Kids' Helmets & Protective Pads

Yes, kids should absolutely wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. The best bike helmets are crucial for protecting children's heads in case of falls and accidents. A child's brain is particularly vulnerable to injury, and statistics show that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% in a bicycle rash. Wearing a bike helmet is a simple step that can make a huge difference in your child’s safety.

When choosing a kids' bike helmet, there are several key things to consider. First and foremost, ensure it fits properly. It should sit level on their head, covering the forehead, and not move around when they shake their head (see the 2-2-2 Rule, below). Also ensure your helmet is CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified. This indicates it meets current U.S. safety standards. Ventilation is important to keep kids cool and comfortable, so choose a helmet with plenty of air vents. A lightweight helmet will also be more comfortable for them to wear. Finally, consider features like adjustable straps and a dial-fit system for a customized fit. Don't forget to let your child pick a color or style they love—this will help them get more excited to wear their helmet!

Most kids’ bike helmets are designed with two key components: a soft EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam interior, encased with a hard, durable ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) shell. EPS is thick, lightweight foam that absorbs the shock of an impact by crushing. (This is the crucial part that cushions the head and reduces the force transmitted to the brain.) The harder outer shell, meanwhile, helps to distribute the force of an impact and prevent penetration from sharp objects. Beyond the inner foam and outer plastic, the best kids’ bike helmets will also include some interior foam padding for added comfort, and easily-adjustable nylon straps to secure the helmet.

Just like adult bike helmets, kids’ bike helmets are sized by head circumference. Measure this by wrapping a measure tape around your child’s head, just above their eyebrows. The tape should rest just above the ears, and remain level around the head. Once you have this measurement, you can determine the helmet size you need. Each of our kids’ bike helmets has a size range. Our bestselling Scout, for example, comes in a Toddler (45-49cm) and Kids (49-53cm) sizes. For more sizing help, scroll to the bottom of your helmet’s product page and click on the “Sizing” tab.

A kids’ bike helmet should sit firmly but comfortably on your child’s head. It should not wiggle around at all if your child shakes their head. Ensure their bike helmet rests about two finger widths above their eyebrows, that the side straps fit around each ear in a “V” shape, and that the chin strap fits snug but still allows them to fully open their mouth. (See the “2-2-2 Rule” below for more information.)

The short answer is around one year old. The longer answer is that it’s recommended that children start wearing a bike helmet as soon as they start riding a bike (or if they’re riding in child seats attached to an adult's bike). The catch is that babies younger than one year have weak neck muscles, which are still developing and can’t support the weight of a helmet. As soon as your child is riding a bike, even if it’s only a balance bike, it’s best to have them in a helmet. Starting early helps them establish good habits and ensures they are protected from the get-go! Plus, there are plenty of cute and comfortable helmets designed specifically for toddlers.

While protective padding isn’t as common as helmets for kids to wear when riding a bike, it’s still a great idea. Protective pads for elbows and knees can be a good idea for kids, especially when they’re first learning to ride. Pads provide cushioning and protect against painful scrapes and injuries. This also will help boost their confidence, and make your little rider less afraid to try new things. As kids gain experience and improve their balance, the need for pads may decrease, but they are always a good option for added safety, especially when attempting tricks or riding on rough terrain.

The 2-2-2 helmet rule, sometimes called the 2V2 rule, is a guideline for fitting a bike helmet, both for kids and adults. This rule states that:

• The front of the helmet should be no more than two finger widths above your eyebrows. The widest part of the helmet should rest against the back of your head.
• The two side straps should fit snugly around each ear in a “V” shape, with the adjustable clip forming the bottom of the V just below the earlobe.
• The chin strap should fit snug but still allow you to open your mouth wide. You should be able to fit two fingers between your chin and the strap.

Finding a great kids’ bike helmet is easy, but convincing them to wear it all the time without a hassle can sometimes be hard! Still, it’s extremely important. You can make your child feel more excited about wearing their helmet by letting them choose the color. Our kids’ bike helmets are available in a wide array of color schemes to appeal to girls and boys alike. Also, lead by example – always wear your helmet, too! If they have questions, be sure to explain how helmets protect their brain. Praise their helmet use, but above all else, be firm. No helmet = no ride. Make them understand that it’s simply a basic requirement when riding a bike, just like wearing pants or shoes when you go outside!

When teaching road safety to kids, it helps to start simple. Focus on basics like holding hands near roads and stopping at crossings. It’s also good to make the learning process fun. Sing songs, play games, read stories about road safety, and use catchy phrases like “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” before crossing or “Look Left, Right, Left Again.” Above all else, be a good role model. Always follow pedestrian rules yourself and wear a helmet when cycling. If your kids see you practicing safe cycling, they’ll be encouraged to do so as well.

Bike helmets and skateboard helmets are slightly different. Bike helmets tend to be lighter, more streamlined, and more heavily ventilated. They also often include accessories like a visor or rear LED light to improve visibility when riding on the road. Skateboard helmets, on the other hand, are more bucket-like, and offer more coverage to the back and sides of the head, because falls in skateboarding often involve hitting those areas. Besides this, the differences between bike and skate helmets are primarily stylistic.

Yes, kids can use most bike helmets for skating. Bike helmets are designed to protect the head from impact, which is the primary concern both for cycling and skateboarding. While there are specific helmets designed for skateboarding, and some of our kids’ helmet models—like Dakota Youth—follow more of a “skater” style, most high-quality bicycle helmets will also provide reliable protection for skateboarding. One consideration, however, is protection at the base and rear of the head. Skate-focused helmets have extensive rear coverage, but some road cycling helmets don’t. Check your child’s helmet to ensure it has full coverage.

Yes, kids should definitely wear protective pads when skateboarding. Skateboarding involves a high risk of falls and collisions, and knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can significantly reduce the severity of injuries from scrapes, sprains, and fractures. Protective gear provides a safety net, allowing kids to practice and build confidence without fear of getting hurt. Even experienced skaters can benefit from pads, especially when attempting new tricks or skating in challenging environments.

Kids’ skateboard pads should be snug but comfortable. The pads should not restrict movement, but should stay firmly in place when the child moves around, and not slide down the forearms or shin, with the EVA foam padding positioned directly over the joints (knee, elbow, wrist). Remember to purchase the proper pads for your child’s age—our pads come in three sizes, for kids aged 3-9, 10-14, and 14+.

Skateboard safely by following these tips:

• Always wear a helmet and consider additional protective gear like wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads.
• Skate in designated areas like skateparks or areas free from traffic and pedestrians.
• Learn proper technique and practice falling safely to minimize injuries
• Regularly inspect your skateboard for loose or damaged parts and ensure it's in good working condition.

Helmet laws for children vary state by state, but regardless, children should always wear a bike helmet when riding in a kids’ bike trailer. Even with careful riding, accidents can happen. A helmet can protect against head injuries in case of a fall, collision, or rollover. Wearing a helmet in the trailer also helps children establish a habit of wearing a helmet whenever they're on wheels, promoting lifelong safety.