When your child is riding a bike, a helmet is the most important safety gear they can wear. But wearing a helmet is not enough—it must be the right size and fit properly. A loose or crooked helmet won’t protect your child during a fall. In this article, we will walk you through 5 simple steps to help you fit a helmet on your kid correctly.
Why the Right Helmet Fit Matters
Before we get into the steps, let’s understand why a good fit is so important. A helmet that is too big can slip off during a fall. A helmet that is too small will feel uncomfortable and your child may not want to wear it. A well-fitted helmet stays in place and gives full protection to the head.
Step 1: Measure Your Child’s Head
Start by measuring the size of your child’s head. Use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of the head—just above the eyebrows and ears. Note the size in centimeters or inches.
Tip:
Most kids’ bike helmets come with size ranges like 48–52 cm or 50–54 cm. Match your child’s head size with the correct helmet size.
Step 2: Position the Helmet Correctly
Place the helmet on your child’s head. The helmet should sit level, not tilted back or forward.
- The front of the helmet should rest just above the eyebrows.
- The back of the helmet should not touch the neck.
- There should be no large gaps between the head and helmet.
Check:
Ask your child to shake their head. The helmet should move only a little, not slide around.
Step 3: Adjust the Side Straps
Now it’s time to fix the side straps. These are the straps that come down from each side of the helmet and form a “V” shape under the ears.
- Make sure the V shape sits just below the earlobe.
- Both straps should be even and snug, but not tight.
- If needed, use the small plastic sliders to move the straps up or down.
Tip:
Your child should be able to move their jaw and talk easily without the straps pulling too hard.
Step 4: Buckle and Tighten the Chin Strap
Buckle the chin strap under your child’s chin. Then, adjust the strap so it fits snugly.
- You should be able to fit only one or two fingers between the strap and chin.
- If the strap is too loose, the helmet may come off during a fall.
- If it’s too tight, your child will feel uncomfortable.
Safety Tip:
Always check the chin strap before each ride. Kids grow fast, and straps may loosen over time.
Step 5: Final Fit Check
Do a quick final check to make sure everything is in place:
- The helmet should cover the top of the forehead.
- It should not tilt or move too much.
- The straps should form a snug and even fit.
Ask your child how it feels. If they say it’s uncomfortable, make small adjustments. Remember, a helmet that fits well will be worn more often.
Extra Tips for Parents
- Choose a helmet with adjustable features: Look for dial-fit systems or extra padding that can be added or removed as your child grows.
- Pick a fun design: Kids are more likely to wear a helmet if they like how it looks. Bright colors or cartoon designs can help.
- Check the helmet regularly: As your child grows, the fit may change. Check the helmet every few months.
- Replace helmets after a crash: Even if the helmet looks fine, its ability to protect may be reduced after a fall.
When to Replace a Helmet
Kids grow quickly, and helmets don’t last forever. Replace your child’s helmet if:
- It no longer fits properly.
- The outer shell is cracked or the inner foam is damaged.
- The helmet is more than 5 years old.
- Your child has had a fall while wearing it.
Always check for the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) sticker inside the helmet. This means the helmet meets safety standards.
Making Helmet Time Fun
Some kids don’t like wearing helmets. You can make it a fun part of riding by:
- Letting your child choose their own helmet.
- Adding stickers or fun covers.
- Wearing your own helmet to set an example.
- Praising them for wearing it every time they ride.
Wearing a helmet should become a habit, just like buckling a seatbelt in a car.
Conclusion
Fitting a helmet on your child may seem tricky at first, but it becomes easy once you know the right steps. A helmet that fits well can protect your child from serious injuries and give you peace of mind. Follow these 5 steps every time and make sure your child is always safe on their bike, scooter, or skateboard.
Where to Find the Best Kids’ Bike Helmets
Looking for a helmet that’s stylish, safe, and super comfortable? StreetJam has the widest and best collection of kids’ bike helmets. From playful prints to bright colors, every helmet is designed with safety and fun in mind. Whether your child loves racing stripes or cartoon heroes, you’ll find the perfect helmet at StreetJam. Explore the full collection today and give your child the best ride ever!
