How to fit a child's helmet

Helmets must be the right size and correctly fitted to provide protection. It’s not a case of buying a helmet that they will grow in to – that works with jumpers and trousers. Not with safety equipment.

Helmets come with a fit recommendation in centimetres, covering a range of sizes. This fit measurement refers to the circumference of the head they are intended for.

To measure your child’s head, follow these steps:

• Take a cloth measuring tape and wrap it around their head about an inch above the eyebrow. Make sure the tape is level all the way around.
• Record the measurement.

If you don’t have a measuring tape use string instead. Using the string in place of a tape measure, cut it to the circumference of your child’s head, and measure the length of the string.

How to fit a child’s helmet

Step One (Eyes):
Make sure the helmet is facing the right way – sounds obvious but people do get this wrong! The helmet should sit just above your child’s brow, covering their forehead. The brim of the front of the helmet should be about a centimetre above their eyebrows - high enough to allow unrestricted vision, and low enough to protect their forehead.

Step Two (Ears):
The helmet should fit securely without wobbling if they shake their head. First adjust the dial at the back of the helmet until the plastic retention cradle is snug against their head. The helmet should not move from side to side or back and forth. Adjust the side straps so they are positioned comfortably in a “V” shape just below each ear.

Step Three (Mouth):
Adjust the chin strap so it’s snug but not restrictive. When the strap buckle is fastened, you should be able to get 2 fingers between the strap and the neck, but no more.

We suggest checking the fit weekly to ensure the helmet remains correctly adjusted. Sometimes day-to-day use or inquisitive fingers can put the helmet out of adjustment.

Updated on 5th October 2022

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