The best skate helmets for kids are dual-certified to ensure maximum brain protection in case of high-impact falls or collisions.
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Buyers Guide: The Absolute Best Skate Helmets for Kids for Inline Skating, Roller Skating, and Skateboarding
What is the best skate helmet to protect your chid’s brain?
Unforeseen accidents can occur while your child is skating, riding bikes, or enjoying their scooter, leading to potential head injuries. Serious harm or even fatality can result from hard impacts without proper head protection. Therefore, wearing a dual-certified helmet that meets both CPSC and ASTM F1492 standards is essential to protect your child’s brain.
With numerous helmet choices, selecting the right one for your child can be tricky. Avoiding unfamiliar brands is crucial, especially if the helmet lacks certification. To simplify your decision-making process and spare you time and hassle, I’ve compiled a list of top-notch skate helmets that are dual-certified for multiple sports. These helmets cater to skateboarding, inline skating, roller skating, cycling, and scootering, aiming to make your choice more straightforward.
What are the Best Skate Helmets for Kids?
| Helmets | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OutdoorMaster Kids Helmet | $29.99 | Jump ↓ |
| Triple Eight Lil 8 Dual Certified Sweatsaver | $39.85 – $49.99 | Jump ↓ |
| Thousand Jr | $60.00 | Jump ↓ |
| Nutcase Little Nutty | $69.99 | Jump ↓ |
| S1 Mini Lifer | $77.99 – $87.99 | Jump ↓ |
What are the Different Certifications for Skate Helmets?
Skate helmets come with three distinct types of certifications, each specifying impact testing criteria based on their intended purpose. When choosing a helmet, it’s crucial to opt for a certification that aligns with your intended usage. This ensures that the helmet’s protection matches your specific needs.
Helmet Certifications
| Certification | Activities |
|---|---|
| ASTM F1492 | Skateboarding, aggressive inline skating, roller skating |
| CPSC 16 CFR 1203 | Cycling, kick scooters, recreational inline skating, roller skating |
| EN 1078** | Cycling, skateboarding, and roller skating |
What is MIPS?
MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is a technology incorporated into specific helmets, offering supplementary head protection during impacts. It integrates a low-friction layer within the helmet that permits rotational movement, lessening the rotational forces transmitted to the brain. Opting for a MIPS helmet for your child proves wise, as it introduces an additional safety layer that reduces the likelihood and severity of particular brain injuries due to angled impacts. While not guaranteed absolute protection, MIPS effectively heightens safety during activities prone to falls or angled impacts. The choice of a MIPS helmet for your child provides reassurance, but ensure it fits appropriately and adheres to safety standards.
Consider These Factors When Selecting Helmets for Kids.
When picking a helmet for kids, it’s essential to take various significant aspects into account. Here are some straightforward guidelines to follow:
- Fit: Measure your child’s head circumference to find a helmet that fits securely, without being too tight or loose.
- Safety Standards: Ensure the helmet meets established safety standards, such as CPSC or ASTM certification.
- Construction: Prioritize helmets with a robust outer shell and comfortable inner padding for both protection and comfort.
- Ventilation: Opt for a helmet with ample ventilation to keep your child cool during activities.
- Adjustable Straps: Select a helmet equipped with adjustable straps and buckles for a snug and comfy fit.
- Additional Features: Some helmets offer extra features that enhance safety and convenience, like MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) Technology. MIPS reduces rotational forces during impacts, adding extra brain protection. Other features to consider include built-in visors or brims for sun and debris protection.
- Style and Visibility: Choose a helmet your child likes and consider features like reflective elements or bright colors to enhance visibility.
- Growth: Keep in mind that kids’ heads grow quickly, so opt for a helmet with adjustable elements to accommodate growth.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can choose a helmet that guarantees your child’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout their activities.
Securing the Right Fit for Your Child’s Helmet is Vital.
Selecting the correct helmet size is crucial as it offers prime protection in the event of a fall or impact. An undersized helmet might not sufficiently cover the head, whereas an oversized one could shift and inadequately shield. A helmet that fits properly remains firmly positioned, safeguarding vital head regions. Moreover, a well-fitted helmet enhances comfort for your child, motivating consistent usage during activities and boosting their overall safety and enjoyment.
