Choosing a Kids Full Face Helmet

Helmets are a non-negotiable in our house if you are riding a bike. But is a full face helmet really necessary? We hope we can help you answer that question for the young bikers in your family and give you some of our team recommendations!

Helmets are a personal fit item and cannot have a one-size fits all approach. We quickly learned our two kids had very different head shapes which meant that helmets that were great for our oldest were a poor fit for our youngest. This led us to trying on many, many helmets (and having a little patience for growth) trying to find the right fit.

Full face helmets can be heavy, and might not be the best choice for smaller bikers, plus the selection is rather limited for smaller heads. Finding a kids full face helmet for young bikers can be challenging, but we hope these suggestions help your littlest riders.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!

When our oldest was 6 and was upgraded to a 20″ Specialized Riprock, we knew we wanted to have better protection for her face as she started biking more and on bigger trails. Our main reason for choosing a full face helmet for her was to protect her face in the event of a crash. She wasn’t a big risk taker or doing extreme things, but it only takes one crash on the trail to do some damage.

I watched her go over the handlebars on her balance bike when she was 3 and wished she had a full face helmet then. Thankfully those physical scars healed and she was not mentally scarred by that crash. Last year when she was 6, my husband watched her slip out on some algae covered rocks at a river crossing in Bentonville and almost smash her face on the rocks. Thankfully she was wearing her Maya Full Face Child Helmet and the chin bar protected her face. It could have been so much worse!

And again at age 7 during a race course pre-ride early in the summer she grabbed a handful of her front brake and over the handlebars she went. She had one bruise on her elbow and a little scuff on her chin bar – full face for the win again!

Our youngest is a bit braver and wilder, but has a smaller head and we struggled to find a small, lightweight, full face helmet for her. I would have preferred to have her in a full face when she was pedaling at age 3, but we couldn’t find anything to fit her well, so we just used her Smith Wilder Jr (Smith replaced the Wilder with the Sidekick Jr).

Helmets are just one part of the equation on protecting our kids, gloves, glasses, footwear and protective padding all help keeps our kids safe. Check out our favorite Kids Protective Gear For Biking.

When Should Your Child Wear a Full Face Helmet?

For our family, if we were riding trails, our oldest wore her Maya full face almost every time. If we were casual or road riding, we removed the chin bar and she wore it like a traditional bike helmet. There were times when we gave her the option and she chose to leave her chin bar on since she felt safer.

She is now 10 and wears a different helmet (Bell Super Air R) and we don’t utilize the chin bar as much, but we have it when we are trying riskier skills or trails. Our youngest at age 7 is still in a full face, and will likely follow a similar timeline. She rides and races her mountain bike with it.

Wear it for Trails, Jumps, or Riskier Riding

For little kids and toddlers I would reserve the full face helmet for riskier riding like trails and jumps. The extra weight and warmth of a full face (especially a shell helmet) for a casual ride might not be necessary and a regular helmet with MIPS would probably suffice.

Wear it for Downhill and BMX Riding

A lot of downhill MTB parks and all downhill races require a downhill certified helmet, so if you are planning to do downhill MTB, make sure you have a certified helmet. BMX racers are also required to wear a full face with the appropriate certification.

Wear it When a Little Extra Protection is Wanted

And if you just want a little extra protection in case your little one takes a big spill, that’s all right too! We have never regretted picking up a full face and I see more and more little rippers wearing full face helmets these days, just wish there were more lightweight helmets!

Youth Full Face Helmet Types

There are a few different designs of full face bicycle helmets on the market.

Any bike helmets sold in the US is required to meet the CPSC Standard, if they do not meet this standard, please do not purchase. There is also ASTM F1447 which is identical to CPSC.

I am yet to find a full face helmet of any style for heads smaller than 47cm, so if you have any leads drop them in the comments! I would love to see some lightweight helmets with chin bars for all the little shredders out there.

Downhill Approved Full Face Helmet- ASTM F1952

These helmets meet the ASTM Standards for Downhill Biking and these types of helmets are often required for downhill bike parks and any downhill racing. They provide more coverage and are tested at higher impact levels.

Summary: ASTM’s F1952 Downhill Mountain Bicycle Racing helmet standard is significantly more stringent than the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. A helmet needs much more coverage to meet F1952, and is tested at higher impact levels. Chinbars are not required, but are tested if they are present.

