A helmet is perhaps the most crucial safety gear for your child while biking, scooter riding, or skateboarding. Helmets are not everlasting, though. They can become degraded, lose their protective properties, and be unable to deliver protection in the event of a crash over time. Periodic checking of your child’s helmet ensures that it is still safe to wear. In this tutorial, we are going to explain how to know if your kid’s helmet is still good or not.
Inspecting the Exterior Shell of Your Kid’s Helmet
A helmet’s exterior shell is made to absorb impact and shield your child’s head. With time, it will endure cracks, dents, or other damage that will weaken its protection.
Signs of Damage to Look For:
- Cracks: Even tiny visible cracks mean the helmet has been compromised and must be replaced.
- Dents: If there are dents on the helmet, particularly after an impact or fall, its protective strength is compromised.
- Scratches and Wear: Minor scratches won’t impact safety, but a deep scratch may signify underlying damage.
- Loose or Peeling Shell: If the peeling is occurring from the outer shell to the inner foam, the helmet is no longer usable.
Checking the Inner Foam Liner
The inner foam liner, usually expanded polystyrene (EPS), absorbs impact in a crash. EPS foam, once compressed, does not spring back to its original state and no longer protects.
Indications of Inner Foam Damage:
- Cracks or Breaks: The helmet is unsafe if the foam is broken, chipped, or cracked.
- Compressed or Flattened Foam: If the foam is not as firm or shows indentation, it is unlikely to be effective enough.
- Separation from the Shell: If the foam liner starts separating from the outer shell, it is an indication that the helmet has weakened.
Checking the Helmet Straps and Buckles
The buckles and straps hold the helmet firmly in position. If they are broken, the helmet will not remain in position during a fall.
What to Inspect:
- Frayed or Torn Straps: Worn straps can break under stress and need to be replaced.
- Loose or Non-Adjustable Straps: If the straps no longer retain their adjustments, the helmet will not fit correctly.
- Broken or Loose Buckles: The buckle must click firmly and remain fastened.
- Stretching or Weakening: If the straps are too stretchy or weak, they will not keep the helmet on.
Inspecting the Helmet Fit
A helmet that doesn’t fit is not safe. Children grow rapidly, and what fit them last year might be too tight or too loose this year.
How to Check the Fit:
Snug Fit: The helmet should ride level on the head and not move back and forth when your child turns his or her head.
Secure Straps: The straps must create a tight V-shape under the ears.
Forehead Coverage: The helmet must be low on the forehead, one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
Shake Test: Have your child shake their head. If the helmet moves too much, it’s either too large or not fitted correctly.
Evaluating Previous Impacts and Accidents
If your child has been in a crash or even dropped the helmet from a significant height, it may no longer be safe. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the internal foam may have weakened.
When to Replace After an Impact:
After a Serious Crash: If your child has hit their head while wearing the helmet, replace it immediately.
After Multiple Minor Drops: If the helmet has been dropped on hard floors several times, its integrity might be affected.
Even If Damage Is Not Visible: Internal damage to the foam is not necessarily visible, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Inspecting for Expiration Dates
Helmets do have an expiration date and need to be replaced from time to time, even if they look like they are in perfect condition.
Helmet Lifespan:
Replace most helmets every 3-5 years, based on wear and use.
- Consult the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Some manufacturers include replacement times in their guidelines.
- Check for a Date Sticker: A manufacture date sticker is often found inside many helmets. If the helmet is more than five years old, it’s time to replace it.
Ensuring the Helmet Complies with Safety Standards
An adequately certified helmet guarantees your child maximum protection.
Search for Safety Certifications:
- CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
- Snell Memorial Foundation
- CE EN 1078 (Europe)
If the helmet does not have certification stamps, it may not be in compliance with necessary safety standards.
The Bottom Line
Regular checks on your child’s helmet are necessary to ensure it is still safe and functional. By examining the outer shell, inner foam, straps, fit, and safety certifications, you can decide if the helmet is still functional or should be replaced. Keep in mind that even the best helmet will not save your child if it is damaged or worn out. Be safe by incorporating helmet checks into your routine and replacing helmets when needed.
