Bike helmets

If this Christmas is a bike year in your house, make sure that Santa remembers to bring a new helmet. Studies consistently find that kids’ bike helmets do not fit correctly – kids’ heads grow along with their feet so ideally helmets should be replaced every year up to age five, with regular checks at the bike shop after that.

According to Bicycle Victoria, parents should look for the following.

• The Australian Standards label AS 2063 (as some imported helmets do not comply).
• A lightweight style with ventilation holes for cooling and a visor for some sun protection for the face.
• Helmet should sit level, two fingers above eyebrows.
• Fit should feel firm, with contact at all points of the head, without being tight.
• Side toggles should sit under the ear, with fastener under the chin.
• The helmet should not move, and your child should not be able to get it off their head by any manner of twisting or pulling.

If using an old hand-me-down foam type, replace it with the newer plastic shell style as these skid, rather than catch on impact.

As with seat belts, if there has been a fall, replace the helmet. This is because once crushed, the inner foam core will not absorb another impact.

For more information and a useful fact sheet, visit Bike Victoria.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article first appeared in Australian Family Magazine, October 2007. Updated July 2009.