A properly fitting helmet is essential for safety and comfort while riding a bicycle. Follow these steps to ensure you select the right size helmet for your child.
Step 1: Measure Your Head
Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference of your child's head. Place the tape measure slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, and completely around the head, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. If you don't have a measuring tape, use a string and measure it against a ruler.
Step 2: Choose Your Helmet
Consult the size chart below to find the appropriate helmet size based on the head circumference measurement.
Head Circumference (cm) | Head Circumference (in) | Helmet Size | Recommended Models |
---|---|---|---|
45-49 | 17.7-19.3 | X-Small | Giro Scamp XS, Bell Lil Ripper Toddler |
46-50 | 18.1-19.7 | Small | Lazer Lil Gekko, Lil Gekko MIPS |
47-50 | 18.5-19.7 | Small | Nutcase Baby Nutty |
47-54 | 18.5-21.3 | Child | Bell Sidetrack II MIPS Child |
48-51 | 18.9-20.1 | X-Small | Bell Sanction Full Face XS |
48-52 | 18.9-20.5 | Toddler | Nutcase Little Nutty, Bell Lil Ripper Child |
49-53 | 19.3-20.9 | Small | Giro Scamp S |
50-56 | 19.7-22.0 | Medium | Lazer Gekko, Gekko MIPS |
50-57 | 19.7-22.4 | Medium | Giro Tremor MIPS, Bell Sidetrack II MIPS Youth, Giro Hale MIPS |
52-54 | 20.5-21.3 | Small | Bell Sanction Full Face S |
52-56 | 20.5-22.0 | Junior/Small | Lazer J1 Junior, Nutcase Adult S, Lazer Adult S |
55-57 | 21.7-22.4 | Medium | Bell Lil Ripper M, Lazer Adult M, Nutcase Adult M |
58-60 | 22.8-23.6 | Large | Bell Sanction Full Face L |
58-62 | 22.8-24.4 | Large | Lazer Adult L |
60-64 | 23.6-25.2 | Large | Nutcase Adult L |
How a Kid’s Helmet Should Fit
- Position: The helmet should sit level on your child’s head, not tipping forward or backward. The front of the helmet should be two fingers' width above the eyebrows.
- Adjustment: Use the retention mechanism (often a ratchet dial) to snugly fit the helmet around the head. The chin strap should be snug but comfortable.
- Comfort: Trim or tuck away any excess strap material to prevent irritation.
What to Look For in a Kid’s Helmet
- Safety Standards: Ensure the helmet meets Snell B90/B95 standards.
- Visor: Consider a helmet with an integrated visor for sun protection.
- Padding: Focus on the fit rather than the thickness of internal foam padding.
- Style: While style is important, prioritize function and fit.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your child’s helmet provides the best possible protection while riding their bike.
For more details, you can visit the ReadySetPedal Kids Bike Helmet Size Chart (Ready Set Pedal) (Ready Set Pedal).
Step 2. Choose your helmet. The chart below shows which helmets fit for each head size.
Helmet Size |
Recommended Models
|
X-Small | |
Small |
Lazer Lil Gekko, Lil Gekko MIPS
|
Small |
Nutcase Baby Nutty
|
Child |
|
X-Small |
Bell Sanction Full Face XS
|
Toddler |
Nutcase Little Nutty, Bell Lil Ripper Child
|
Small | Giro Scamp S |
Medium | |
Medium | |
Small |
Bell Sanction Full Face S
|
Junior/Small |
Lazer J1 Junior, Nutcase Adult S, Lazer Adult S
|
Medium |
|
Large |
Bell Sanction Full Face L
|
Large | Lazer Adult L |
Large |
Nutcase Adult L
|