More than 1,000 people die each year in the United States in bicycle crashes, and 62 percent of these deaths are due to head injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These statistics underscore the importance of your child wearing a bike helmet every time he rides his bike. Today, safety standards for bike helmets are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Virtually all helmets on the market today are safe, so your child's taste and comfort should dictate your choice.
Safety Standards
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only buying children's bike helmets that meet the standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These helmets are labeled as meeting the standards, typically with a sticker inside the helmet. All bicycle helmets manufactured after March 1999 are required to meet CPSC standards. A helmet that was worn in a major bicycle accident or crash should be replaced with a new one because it may no longer protect your child properly.
Fit
Proper fit is necessary for a bike helmet to provide maximum protection. A child's bike helmet should be worn on the top of the head so that the forehead is protected, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. A good-fitting helmet should not slide up and down or move around on your child's head; you should not be able to pull it down over the child's eyes. The chin strap should fit snugly around the chin without hanging down. Many bike helmets come with adjustable pads that allow the helmet to continue to fit well as your child grows.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor when picking a bike helmet for your child, because he is more likely to wear a helmet that is comfortable. Factors that affect comfort include ventilation, sweat control and temperature control, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Large vents in the front of the helmet allow for better ventilation and temperature control. Many helmets come with sweat bands to absorb sweat.
Exterior Finish
Hard-shell and soft-shell bicycle helmets are both available for children. Hard-shell helmets have an exterior made of fiberglass or plastic, while soft-shell helmets have a thick layer of polystyrene foam that absorbs the impact in a crash or accident. No matter which type of helmet you choose, the exterior should be smooth with no cracks or snags, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
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