Bicycle Helmets for Infants through Kids
It can be hard to find kids helmets that are small enough for infants and young toddlers, as most “children’s” helmets are made for school-aged kids with MUCH bigger heads. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best helmets for infants, toddlers and older kids. Note: these helmets can be used for biking, roller skating, skateboarding, and more.
A note about safety certifications: All bicycle helmets manufactured after 1999 must meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet standard. That said, all of our recommendations below are CPSC certified. For more detailed information, please reference this article.
Comfortable, Protective Headgear for Skateboarding, Roller Skating and More
Joovy Noodle Helmet ~ $34
47-52 cm (18.5-20.5 inches)
*CPSC certified
The Joovy Noodle helmet has plenty of ventilation (with bug mesh in the front), an easy-adjustable sizing dial in the back, and a pinch guard on the two-toned chin strap. Be aware: some parents think it runs small.
Bontrager Little Dipper ~ $44 or Little Dipper with MIPS ~ $64
9 months+ (toddler size fits head circumference 46-50 cm)
*Certification: CPSC
Bontrager makes fun, high quality, decently priced child helmets. The Bontrager Little Dipper is easy to put on and adjust with a QuickSet fit system and a pinch-free buckle. It has a sturdy, in-molded EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) hard shell and a built-in visor as well.
The in-mold construction provides more strength, yet the helmet is still light and well-ventilated.
Lazer Pnut KineTicore Bike Helmet ~ $49
12 months+ (baby/toddler universal size: 46-52 cm)
*CPSC certified
Lazer designed this lightweight helmet for the smallest of heads. The KineTicore uses an EZ Fit system where you simply place the helmet on your child’s head and it automatically adjusts to the right fit. Also great for littles is the cheek buckle, which ensures no pinching of sensitive little chins when clasping the helmet in place. In addition, this helmet offers extra protection where children need it most: deeper coverage around the fragile temple area, fully integrated Rotational Impact Protection technology and Controlled Crumple Zones that absorb the force of impact in the event of a crash. Bonus: the KineTicore has a built-in insect net to keep bugs from flying into the helmet’s front vents.
Giro Scamp ~ $54 or Scamp with MIPS ~ $69
9 months+ (size xs: 45-49 cm and size sm: 49-53 cm)
*CPSC certified
The scamp has a pinch-free buckle, built-in visor, plenty of ventilation, and comes in two sizes. (Again, measure carefully.) It’s easy to adjust the tightness by turning the Mini Loc adjustment dial at the back of the helmet. Parents love the toddler helmets from Giro – there are virtually no complaints about it!
The Scamp with MIPS (multi-directional impact protective system) also features an additional inside liner specifically designed to disperse energy in the event of an impact, meaning that the force of an impact would be more evenly distributed. Again, parents rave about it.
Nutcase Baby Nutty w/MIPS ~ $59
sized for 48-52 cm circumference; Little Nutty w/MIPS (kids’ version, ~$69) Toddler size fits 48-52 cm; Youth size fits 52-56 cm
*CPSC certified
The Nutcase helmets are a family fave — they come in tons of fun designs and offer great coverage, though they are a bit on the heavier size. *Perhaps the best thing about these ones are that they feature a magnetic closure — no more pinched neck skin, yikes!
Happy biking, scooting, triking, and riding!
Did you miss? Best Bike Seats or our Summer Series?
Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
What about soft cloth helmets? Are those a complement or another option?
Not sure what “soft cloth helmets” are?? But if you’re at all concerned, check out helmet requirement for safety here.
What are your thoughts on Nutcase Baby Nutty Helmets?
Haven’t reviewed them yet, but will add them to our consideration list 🙂 Thanks for the reco!
What about this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Nutcase-Nutty-Street-Helmet-Suits/dp/B00S10MJYG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1472319565&sr=8-5&keywords=nutcase
Hi Jennifer! We haven’t reviewed this one, but thank you for the suggestion. I’ll add it to our list 🙂
Check out Nutcase helmets. I have no relation to the company. We’ve been using the baby nutty from 12 mths to present (2.8 years) and will soon transition to the little nutty. They are low profile and come in a lot of cool patterns/designs.
We recently purchased the Joovy Noodle helmet for our 21 mo son, and he doesn’t seem to fuss with it. I like the ease of use, and that it will grow with him. I also appreciate the simplicity of its design and that they come without any over the top patterns — just solid color (nice if you want to leave it as is, or great as a blank canvas to adhere stickers to).
If I’ve got my kid in a trailer, rather than a front-mounted seat, does he still need a helmet? My gut says yes.
Hi Bethany! Go with your gut, better safe than sorry 🙂 Although, depending on what state you live in, the law maybe different. Check out this report for more details.
Thank you so much for the great informative site. I bought a Giro Me2 2 years ago for our now almost 4 year-old.
It still seems to fit, but he will outgrow it soon so I am thinking of getting him a new one and possibly using this for our 15 month-old. However, I don’t see the Me2 on your chart. Is it not a recommended helmet?
Hi Randy! Looks like Giro no longer makes that helmet 🙁 However, you might still be able to find it on discount! The next closest looking helmet they make is the Scamp. Just make sure to get the right size for your older.
Just commenting on Nutcase – little Nutty helmets that someone asked about earlier. Both of my boys used them – the best part of them is the magnetic buckles and of course the cool designs.
Giro scamp is NOT true to size. I bought for my daughter based on dr visit measurements a week before order. It would not even fit on her head. We just went to target and bought schwin infant 1-3 age adjustable!
Pity that nowhere within your article recommendations do you mention safety certification and/or ratings, i.e. CPSC, ASTM, etc., essential considerations for selection and ranking.
Hi Susan! Thank you for bringing this to our attention – we will definitely add information about CPSC certification. All of the helmets we recommend are CPSC certified. In fact, all bicycle helmets manufactured after 1999 must meet the US CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Here’s more detailed information from CPSC: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity