Properly Fitting a Child's Bike Helmet November 10, 2006

Topics: Fitness, Child Safety, Children's Health, Cycling

Almost every season in Central Texas is bicycle weather and the area's myriad trails and greenbelts make it an attractive recreational choice, especially for children. It's important to make sure to fit a helmet properly to provide as much safety as possible for your child. We asked cycling coach Jerry Gerlich to take a look at our list of tips. He agreed with each one and had a couple of extra comments about some that may be useful.

• Measure the diameter of your child's head one inch above the eyebrows before you go to the store to purchase the helmet. Sizes vary between manufacturers so go by the diameter measurement.

• Remember that all helmets have been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, whether they cost $10 or $50. More expensive helmets simply have more ventilation or comfort features, but don't necessarily provide more protection.

• Keep in mind that while you pay less for a bicycle helmet at a department store, you are more likely to get assistance in proper helmet fitting if you visit a bicycle shop. "And the department store helmets tend to have less ventilation," says cycling coach Jerry Gerlich of Castle Hill Specialized Fitness. "Kids that play hard in the Texas sun sweat quite a bit. They will be more likely to wear a helmet that is cooler when the sun is directly overhead."

• Don't wear the helmet tipped back. It should be level from front to rear and side to side. Correct positioning protects the front part of the brain. "It also protects the nose better should the rider fall face-first," says Gerlich.

  
  

• Foam sizing pads inside helmet should touch the head all the way around. Replace thicker pads with thinner pads if needed. Fit should be snug but not uncomfortable.

  
  

• The side straps should form a "V" shape just below the earlobe. The buckle strap should be snug beneath the chin, but not uncomfortable. You should be able to slide a finger between the buckle and the skin. "Check the straps before each ride," says Gerlich. "The straps can not only loosen over time, but can also stretch."