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Full Face Helmet but Not Downhill Approved

Just because a helmet is not downhill approved does not make it a bad choice. Unless you are planning to do something where you need a DHA helmet, you could use a non-DHA helmet. Helmets the meet the ASTM F1952 are tested at higher levels, but but little ones who just need face protection, it may not be necessary. They may even be a little lighter weight and offer more ventilation but still have valuable face protection.

Removable Chin Bar / Convertible Full Face Helmet

This last kind of full face helmet is most comparable to a regular bike helmet with the addition of a chin bar that can be removed. Some may be DHA, others are not. They often have a lot of venting and are more lightweight compared to a “shell” or non-convertible full face helmet.

The removable chin bar gives you more flexibility with one helmet. Remove the chin bar for casual/road rides or hot climbs and add back in for more risky riding. These types of helmets typically have a dial adjustment in the back which can give a more precise fit and extended fit range for longer wear on a growing child.

There have been some concerns of chin bars failing in adult crashes, but I doubt these little riders can generate enough force to be a concern. And in my opinion, if the chin bar takes the crash force and breaks, it did part of its job of displacing the crash force away from the head and neck.

Proper Fit of Full Face Helmet

To test the fit of a helmet, put the helmet on making sure it is no more than two finger widths above the eyebrow, snug the straps so you can fit one finger through and tighten the dial if there is one, then shake the head YES and look for excessive movement. Then shake the head NO and check for movement. Is the helmet still positioned properly? Did it move around on the head when shaking? If it was moving around and is not in the same spot, that helmet is probably too big.

One of the downsides to full shell full face helmets (like Bell Sanction, 100%, 7iDP M1), companies will often use one shell for multiple sizes and adjust the padding on the inside for sizing. This isn’t great for the smallest riders because they can end up with a larger shell with a lot of padding which increases the weight and profile on the small child and is a lot hotter on those warm summer days.

Hard-shell Full Face Helmets vs. In-mold Full Face Bike Helmets

In a hard-shell helmet, the shell is cast separate from the foam liner and then they are molded together. With in-mold helmets, the shell and liner and formed in one mold and then fused together. Here is a quick video demonstrating the differences in construction.

Shell full face helmets typically have a fiberglass exterior shell that is all one piece with lots of padding on the inside, very similar to a motorcycle helmet. There will be a strap under the chin which is either a side push buckle or a double D ring. The fit in these helmets are more precise (1-3 cm range of fit) and are not adjustable. However, very protective.

Shell helmets and full face helmets without a removable chin bar typically are the snuggest fitting and most protective, but often the heaviest.

Full face bike helmets that use in-mold have a more traditional bike helmet look to them with a chin bar, sometimes removable. These are typically lighter-weight than hard-shell helmets and more breathable. They also have a wider ranger of fit as well as they often utilize dials to tighten the helmet in the back.

Full Face Kids Helmet Options

I would love to see a lightweight helmet like the Kali Maya Full Face Child or similar available down in sizing to 46-47 cm heads so there could be a lightweight full face option with chin bar protection for the littlest riders no matter when they are riding.

Once you get into adult sizing (around 51-52 cm) the selection for lightweight, breathable full face helmets really opens up! There are a lot of options with varying levels of coverage, but to keep it simple focus on the youngest riders, this post will focus mostly on helmets fitting heads under 52cm.

Before purchasing any helmet, check out the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings. Only a few of the helmets below have been tested at the time of publication, but they are always testing new helmets, so check in before you buy.

Tip: Most bike shops do not stock small full face helmets so I have found it best to utilize stores that I can order from that have free returns or find a fellow biking family that has a helmet you could try on.

Reminder – the best helmet is the one fits properly and the one you or your kids will wear every single time! Just because one of the helmets below didn’t work for us, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

Here are some of the best full face helmet options out there for little riders. Once again, this list mostly focuses on helmets fitting under 52cm. Any helmet that we had in our possession I also weighed on our kitchen scale to compare.

Author Note: I have come to the conclusion that perhaps my youngest daughter has a narrower head than average which may be the reason some of these don’t fit as well as they should even when she is within the size range.

The list is in alphabetical order and not ranked as there are many personal preferences! Click a link to jump to that helmet.

