How to Fit a Kids Bike Helmet

While it’s always great to see kids wearing a helmet, if that helmet doesn’t fit correctly, then your child isn’t receiving the protection that they should have. An ill fitting helmet–one that’s too big or too small, moves side to side, or tilts back too far–isn’t that much safer than no helmet at all.

The good news is that it’s not that hard to fit a helmet properly. With a few tips and a little bit of time, that lid will be safe as can be.

In this article, I give you five steps to make sure that your child’s helmet is fit properly and providing maximum protection.

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Step 1: Make sure the helmet is the right size.

It seems obvious, but I see lots of kids wearing helmets that aren’t even the right size.  There is no way to adjust a helmet to make it fit if it is way too big (or small) for the kid.

To size your child for a helmet, you want to measure their head circumference.  You can do this with a cloth measuring tape (easiest option), or by using a string and then measuring it against a ruler. 

Measure around your child’s forehead, just above the eyebrows.  Make sure to measure in centimeters or millimeters (or convert from inches to metric after the fact).

You can then compare this measurement to the helmet manufacturer’s sizing table and pick an appropriate helmet for your child (or verify that their current helmet fits).

If for whatever reason you can’t physically measure the child (for example, maybe you’re a grandparent buying the helmet as a gift), you can use the below table as a general guideline.

Age	Head Circumference (in cm)
12 months	46
2 years	48
3-5 years	51
6-10 years	53
11+ years	56

Step 2: Make sure it is snug.

Helmets are designed to last for a while which means they are usually adjustable.  To make sure the helmet fits your child, the helmet will come either with multiple helmet pads or a rear fit dial (or both). 

With skate-style helmets and cheaper helmets, you generally have to rely on padding.  Other cycling helmets will have a rear fit dial at the back of the helmet that tightens or loosens the helmet.

Compared to padding, fit dials do a superior job of tightening the helmet and getting a good fit. If you’re shopping for a helmet, I’d highly recommend choosing one with a rear fit dial.

• Read Also: 5 Best Kids Bike Helmets

The helmet is appropriately snug when your child can shake and roll their head without the helmet shifting.  The front should be aligned just above your child’s eyebrows (that same place where you measured their head circumference).  If it is tilted backward and you are seeing large expanses of their forehead, it is either too large or needs to be tightened.

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The helmet on the left is titled too far backward (photo credit). The helmet on the right is positioned correctly right over the eyebrows.

At this point, I also like to ask the child how it feels.  As parents we are often eager to make sure it is REALLY tight, but you also don’t want it so snug that it hurts.  If the helmet is uncomfortable, the child won’t want to wear it.

Step 3: Adjust the side straps.

The straps on either side should come to a Y just below your child’s ear.  I generally find this easiest to accomplish by adjusting it while they have the helmet on their head.  That is, if they will stay still long enough for you to do it.  Good luck, mom!

On most helmets you’ll have to make this adjustment manually, though some helmets have adjustment-free side straps which make this a cinch.

Step 4: Adjust the chin strap.

Tighten the chin strap so that it is snug but not excessively so.  You should be able to fit one finger between the strap and your child’s chin, but no more.

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In the photo on the left, the chin strap is far too loose. In the photo on the right, the chin strap is adjusted appropriately.

Depending on the design of the helmet, there might be some extra length of strap just hanging out.  If this happens, I like to trim the strap so that there is 6 inches or so remaining, and then fasten the remainder in place with a rubberband.

Step 5:  Keep checking.

Adjusting your child’s helmet once isn’t enough.  If your kiddo is like mine, they will tug on the chin strip until it loosens and play with the fit ring on the back of the helmet. 

Keep an eye on the fit.  Is the chin strap loose?  Is the helmet crooked on your child’s head?  If so, it’s time to tighten things back up. 

I make sure to do this a couple times a month, and more often if needed.

Other helmet safety tips

• If the helmet has been in a crash, or if it has been dropped, then it needs to be replaced. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the integrity of the helmet may be damaged.
• Teach your children to treat their helmets kindly. To the point above, if your kid throws their helmet or lets it carelessly fall to the ground, the helmet is getting damaged and won’t be as effective in a crash.
• Check the helmet for visible signs of wear. I was recently looking at one of my son’s helmets and noticed there was a crack in the foam!!  Time to throw that baby out!
• My favorite helmets for kids are ones with MIPS-technology. These are more expensive but provide superior protection.
• If your child is into multiple sports (skateboarding, skiing, etc) don’t just assume their existing helmet will work for biking too. Make sure that it has a CPSC label certifying it for use on a bicycle.
• Store the helmet indoors. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can damage the helmet.  You also want to keep it away from direct sunlight.
• We all know kids are dirty. To clean a bike helmet, use warm water and mild detergent.  Avoid soaking the helmet or exposing it to high heat.

Now That You Know How to Fit a Helmet, Choose The Best One For Your Child

• The 5 Best Baby and Toddler Bike Helmets
• The 5 Best Kids Bike Helmets for Your 5 to 12 Year Old (2018)