About bicycle helmets for childrenSee also:-Frequently asked questions about child bicycle helmets -Checklist when buying a child bicycle helmet When your child is big enough to sit in a child bicycle seat or is ready to learn how to ride a bike, it is time to buy him or her a bicycle helmet. When buying a helmet, there are a number of things to consider in order to ensure that it provides as much protection for your child as possible. You may print out this information and take it with you to the store in order to ensure you remember the important points when buying a helmet. A bicycle helmet prevents 85% of head injuries There are now laws in place in many countries and states requiring the use of bicycle helmets. This is because medical research has shown that a bicycle helmet can prevent 85 percent of the head injuries suffered by cyclists. Thousands of cyclists are killed around the world every year, almost all of them as a result of collisions with cars, and 75 percent of them die as a result of head injuries. Eighty-five percent of them are not wearing helmets. Many tens of thousands suffer less severe but nonetheless debilitating injuries that are far worse than the physical pain caused by scraped skin and broken bones. Your child may suffer permanent personality changes and learning disabilities as a result of a brain injury, and both of you will be aware of what has been lost. Common long-term effects include concentration difficulties, aggressiveness, headaches and balance problems. Select a helmet with a smooth shell in a bright color. Check to ensure it has a pinch-proof buckle. Place it on your child’s head, adjust the straps and pads or the inner one-size-fits-all ring, and then make sure it will not come off. Safety standards Helmets for sale in the U.S. must meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standard and state that they do so on a sticker placed on the inside of the helmet. In Europe you should look for the CEN standard, and in Australia for the AUS standard. None of the standards test the fit of the helmet, so make sure you try the helmet on your child’s head. If you are unsure, make sure you ask in the store. Replace helmets that have been involved in an accident Replace any helmet that your child has been using when involved in an accident. Impacts crush some of the foam. The helmet will then provide less protection, even though the damage may not be readily visible. Helmets soften impact, so children may not even be aware that they have hit their head until you examine the helmet for damage. Replace the buckle if it cracks or if any piece of it breaks off. Nobody will prompt you to replace your child’s helmet, so give it some thought. See also: -Frequently asked questions about child bicycle helmets -Checklist when buying a child bicycle helmet |
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