OutdoorMaster
The OutdoorMaster Kids Helmet is tailored for toddlers, emphasizing comfort and impact resistance. It boasts a reinforced ABS shell, shock-absorbing EPS core, and removable liners for easy cleaning. This versatile helmet guarantees safety during various activities. Its secure adjustment dial and skin-friendly chin strap ensure a snug fit. Designed to fit toddlers perfectly, it even includes padding for a 1-year-old. The OutdoorMaster Kids Helmet provides safety, convenience, and adaptability for active young ones.
| Specifications | |
| Activity | Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Skateboarding, Cycling, and Kick Scooters |
| Size | Small (46-52cm), Medium (52-56cm), Large (56-60cm) |
| Shell Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Certifications | Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older and ASTM F-1492 Skate Safety Standards. |
| MIPS | No |
| Weight | 439 g |
| Fit Adjustment | Dial and Two Removable Liners for Different Head Sizes |
| Ventilation | 12 Vents |
| Visor | No |
| Colors | 18+ Different Color Options |
| Price | $29.99 (Amazon) |
Related: The 14 Best Bike Helmets for Kids
Triple Eight Lil 8 Dual Certified Sweatsaver
The Triple Eight LIL 8 Dual Certified Sweatsaver Helmet is a durable option meeting US CPSC bike and ASTM F-1492 skate safety standards. It is suitable for various activities and features an Adjustable Fit Dial system, “Pinch Saver” chin strap, and washable Sweatsaver fit pads. It is designed for toddlers and children up to 5 years old and provides a snug fit with head circumferences of 18 – 20.5 inches. This helmet guarantees safety, comfort, and personalization for young riders.
| Specifications | |
| Activity | Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Skateboarding, Cycling, and Kick Scooters |
| Size | Toddler (46–52cm) |
| Shell Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Certifications | Dual Certified: Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older and ASTM F-1492 Skate safety standards. |
| MIPS | No |
| Weight | 453 g |
| Fit Adjustment | Dial and Includes 2 sets of fit pads to customize the fit |
| Ventilation | Yes |
| Visor | No |
| Colors | Blue, Black, Yellow, Green, Pink |
| Price | $39.85 – $49.99 (Amazon) |
Related: The 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids
Thousand Jr
The Thousand Jr. helmet offers safety and style for inline skating, skateboarding, biking, and more activities. It’s dual-certified and customizable, growing with your child. The adjustable fit system, vegan microfiber straps, and magnetic fastener ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Unique to this helmet, Thousand offers free replacement in case of damage. It’s a reliable choice for both safety and personal expression.
| Specifications | |
| Activity | Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Skateboarding, Cycling, and Kick Scooters |
| Size | 49 – 53 cm |
| Shell Material | Hardshell |
| Certifications | Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older and for CE, CPSC, and ASTM F1492 Standards for cycling, inline/roller skating, and skateboarding |
| MIPS | No |
| Weight | 390 g |
| Fit Adjustment | Dial |
| Ventilation | 6 Vents |
| Visor | Yes |
| Colors | Blazing Blue, Carbon Black, Going Green, Power Pink, So Silver, Speedway Creme |
| Price | $60.00 (Thousand), $60.00 (Amazon) |
Related: The 24 Best Scooters for Kids from Toddlers to Teens
Nutcase Little Nutty
Ensure your child’s safety and security with the Little Nutty dual-certified helmet, featuring both MIPS technology and Crumple Zone EPS foam. Available in two sizes, this helmet is ideal for kids three and older. Offering more than a dozen captivating designs, Nutcase helmets add a cool factor and deliver paramount protection for activities such as skateboarding, biking, inline skating, rollerblading, or scooter riding.
| Specifications | |
| Activity | Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Skateboarding, Cycling, and Kick Scooters |
| Size | Toddler (48-52cm), Youth (52-56cm) |
| Shell Material | Mold-In Polycarbonate |
| Certifications | Complies with the US CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, ASTM F1492 Certified |
| MIPS | Yes |
| Weight | 520 g |
| Fit Adjustment | Dial |
| Ventilation | 11 Vents |
| Visor | Yes |
| Colors | Multiple |
| Price | $69.99 (Amazon) |
Related: The 17 Best Roller Skates for Kids and Teens
S1 Mini Lifer
The S1 Mini Lifer helmet is a downsized version of the adult S1 Lifer helmet, designed for kids. It guarantees top-notch safety, a snug fit, and the highest impact protection certification. This helmet ensures unmatched protection for skateboarding, biking, roller derby, and more. Batch tested for safety, it comes with various pad sizes for a customized fit without the need for returns. The S1 Mini Lifer offers tailored protection and comfort for young riders.
| Specifications | |
| Activity | Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Skateboarding, Cycling, and Kick Scooters |
| Size | X-Small (18.1-18.5in), Small (18.6-19.0in), Medium (19.1-19.5in), Large (19.6-20.0in), X-Large (20.1-20.5in) |
| Shell Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Certifications | CPSC 16 CFR 1203 High Impact (US Skate/Bike), CE EN-1078 High Impact (EU Skate/Bike), ASTM F 1492 Multiple Impact, and AUS/NZ 2063:2008 |
| MIPS | No |
| Weight | 635 g |
| Fit Adjustment | Padding |
| Ventilation | Yes |
| Visor | No |
| Colors | Available in 13 Colors |
| Price | $77.99 (Inline Warehouse), $87.99 (Amazon) |
Related: The Best Safety Pads for Kids
