The Best Bike Helmets for Kids Offering Superior Protection

The best bike helmets for kids are certified to provide the highest level of protection in the event of high-impact falls or collisions.

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Ride with Confidence: A Closer Look at the Best Bike Helmets for Kids

Which bike helmets offer the optimal brain protection for your child?

When children are biking on trails, around the neighborhood, or on their way to school, accidents can occur unexpectedly and sometimes lead to severe injuries without proper safety precautions. To keep children safe and give parents peace of mind, it’s crucial that they wear a certified bike helmet. When shopping for bike helmets for kids, look for helmets that meet at least CPSC safety standards in the USA or EN 1078 safety standards in Europe. Additionally, we recommend a helmet with MIPS or similar technology that protects against rotational forces, as it can provide extra protection for a child’s brain.

Choosing the right helmet for your child from the many online options can be challenging. It’s essential to steer clear of brands that don’t have proper certification. Since your child’s head is at stake, pick a helmet that will truly protect them. To make your decision easier and save you time, I’ve compiled a list of the best bike helmets for kids, certified for cycling and kick scooters, and most include rotational motion protection like MIPS. This list is designed to simplify your choice and help you find the right helmet quickly.

Unexpected tumbles can strike at any moment, but with helmets, kids can keep rolling into new adventures!

Helmet Safety Certifications Explained

Kids’ helmets come with three distinct certifications, each specifying impact testing criteria based on their intended purpose. When choosing a helmet, opting for a certification that aligns with your intended usage is crucial, ensuring that the helmet’s protection matches your needs. Your child’s helmet needs to have a CPSC 16 CFR 1203 or EN 1078 safety certification for cycling. If it only has an ASTM F1492 certification, it’s not suitable for cycling because that’s only for skating. These standards are meant to protect from skull injuries during straight impacts and do not include rotational motion injuries from angeled impacts, which MIPS and similar technologies cover.

Understanding Rotational Motion Protection like MIPS

Traditionally, bike helmets have focused on preventing skull fractures from straight-on impacts, as most safety standards highlight. However, research has found that angled impacts, which cause the brain to rotate, are more common and harmful yet are not addressed by safety standards. Helmets with rotational motion protection help shield children’s heads during these angled impacts. They use a low-friction layer that lets the helmet slide slightly on the head, reducing rotational force and mimicking the brain’s natural protection mechanisms. This technology provides enhanced safety against common and severe impact types.

Several companies now offer helmets that protect against rotational motion. The most well-known technology is MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), with alternatives like Wavecel also gaining popularity—brands like POCito offer similar protection. As helmet safety evolves, more companies are likely to adopt these technologies. Choosing a helmet with rotational motion protection for your child, like MIPS, is wise. Although not guaranteed, it can significantly reduce the risk and severity of brain injuries, providing peace of mind for parents.

Choosing the Correct Helmet Size for Your Child

Choosing the correct helmet size for your child is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort while biking. An ill-fitting helmet can either expose parts of the head by being too small or slip and offer insufficient protection if too large. To find the perfect fit, measure your child’s head before purchasing a helmet online, and match the measurements with the provided sizing charts. Use a flexible tape measure to wrap around the widest part of their head, typically an inch above the eyebrows, and record the measurement. A helmet that fits well will stay secure and stable during use, covering all necessary areas and enhancing your child’s safety and enjoyment during bike rides.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing Kids’ Bike Helmets

When choosing bike helmets for kids, it’s important to consider several key features to ensure both safety and comfort. Look for helmets with a sturdy outer shell and soft inner padding, which provide protection and comfort. Ensure the helmet has plenty of ventilation to keep your child cool while active. Adjustable straps and buckles are crucial for a snug and comfortable fit. Also, pick a style your child likes, and consider helmets with reflective elements or bright colors to improve visibility. Since children’s heads grow quickly, opt for a helmet with adjustable features that can adapt to their growing size. These guidelines will help you select a safe, comfortable, and suitable helmet for your child’s cycling adventures.

Our Top Picks for the Best Kid’s Bike Helmets

Here, we present our top picks for the best bike helmets designed for kids. It’s worth noting that many of these helmets are equipped with MIPS technology, a feature we highly endorse.

Joovy Noodle

Joovy, an American brand, offers durable and vibrant family gear. The Joovy Noodle is a sleek multi-sport baby helmet designed for safety and comfort. It’s perfect for active kids with features like a pinch-guard chin strap, adjustable fit dial, sun visor, and bug-proof vents. Available in 7 colors, it adheres to U.S. CPSC safety standards and comes in Small and Medium sizes. Joovy’s Noodle helmet will provide reliable protection and style for your child’s adventures, putting it on our list of the best bike helmets for kids.

