4 Steps: How to Choose a Children's Bicycle Helmet?

Not even stepping on the bike pedal without a helmet on! A good-quality bicycle helmet is an essential safety equipment for every young rider. A well-fitting helmet ensures a comfortable ride and protects the head in case of a crash.

However, choosing the right helmet for a child can be a pain - you need to think not only about the size and shape of the little cyclist's head, but also the quality of the material, certification and proper fitting adjustments. But don't worry – in this article, we will turn all these issues into fun for you! We will guide you through all the steps and help you pick a helmet your little rider will love wearing.

1 Measure the head circumference

Do you want to find the perfect helmet fit? You need to know what helmet size you are looking for! The size matches the circumference of the head. So how do you measure your child's head?

The easiest way to measure the head circumference is with a tailor's measuring tape. Don't have one? No problem! You can use a string and then measure it with a ruler. Place the tailor's measuring tape around the kid's head approximately 2 cm above the eyebrows and ears, where the helmet naturally sits. Keep the tape measure horizontal so it does not slide down or up.

And as the saying goes – measure twice, cut once! For accuracy, measure the circumference of the head at least three times and write down the average value in centimetres. The next step is to find the right helmet size matching the measured value.

Be consistent when measuring: if the helmet is too big, it can shift during a crash or even while riding, cover the rider’s eyes, hit their nose, or even cause an injury.

2 Choose the type, colour and size

Do you want your child to be fond of wearing a helmet? Let them pick it! If your child likes the helmet, you can bet they will wear it, no arguments. Let them choose their favourite colour. They can even personalize it with stickers. They must see the helmet as a stylish accessory, not an unpleasant obligation. Thanks to this, they will automatically put it on before every ride and stay safe while having fun. Even though looks are important, pay extra attention to the quality and proper fit of the helmet – see steps 1 and 3.

Which bicycle helmet should you choose? Our offer includes top-quality helmets for boys and girls. The RASCAL Coco children's helmet is here for the smallest riders. It fits children with a head circumference of 47–51 cm, and it is available in blue (Baby Blue) and pink (Baby Pink).

Another model simply named RASCAL Helmet comes in six colours that match the traditional designs of RASCAL Classic children's bicycles. The colours Raspberry, Aquamarine, Flame, Gold, and Titanium are available in sizes 45–50 and 51–55 cm. Oh, and then there is also a sleek matte black version for a larger head circumference of 55–59 cm!

Tip: Go full-on style! Match the RASCAL helmet to the colour of the RASCAL bike your little racer rides. And don't forget to match the rest of your cycling gear, such as gloves and water bottle!

Has your child made up their mind about their favourite colour? Great! Now all you have to do is add the right size of the helmet to your cart and place your order. And when it arrives, try it out right away to see how it suits your little cyclist.

3 Fine-tune the fit

Hurray, the package has arrived! But hold no, no rush! Make sure the helmet fits perfectly before your little racer sets off for a ride with it. How do you do that?

Turn the dial at the back of the helmet counterclockwise to set the largest size. Then carefully put the helmet on your child's head and adjust the helmet size by turning the dial clockwise. Make sure the straps around ears are adjusted in the way they form a "Y" shape. When you fasten the buckle under the chin, the strap should not be too tight or too loose. There should be room for one to two fingers between the chin and strap.

One of the great features of RASCAL helmets is the magnetic Fidlock buckle. It can easily fasten and unfasten with one hand. Even your little one will manage.

After fastening the straps, try moving the helmet – it should stay in place and not be loose on the head. If it is, it's too big. The helmet must not hurt anywhere when on or otherwise cause discomfort. A well-fitting helmet does not roll forward or backward and stays in place even when you shake your head. It should sit horizontally on the head, not tilted too far back or forward. The front edge should be about two fingers above the eyebrows to protect the forehead.

Before riding, try a little test: Let the little one slightly turn his head or walk around and check that the helmet stays firmly in place. If it does, you've won – it's time to start the adventure!

Did you know that...? All RASCAL helmets are EN 1078:2012+A1 and EUR 2016/425 certified. This makes them suitable for cycling, skateboarding, and skating.

4 Check the helmet regularly

With all that school wisdom and new knowledge, the child’s head grows over time! That's why it's wise to check regularly that the little cyclist hasn't outgrown the helmet. If it's small or damaged, it needs to be replaced for a new one. A crack in the shell or any damage means only one thing – it's time for a new helmet! Remember that every helmet has a limited lifespan: it usually lasts around 3–5 years, even if it’s not damaged.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your little one has a safe and comfortable helmet, and their head stays protected when cycling or during other sports activities.

Let's Go for a Ride!

Have you made it this far? YAY! Now you know how to choose the perfect helmet that will protect your little one’s head and make them look stylish! To close up, we have one extra tip: motivate your little cyclist by wearing a helmet yourself – children like to imitate adults. And don't forget about children's bike accessories, thanks to which every ride will be even safer and more fun. And now let's ride together!