7idp M1 Full Face Helmet – KRB Team Tested and Recommended!

The 7idp M1 Full Face Helmet is a good all around full face helmet. Lightweight and somewhat breathable with 13 vents. The chinstrap can be difficult, but it is a solid helmet.

This one seems to be hard to find, not sure if they are discontinuing.

Author Note: Unfortunately this helmet didn’t make it past the try-on phase for us. My youngest has a 48.5cm head and tried on the Youth Medium which fits 48-49 cm heads. Unfortunately it was not a secure fit and didn’t pass the “yes/no” test. The Following year her head measured 49cm and it was a better fit, but we decided it still wasn’t the best fit and felt the weight and warmth was not worth it.

What We Like:

• Good ventilation
• Less bulky than some others
• Great price point for a full face

What We Don’t Like:

• No MIPS
• Chinstrap is difficult for kids
• We found it runs a little big, but Team Member Sara thought it ran a little small.

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: ABS Shell
• Sizes Available: YM (48-50cm), YL (50-52cm), Adult XS (53-54cm) through Adult XL (61-62cm)
• Weight: Adult M – 900g (manufacturer weight), Youth Medium – 920g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $110
• Downhill Approved: No
• Standards and Certifications: Complies to CPSC Standards
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, if your 7iDP product has been damaged in a crash or any other mishap, you are eligible for a 50% discount on a new 7iDP replacement item.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: 2/5 stars

The youth M1 helmet is lightweight and was very affordable (7iDP has great sales!). They seem to run small, so I suggest sizing up. My very small 7 year old daughter is wearing the youth size medium and I don’t think it will fit her next summer. It doesn’t have as much padding inside as the Fox and Fly helmets so it feels less bulky and it’s definitely light (840 grams). This is the helmet my kids prefer over the other two brands we own. Only con is the chin strap is impossible for kids to do on their own.

KRB Team Member Sara

Abus YouDrop FF – KRB Team Tested

The Abus You Drop FF is very lightweight! Coming it at 420g, one of the lightest on our list. Simple design with a removable chin bar and removable visor. It also has a wide fit range to grow with your child. The back dial is also height adjustable to dial in a more precise fit or allow room to put a ponytail through. The visor is also held on with hook and loop vs a rigid attachment. This allows the visor to easily pop off in the event of a crash, potentially reducing strain on the neck.

Author Note: We used this helmet for 1.5 years, but it was not a great fit for my daughter. I ended add some extra padding in certain locations to snug it up on her narrow head. This helmet may be a better fit for kids with a more round head shape.

What We Like:

• Very lightweight
• Removable chin bar for flexibility
• Dial adjustment in the back for extended fit
• Removable pads that can be hand washed

What We Don’t Like:

• No MIPS
• Runs a little big/wide

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: In-Mould for a permanent bond between the outer shell and the shock-absorbing helmet material (EPS)
• Sizes Available: One size, 48-55 cm
• Weight: 420g (manufacturer weight), 440g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $143 (newer helmet to USA market, can be harder to find)
• Downhill Approved: No
• Standards and Certifications: Complies to CPSC Standards, CE EN1078:2012
• Crash Replacement Program: Not noted on website, but you can always try and email customer service as they may give you a discount code.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Bell Sanction 2 Full Face Helmet – Team Favorite

The Bell Sanction was a long standing favorite for a toddler full face. Recently, Bell came out with and updated version, the Bell Sanction 2. The Sanction 2 still utilizes the ABS shell and EPS liner. Bell focused on impact management, ventilation, fit, and updated styling and features on the 2. Learn more about the upgrades on the Sanction 2 here.

The original Sanction was recommended by many KRB Team Members and this new version still holds most of the same criteria we loved, just updated. This helmets fits the smallest heads well and side pinch buckle makes this easier to get on and off than D ring helmets.

Author Note: This helmet was a good fit for the 49cm head. You can see in the photo below that her cheeks are actually squished like they should be in a full face shell. However we ended up not keeping it because I felt it was too hot and heavy for our summer trail riding, even with the increased vents.