Related: The 5 Best Skate Helmets for Kids

Giro Dime MIPS

The Giro Dime Kids’ Helmet draws inspiration from the adult Quarter helmet, featuring a durable ABS shell and impact-absorbing EPS foam for optimal safety. Its adjustable padding guarantees a snug fit, while eight air vents ensure ventilation for a cool head. Designed for skateboarding and biking, the Dime becomes a constant companion for active children, prioritizing their safety and comfort during various activities and making it one of our top choices for the best bike helmets for kids.

Related: The Best Safety Pads for Kids

Smith Zip Jr. MIPS

The Smith Zip Jr. Bike Helmet is designed for active kids on the move, whether they’re exploring trails, going to school, or enjoying the park. With MIPS technology for enhanced impact protection, a dial-adjustable fit system, and ample ventilation, this lightweight helmet ensures safety, comfort, and style. Its in-mold construction and 21 ventilation slots guarantee a secure yet cool experience, making it an ideal choice for kids as they ride confidently and stay protected.

Related: The 24 Best Scooters for Kids from Toddlers to Teens

Smith Wilder Jr. MIPS

The Smith Wilder Jr. Mountain Bike Helmet is designed to match the skills of young trailblazers. With MIPS-enhanced impact protection, a lightweight design, and 21 fixed vents for ventilation, it’s ideal for adventurous rides. The adjustable dial fit system ensures a secure fit, and the helmet includes a built-in visor and integrated sunglasses storage. This helmet empowers young riders to tackle challenging trails confidently, safely, and comfortably making it one of the best bike helmets for kids. The Wilder Jr. helmet is essentially identical to the Zip Jr., except for the inclusion of a visor.

Related: Best Bikes for Kids from Toddlers to Teens of 2024

Giro Tremor MIPS Youth

The Giro Tremor Mips Youth helmet is a top pick for parents and little riders. It boasts the latest head protection tech, an easy-to-adjust fit system, and 18 breathable vents. Alternatively, the smaller Giro Tremor Child helmet provides a lightweight, well-ventilated, and secure design for small children (47-54 cm) but does not feature MIPS. Its high-quality fit system includes a larger, rubber-grip dial-adjust knob and hassle-free soft side straps. Giro prioritizes comfort with top-notch material pads and air channels for less head sweat. The MIPS model offers an updated system with improved airflow and covered anchors to prevent hair snagging.

Related: The 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids

Bern Nino 2.0 MIPS

Say hello to the Nino 2.0 MIPS, thoughtfully created for kids’ year-round comfort. This helmet gives a fresh take on the classic Nino and Nina designs, packed with exciting new features that delight parents and kids. One standout feature is the EZ-Fit system, which allows easy adjustments and guarantees a snug fit with no fuss. The helmets boast 13 strategically positioned vents, ensuring excellent airflow to keep kids cool throughout their adventures.

In addition to the above features, these helmets include a convenient removable flip visor, allowing kids to flip it up for a trendy appearance or pull it down for sun protection. Furthermore, they are designed to be compatible with the Quickmount Asteroid micro-USB rechargeable bike light, effortlessly attaching to the two-hole mount on the back for a safe adventure in the dark. Notably, these helmets aren’t just functional; they also come in a wide range of fresh, attractive patterns and colors that kids will adore. With such variety, each child can find a style that perfectly suits their personality, allowing them to sport their new helmet while enjoying outdoor activities proudly, securing it on our list of best bike helmets for kids.

Giro Scamp

The Giro Scamp Helmet offers a stylish and safety-focused solution for young riders. Inspired by the adult Montaro helmet, it combines eye-catching graphics with advanced safety features. Constructed with an In-Mold polycarbonate shell and EPS foam liner, it ensures impact protection and accommodates ponytails. The Roc Loc Jr. fit system adjusts as kids grow, while the pinch-guard buckle at the chin enhances comfort. The Scamp Helmet allows children to embrace bike safety with flair and confidence.

Related: The Best Roller Skates for Kids and Teens

Nutcase Baby Nutty MIPS

The Baby Nutty MIPS helmet is the ultimate choice for babies and young children aged 1 year and above. It incorporates baby-specific EPS protective foam skillfully engineered to disperse force and safeguard their developing brains effectively! With this helmet, your child will experience exceptional comfort and a perfect fit while prioritizing head support and posture for their delicate neck and head. Thanks to the Fidlock magnetic buckle, you won’t have to worry about pinching incidents, sparing your baby from tears and discomfort.

