How to choose a helmet

Choose a helmet that meets CPSC safety standards (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). All helmets that comply with these standards are clearly labeled. You can find them in bicycle shops, sports stores, and children’s stores. Avoid used helmets. If a helmet has already taken a serious hit, it may not provide enough protection next time.

Pick the correct size. Don’t buy a helmet “for growth”—it must fit snugly!
If you are buying a helmet without your child, measure their head circumference. The measuring tape should be positioned above the eyebrows and around the most protruding part of the back of the head.

How is a helmet constructed?

The key component is a polystyrene layer that absorbs impact during a fall.
Straps keep the helmet securely on the head.

The outer shell can be hard or soft. Hard-shell helmets offer extra protection against sharp objects, while soft-shell helmets (for example, fabric-covered) are lighter and more comfortable. Both types are CPSC-certified.

How to put on a helmet properly

The helmet should sit as low and as deep as possible on the head.
The front edge must be positioned two finger-widths above the eyebrows to protect the forehead.

The side straps should form a Y-shape around the ears.
Adjust the straps so the helmet does not tilt forward or backward, and doesn’t rotate from side to side.

The buckle must be positioned under the chin, not on the cheek.