Looking for a children’s bicycle helmet? Hollandbikeshop.com has a wide range of children’s bicycle helmets of all kinds!

Why buy a children’s bicycle helmet?

Wearing a children’s bicycle helmet makes sense. Yet it isn’t mandatory in many countries, the Netherlands included. In fact, most people in the Netherlands have learned how to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Very different from a place like the UK, for example, where wearing a bicycle helmet is a lot more common, especially among young children.

Children are often still developing their motor skills when they start learning how to ride a bicycle, which makes them especially vulnerable. That’s why they benefit from the protection of a bicycle helmet more than anyone, especially while they’re still learning.

Most accidents involving children on bicycles are one-sided, meaning that there usually aren’t any other road users involved. It’s usually a case of the child losing its balance getting on or off the bicycle or accidentally steering the wrong way.

In these cases, a helmet can offer the kind of added protection that helps prevent brain damage. Research by VeiligheidNL (the Dutch center for injury prevention) and the SWOV (the Dutch institute for road safety research) has shown that helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by about 40 percent. 
 

How safe is a children’s bicycle helmet? 

Wearing a bicycle helmet doesn’t prevent accidents, but it can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries. Bicycle helmets were designed to withstand blows of up to 20 km per hour and probably won’t be able to offer sufficient protection in case of accidents involving cars, scooters or speedy e-bikes. But wearing a protective helmet is no unnecessary luxury, especially for children learning how to ride a bicycle.

Children are more likely to take a tumble (or two) at this stage. Children’s bicycle helmets feature a liner made of energy-absorbing foam that will compress during an accident, reducing the severity of the impact. The helmet’s hard, smooth outer layer or shell ensures that there is little resistance and the helmet can slide across the ground in case of a fall, helping to prevent neck injuries.

The hard outer shell also ensures that pressure is distributed equally over the helmet’s surface and prevents sharp objects from penetrating it. The inside of the helmet is often padded so it’s comfortable to wear. 
 

How do you choose a children’s bicycle helmet?

There are a few points to keep in mind when finding your child a bicycle helmet. First and foremost, we advise making sure that the children’s bicycle helmet meets European safety standards for safe bicycle helmets. The bicycle helmet safety standard for adults is EN-1078, and EN-1080 for children. Also make sure that the helmet you select properly covers the child’s forehead, temples and back of the head.

Additionally, it’s important that your child’s helmet has proper ventilation, since helmets without it can start to feel warm when worn for longer periods of time. Of course, the helmet’s straps and fastening should be firm and secure. In order to have the best possible protection, it’s important that the children’s bicycle helmet is securely fastened, without your child’s hearing or vision being compromised.

If you’re taking your little one along on a bike ride in a children’s bicycle seat, a bicycle helmet with a flat back is also an option. Children’s bicycle helmets with a flat back, like the ABUS Smooty 2.0, help your child sit upright comfortably. Another important factor that we mustn’t forget is, of course, what the helmet looks like. Children’s bicycle helmets are often brightly colored and feature fun prints.

They’re decorated with Disney characters and themes like Star Wars, Cars, Frozen, Minnie Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Brands known for their safe and classy children’s bicycle helmets are Abus, Kiddimoto, Melon and MET.
 

What size bicycle helmet for children? 

Determine your child’s helmet size by measuring their head circumference at about two centimeters above the eyebrows. The head circumference will determine your child’s bicycle helmet size. For children that are still growing, a bicycle helmet with an adjustable fit is recommended.

With an adjustable helmet, you won’t have to get a new helmet every year; the helmet grows along with your child, so to speak. Keep in mind that when your child is used to wearing their hair in a ponytail, this could get uncomfortable underneath a helmet. There are bicycle helmets that are expressly ponytail-compatible though, like the Abus Smiley 3.0.
 

Which bicycle helmet is suitable for babies? 

Children’s bicycle helmets in size XXS are suitable for babies. Size XXS, or 2XS, corresponds with a 44 to 48 centimeter head circumference. A 44 centimeter head circumference is the general size for children aged of about 6 months old, while a 48 centimeter head circumference is normal for children around 1 year old. These helmets for small infants are safe, light in weight and designed for user comfort. A great example of this type of helmet is the Bobike Go. 
 

What size children’s bicycle helmet for what age?

Some children grow faster than others, so it’s difficult to determine one specific size for children between 3 and 5 years old. On top of that, size designations like small, medium and large may vary per brand, so it’s always a good idea to look for the size designation in centimeters or inches. This is why knowing your child’s head circumference plays a big part in finding the right helmet size.

In general, baby heads are small and helmets measuring 44 to 48 centimeters will fit them best. Helmets with a 48-52 centimeter head circumference tend to be most suitable for toddlers, while preschoolers usually wear helmets for a 52-53 centimeter circumference.

Once your child has outgrown the toddler helmet, or their head circumference is over 52 centimeters, it could be time to check out our bicycle helmets for adults. The smallest bicycle helmet for adults starts at around 52 centimeters.
 

Is wearing a bicycle helmet mandatory for children?

Although it’s quite common in some places to see small children wearing a bicycle helmet, wearing a bicycle helmet isn’t required by law. It is still strongly recommended that small children wear them, especially while learning to ride their bicycles. 

At Hollandbikeshop.com, you’ll find safe children’s bicycle helmets for boys and girls in various colors. They often have great prints that will make your child look even cooler while riding their bicycle.