Children's bike helmet test 2020 ▷ the best recommendations in comparison

Children’s helmets test & 2020 comparison

A helmet is always part of the safety equipment when handling the wheel or bicycle. After all, the coordination of the little cyclists is not yet fully developed and the next fall is soon to come. What is happening? The head is almost unprotected and injuries can be very severe without a helmet. Parents should therefore get their children used to the bicycle helmet early on and, of course, best set a good example. But how exactly can you recognize a good bike helmet, how is it constructed and which criteria do you have to consider when buying? We want to take a closer look at all of these questions in the following sections.

This is how a bicycle helmet for children works – hard shell, soft core

A modern children’s helmet is equipped with a hard outer shell and a padded interior. There are basically three types of construction:

Hard shell helmet Micro shell helmet Softshell helmet

The safest models belong to the micro shell helmets, which convince with many openings for ventilation and a low weight. The shell is mostly made of plastic and only of the expensive models made of carbon. The advantage of carbon is the lightweight construction, which plays a role more in bike racing than in children’s helmets. The plastic is not so important due to the many openings and ventilation slots. Directly under the outer shell there is an identical shell made of rigid foam, which is welded firmly to the upper part. It must be at least 2 cm thick and line the entire helmet. The hard foam absorbs shocks optimally and offers insulation in cold or very hot temperatures. Underneath is the inner pad that creates the connection to the head and provides a comfortable fit. After all, the helmet must not press or fit against the head. Ventilation holes ensure that the children do not sweat too much when wearing them. They are usually additionally lined with a fabric net.

In the back of the head there is an adjustment mechanism so that the helmet can be loosely put on and then tightened. You move an inner construction made of flexible plastic using a small wheel, the the Head shape tightly encloses. Therefore, not every helmet fits every head and your child should be able to try out different models. Comfort is paramount if your child is to voluntarily put on the helmet later. The chin strap is the last component and serves as a clasp. It is usually additionally padded so that the closure leaves no pressure points on the chin. It is a plug lock that does not open easily during everyday driving or in the event of a fall.

How does the helmet catch a fall? – Pressure wave is released

Wearing a helmet alone is said to reduce the risk of head injuries by 30 percent. If there is an impact, the helmet is the protective element, which distributes the energy much better. The material compresses, dissipates the energy by means of a pressure wave and conducts it away from the head via the outer shell – like a kind of lightning rod. If the helmet breaks, the force is optimally absorbed and your child remains unharmed on the head. So it is not a material defect or a defect, because a broken helmet shows its ability to absorb energy.

Choose the right size – from XS to M

The right size is crucial for every child’s helmet, as the little ones are still growing. Optimal protection is only required if the helmet is firmly and properly attached to the child’s head. It must not be easy to pull forward or push it back. A game to the side is also not recommended. Some helmets grow with their interior settings. This means that they can be used significantly longer and adapted to different head shapes.

But how do you get the right helmet size? Simply measure the head circumference and compare it with the table. To do this, take a measuring tape and put it on over your ears to the middle of your forehead. However, the tape measure must not fall on the neck, but must always be against the head. It is best to measure several times to be sure. If the head circumference is between two helmet sizes, always choose the larger variant. After all, your child will grow quickly and the helmet must not push or cut under any circumstances. The following sizes are available from most manufacturers:

helmet size	head circumference	Age
XS	44 cm – 49 cm	0 – 3 years
S	46 cm – 51 cm	2 – 7 years
S / M	49 cm – 53 cm	3 – 9 years
M	52 cm – 58 cm	From around 4 years old

Even larger helmets are available in L and XL from a head circumference of 60 cm. However, these are more intended for older children over 12 years and adolescents. If you don’t have a tape measure, just take a longer cord and then measure the circumference on a ruler or a ruler. But be careful: the sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is best to always compare the size with the measured head circumference and check whether it is in the frame. The larger the circumference, the bigger the helmet you choose, of course.

Not only suitable for bicycles – also for inliners and scooters

A bicycle helmet for children is of course not only intended for the first attempts with your own bike. It is best to start getting your child used to the helmet in good time. The little ones take part in road traffic with a running bike or scooter and should be properly protected. After all, a fall or impact doesn’t always have to be your own fault. Later, of course, the helmet is also used for skateboarding, inline skating or karting, depending on the children’s preferences.

Colorful colors and beautiful designs – let your child choose

After the shape and size have been determined, it is time to choose the right design. Whether it’s a pink girl’s dream, zoo animals or cartoon characters – there are really no limits to what children want. However, an important rule: let your child make the choice himself. After all, wearing a helmet should be fun and should not start with an aversion to color or design. If you like the helmet externally, you will wear it later and never forget it.

The advantages and disadvantages of a bicycle helmet for your child

Optimal protection in the event of accidents Risk of injury is reduced Can be used for many vehicles Child-friendly designs can hardly be felt

Design must please the children Children should always try on the helmet. Size differences among the manufacturers

Functions and safety on the children’s helmet – light, belt system and ventilation

In addition to the right size and the precise shape, there are of course other safety aspects on a children’s helmet. Basically, it should be said: the price plays a subordinate role. After all, high quality standards save lives in an emergency. However, this does not mean that the cheap helmets provide less safety. It depends on the equipment. In the next sections, we want to explain more about the different functions on the helmet and the most important safety features.

