Get to Know the Different Helmet Types and How They Function
We all know that children should be wearing a helmet on all wheeled sports, but are they wearing the correct one based on the activity they are taking part in? Any helmet they wear is better than no helmet at all, but to keep your children the safest, it’s best to know the different types and how they function.
For children that ride bikes and scooters, the standard bike helmet is a great option. It is designed to protect the head in any fall occurring forward or to the side. However, if a child partakes in activities such as skateboarding, roller skating or rollerblading, you should consider upgrading to a multi-sport type helmet for them. These helmets will not only protect the back of the head, which is how most people fall when riding skateboards and roller blades, but they are tested to a higher impact to adhere to faster and harder falls. A child only needs one helmet, so if they partake in all wheeled sport activities multisport is the best option.
Fit over style is also essential to keeping your child’s head as safe as possible. The helmet should fit snugly enough that it does not move side to side or front to back when buckled. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the child’s chin and buckle, and the straps should lie like a V on either side of their ear. Be sure to stay away from helmets with objects that protrude from the helmet like animal ears or a Mohawk, as this prevents the slide effect that a helmet needs to slow down the blow after a fall. If your child does get into a crash and their helmet hits the ground, it needs to be replaced. Helmets tend to expire about four years after manufacture, so keep an eye on the sticker inside the helmet. If at any time you see cracks, or the helmet has missing parts, it should be replaced earlier.
Barbara DiGirolamo, M. Ed., CPSTI, Injury Prevention Program Coordinator
Boston Children’s Hospital
