Best Bike Helmets for Kids

Most biking families have a simple rule – no helmet, no bike. Helmets are a critical piece of gear for biking and, in my opinion, should be non-negotiable. This post will help you understand how to get kids to wear a helmet, how to fit helmets AND the best bike helmets for kids.

Between everyone on the team here at Kids Ride Bikes, we have used and tested A LOT of helmets. Our children have done everything from riding in bike seats as little babies, up through crushing double black diamond single track on their mountain bikes.

Safety AND comfort are critical factors when it comes to helmets because without comfort, no one wants to wear a helmet, but if the helmet isn’t safe, it’s pointless.

Read on to discover all of our tips and tricks.

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Getting kids to wear their helmets

You may have helmet regulations in place in your family, but enforcing the rule is sometimes easier said than done. We started a “no helmet, no bike” policy from the second they could straddle a push bike. There is good data that shows that helmets keep kids safe. But that doesn’t mean they never put up a fight.

Hopefully, the following tips will help you get your kid to wear a helmet more.

Want more tips on getting your kid to wear a helmet? Read this great post on the best tricks.

Make Sure Their Helmet Is Comfortable

Above all, make sure the helmet is comfortable. We once picked out an awesome-looking R2D2 helmet, only to realize the lack of holes made it completely miserable in the summer.

A lot of resistance tends to be rooted in actual discomfort. Velcro that snags the hair or a poky buckle will make a child want to rip that helmet right off.

Thankfully, we have tested out enough helmets that we have avoided recommending any with serious comfort issues or design flaws.

Turning Helmet Hangups into Happy Habits

Let’s face it, sometimes getting a helmet on a little head feels like negotiating a peace treaty. If your kiddo is digging in their heels and “because I don’t want to!” is the mantra, it’s time to switch gears and lighten the mood!

Toddlers and preschoolers operate on a different logic, and sometimes, a little silliness goes a long way. Try these tricks:

• The “Wrong Body Part” Game: Casually try to put your helmet on your knee or your elbow. The ensuing giggles are a win!
• Funny Names: Declare your helmet “Sir Reginald the Round” or “Princess SparkleTop.” A bit of personality can make it less of a scary safety device.
• Helmet Decorating Station: Let them (and you!) glam up their helmet. It makes it more engaging and less like a sterile piece of equipment. Helmet Flair is a company that specializes in making helmet decorating accessories.

Lead By Example

We all want our little ones to be safe, especially while they’re biking or riding around. And while we’re busy making sure their helmets fit just right, let’s remember a crucial first step: Put on your own helmet first.

Think of it like the oxygen mask on an airplane – you can’t help others if you’re not secure yourself. Plus, seeing you consistently wear a helmet sends a powerful message. It normalizes safety and makes it “just what we do.”

Speaking of safe helmets, when it’s time to choose yours, why not lean on the experts? The independent testing done at Virginia Tech offers a fantastic resource for identifying the safest adult helmets on the market. Their ratings provide unbiased information to help you make an informed decision.

What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Helmet? Let’s Talk Honestly

For older kids who might feel invincible, a bit of honest experience can be powerful. If you’ve been in a bike accident, sharing your story (appropriately) can show them that accidents happen to anyone, gently countering that feeling.

Sharing your own experience makes helmet use relatable, not just a rule. It helps them see that protecting themselves is about being prepared, not limiting fun. This honest approach can encourage responsibility and safer choices.

How to Pick Out a Good Kids’ Helmet

If you’re looking for a new helmet, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Also check out this helmet-fitting video from our friends over at Buddy Pegs.

Fit of the Helmet

If a helmet is too loose, it won’t be effective. If it’s too tight, you’re going to get resistance from your kid. Make sure the strap fits snugly under the chin. Don’t go solely on ages when buying a helmet – kids have different-sized heads, and you need to make sure it fits, even if it means going up or down a size.

Good helmets are generally sized in centimeters or inches (and sometimes both!). Measure your child’s head with a soft measuring tape to get the right size.

Every child has a different head shape, and different helmet brands have different fits. Trying on helmets in a store such as your local bike shop or REI is a good way to evaluate the fit.

Comfort of the Helmet

If a helmet is too hot, or pinches in the wrong place, or has a visor that makes it difficult to see (or doesn’t have a visor and the sun gets in their eyes), your kid will be less inclined to wear their helmet.

Some helmets have velcro that grabs hair or ponytails–sounds like a small thing, but it could cause a child to refuse to wear their helmet.

