Bike Helmet Safety For Kids

Several jurisdictions have laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, which can prevent up to 88 percent of brain injuries in cyclists. The story is the same for children, who whether riding bikes or simply riding along in a seat or trailer should always be fitted with a properly adjusted helmet.

Age

Pediatricians agree that children less than a year old should not be taken on bicycles because their neck muscles are often not strong enough to support the additional weight of a helmet and the shaking and bouncing that accompanies riding a bike can expose them to health risks.

Fit

A pamphlet developed by the Bicycle Safety Health Institute for guiding parents on helping their children get the best helmet fit directs parents to aim for three objectives: snug, level and stable. It might take 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a good fit, so be patient. The helmet should touch the head all the way around, comfortably, but should sit stable enough to stay in place even if shaken violently or if struck by a hard blow. The fit should be low and level.

What Helmet to Buy

When shopping for a helmet, keep in mind that not all helmets will offer a child with your child's head shape the protection needed. Be prepared to shop around. The U.S. government has guidelines for helmet makers, so look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, logo on a sticker.

Passenger Protection, Whether Moving or Standing Still

Data cited by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute details the risks involved in taking your child bicycling with you. Forty-two percent of injuries to children in bicycle-mounted seats occurred when the bicycle crashed or tipped over and 25 percent occurred when the child fell out of the seat. Sixty-five percent of injuries involved the head and face.

Remove Helmets When Not Riding a Bike

Helmets are key for child safety on bikes, whether the bike is moving or standing still. However, off the bike kids should be taught to remove their helmets because the helmets can snag on tree branches or playground equipment.