Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle isn’t only a good idea, but in many locations it is required by law.
Your child should begin wearing a helmet as soon as he or she is old enough to start riding a tricycle.
This will help your child get used to the helmet and wearing one will then seem normal.
You should also model good habits, and wear a helmet whenever you are riding a bicycle as well.
Choosing a bicycle helmet is more than just picking out a helmet in your favorite color. Here are some quick tips for choosing and wearing a bicycle helmet.
- Several organizations review helmets for safety, so look for a seal from an organization such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American National Standards Institute.
- The helmet should fit snugly, sitting flat on the head and level. The helmet should not shift around more than 1inch in any direction. Most helmets include pads that you can add to the inside of the helmet to get a good fit.
- Make sure no part of the helmet interferes with your visibility.
- Always wear your chin strap.
- Choose bright colors or add reflective stickers to improve your visibility to others.
Your child may need to try on a number of helmets to find one that fits properly. As your child grows, he or she will need a replacement helmet. It is a good idea to check the helmet for fit and integrity on a regular basis, at least once or twice each year.
Your children should know that even when wearing a bicycle helmet, they can still be injured. Make sure your children know about bicycle safety, and always wear their helmets.