What We Like:

• Good fitting full shell for little kids
• Side pinch buckle closure is easy to use
• Good price point for a full face
• More ventilation ports than the original Sanction

What We Don’t Like:

• No MIPS
• Jump in weight from the Sanction (850g) to the Sanction 2 (892g)

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: ABS Shell with EPS Liner
• Sizes Available: XXS (48-51cm), XS/S (51-55cm), M (55-57cm), L (57-59cm), XL (59-61cm)
• Weight: M – 1040g (manufacturer weight), XXS – 892g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $145 (but often found on sale!)
• Downhill Approved: Yes
• Standards and Certifications: ASTM-1952-DH,ASTM-2032-BMX,
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, if your Bell bike helmet has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for a discount on a new Bell replacement helmet.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Fly Racing Youth Rayce Helmet

The Youth Rayce is a quality helmet for those looking to go big on some downhill. It has a D ring closure which is secure, but can be tricky for little hands.

What We Like:

• Padding can be removed for washing.
• Full coverage, secure helmet

What We Don’t Like:

• D ring closures can be hard for little hands.

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: Polycarbonate-alloy shell with EPS foam liner
• Sizes Available: YS (47-48cm), YM (49-50cm), YL (51-52cm)
• Weight: Adult M 930g (manufacturer weight)
• Price: $140
• Downhill Approved: Yes
• Standards and Certifications: CPSC 1203, ASTM F1952-15, CE EN 1078:2012/A1:2012
• Crash Replacement Program: Not noted on website, but you can always try and email customer service as they may give you a discount code.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Fox Youth Proframe – Newer 48cm+ helmet!

The Fox Youth Proframe is a smaller version of the much loved adult Fox Proframe. This enduro inspired helmet is designed to be lightweight and breathable and even has an under visor GoPro mount. This helmet is downhill certified and goggle friendly.

The helmet comes with 20/30mm cheek pads installed with 30/40mm cheek pads included.

What We Like:

• MIPS equipped
• Adjustable visor
• Side pinch buckle
• Two cheek pad sizes
• Fun color options!

What We Don’t Like:

• Pricetag

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: In-mould construction with a polycarbonate shell
• Sizes Available: Youth (48-52cm)
• Weight: Youth 680g +/- 50g (manufacturer weight)
• Price: $300
• Downhill Approved: Yes
• Standards and Certifications: ASTM-F1952, NTA-8776 E-bike helmet certification standard
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, if your Fox helmet has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for a 20% discount on a new Fox replacement helmet. Learn more in the FAQ under crash replacement.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A (Fox normally does well in ratings of other helmets though)

Fox Youth Rampage – KRB Team Tested

The Fox Youth Rampage is a downhill certified youth helmet for kids who are ready to send it. MIPS technology and a double D ring closure make this a great safety pick.

What We Like:

• MIPS equipped
• Adjustable visor

What We Don’t Like:

• Lack of YM size (50-51cm) makes in between sized heads tricky

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: Lightweight, injection molded ABS shell
• Sizes Available: YS (49-50cm), YL (51-52cm)
• Weight: YS 980g +/- 50g (manufacturer weight), YL 980g +/- 50g (manufacturer weight)
• Price: $250
• Downhill Approved: Yes
• Standards and Certifications: CPSC 1203, ASTM F1952-15
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, if your Fox helmet has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for a 20% discount on a new Fox replacement helmet. Learn more in the FAQ under crash replacement.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

The Fox helmets have a lot of padding and and they are a little beefier than some other full face. The weight is about 1000 grams. They only offer 2 youth sizes – youth small and youth large – which is a bummer if you’re in between sizes. Super safe helmet that is ASTM DH certified, however the chin strap is hard for kids to do on their own – I have to do it for them.

KRB Team Member Sara

IXS Trigger Full Face Helmet – KRB Team Tested and Recommended!

The IXS Trigger Full Face Helmet is a lightweight full face helmet that fits and breathes like a traditional bike helmet with a good size range. There is a MIPS version and one without MIPS.

We were bummed when we first tried this one on that it was still too big for our youngest the first time, but a year later it fit her at age 6 (50cm head) and the one she is wearing. She loves the magnetic Fidlock closure and that can get this helmet on and off herself.

What We Like:

• MIPS technology
• Dial adjuster on the back for a precise fit
• Vertical adjustment in back as well for a better fit
• Fidlock Magnetic closure is easy for little hands
• Comes with two sets of cheek pads to get the best fit

What We Don’t Like:

• One of the more expensive on the list (however I was able to snag one for $99 on a “open box” deal, so search the internet! It arrived brand new, in the original box with tags on, no damage or signs of use.)