Sport

Not all helmets work for all sports. For example, a skateboard helmet should cover the back of the head. Many bike helmets don’t. If your kid does multiple sports, make sure their helmet is safe for every activity.

Decoding “MIPS”: A Little Extra Brain Protection

You might see “MIPS” on some kids’ helmets. It stands for Multidirectional Impact Protection System. Imagine your head hitting the ground at an angle – that can cause a twisting motion. MIPS is like a special layer inside the helmet that can move a little bit during that twist. This movement helps the helmet absorb some of that twisting force, which could be better for the brain.

It’s good to know that all helmets have to pass basic safety tests, and those tests don’t require MIPS. So, a helmet without MIPS is still safe. But some studies suggest that MIPS could offer a little extra protection.

Because it’s an added feature, MIPS helmets usually cost a bit more, maybe around $15-20 extra. When you’re picking out a helmet, knowing about MIPS can help you decide if that extra layer of protection is something you want.

Best Bike Helmets For Kids

When you’re deciding what to buy, you need to consider a few things: what sport will this helmet primarily be used for? Is my kid hanging out in a trailer, or going off mountain bike jumps? What is their chief complaint with their old helmet (Too hot? Too pinchy? Visor in the way?) What’s your budget?

When you figure out your answers, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of helmet you need. REI has a great selection of kids’ helmets that can help you find something that works for your kid.

Looking for Full Face or Convertible helmets – Head over to Choosing a Kids Full Face Helmet!

Best Bike Helmets for Infants and Small Toddlers

Getting your baby or toddler used to wearing a helmet early on, even with ride-on toys, is a smart move. When they’re riding in bike trailers or seats, a helmet is still essential, but rounded backs can be uncomfortable. The helmets reviewed below all feature a flatter back design, making them ideal for comfortable trailer and bike seat use.

Thousand Jr Bike Helmet

The Thousand Jr. is a toddler helmet (ages 1+) focused on comfort and safety for little riders on bikes, scooters, and riding in trailers. Key features include an adjustable dial for a good fit that grows with your child, ventilation to keep them cool, and a lightweight design (around 7.8 ounces). It even comes with fun, reflective stickers and both thin and thick padding for a more custom fit.

Fits head circumference: 45-49 cm

Giro Scamp II Bike Helmet

For little riders (and their parents!), the Giro Scamp II is a top pick. Our team finds that it fits most young kids well, and comfort is a big reason why. If dealing with a ponytail under a helmet is a struggle, you’ll appreciate that the Scamp is ponytail compatible, making for a much more comfortable ride. It also features a built-in visor.  

The Scamp boasts a flat back and good adjustability, which everyone who uses it loves – it works great whether they’re on bikes, scooters, or even riding in trailers. The Scamp II Mips system is a big step up from the original and no longer catches on longer hair.

Fits head circumference: 44 – 49 cm (XS), 49 – 53 cm (S) 

I like the Giro scamp for little kids, especially riding in the trailer and on the shotgun seat since it had a flatter back.  

-Jami, Blog Team Member

Schwinn Classic Toddler and Baby Bike Helmet

The Schwinn Classic Toddler and Baby Bike Helmet is a solid choice for young riders (ages 1+) on bikes, scooters, and even when riding in trailers. It’s the one we actually bought for our first kid, and it proved to be a fantastic option without breaking the bank.

Key features include an adjustable dial, which helps you get a snug and safe fit that can adapt as your child grows. It also has vents to help keep little heads cool during their adventures and is designed to be lightweight for comfort. If you’re looking for a reliable helmet that’s easy on the wallet, the Schwinn Classic is worth considering!

Fits head circumference: 45-49 cm

Best Helmets for Preschoolers

Getting your preschooler a safe and comfy bike helmet is key. There are tons of choices, and knowing what to look for matters. Sometimes, even “universal child” or “youth” helmets can fit preschoolers with larger heads, so feel free to scroll down to the big kid section if you have a preschooler with a big noggin.

Bern Nina DVRT Bike Helmet

Looking for a helmet that does double duty? This one’s certified for both biking and hitting the slopes! The handy flippable brim adds versatility, and the bonus of a machine-washable liner makes cleanup a breeze. However, we found the sizing can run a little small, so size up if you are in between sizes.

