While two-wheels is one of the most exhilarating ways to roam through life, it’s important to take precautions in ensuring that roaming is done safely – especially if it’s your child. And as a new school year kicks off, and your groms begin riding their bikes to class or hitting the mini track on the weekend, it can be tricky finding the best helmet to keep them safe.
Don’t fear – our team of helmet experts are here to help! Here are three tips to finding the best helmet for your child.
1. Find your style:
First off, what type of riding is your child doing? Are they hitting the mtb trails or are they going to school? From BMX to moto, we offer a wide array of helmets that fit your child’s style and type of riding they love to do.
Moto: The Moto-9 Youth Mips is our go-to moto helmet for groms interested in riding at the local track or exploring off-road trails. This lid offers full-grown protection in a youth-sized package. Sharing the same DNA as the adult version, the Moto-9 Youth Mips uses a lightweight Tri-Matrix shell and Mips for additional rotational energy management in some impacts.
MTB: Is your child wanting to push their limits on a mountain bike? The Sanction 2 DLX might just be for them, and is a great entry-level helmet to get them comfy off-road!
Skate or BMX: If your child wants to turn heads at the skatepark, while taking advantage of Bell’s strong reputation in protection and performance, go big with the Span. This lid shows up on the scene with a modern twist on skate and BMX style. The fit is tight and right, and with a dial-adjustable fit system, this thing is staying put, no matter how rad you get.
Road: Hit the road in style with the Lil Ripper. Whether they are enjoying a neighborhood stroll, or balancing on their own two wheels, your youngest shredders can ride in style and safety with the Lil Ripper.
2. Find your fit:
Sizing is key to ensure your helmet fits your child safely. Here are tips to finding what size helmet your child should get for both moto and bike:
How To Measure For A Moto Helmet
You can use a fabric measuring tape, string, or a shoelace that you have at home. Here's what to do: Wrap the string around their head, measuring one inch above their eyebrows while encircling their head at its widest point. Record the length and compare it to a tape measure or ruler. Afterward, go to the Bell Helmets website and refer to the size guide. Find the number that matches their head measurement; this will determine their shell size.
How Should A Moto Helmet Fit?
Now we're going to jump into the cheek pad, which is a super crucial part of fitting a moto helmet. The cheek pads should be tight up against the cheek, but not so tight that they're biting their cheeks and they shouldn't be so loose that you can just wiggle the helmet and have it move around. A nice, snug-fitting helmet is what you're aiming for.
Most people are going to be okay with the stock size pad that comes in the helmet, but if they do have a wider or narrower face, they may need to go up or down in cheek pad size.
The chinstrap should be snug against the chin. You don't want it to be too loose so that the strap can get over the chin and you don't want it to be so tight that they can't open their mouth. Typically, the width of your finger is a good place to start.
You can learn more in our most recent video tutorial.
How To Measure For A Bike Helmet
You can find your child’s helmet size by measuring their head circumference, utilizing a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string for this task. If opting for a measuring tape, encircle their head approximately an inch above their eyebrows, then consult our size chart to identify their size. Alternatively, if using a string, follow the same head measurement process and then measure the string against a standard measuring tape or yardstick for accurate sizing.
Where Do I Find Bike Helmet Size Charts
Once you've measured their head, refer to the product page. Locate the size chart and click on it to find their size based on their measurement. Their measurement will correspond to a specific size range.
How To Fit A Full-Face Bike Helmet
Ensuring the proper fit for a full-face bike helmet involves a slightly different process compared to fitting a half shell. Both processes will start with measuring their head circumference. However, the fit for a full-face is personalized by adjusting the padding to achieve optimal comfort and safety.
Many full-face helmets have additional pads included or they are available for purchase separately.
How To Wear A Bike Helmet
Place the helmet on their head so that it sits level, covering their forehead. The front rim should be about one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Adjust the side straps so that they form a Y-shape under their ears, with the front strap sitting just below the earlobe. Tighten the straps until they are snug but comfortable.
How Should A Bike Helmet Fit?
It’s important to consider how tight or loose the helmet fits. You don't want it to be so tight that it's leaving a crease on their forehead, but you want to make sure that it's not loose and moving around. Shake their head gently from side to side and up and down. The helmet should stay in place and not shift around. If it does, readjust the straps until the fit is secure.
You can learn more in our most recent video tutorial.
3. Keep its value:
While it’s important to get the right type of helmet your child needs in the right size, it’s good to find ways to ensure your grom has that helmet for a long time by taking great care of it.
To clean your child’s helmet, use a mild soap and water solution to gently wash the outer shell, foam, and interior padding with a garage rag. You can also use a damp washcloth to wipe away dirt and mud, or a soft toothbrush or cuetip for any areas that are hard-to-reach. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry in a safe place, avoiding submerging the helmet in water, as that can cause the helmet's materials to absorb water, which can affect the adhesive and harden the foam. You should also avoid using ammonia, bleach, or harsh chemicals. If the helmet has pads, you can remove them and wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild soap. Then, air dry them on a flat surface.
