Bicycle helmet for children
The most important facts about children's bike helmets at a glance
- A bike helmet provides effective protection against serious head injuries - on the balance bike, when cycling, in the bike seat, as well as in bike trailers and cargo bikes.
- The right fit is crucial: the helmet must fit well, sit firmly and be correctly adjusted.
- Check the size, adjustment system, weight, ventilation and seal of approval when buying.
- Take your child with you to try them on and seek advice from a specialist retailer.
- After a fall or after 5 years at the latest, the helmet must be replaced.
- On the playground, your child should always take their helmet off, otherwise there is an increased risk of injury.
Does the bike helmet fit correctly? That's what matters!
If your child is learning to ride a bike or is riding with you in traffic, for example in a bike trailer, safety is crucial. A well-fitting bicycle helmet is an important piece of equipment, even though helmets are not compulsory in Germany. Studies show that a bicycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries. However, it is essential that the helmet fits well and is worn correctly in road traffic. This guide explains what you should look out for when buying and fitting a helmet.
Why should my child wear a bicycle helmet?
A bike helmet protects your child's head
- on the balance bike,
- when riding a bike,
- as a passenger in the bike seat,
- in a bike trailer
- or in a cargo bike.
75% of children between the ages of 6 and 10 regularly wear a cycle helmet. This is a good thing, as cycling accidents can result in serious head injuries. Children are particularly at risk as they first have to learn how to ride safely in traffic. For safety reasons, a helmet is therefore essential when cycling. Parents are also the best role models here and should set a good example.
Buying a bike helmet: What you should look out for
A bike helmet only provides safe protection if it fits correctly. Not every helmet model fits every head shape. For this reason, the helmet should be tried on when buying. Make sure you take your child with you and seek expert advice from a specialist retailer. This is important for children:
What is MIPS?
MIPS is the abbreviation for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. This new protection technology is also increasingly being used in children's helmets. It allows the helmet to rotate and protects the head even better in the event of a lateral or angled impact because it reduces the forces on the brain by means of a movable inner shell. The extra cost is usually comparatively low, so this additional protection can be a sensible choice.
Take care when buying a used helmet
Only buy a used helmet for your child if you are sure that it complies with the EN 1078 safety standard and has not been dropped or crashed. It should also be noted that the helmet should not be older than 3 years, as the material will tire even without an impact.
Safety standards: What do the test seals mean?
You can recognize a good quality bike helmet by the following test seals:
-
European safety standard
You can recognize the European safety standard by the EN 1078 mark. It is indicated on every tested bicycle helmet and confirms that the helmet meets certain requirements for shock absorption, stability and penetration resistance.
-
CE mark
The CE mark is an indication of compliance with European safety standards
.
-
GS mark
The GS mark stands for "Tested Safety", which goes beyond the minimum requirements.
-
Evaluation by consumer organizations
The regular tests and ratings from Stiftung Warentest and ADAC also provide a good comparison.
Is the cycling season starting? Here's what to do!
Children grow quickly. Falls happen. Check and inspect your child's bike helmet as regularly as possible at the start of the cycling season:
- Does the helmet still fit their head size?
- Does the helmet fit tightly?
- Are there any visible cracks?
- Has the helmet perhaps been damaged by a fall or dropped? Then it should be replaced, even if no damage is visible on the outside.
- The plastic can age, so the helmet should be replaced after 3 to 5 years at the latest. Even if no damage is visible. Signs of wear can often be seen in worn inner lining, brittle straps and a brittle shell. The year of production can usually be found on the sticker under the inner padding.
These are the most common mistakes when wearing a helmet
Important note for the playground
Bike helmets can be dangerous on climbing frames and play equipment: Your child can get their helmet caught on rungs or the straps can get caught and become a strangulation hazard. When your child is playing in the playground, it is therefore essential that they take their helmet off. The bicycle helmet is also unsuitable for other sports.
Where can I get help and advice?
The first port of call for sound advice is your local specialist retailer. There you can choose the right model together with your child and try it on. The specialist staff will help you to adjust the helmet correctly.
The local associations of the German Road Safety Association are also a good place to go.
The police road safety advice service also advises families, often directly in schools and nurseries.
For initial orientation and further information, visit the portals of consumer organizations such as ADAC or Stiftung Warentest.
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