How to Size & Fit a Kids Bike Helmet

Choose to get Better…get the protection you pay for with a good quality kids bike helmet that fits and is adjusted correctly to your child’s head.

…so you and your family can SMILE when you ride.

Helmet Fit

To get the right size helmet you must measure.  To do this place a tape measure around the head 1cm above the eyebrows and make sure the tape is level all the way around the head. Take the measurement in centimetres.  If you don’t have a tape measure use string or wool then lie this along a ruler.

Now match that head circumference (measurement) to the correct kids helmet.

Adjustment of the Helmet to fit their head

You have the right sized helmet, you have the helmet on your child’s head. Job done…. No!  That bike helmet will not perform and protect their head unless

1. the straps are adjusted and fitted correctly
2. If the helmet uses different thicknesses of pads for fit (like the multisport helmet) you need to use the correct thickness of pads to get the optimal fit to the shape of your child’s head
3. the occipital dial or slide is tightened.

ITS IS ESSENTIAL YOU TAKE THE TIME TO ADJUST THE HELMET TO FIT YOUR CHILDS HEAD. THERE IS TOO MUCH RISK …HAVING A HELMET ON THEIR HEAD THAT DOES NOT FIT OR IS NOT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY.

STRAPS

There are different straps on different helmets but most commonly you have 2 straps attaching to each side of the helmet that come together forming a ‘V’ below the ears and are secured under the chin or just a chin strap.

Adjust using the 2v2 rule.

• 2 – the helmet should sit level on the head. The front of the helmet should sit no more than 2 finger breadths above the eyebrows.
• v – the side straps make a V with the adjustable clip forming the bottom of the V just below the ear lobe.
• 2 – you should be able to get a maximum of 2 fingers under the chin strap when fastened. The straps should not be twisted

PADS

A street style often comes with two sets of pads, one thicker than the other.  Usually these pads are secured by velcro sticking to inside surfaces of the helmet shell.  You can take advantage of the pads to create a good match to the shape of your child’s head.  This is important in street style helmets that often have a single chin strap so need to have a firm fit onto the head.  Detachable and washable pads are ideal especially if your child tends to sweat.Choose to get Better.

DIAL/SLIDE

Found at the back of helmets where your head meets the very top of your neck – this dial/slide when tightened or screwed in will secure the back of the helmet to the head.  It can be hard to find this feature in kids helmets especially in the cheaper ones and smaller sizes.

Now a quick pre-ride check , yes a helmet check that you do before every ride

1. is it level – around the head, no tilting
2. is it low – sitting just above the eyebrows
3. is it snug – does it fit snug not tight on your head, are the v clips snug below your ears and is the chin strap snug under your chin
4. is it stable – use the palm of your hand to check forward, backward, side to side movement, the movement should be no greater than 2cm

 

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Thanks for reading.  Used together our stories, resources & products support you to develop & achieve as a rider.

Related Resources:

Bike Helmets for Kids – What are the options?

Kids Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Kids Bike Helmet Shop Page

We help you to find your riding smile.  Now it’s your turn….Contact us with your thoughts, comments or feedback and make us smile.