a certain kind of tough, molded plastic). It comes in a single size, so it's best for kids ages two to seven.
Pros: This kids bicycle helmet has a standout magnetic clip, so you can close it without pinching any skin. The designs are insanely cool. The size is adjustable thanks to three different inserts. And the helmet isASTM certified for biking, scooting, and skateboarding.
Cons: It comes in a single size, so please measure your kids noggin before ordering.
This bike helmet is meant for kids eight and older, has 16 vents for an extra cool ride and rear reflectors for added visibility.
Pros: This popular kids bike helmet has what the brand calls PinchGuard for pinch-free buckling, and features fusion construction technology for a solid yet lightweight design.
Cons:Despite overall positive reviews, there are reports of the visor breaking off.
Damn, these are some good-looking bike helmets. They're CPSC- and ASTM-certified as well. The bike helmet has an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) inner shell designed to absorb impact, and soft pads cushion the inside.
Pros: If you get your kid a badass helmet, youll never have to beg and plead for him or her to wear it. The Krash helmet combines total safety, with killer design. Theres ample ventilation as well, to prevent sweaty melons.
Cons: These tend to run big.
The greatest number of positive Amazon reviews is nothing to scoff at, and Schwinns Thrasher wins by a landslide. After a century of building bikes and components, the company has learned a few tricks.
Pros:An EPS foam core is protected by a three-piece plastic microshell for a lightweight, protective package. Thanks to a dial on its back, kids ages five to eight can dial in the perfect fit while growing with them over the coming years. We also like the fact that it comes in an adult version, so that you and your child can match. (Dont laugh wearing a helmet while riding with your son or daughter is an important factor in his or her use of a helmet.)
Cons:While this is a great, affordable bike helmet, its only available in bigger sizes, precluding it from being used for toddlers. If your child is using a balance bike, he or she needs a helmet now. For those younger riders, another option has to be found.
While flashy patterns are all well and good for younger kids, as your child approaches tween-hood, he or she may not want the flashy patterns of the early years. The Razor V-17 Youth Multi-Sport helmet comes in fun colors but ditches the cutesy patterns for fashion-conscious ages eight to 14.
Pros:As kids bike to and from the skatepark, theyll need a helmet that can perform in both. Thats why we like the V-17, which has 17 vents to ditch heat during high-output activities. It also comes in a number of colors so that he or she can find the perfect look.
Cons:Many negative reviews complained of the helmets inability to be customized to fit, as others are able to do on this list. For that reason, careful attention should be taken and an accurate measurement achieved prior to purchase.
Giro bike helmets have a distinctive, rounded look to them. Dads who bike also know that the company is legendary in the cycling world, and often gravitate to a brand they know and trust. This is a safe bet.
Pros:A polycarbonate shell on this bike helmet protects an EPS liner to cushion and spread impacts. Its also nice to have a built-in visor. Girls will especially appreciate the ponytail compatibility, as few others have this feature. Finally, it comes in a range of circumferences, and the smallest, extra small (47 to 51 centimeter circumference), will fit children in their first year, making it an appropriate choice for those looking for an infant bike helmet or a toddler bike helmet.
Cons:Second only to the multi-sport helmets on this list, this may be the least breathable helmet here with the fewest number of cutouts. For longer trips, some kids may find it too hot.
Some kids just want to burn down the world. For them, the skull-imprinted Mongoose MG77927-2 offers a grinning death mask with which they can terrorize the suburban roads and city streets while you and your partner gasp in mock horror.
Pros:While the cavernous eye sockets on its rear are certainly noteworthy, they also allow airflow to your kids noggin, which is pumped in through ports on the front. We also liked the bike helmets plush pads inside, which were some of the most comfortable on this list. This is a multi-sport design, appropriate in both the skatepark and the approaching streets. Its best for kids in the latter part of their first decade through the early teens.
Cons:It takes a certain type of dad to buy his son or daughter a skull helmet. If youre not the type, there are many other less-shocking options available.
Forget all the tech specs and inflated prices; this Bell bike helmet is a quality option with simplicity and affordability. If youre looking for excellent protection without dropping a ton of money, this is it.
Pros:For kids aged five to eight, the Rally customizes its fit with each wear thanks to an internal harness system. Its a simple and effective means of making sure the best fit is achieved without a lot of time-consuming manual adjustment. Sixteen vents offer a ton of breathability for summer days, which a pinch-proof buckle helps prevent injury.
Cons:Some complained that the myriad vents allowed longer hair to get stuck, creating a painful removal. For this reason, wed recommend it for kids with shorter hair.
Bell bicycle helmets are like classic movies that keep improving. A great choice for older kids, eight and up, this one fits head sizes 54 to 58 centimeters, and has 19 vents to keep that head cool and prevent any overheating.
Pros: This Bell bike helmet is lightweight and has outstanding impact absorption. It has enough ventilating to prevent any sweaty heads, and reflectors for added visibility and safety.
Cons: The fit cant really be customized much.
True, this may be branded for action sports, but your child may not want to look like hes gearing up for the Tour de France. This bike helmet still meets CPSC and ASTM safety standards as a bike helmet while allowing wider use and a cooler silhouette.
Pros:Rigid foam with a hard protective shell ensures your child is protected when wearing this bike helmet, while ventilation ports keep him or her cool. We also like its range of sizes (even big enough for you). The small is appropriate for ages five and up, but confirm your son or daughters head circumference prior to purchase.
Cons:Not all kids want to look like theyre headed to the X Games, and this style of helmet often runs hotter than the traditional bicycle helmet. As such, if your kid stays away from action sports, there are better options.
A Triple 8 helmet is a stellar option for kids five and older, and is also ideal for skateboarders and roller skaters.
Pros: The only thing you really need to know about Triple 8s Brainsaver is that its the helmet of choice of badass pro skateboarder Mike Vallely. Foryears Mike V refusedto don a helmet, but now he has 2 girls, so suck it. Its dual certified for bikes and skateboarding and also incorporates MIPS technology, which improves protection during angular impacts not just head-on collisions.
Cons: The fit can be a little too bulky for some.
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