Fits head circumference: 48 – 51.5 cm (XS/S), 51.5 – 54.5 cm (S/M)

NUDL Youth Helmet

NUDL is a newer company created by the same person who designed the fun Nutcase helmets that we used to recommend before the brand folded. They’ve got that same cool style but with some smart updates.

My kids love the fun look of the helmets, and I appreciate the comfy, secure fit and the super-easy magnetic buckle. Knowing they include MIPS protection gives me extra peace of mind. Definitely a top pick for a more stylish multi-use helmet, great for scooters, skateboards, and bikes.

Fits head circumference: 52 – 56 (S), 56 – 60 (M)

Woom Ready Bike Helmet

Our team’s favorite helmet for kids in preschool through early elementary is the Woom Bike Helmet. It offers excellent coverage for their forehead, temples, and the back of their head, plus the super-easy magnetic closure gets them ready to pedal in a flash. This new, updated version includes improvements like maximum ventilation and high visibility. It also comes in a version with a light.

Fits head circumference: 46–50 cm (XS), 50–53 cm (S), 53–57 cm (M)

Best Bike Helmets for Older Kids

Bell Nomad 2 Junior Mips

One of our team members’ kids has been wearing this helmet for three years and has really liked it. We found its lower profile doesn’t sacrifice safety, thanks to the MIPS liner and the fine-tuning dial. It’s a great budget-friendly choice, though we did notice the ventilation wasn’t optimal for really hot days.

Fits head circumference: 52-57 cm

Giro Fixture II MIPS Bike Helmet

Around the time my kids hit five, we make the switch to the Giro Fixture II helmet. It’s a fantastic mountain bike style option that comes equipped with MIPS technology, giving me peace of mind about their safety on the trails.

What I really appreciate about the Fixture II is its incredible adjustability, meaning it will fit them comfortably and securely for a good long while as they grow. Plus, the large brim and excellent ventilation are perfect for keeping their heads cool, especially since our summers get hot and my kids tend to get pretty sweaty during their adventures.

Fits head circumference: 47 – 54 cm

POCito Omne SPIN Helmet

The POCito features SPIN technology. Like MIPS technology, SPIN technology helps protect brains during an impact. This technology lets the helmet turn during an oblique impact, reducing the transmission of force to the brain. Pocito helmets are also made with recycled materials.

This helmet is a good choice for a child with a hard to fit head as it has multiple spots to adjust the fit. It is a pricier option but known to be comfortable.

Fits head circumference: 48-52 (XS), 51-56 (S)

Smith Sidekick Jr. MIPS Bike Helmet

Many on the Kid’s Ride Bike blog team are new fans of Smith helmets. Two of us moms on the team swear by the Smith Convoy, and we were big fans of its predecessor for older kids, the Wilder Jr. You can still snag the Wilder Jr. on sale at REI and Amazon as they’re phasing it out.

The Sidekick Jr is another great Smith helmet that fits well, stays snug, and balances well on the head. The Sidekick Jr. caters to a slightly wider head size range than the Wilder Jr., with its two size,s and has a new adjustable dial system that is easier for littler hands to turn.

Fits head sizes: 48-52 cm (XS), 51-55 cm (S)

Adaptable Protection – Convertible Helmets

Convertible helmets with removable chin bars are great for young riders exploring different terrains. They offer full-face protection for aggressive riding and can easily switch to a lighter, open-face style for easier trails. This adaptability provides the right protection as kids progress their skills.

Kali Maya Full Face Child Helmet

The Maya Child’s Helmet with Removable Chin Bar received high marks from team member Jami. Her daughter recently used it for several weeks of mountain biking and found it comfortable and easy to wear. Having an added chin bar for progressing riders is a great idea. A chin bar helps protect against ugly, full-face crashes.

The Maya is a good bridge between a traditional helmet and a heavier, true full-face helmet. It is almost half as heavy as the downhill-specific helmets, yet still offers good protection for moderate terrain.

Fits head circumference: 50-54 cm

Best Bike Helmets for Kids

Choosing the best kids’ bike helmet means balancing safety, comfort, and features that suit their riding. Options range from MIPS for advanced protection to easy magnetic buckles and adaptable convertible styles. Prioritize a snug, level fit above all else to ensure their safety on every adventure. What are some of your favorite kids’ bike helmets or any that you think we should check out? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Links

• How to Get Your Child to Wear a Bike Helmet
• Bike Trailer Reviews
• Bike Gifts for Kids
• How to Teach a Child to Pedal Bike
• Choosing a Kids Full Face Helmet

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