Helmet Fit

Helmet Safety: Keeping Your Child Safe Starts Here

Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to protect your child while biking—and the numbers prove it. Studies show that properly fitting helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 51% and serious head injury by 69%. To get that protection, though, the helmet has to fit just right.

Here’s what you need to know to make it safe and secure.


Adjusting the Fit: Get It Right Every Time

A loose or wobbly helmet won’t do its job. Follow these steps to ensure a snug, safe fit:

  • Position It Properly: The helmet should sit level on your child’s head, about one to two finger-widths above their eyebrows—no tilting back or forward.
  • Secure the Side Straps: Adjust the straps to form a “V” shape under each ear, keeping the helmet centered and stable.
  • Tighten the Chin Strap: Buckle it and adjust so it’s snug but not tight—you should fit one or two fingers underneath, no more.
  • Test the Fit: Give the helmet a gentle shake. It shouldn’t rock side to side or slide off. If it does, tighten the straps or use sizing pads.

Video Helmet Strap Test: The current video shows a neck strap that’s too loose. It was intended to do so but has caused confusion.  We’re replacing it with a new one that demonstrates proper adjustment—stay tuned!

When to Replace a Helmet: What Happens After a Big Bump?

Helmets are built to take a hit, but a big bump—whether from a crash, a drop, or a strike—can affect their ability to protect. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Impact Damage: When a helmet takes a hard hit, its foam liner compresses to absorb the force. This can leave cracks, dents, or hidden damage inside, even if it looks okay on the outside. After a crash or a drop from a height (like off a table or bike), inspect it carefully.
  • Replace After a Wreck: If your child’s been in a crash, replace the helmet—even if there’s no visible damage. The internal structure might be weakened, making it less effective next time.
  • Dropped or Struck: A hard drop onto concrete or a strike (like hitting a branch) can compromise the helmet too. Look for cracks or dents, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and get a new one.
  • Wear and Tear: Beyond big bumps, replace the helmet if the straps are frayed, the buckle’s broken, or it no longer fits your growing child. Most experts recommend a new helmet every 3-5 years, even without a crash, as materials degrade over time.

Key Point: A helmet’s a one-hit wonder—after a significant impact, it’s done its job and needs replacing to keep your child safe.

With a properly fitted helmet and a plan to replace it when needed, your child can ride with confidence—and you can relax knowing they’re protected!

Feedback: Email trainingfeedback@notrainingwheels.com or ask our Tidio chatbot for a form!

Under Construction - Curated List of Helmets for Consideration if You Need One.

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Get Ready for the Adventures

Hey there! Struggling to decide on the perfect bike or accessories for your little one? No worries—we’ve got your back! At the request of our awesome members, we’re excited to share a curated list of the best products we swear by, hand-picked from our years of coaching experience. These are the same bikes and gear we’d choose for our own kids, so you can feel confident in your picks. Check out our recommendations to take the guesswork out of your decision and get your child pedaling with a big smile!