Ensuring your child wears a helmet every time they ride a bike is paramount for their safety. Fortunately, finding a bike helmet that kids actually want to wear is easier than ever. Advancements in helmet technology mean today’s kids’ bike helmets are not only safer but also more comfortable and stylish.
Modern bike helmets often incorporate rotational impact protection systems like Mips for enhanced safety. However, it’s crucial to remember that all helmets sold in the US must meet the minimum safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards vary slightly between toddler helmets (ages 1 to 4) and kids’ helmets (ages 5 and up).
After rigorous testing of 13 different helmets on children aged 2 to 7, we’ve identified the Giro Tremor Child Helmet as the best overall bike helmet for most kids, and the Giro Scamp II Helmet as the top choice for toddlers.
Regardless of your helmet choice, a snug and correct fit is non-negotiable for optimal protection. We’ll guide you through achieving the perfect fit later in this article.
Our Top Picks for Kids Bike Helmets
Top Pick for Older Kids
Giro Tremor Child Helmet
The Best Bike Helmet for Kids
The Giro Tremor Child Helmet stands out as an excellent all-around choice. It’s designed for breathability and built to a high standard, offering a universal fit size that accommodates a wide range of head sizes. While the color options are limited to four solid shades, its performance and safety features are top-notch.
Where to Buy
$55 on Amazon
$55 on Giro
Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet
Enhanced Protection with Mips Technology
For parents seeking an extra layer of safety, the Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet is the same excellent model as our top pick but includes a Mips liner. This addition provides enhanced protection against rotational impacts, which can occur during certain types of bike accidents.
Buying Options
$70 on Amazon
Buy from Backcountry
Budget-Friendly Option
Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M
Affordable Comfort and Safety
The Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M offers a more budget-conscious choice without compromising on comfort and breathability. While it may not be as durable long-term due to its construction, it still meets essential safety standards and provides reliable protection for kids.
Where to Purchase
$35 on Amazon
$30 on Joovy (May be out of stock)
Top Toddler Helmet Pick
Giro Scamp II Helmet XS
The Premier Toddler Bike Helmet
For toddlers, the Giro Scamp II Helmet XS is our top recommendation. In our tests of five toddler helmets, the Scamp II excelled. Its design, particularly the flat back, makes it ideal for children riding in bike trailers or child bike seats. The adjustability could be slightly easier, but overall, it’s a fantastic helmet for young riders.
Purchase Options
$55 on Amazon
$55 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Giro Scamp Mips II Helmet XS
Toddler Helmet with Mips for Extra Safety
Similar to the adult-sized Tremor, the Giro Scamp Mips II Helmet XS offers the same excellent toddler helmet with the added benefit of Mips rotational impact protection. This provides an enhanced safety feature for parents who want the most advanced protection available for their toddlers.
Where to Buy
$75 at REI
$55 on Giro (May be out of stock)
What Makes a Great Kids Bike Helmet?
When selecting the right bike helmet for your child, several key features contribute to both safety and a positive experience for the young rider. Our selection process focused on these essential aspects:
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Adjustable Fit: Children grow quickly, so a good helmet should offer a wide range of adjustability. Easy-to-use adjustment systems are crucial for ensuring the helmet can grow with your child and maintain a secure fit over several years.
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Breathability: Vents are essential for keeping kids cool and comfortable, especially during warmer weather or more strenuous rides. Thoughtful vent placement promotes airflow and prevents overheating.
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Appealing Design: Helmets that come in kid-friendly colors and designs are more likely to be worn willingly by children. Making helmet-wearing fun and appealing is a big plus for parents.
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Certified Safety: Above all else, safety is paramount. We only considered helmets that are certified to meet the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This certification ensures the helmet has been tested to meet specific impact protection requirements.
Top Pick for Adjustability and Comfort
Giro Tremor Child Helmet
The Top-Rated Kids Bike Helmet for Overall Performance
The Giro Tremor Child Helmet excels as a versatile and high-performing option for children aged 5 and up. Its exceptional fit range (47–54 centimeters) is the widest among the helmets we tested, making it suitable for a broad range of head sizes. The dial-adjust system is user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustments as your child grows, potentially extending the helmet’s lifespan. The fixed side straps simplify fitting and work effectively for most children. Giro also offers a free return shipping label, which is a significant benefit if the fixed straps don’t suit your child’s head shape.
The buckle is designed for easy use by children, and the included removable visor provides effective sun protection. The helmet’s in-mold construction, where the foam and outer shell are fused, enhances durability while keeping the helmet lightweight. With 18 vents, the Tremor offers excellent ventilation, keeping kids cool even in hot weather.
For parents considering extra safety features, the Giro Tremor Mips version is available for a slightly higher price. This model incorporates rotational impact protection technology. While our young testers didn’t notice a difference between the Mips and non-Mips versions, some online reviews suggest that the Mips liner can occasionally snag hair.
Best Value Kids Helmet
Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M
A Comfortable and Budget-Friendly Choice
The Joovy Noodle Kids Toddler Bike Helmet S-M is a fantastic value option, offering comparable comfort and light weight to our top pick but at a lower price point. We found it particularly easy to adjust, which is a significant plus for busy parents. Kid-friendly features like a color-coded buckle and a high-quality internal pad further enhance its appeal, especially considering its affordability.
The Joovy Noodle’s more accessible price is likely due to its hardshell construction. In this design, the foam helmet is attached to the outer plastic shell, which may make it less durable than in-mold helmets. However, it’s important to note that the Joovy Noodle still meets the same rigorous CPSC impact safety standards.
The S-M size we recommend is certified for kids age 5 and older and fits head circumferences of 52–56 centimeters. While its adjustability is slightly less extensive than our top pick, it still provides a good fit for many children. Joovy also offers an XS-S size, certified for toddlers (ages 1 and up), which is a decent option, although its pointed back might be less comfortable for kids in trailers or bike seats. (Note: Amazon labels the S-M as “Medium” and the XS-S as “Small.”)
Best Toddler Bike Helmet for Safety and Comfort
Giro Scamp II Helmet XS
The Ultimate Helmet for Little Riders
The Giro Scamp II Helmet mirrors the high-quality construction of the Giro Tremor, featuring in-mold construction and the option for Mips technology. It is available in XS and S sizes, but only the XS model meets the CPSC safety standards specifically for toddlers (ages 1 and up). We recommend the XS as the best bike helmet tailored for toddlers.
The Giro Scamp II XS is designed with extra rear coverage, a mandatory safety feature for toddler helmets according to CPSC standards. It’s one of the shallower helmets we tested, making it ideal for toddlers with smaller heads. With a fit range of 45–49 centimeters, it’s our top pick for the youngest cyclists. The flat back design enhances comfort for toddlers riding in bike trailers or bike seats.
This helmet includes thoughtful, kid-friendly features, such as a pinch-proof ratcheting buckle and vibrant, fun patterns. Thirteen strategically placed vents provide effective cooling. However, adjusting the Giro Scamp II to a perfect fit can be slightly more challenging due to the dial-adjust knob and side strap placement.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety with the Right Kids Bike Helmet
Choosing the right bike helmet for your child is a crucial decision for ensuring their safety while cycling. Investing in a high-quality, well-fitting helmet is essential. Our top recommendations, the Giro Tremor Child Helmet and the Giro Scamp II Helmet, along with budget and Mips-equipped alternatives, provide excellent options for different ages and needs. Always remember to prioritize a proper fit and ensure the helmet meets CPSC safety standards to give you peace of mind and keep your young rider safe on every adventure.