Bicycle helmet light – for the dark season

Some models are equipped with special reflectors or even lights. Especially in autumn and winter, this function helps to make children more visible. The light should be attached to the back of the helmet so that approaching drivers can recognize your child in good time. While bicycles have front and rear lights, there are no such standards for scooters or wheels. Some manufacturers rely on a simple red light. Other lights are equipped with several functions and flash, for example. They are operated by a small battery directly behind the lamp. Normally, it rarely needs to be replaced, since the lights hardly use any electricity. As an alternative, you can simply buy reflectors in the form of stickers.

The belt system – easily adjustable and convenient

Each bike helmet is attached using a belt system. The straps should be adjustable and adaptable to the shape and size of the head. There are usually guide rails inside the helmet so that the straps do not slip too quickly. The more adjustment options, the more comfortable the helmet sits on the head later. The chin strap ultimately ensures the final fixation and can have additional elements. For example, some manufacturers pass the straps past the ears on the right and left and additionally lock the two straps below the ears with a fastener. As a result, the straps do not interfere with the face, but run together comfortably below the chin. A click fastener and an additional chin pad ensure safety and comfort. Check the belt settings regularly and adjust the straps if necessary if your child is wearing a hat. The children’s helmet with a hat is therefore not a problem.

Safety aspects – so the helmet fits perfectly

The front edge of the helmet should always be flush with the eyebrows. The helmet must not be crooked or too far back in the neck. The forehead should wrinkle a little when you move the helmet back and forth. Then he sits tight enough. The straps are to be tightened so tight that the pad lies close to the chin and has little play. Caution: straps that are too tight are uncomfortable in the long run and push the neck. The straps should fit snugly around the cheeks and ears. The lock must click in correctly. Only the padded areas in the bowl should touch the head. After this Tighten the fitting again.

Ventilation and protective nets – against foreign bodies in the helmet

Every child’s helmet needs ventilation slots so that the head does not sweat too much and is protected from heat build-up. The materials inside isolate from the cold in winter and the slits bring enough fresh air to your head in summer. This ensures comfort in every season. A good helmet should have around 7-9 openings for ventilation. You can recognize inferior models by these points: ventilation and safety net. Most ventilation slots must have a mesh cover on the inside. These are fly nets or fine-mesh materials. They prevent insects or other foreign objects from entering through the slots and getting into the helmet shell. If the nets are missing, your child is not protected from an insect bite, for example, because the animals quickly get caught in the helmet.

Tested safety – TÜV, Euronorm and CE seal

Before buying, pay attention to the existing test marks such as TÜV, CE and GS seals. The children’s helmet should meet all standards applicable in Germany and the EU. At the same time, he must carry the standard notice "EN 1078". That means: the helmet was put on a dummy and really tested in a drop test. If the product passes this test, it may have the safety standard. However, most well-known manufacturers meet these criteria. Caution is required with the products of discounters and noname models. It is precisely here that the security features need to be checked more closely.

Purchase criteria for children’s helmets – for an optimal fit

You have already got to know the most important features and a first idea of the optimal children’s helmet. Nevertheless, there is a large selection on the market that varies enormously in terms of quality and price. The following table lists all purchase criteria for a bicycle helmet so that your children are well protected at all times.

benefits	disadvantage

firm fit on the head, but not too tight must not slip, even when exerting force. Comfort over a longer period of time. Padding in the helmet and on the chin strap. Adjustment system by ring or dial for individual > Straps should form a triangle on the ear

criteria	Hints
fit
Weight	low weight of the helmet lightweight materials made of plastic and hard foam children should be able to wear the helmet for several hours, the neck muscles for a helmet that is too heavy should not be more than 300 grams
size	Sizes from XS to M for children always go according to head circumference and not according to age Boys usually have a larger head circumference than girls always choose the larger model if something is unclear
safety	Check TÜV, Euronorm and CE seal DIN EN 1078 should be available Striking colors and reflectors on the helmet Light on the back of the head possible Ventilation against heat build-up with protective net
shutter	Mostly possible as a click fastener. Children should be able to take off the helmet themselves. The fastener must not loosen. It must always be adjustable with a chin strap. Cushions under the fastener prevent skin from getting caught The main manufacturers – Uvex, Alpina and Co. Of course, there is not only a large selection of models and designs. In the following table we want to give you a brief overview of the most important manufacturers for children’s helmets and their special features. This may make your selection a little easier.

Helmets for cycling, equestrian and winter sports Comfort closure for operation with one hand, continuous adjustment, very light and stable models with LED system as taillight, colorful designs, deep-drawn back of the head

Quality since 1924 Models with a head circumference of 45 cm or more Child-friendly design Comfortable seat with a gently sloping back Secure locking system Sufficient ventilation slots Cool models for small and school children

good price-performance ratio more than three sizes available different colors and designs sufficient air openings flat design at the back of the head also suitable for child seats and trailers reflective stickers

These are only the most popular brands. There are significantly more manufacturers who all differ with different models and of course want to deliver the best helmet for your child. We therefore leave the following brands unmentioned: