Can a Kid’s Helmet Be Too Tight? How to Ensure a Comfortable Fit?
For kids, probably the most vital safety gear while riding a bike is the helmet. It saves their heads from any form of injury and guarantees safe rides on the road. The real challenge occurs, however, when one has to find the right-fitting kids’ helmets. That way, most parents sit worrying about whether a helmet is too loose or too tight for their child: while a loose helmet may become dangerous, a too-tight helmet leads to discomfort and all other sorts of issues.
This article discusses signs of helmets being too tight, fitting importance, and how to keep your child’s helmet a comfortable fit. In addition, it features common mistakes parents make regarding helmet buys and how to avoid making them.
A Helmet That Is Too Tight: Signs
Head no pain, aches, or discomfort at any place should make the helmet snug around the kid’s head. Your little one might, however, present some signs if it is too tight:
Red Marks and Indentations
If you notice conspicuous and deep red marks on your child’s forehead or around their head just after he has used the helmet, it could mean the helmet is too small.
Complaints of Pain or Pressure
If your child indicates the existence of head discomfort or headache while using the helmet, it may be too small for their size.
Difficulty in Wearing or Removing Helmet
If you have to forcefully put the helmet on or it feels difficult to remove, it probably doesn’t have a right fit.
Limited Head Movement
A properly fitting helmet should allow a child to move his or her head freely. If the child feels it is restricted or uncomfortable when he or she turns his or her head, then the helmet is most probably too tight.
Ear Discomfort
Should the helmet push too hard on the ears or cause the ears to bend, it is not a good fit.
Why Proper Helmet Fit is So Important?
A properly fitted helmet is paramount in concern for safety and comfort. A properly fitted helmet is important for the following reasons:
- Protection Against Injuries—A helmet that is too tight or too loose may not protect in case of an accident.
- Comfort Over Long Rides—A comfortable helmet allows kids to have fun biking without distraction or discomfort.
- Encouragement of Helmet Wear—If a helmet is comfy, kids will wear it every time they ride their bike.
- Allows for Airflow—A well-fitting helmet allows for airflow, thereby limiting sweat production and discomfort.
- Prevention of Redness—Tight helmets may burn and rub, leading to rashes or irritation of the skin.
Ensuring Comfort
To ensure a comfortable fit for your child’s helmet, follow these steps:
1. Measure Your Child’s Head
Before purchasing a helmet, measure the child’s head circumference using a soft measuring tape. Place the tape around the head one inch above the brow ridge, which runs in a circle around the most prominent part of the head. Compare your measurement against the size chart supplied by the manufacturer of the helmet.
2. Adjust Straps and Buckles
A helmet should have an adjustable strap to customize its fit. When the chin strap is fastened, it should feel snug but not tight; two fingers should comfortably fit between the strap and your child’s chin.
3. Do the Shake Test
While your child wears the helmet, have them shake their head side to side. The helmet should stay put, without shifting. If it moves around too much, it’s probably too big; if it’s squeezing into their skin, it’s too tight.
4. Verify Proper Positioning
The helmet should be in a level position on the head, covering the forehead, without tilting forward or backward. This limits the bottom edge of the helmet to two finger widths right above the eyebrows.
5. Select the Correct Helmet Type
Various helmets serve different purposes. Make sure to select a bike helmet that meets the safety standards, like CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certification.
6. Growth Allowance
Kids grow in the blink of an eye, and an adjustable fit will allow the helmet to accommodate that growth. Some of those helmets come with a dial-adjust mechanism that lets you loosen or tighten the fit as needed.
Concluding Thoughts
A proper fit is crucial for child safety and comfort. Not too snug, but not so loose that it can be played with during riding; secure, but not restrictive. Fitting needs attention, the straps must be adjusted, and the helmet needs to be periodically checked for size, all of which would contribute towards your child’s helmet effectively doing its job.
If your child complains about discomfort or leaves marks on their skin after a helmet, you should probably adjust the helmet or get another one for them that fits better. With a proper fit, kids can ride their bikes comfortably and safely.
If you are looking for comfortable, stylishly designed children’s bike helmets, Street Jam offers a large range of kids’ bike helmets. Designed for optimum protection with a comfortable fit, the helmets are outfitted with cutting-edge designs and durable materials that make biking safe and fun. Browse through our collection and get your little rider a perfect helmet!
