Children and Bicycles, Part 2: How to Fit a Helmet
The use of bicycle helmets for children became more widespread in the 1980s, largely as a result of a growing awareness of the dangers of head injuries while cycling. Prior to this, bike helmets were not commonly worn by children, and were primarily used by competitive cyclists and other athletes.
The first modern bicycle helmet was invented in 1975 by Bell Sports, and was originally designed for motorcycle racing. However, the company soon recognized the potential of the helmet for use in other activities, including bicycling. In 1984, Bell introduced the first bicycle helmet specifically designed for children, called the Bell Biker.
At first, the use of bicycle helmets by children was not mandatory, and many parents were reluctant to purchase them due to their cost and concerns about their appearance. However, as the benefits of helmets became more widely recognized, many states and municipalities began passing laws requiring children to wear helmets while riding their bicycles. Today, all 50 U.S. states have some form of helmet law in place, although the specifics vary from state to state.
Over the years, the design of children's bicycle helmets has continued to evolve, with new materials and technologies being introduced to improve safety and comfort. Today's helmets are typically lightweight and aerodynamic, and often feature features such as adjustable straps and ventilation systems to keep riders cool and comfortable. Some helmets even include built-in lights and reflective materials to improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Properly fitting a bike helmet is essential for ensuring that it provides the best protection for your child's head. Here are the steps to follow to fit a child's bike helmet correctly:
Size the helmet: Make sure the helmet is the correct size for your child's head. Measure the circumference of their head just above the eyebrows and choose a helmet size that matches that measurement. You can refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart to determine the correct size for your child.
Position the helmet: The helmet should sit level on your child's head, covering the top of their forehead without tilting forward or backward. The front edge of the helmet should be about one or two finger-widths above their eyebrows.
Adjust the straps: Adjust the chin strap so that it is snug and comfortable under your child's chin. The strap should be tight enough to prevent the helmet from rocking back and forth or side to side, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable or restrictive. The side straps should form a V-shape around your child's ears, with the buckle centered under their chin.
Fine-tune the fit: Use the sizing pads that come with the helmet to fine-tune the fit. These pads can be placed inside the helmet to adjust the fit and improve comfort. Make sure the helmet fits snugly and comfortably on your child's head, with no gaps or spaces between their head and the helmet.
Check for proper fit: After adjusting the helmet, check that it fits properly by having your child shake their head gently from side to side and up and down. The helmet should not move or shift excessively.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your child's bike helmet fits properly and provides the best protection for their head while riding their bike.