It’s a consensus among experts and parents alike: helmets are non-negotiable for children every time they hop on a bike. Finding a Toddler Bike Helmet that your child willingly wears is paramount. Fortunately, advancements in helmet technology mean today’s toddler bike helmets are safer, more comfortable, and even stylish.
While some helmets boast rotational impact protection like the Mips system, all helmets sold in the US must adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. These standards differentiate between toddler helmets (ages 1 to 4) and kids’ helmets (age 5 and older).
After rigorous testing of 13 helmets across various sizes with children aged 2 to 7, we’ve identified standout choices. The Giro Scamp II Helmet emerges as the best toddler helmet for most families, while the Giro Tremor Child Helmet is our top recommendation for older kids.
Regardless of your helmet choice, achieving a snug and proper fit is crucial for safety. We’ll delve into essential tips for ensuring the perfect fit later in this guide.
Our Recommended Toddler Bike Helmets
Top Pick for Toddlers
Giro Scamp II Helmet XS – The Best Overall Toddler Bike Helmet
The Giro Scamp II Helmet XS stands out as the best overall toddler bike helmet from our tests. It’s particularly well-suited for toddlers who ride in bike trailers or child bike seats due to its flat back design, enhancing comfort during rides. While adjustments can be slightly tricky, its superior safety and comfort features make it a top choice.
Buying Options:
- $55 from Amazon
- $55 from Dick’s Sporting Goods
Giro Scamp Mips II Helmet XS – Enhanced Protection with Mips
For parents seeking an extra layer of safety, the Giro Scamp Mips II Helmet XS offers the same excellent features as the standard Scamp II, but with the addition of a Mips liner. This Multi-directional Impact Protection System provides enhanced protection against rotational forces during impacts, potentially reducing the risk of certain types of brain injuries.
Buying Options:
- $75 from REI
- $55 from GiroMay be out of stock
Budget-Friendly Toddler Helmet
Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M – Affordable Comfort and Safety
The Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M presents a more affordable option without compromising on essential comfort and breathability. While its construction may be less durable over time compared to in-mold helmets, it still meets all CPSC safety standards, ensuring reliable protection for your toddler. Its user-friendly design includes thoughtful details like a color-coded buckle, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious parents.
Buying Options:
- $35 from Amazon
- $30 from JoovyMay be out of stock
Key Features to Consider in a Toddler Bike Helmet
When selecting the right toddler bike helmet, several factors contribute to safety, comfort, and ensuring your child actually wears it. Here are the key features we focused on during our testing:
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Adjustable Fit: Toddlers grow quickly, so a helmet with a wide adjustment range is essential. Look for helmets with an easy-to-use adjustment system, ideally a dial-adjust, that allows you to customize the fit as your child grows, extending the helmet’s lifespan. A properly fitted helmet stays securely in place during rides, providing optimal protection.
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Breathability: Toddlers can get warm quickly, especially during physical activity. Adequate ventilation is crucial to keep them comfortable and prevent overheating. Helmets with thoughtfully placed vents promote airflow, keeping your child cool and focused on enjoying their ride.
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Safety Certification: Always prioritize helmets that are certified by the CPSC. This certification guarantees that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing and meets established safety standards for impact protection. Both toddler and kids’ helmets must meet these standards, but specifications may vary slightly.
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Kid-Friendly Design & Colors: Let’s face it, getting a toddler to wear anything they don’t want to can be a challenge. Helmets in appealing colors or designs can make them more attractive to kids, increasing the likelihood they’ll wear it without fuss. Involving your child in choosing their helmet color can also boost their enthusiasm to wear it.
How We Picked and Tested Toddler Bike Helmets
Our selection process focused on identifying toddler bike helmets that excel in safety, comfort, and ease of use. We prioritized helmets meeting CPSC standards and incorporated features that enhance the overall experience for both toddlers and parents.
Adjustability: A key criterion was adjustability. Toddler helmets need to accommodate a range of head sizes and grow with the child. We assessed the ease of adjusting the helmet and the range of fit it offered.
Breathability: Ventilation was another critical factor. Helmets with effective venting systems are crucial for toddler comfort, especially in warmer weather. We evaluated the design and placement of vents to determine breathability.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: Recognizing that kids’ acceptance is vital, we considered the aesthetic appeal of the helmets. Colors and designs that are attractive to children can make helmet-wearing a more positive experience.
Certified Safety: Above all, safety was paramount. We only tested helmets that are certified to meet the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ensuring they provide reliable protection.
Top Pick for Older Kids (For Context)
Giro Tremor Child Helmet – Best for Kids (Age 5+)
While our focus is toddler bike helmets, it’s worth noting our top pick for older kids: the Giro Tremor Child Helmet. This helmet is highly versatile, fitting a wide range of head sizes (47–54 centimeters) and features a simple dial-adjust system for easy fitting as kids grow. Its fixed side straps simplify adjustments, and the helmet includes a removable visor for sun protection. The in-mold construction enhances durability and keeps it lightweight, while 18 vents ensure excellent airflow. For added protection, the Giro Tremor Mips version is also available.
Buying Options:
- $55 from Amazon
- $55 from Giro
Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet – Kids Helmet with Rotational Impact Protection
Similar to the toddler version, the Giro Tremor also comes in a Mips variant. The Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet offers the same excellent features as the standard Tremor, but incorporates the Mips system for enhanced rotational impact protection.
Buying Options:
- $70 from Amazon
- Buy from BackcountryMay be out of stock
Ensuring the Right Fit for Your Toddler’s Helmet
The Giro Scamp II Helmet XS, our top toddler recommendation, is crafted with the same quality as the Giro Tremor, featuring in-mold construction and optional Mips technology. It comes in two sizes, XS and S, but only the XS model meets CPSC safety standards for toddlers aged 1 and up. We specifically recommend the XS model as the premier toddler helmet.
The Giro Scamp II XS provides extended rear coverage, a key safety requirement for toddler helmets. With a fit range of 45–49 centimeters, it’s ideally suited for younger toddlers and those with smaller heads. Its flat back design ensures comfort when toddlers are seated in bike trailers or child bike seats.
This helmet also incorporates kid-friendly elements, including a pinch-proof ratcheting buckle and vibrant, fun designs. Thirteen strategically placed vents provide effective cooling. While adjusting the Giro Scamp II to achieve a perfect fit may require a bit more effort due to the dial-adjust knob and side strap placement, the safety and comfort benefits are well worth it.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right toddler bike helmet is a crucial step in ensuring your little one’s safety while enjoying bike rides. Prioritize helmets that meet CPSC safety standards, offer a proper and adjustable fit, and are comfortable and breathable. The Giro Scamp II Helmet and Joovy Noodle Helmet are excellent choices catering to different needs and budgets. Remember, the best toddler bike helmet is one that your child wears consistently and correctly, making every ride safer and more enjoyable.