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: In-mould technology with EPS liner
• Sizes Available: XS (49-54cm) and Adult Sizes through 62cm.
• Weight: S (both MIPS and no MIPS versions) – 595g (manufacturer weight), XS no MIPS – 530g (on our kitchen scale), XS with MIPS Air 535g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $259 no MIPS, $299 with MIPS
• Downhill Approved: YES!
• Standards and Certifications: EN1078:2012+A1, CPSC, ASTM F1952-15 + F1446-15b, KC
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, through the Gravity Cartel. The Gravity Cartel offers a pro-rated crash replacement program to the original owner from the date of purchase up to three (3) years on select iXS goods. 
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Author Note: We have been loving this helmet (IXS Trigger with Mips Air) for two summers now! It is a nice snug fit, but we still have lots of room to grow in it with our youngest. She can get it on and off herself and its not too heavy. She started wearing the XS when her head was 50cm.

Kali Protectives Maya Child Full Face Helmet – KRB Team Tested and Recommended!

The Kali Maya FF offers the best of both worlds! Full face protection for trails or when more protection is needed and take the chin bar off for road or leisurely rides. One button on each side removes the chin bar. Just pop back into the slots until it clicks and its back to full face.

Author Note: We used this helmet for over three years with our oldest and was always a secure fit and we really liked it. However, it never fit my youngest well.

What We Like:

• We love that it is very lightweight but still offers valuable protection
• Crash replacement guarantee for the lifetime of the helmet

What We Don’t Like:

• Only goes down to 50cm, would love to see another size of this helmet start around 46cm
• The dial in the back sometimes gets caught on long hair, but head bands and braids normally keep it to a minimum.

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: Quad Core LDL Layer – Composite Fusion
• Sizes Available: One size, 50-54cm
• Weight: 520g (manufacturer weight and on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $140
• ATSM Downhill Approved: NO
• Standards and Certifications: EN 1078, CPSC
• Crash Replacement Program: Yes, lifetime crash replacement policy.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Leatt MTB Enduro 2.0 – Junior

This removable chin bar helmet is sized down from Leatt’s popular adult Enduro helmet. We love the Fidlock closure for ease! The chin bar is easily removed with a push of a button, and put it back on by snapping into place.

Author Note: We got this helmet in a size with our oldest in mind (the XS/S 51-55cm), but they both tried on. It was clearly to big for the youngest (50cm head), but a good fit on our oldest (51.5cm head). Our oldest liked this one, but chose the Bell Super Air R instead as she felt it was a better fit on.

What We Like:

• Fidlock closure
• 2 cheek pad sizes for a good fit
• Adjustable visor with breakaway

What We Don’t Like:

• No MIPS
• Wish the JR size started smaller, not just 1cm smaller

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: Lightweight polymer shell with In-molded impact foam for superior energy absorption combined with 360° Turbine Technology
• Sizes Available: JR-XS (50-54cm), XS/S (51-55cm), M/L (55-59)cm
• Weight: JR-XS – 690g (manufacturer weight), XS/S – 607g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $199
• Downhill Approved: No
• Standards and Certifications: AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN1078, CPSC 1203, Chin bar passes ASTM impact testing
• Crash Replacement Program: 3-year Leatt Helmet Replacement Program
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Mongoose Title Full Face Helmet – Great Lightweight Budget Pick!

This is a helmet that really surprised me. It seems to be built decent, it was very lightweight and downhill rated, all for under $100!

Unfortunately it looks like the youth sizing may be phased out as the youth sizes are harder to find.

Author Note: Unfortunately this helmet didn’t make it past the try-on phase. My youngest has a 48.5cm head and tried on the Youth Small which fits 47-48 cm heads. Unfortunately it was not a secure fit and didn’t pass the “yes/no” test.

