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Lightweight children's bicycles increase the fun of riding. We offer a wide range of high-quality models for off-road and everyday use in various sizes.
How do I properly put a bike helmet on my kid?
Are your kids not into bike helmets or does the helmet sit all wonky sometimes? Here are some tips to keep the little ones safe.
Different colors, patterns, and designs, as well as sizes and shapes tailored to fit smaller children's heads, bring variety to the kids' bike helmets. Helmets for the very young are flattened at the back, so they can lean their head back comfortably in a bike trailer or child seat. For the little downhill racers, there are even kids' full-face helmets. Here’s what you should look out for to find the right helmet for your child and how to properly put it on and adjust it.
Wearing a Helmet is Cool
To make it a no-brainer for your kid to wear a bike helmet, we recommend the close environment also wears helmets. If it's only the kids who “have to” wear helmets, they might quickly view it as uncool. After all, they want what the adults have. Kids' helmets come in all sorts of colors and patterns, so there’s something for everyone. It's awesome if you pick out the helmet with your kid. Then, a helmet quickly goes from being “a helmet” to “my helmet.” Practice putting it on and taking it off together! Even if it takes a bit longer at first, it’s worth it. Being independent is cool and much nicer than having mom or dad fiddling with your head, accidentally pinching your ear, skin, or hair.
Bike helmets rock! If you want your kids to wear their helmets consistently, lead by example. © bc GmbH
The Right Helmet Size
There are different sizes of bike helmets. The right helmet size for children, as with adults, depends on the head circumference. To measure it, place a tape measure just above the eyebrows and wrap it around the head. At the back of the head, the tape measure should run along the thickest part to get the maximum circumference. If the tape measure is positioned correctly, you can gently pull it tight and read the measurement. It’s important not to buy a helmet too big. A helmet to “grow into” isn’t recommended: Only a properly fitting helmet will protect in a fall.
By the way: Kids' helmets are available for head circumferences over 44 centimeters – that usually matches the age of one year. Generally, a child's neck muscles are strong enough to carry the additional weight of the helmet from this size onwards.
With a tailor's measuring tape, measure the head circumference at the center of the forehead. © bc GmbH
Properly Putting on a Bike Helmet
Once you've found the right size, make sure your child puts the helmet on right. The rule of thumb is that the helmet should finish about two "kid-finger widths" above the eyebrows and sit roughly at a right angle. That way, the helmet isn’t too low at the back or the forehead. Because: If a helmet doesn’t sit right, it can slip off the head in a fall and won’t provide optimal protection.
Speaking of optimal protection: In Europe, a children's bike helmet can only be sold if it carries a CE mark. A kids' helmet gets this mark only if it passes standardized tests and meets the requirements of DIN EN 1080.
There should be a two-finger gap between the eyebrows and the helmet. Then it's in the right position. © bc GmbH
The Right Fit
To find out if the helmet has the right fit, have your child put on the helmet as described above – leave the chin strap open for now. First, you adjust the helmet together. Most bike helmets have an adjustment system at the back, often a wheel or a ratchet. Close the adjustment system until the helmet sits firmly but without pressure on the head! With some helmets, you can adjust not only the circumference but also the height of the support ring, moving it up or down at the back. This further improves the fit.
If the adjustment system is set correctly, you can jointly check the fit and shape (keep the chin strap open) by gently trying to remove the helmet from your child's head, or your child can shake their head back and forth. If you can remove the helmet easily, or if the helmet moves too much or even falls off (please catch it before it hits the ground!), either the adjustment system is too loose or the helmet's shape doesn't fit. Helmets come in different shapes – from round to oval – if the helmet's shape doesn't match the head's shape, it will create pressure points, make your child feel cramped, and/or just not sit right. Then it's time to try the next helmet.
With the size adjuster, you can fit the helmet perfectly to the head. If it's successful, the helmet won’t fall off when you hang your head down. © bc GmbH
Easy as pie: Fidlock fasteners are simple to use. © bc GmbH
Properly Adjusting Helmet Straps
Once the size adjustment is done, it's time to adjust the helmet straps. The straps should run closely around the head and form a triangle around the ear. They should converge just below the earlobe. If it doesn’t fit right away, it can usually be adjusted with most helmets. The chin strap should be positioned so that about a finger's width fits between the neck and strap, without creating uncomfortable pressure. Be careful not to pinch the skin when closing the strap. That can be really unpleasant and associate helmet-wearing with negative feelings. Once everything is properly adjusted, leave the helmet on for a few minutes. If it still sits comfortably on the head after this time, you’ve found the right helmet.
You can adjust the chin strap together. If nothing pinches or squeezes here, you’re one big step closer to happy helmet-wearing. © bc GmbH
Proper Bike Helmet Maintenance
Sweat, dirt, and sunscreen will leave their marks on and inside the helmet over time. It's especially important to regularly clean the padding and straps to prevent unpleasant odors. This can easily be done by hand, or, if the padding is removable, in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. For dirt on the outside of the bike helmet, your best bet is to use a soft cloth and lukewarm (soapy) water.
Full-face helmets for kids are the right protective gear for mountain biking. © bc GmbH
Replacing a Bike Helmet
Most helmets are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is inseparably bonded to a thin plastic outer shell. After a fall or a hard hit to the head, you should replace your bike helmet. Even if there's no visible damage, the material inside could have been compromised, and the helmet may not provide full protection in the event of another fall. An exception is made for bike helmets that are explicitly designed for multiple impacts. These helmets usually have foam made from expanded polypropylene (EPP), which can return to its original shape after minor (!) impacts and bumps. Together with a thicker, harder plastic outer shell, such helmets are suitable even if your child doesn’t always handle the bike helmet with care.
By the way: A bike helmet doesn't last forever. You should replace the bike helmet every three to five years, even without any falls. The material ages, and so the helmet may not offer full protection if you have a fall. For this reason, bike helmets should only be handed down to younger siblings with caution.
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Kid's Helmet FAQ
How do I properly adjust the chin strap of my kid's helmet?
The chin strap should be adjusted so that no more than one finger can fit between the chin and the strap. A strap that’s too loose can cause the helmet to shift during a fall.
How do I find the right helmet size for my child?
Measure the circumference of your child’s head about 2 cm above the eyebrows with a measuring tape. Most manufacturers provide a size chart to help you find the right size.
What to do if my child's bike helmet wobbles?
If the helmet slides sideways or to the front/back, it could be due to a model that's too large, the wrong fit, or straps that are incorrectly adjusted. Check the adjustment of the straps and the sizing system at the back of the head.
Are there special bike helmets for toddlers?
Yes, there are special helmets for babies and toddlers that are extra light and have a flat back so they can be worn comfortably even when sitting in a child seat. Note: Only from the age of about one year and a head size of approximately 44 centimeters is the neck muscle strong enough to support the extra weight of the helmet.
When should a child's bike helmet be replaced?
After a fall or at least every 5 years, the helmet should be replaced because the material ages over time and loses its protective capacity.
