Kids’ Bike Helmet Buyer’s Guide

Every child should be wearing a helmet while they’re riding a bike, whether it’s on the road or in the garden. For them to get maximum protection, you’ll need to find the perfect fit.

Kids’ Bike Helmet Sizing

Before you begin shopping for a colour or design, you’ll need to size your child's head. Kids’ bike helmets use centimetres or inches to indicate which size is required, so you’ll need to take an accurate measurement in order to get the right fit.

You can follow this guide to learn how to find out the size of your child’s head: How To Size A Bike Helmet.

Once you’ve sized up your child’s head, then you should take your measurement to your local Halfords store to try a few helmets on for size. You may want to consider what kind of bike riding your child is going to be doing to determine if they will need a mountain biking helmet, a full-face helmet, or a road bike helmet. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite kids' helmets below.

Polka Dot Toddler Bike Helmet

Size: 44 – 50cm

The Polka Dot Toddler Helmet will stand out with its bright and colourful design, making it super visible while you’re out and about. It’s suitable for 1 – 3-year-olds (approx.), Plus, the 6 ventilation spots prevent little heads from getting too hot, so they can learn to ride and gain confidence in the saddle with ease and comfort.

Halfords Plain Black Junior Helmet

Size: 50 – 56cm

For kids between the ages of around 5 and 11 years old, this helmet features ventilation spots to keep heads cool, and is tested to meet EN1078 European Safety Standards, making this helmet the perfect combination of safety and comfort.

Halfords Junior Leisure Helmet

Size: 52 – 59cm

The Halfords Junior Leisure Helmet in pink comes in a large size range, covering kids between the ages of 7-16 years. The 17 cooling vents add comfort to rides, and the helmet allows for a rear LED light, which can be purchased separately, helping them stay safe and seen.

Halfords Black Junior Skate Helmet

Size: 52-58cm

The Halfords Black Junior Skate Helmet is a great option for kids who love to skateboard or scoot instead of riding a bike. It offers both durability and comfort for their skateboarding, biking, and scootering adventures, while keeping them safe while they’re doing tricks and making turns.

Helmet Adjustments

Once you’re happy that the style, design and size are right for your child, you’ll need to fit the helmet correctly. You can check that your child's helmet is fitted correctly by following a few simple steps.

Straps

The straps around their ears should make a comfortable ‘V’ shape, just underneath the ears and should not be too loose. They should not dig into the side of their face either – make sure there is some tension, but not enough to irritate their skin and become uncomfortable.

Forehead

There should be enough space for your child to fit two fingers between their eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet; any more or less means that the helmet needs to be tightened or loosened.

Adjuster

If the helmet has a dial adjuster, then this needs to be at the right tightness. If you can fit a full finger between the adjuster and the back of their head, then it’s too loose. If there’s no room between the adjuster and their head, then it’s probably too tight.

Wobble test

Ask your child to give their head a good shake in every direction. If the helmet moves, then it’s too loose. If it still moves on the maximum tightness, then it’s too big, so you may need to try a different type of helmet or re-measure their head.

Once their helmet is fitted correctly, then they’re good to go. If they’re first learning to ride a bike, then it may be worth picking up some safety pads to save their skin.