What We Like:

• Super lightweight!
• Downhill rated

What We Don’t Like:

• We found it runs a little big
• No MIPS

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: ABS shell and EPS foam liner
• Sizes Available: YS (47-48cm), YM (49-50), YL (50-51) and Adult Sizes through 62cm.
• Weight: YS – 695g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $99
• Downhill Approved: YES
• Standards and Certifications: CPSC and ASTM Standard F1952
• Crash Replacement Program: No.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: 3/5 Stars

POC Otocon MTB Helmet

A lightweight full face helmet starting at 48cm. With lots of air channels, this helmet was designed for the demands of Enduro, but they made one small enough for some little shredders too. Two sets of cheek pads for a great fit and the BOA like adjuster makes it easy to get a good fit. This one has an overall smaller profile compared to some others. This is a great option for little shredders!

There is another version of this helmet – POC Otocon MIPS that starts at a size Small (51-54cm). This version features MIPS and additional safety technology like RECCO. $400

Author Note: This was a good fit on our youngest’s head (50cm), but ultimately she preferred the fit of the IXS Trigger instead.

Information below pertains for POC Otocon MTB Helmet (non-MIPS)

What We Like:

• Super lightweight!
• Downhill rated
• Removable cheek pads, 2 sets
• Lots of air channels and a breakaway visor
• Race Lock adjustment system (similar to BOA)

What We Don’t Like:

• Pricey
• No MIPS option on XS size

Helmet Specs:

• Helmet Construction: EPP in the lower part of the helmet improves durability and sustainability, while an EPS upper keeps weight low.
• Sizes Available: XS (48-52cm), S (51-54), and Adult Sizes through 62cm.
• Weight: XS – 552g (on our kitchen scale)
• Price: $330
• Downhill Approved: YES
• Standards and Certifications: EN1078, CPSC1203, ASTM F1952, ASTM 2032
• Crash Replacement Program: Not noted on website, but you can always try and email customer service as they may give you a discount code.
• Virginia Tech Helmet Rating: N/A

Other Kids Full Face Helmets

There are lots of other full face helmets on the market, especially on Amazon. I would caution you against those Amazon buys, as they may not meet proper standards. Do your research and try on first if you can.

The Strider Full Face was one out there that just didn’t check the boxes for me, I felt the overall coverage wasn’t that great and it just felt cheap. However, it looks like that has been discontinued now.

A newer one popping is a full face by RockBros, it looks very similar to the old Strider one and isn’t something I would run to. It does start at 48cm though.

Kids Full Face Bike Helmets for Heads Bigger than 51cm

Most all the helmets above go above 51cm and are great options, but the following are popular and recommended by the team if you are looking for a few more options, above the 51cm size.

Bell Super Air R Spherical/Mips

A lightweight full face with a removable chin bar. Sizing starts at size S (52-56cm) and is 627g on our kitchen scale. Comes with two cheek pad sizes and a Go-Pro mount for the top. Not DH certified, but there is a DH version.

After trying on several helmets, this is the one my oldest chose most recently.

Smith Mainline Mips

The mainline is a popular helmet with adults at starts at 51cm. Downhill rated and a medium weights just 770g.

Helmet Comparison

Helmet	Sizing Starts at	Starting Weight
7idp M1	48cm	920g
Abus YouDrop FF	48cm	420g
Bell Sanction 2	48cm	892g
Fly Racing Youth Rayce	47cm	930g
Fox Youth Proframe	48cm	680g
Fox Youth Rampage	49cm	980g
IXS Trigger Full Face	49cm	530g
Kali Protectives Maya Child	50cm	520g
Leatt MTB Enduro 2.0 – Junior	50cm	607g
Mongoose Title	47cm	695g
POC Otocon MTB Helmet	48cm	552g

The Best Kids Full Face Helmet Is the One They Will Wear

Finding the perfect full face helmet for little ones is no easy task. The smaller the head and biker, the harder it gets. We are hopeful that more companies will start coming out with lightweight, full face helmets for toddler and little kids.

I struggled with the idea of putting a 800-900g helmet on my little 37lb 4yo because I worried I was putting her more at risk for a neck injury with the added weight. More 400-500g full face helmets down to 46cm-ish would be awesome to see on the market. Big kids and adults are not the only ones who should have solid face protection!

Have a helmet that should be on this list? Send us a message or drop it in the comments below!

Related Articles:

• Bike Safety for Kids
• Bike Gloves for Kids
• Best Bike Helmets for Kids
• How to Get Your Child to Wear a Bike Helmet

Choosing a Kids Full Face Helmet

© 2026, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.