Bicycle Helmets For Kids
Bicycle Helmets For Kids
Bicycling is great exercise and a sport that the whole family can do together. But bicycling without a safety helmet is insane. The overwhelming reality is that if a child is hit by a car or encounters road debris or damage, he or she is going to leave the bicycle and probably hit their head. Such a head injury very often results in paralysis or death if they're not wearing a helmet. So, do everything you can as a parent to avoid such an accident: Insist your child wear a helmet. Bicycle Spare Parts Manufacturers
The best way to avoid such potential disaster is by bicycling safely and avoiding collisions with a motor vehicle, or being toppled by a pothole or road debris. The next best option is to wear a helmet designed for cyclists. A helmet affords much higher odds of survival. So much so that whether to wear a helmet isn't a question. Every smart bicycle rider wears a helmet.
How a Helmet Protects
A helmet protects by absorbing the impact. To do this, it must fit correctly and it must stay on your child's head. It specifically requires each helmet to meet specifications for impact reduction, strap/buckle strength and proper fitting instructions. The standard is met through complicated design procedures and rigorous testing protocols.
Fit and Use a Bicycle Helmet Properly
All the design and testing in the world are worthless if the helmet doesn't fit correctly or is not worn properly. Follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions carefully, taking care that the helmet is flat or level on the head, is firmly strapped in place, and fits the head firmly but comfortably. It is critical to remember that children's heads are smaller and more pliable than an adult's head. Because a child is still growing, there is still some flexibility between skull plates and there may be more room between the brain and the skull. These two conditions mean that a child's brain is less well protected than an adult's brain. All the more reason for a helmet. Unfortunately, the CPSC standard uses testing equipment that replicates an adult head, not a child's. This means that the adult head with its built-in protection will be the manufacturing goal, not a child's.
This also means that a child is far more likely to need the extra padding (foam) that comes with the helmet. A firm fit means less than an inch of movement in any direction. Foam should touch the head all around so that it absorbs all the impact possible, and avoids concentrating impact stress in any one spot. Be prepared to spend some extra time to get this firm fit coupled with a helmet that stays on the child's head. The helmet won't afford any protection if it comes off.
To make a helmet more comfortable, and encourage a child to wear a helmet whenever bicycling, a helmet with some frontal air vents will reduce the heat factor. Children will be further encouraged to wear helmets when they see parents wear them consistently.
A bicycle helmet should be replaced whenever a crash occurs or there is any type of impact. Because impact causes the foam in the helmet to compress, the helmet's ability to protect has been reduced without showing external damage. Broken buckles and straps should be replaced right away. Most manufacturers recommend replacement at three to five years of use, but a well-cared-for helmet may last longer.
Everyone should wear a helmet while bicycling. The helmet should meet the CPSC standard and should be properly fitted and worn. Immediately replace a helmet that's been involved in an impact situation. Adults should always set the example by wearing their helmets.