Moreover, the helmet is equipped with MIPS technology, which includes a low-friction layer between your baby’s brain and the helmet. This ingenious design reduces rotational motion and force during an impact, lowering brain injury risk. Its lightweight polycarbonate outer shell ensures that the helmet won’t burden your baby’s neck, allowing optimal head support and posture at all times. Rest assured that the Baby Nutty MIPS helmet is tailored to provide top-notch protection and comfort for your little one’s safety and well-being.

Bern Bandito MIPS

The Bern Bandito MIPS Helmet is designed for pre-teen boys who have outgrown kids’ helmets but aren’t ready for adult sizes. It offers a snug fit and is certified for skiing and biking, providing year-round protection. With its molded brim, the helmet fits seamlessly with goggles and shields eyes during summer rides. Built using EPS Thinshell technology, it’s lightweight yet robust and certified for various activities. The winter liner keeps them warm during colder months and can be switched for summer biking. The Bandito MIPS Helmet is a versatile and adaptable choice for growing kids.

Related: The 10 Best Ice Skates for Kids and Teens

Bell Nomad Jr. 2 MIPS

The Nomad Jr. MIPS Helmet is tailor-made for young adventurers who love trail riding. It offers lightweight in-mold construction for durability and comfort, along with an Ergo Fit adjustment system. With ample lower coverage and MIPS technology, it provides enhanced protection and confidence on the trails. The Nomad Jr. Helmet ensures young riders enjoy their trail adventures with comfort and safety in mind.

Giro Hale MIPS

Staying cool is a breeze with the Giro Hale MIPS Helmet. Its top-notch comfort is backed by the easy-to-adjust Roc Loc Sport retention system, ensuring a snug fit for growing kids. The helmet also boasts a removable visor and employs the same In-Mold construction seen in our best adult models, ensuring a sturdy yet lightweight build. Moreover, the Hale MIPS seamlessly incorporates the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, enhancing energy redirection and impact protection. To top it off, it’s available in various vibrant, kid-friendly colors, allowing your child to choose their favorite.

Bell Sidetrack II MIPS

The Bell Sidetrack II MIPS helmet is designed for young trail riders in all-mountain scenarios. Its Fusion In-Mold shell ensures durability, while extended coverage offers enhanced protection and stability. Integrating MIPS technology in the Ergo Fit system adds safety and ventilation. User-friendly features like a one-handed fit dial, and No-Twist Tri-Glides make adjustments simple. With a removable visor and moisture management, the Sidetrack II guarantees clear vision during various mountain conditions.

POC POCito Omne MIPS

When teaching your child to ride a bike, their safety is your top priority. The POCito Omne MIPS helmet prioritizes safety, designed in bright fluorescent colors for enhanced visibility. This ensures your child is easily noticeable from a distance. The helmet features a 360° adjustment system, making it simple for your child to secure it for a comfortable fit. With its outer PC shell, EPS inner liner, and MIPS brain protection system, you can be confident in your child’s safety while they enhance their biking skills.

Smith Convoy MIPS

The Smith Convoy MIPS Helmet offers everyday protection without compromising price or technology. Its in-mold polycarbonate shell for impact absorption and MIPS technology for reduced rotational forces ensure safety for your child’s head and brain. Serving as the adult version of the Wilder Jr., it provides larger sizes for older kids and adults. This helmet perfectly balances affordability and advanced safety features, allowing you to prioritize protection without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ section where we answer frequently asked questions about kid’s bike helmets.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bike Helmet for Kids

When choosing bike helmets for kids, it’s important to consider several key features to ensure both safety and comfort. Look for helmets with a sturdy outer shell and soft inner padding, which provide protection and comfort. Ensure the helmet has plenty of ventilation to keep your child cool while active. Adjustable straps and buckles are crucial for a snug and comfortable fit. Also, pick a style your child likes, and consider helmets with reflective elements or bright colors to improve visibility. Since children’s heads grow quickly, opt for a helmet with adjustable features that can adapt to their growing size. These guidelines will help you select a safe, comfortable, and suitable helmet for your child’s cycling adventures.

Why should kids opt for lightweight helmets?

A lightweight helmet is best for kids because it reduces neck strain, enhances mobility, lowers injury risk, and offers greater comfort during skateboarding, inline or roller skating, scootering, skiing, or biking activities.

Are Helmets with Dial-Adjust Systems Better for Kids?

When it comes to selecting a helmet for kids, those with a dial-adjust system are a better choice than ones with only foam padding. This system allows precise adjustments, ensuring a perfect fit as the child’s head grows. It can be fine-tuned for a secure and comfortable fit by tightening or loosening the helmet’s circumference. This is especially important for active children as it stabilizes the helmet and reduces the chance of shifting during movement. Helmets with just padding can still fit well if the child’s head size doesn’t change much. However, since kids’ heads grow rapidly, relying only on padding may mean replacing the helmet more often to ensure ongoing safety.

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