Finding the Right Helmet for Your Kid

Buying a kids’ helmet should be simple but somehow isn’t. Sizes vary weirdly between brands. Safety certifications have different acronyms. Fit systems work differently. After going through this process twice with my own kids, here’s what actually matters.

Safety Certifications That Matter

In the US, look for CPSC certification. That’s the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and their stamp means the helmet passed impact testing. This is the minimum baseline — don’t buy a helmet without it.

European helmets carry EN 1078 certification. Australian/New Zealand helmets use AS/NZS 2063. All of these meet rigorous safety standards. The specific acronym matters less than having one of them.

Avoid novelty helmets, costume helmets, or anything that doesn’t clearly display a safety certification. They might look cool but won’t protect your kid’s head.

Types of Kids’ Helmets

Bicycle helmets are lightweight with lots of ventilation. They cover the top and sides of the head. These are what most kids need for biking, scootering, or similar activities.

Skate helmets have more coverage at the back of the head and are designed for multiple impacts — skaters fall a lot. If your kid does both activities, a skate-style helmet might make more sense.

Multi-sport helmets carry certifications for various activities. Convenient if one helmet needs to cover biking, skating, and scootering.

Good Options By Category

Giro Scamp

Solid bike helmet with the Roc Loc Jr. fit system — easy for kids to adjust themselves. Good rear coverage. Plenty of vents. This is what my daughter wears and it’s been great.

Bell Sidetrack

Mountain bike styling with extended rear coverage. The ErgoDial fit system adjusts with one hand. Removable visor for sun protection. Good option for trail-riding kids.

Schwinn Thrasher

Budget-friendly without skimping on safety. 360° Comfort fit system works well. Available in lots of colors and patterns. Not as fancy as premium options but perfectly protective.

Pro-Tec Classic

Standard skate helmet that’s been around forever. Durable ABS shell, comfortable liner, dual CPSC and ASTM certified. If your kid skates, this is the go-to.

Nutcase Little Nutty

Fun designs that kids actually want to wear. CPSC, ASTM, and EN 1078 certified. Magnetic buckles are easy to fasten one-handed. Spin dial adjustment for good fit.

Getting the Fit Right

Measure your kid’s head circumference. Use a flexible tape measure about an inch above their eyebrows, around the widest part of the head. Compare to the manufacturer’s size chart.

When worn, the helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead. It shouldn’t tilt back — that’s the most common mistake I see. If you can fit more than two fingers between the eyebrows and helmet edge, it’s positioned wrong.

The straps should form a Y shape under each ear. The chin strap should be snug enough that only one finger fits between strap and chin.

If the helmet can rock forward over their eyes or backward off their forehead, it doesn’t fit right.

Making Helmet-Wearing Stick

Let kids pick their helmet design. If they choose it, they’re more likely to wear it. The market has tons of colors, patterns, and character designs now.

Set the example yourself. Kids notice when parents don’t wear helmets while making them wear one. Model the behavior you want to see.

Make helmets non-negotiable from the start. If wearing a helmet is just how riding works, there’s no argument to have.

Maintenance and Replacement

Replace any helmet that’s been in a crash. Even if it looks fine, the foam inside is designed to crush once. It won’t protect as well the second time.

Replace helmets every five years regardless of crashes. Materials degrade. Kids also outgrow helmets, which solves this automatically for most.

Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid solvents that could weaken materials. Let the helmet dry completely before storage.

Where to Buy

Local bike shops offer in-person fitting help, which is valuable for kids’ helmets specifically. They can verify fit and adjustment before you leave.

Online retailers like Amazon have the widest selection but require you to handle fitting yourself. Know your kid’s head measurement and the return policy.

Sporting goods stores are a middle ground — decent selection with some in-store fitting help.

Whatever you buy, make sure it fits properly, carries proper certification, and is something your kid will actually wear. A helmet only works if it’s on their head.