The Top 5 Kids Bike Helmets

As the mom of two little boys who love to get into trouble, buying kids' bike helmets that are good quality and safety-rated helps me sleep much better at night. Helmets save thousands of lives each year, especially with reckless kids who are accident-prone. When my sons got new bikes, I decided to have them test out the top 10 kids' bike helmets available and narrowed it down to the top 5 for you to try.

Schwinn Thrasher Youth Bike Helmet

Adjustable crank dial helmet fits any head circumference from 22.83" to 23.62"

The Schwinn Thrasher Youth Bike Helmet has a micro-shell design that comes in 11 colors and is perfect for any kid on wheels.

Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a helmet that can easily fit any of your children, this is the one. Schwinn has always been known for their great products, and this helmet is great for kids of all ages. I love the micro-shell design and my sons loved the cool colors. We went for the Green Camo to fit in with my kids’ current obsession with the military, and it has held up well even after a few minor spills.

Pros:

Comes in a variety of colors
Easily adjusted with a crank dial
Crash tested and approved
Lightweight and comfortable
21 flow vents keep you cool
The snap-on visor helps block the sun

Cons:

Inner pads could be more substantial

Paw Patrol Toddler and Kids Bike Helmet

Themed helmet fits Paw Patrol fans ages 3-8 years old

This Paw Patrol Toddler and Kids Bike Helmet were made for the show's biggest fans and come in different colors and two adjustable sizes.

Best Character Helmet

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My youngest son is obsessed with Paw Patrol, so I knew I had to try his helmet when I saw it. It fits kids ages 3-8 years old and has different designs with favorite show characters like Chase, Marhsall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and more.

I liked that this helmet shell goes lower in the back to help protect vulnerable areas as well as having a crank to make it easily adjustable for growing kids. I was surprised how vibrant and bright the imagery was, and my sons couldn’t wait to show off their new helmets to all their friends in the neighborhood.

Pros:

Comes in two sizes with adjustable crank included
5 different designs featuring the whole Paw Patrol gang
Top vents help cool down hot heads
There is a matching knee/elbow pad set available (separately)

Cons:

On the narrower side so it may not fit kids with larger heads

Skull Cap Skateboard & BMX Bike Helmet for Kids

Skulls, monsters, and robot dogs are just a few of the design options available

The Skull Cap Skateboard & BMX Bike Helmet for Kids is made to fit like a second skin and is easily adjustable with removable extra pads and a crank dial.

Coolest Design

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If you want a helmet that covers more of the back of the head, try this Skull Cap one. They have all sorts of unusual designs, for example, those that look like an 8 ball, monsters, ace of spades, mandala, skills, and more.

My son was super excited to get the “robodog” design which he deemed cool enough to wear while he rides his skateboard. I felt like the quality of the foam inside the helmet and the exterior shell were good and would protect my daredevil son against any injuries, so this helmet made me one happy mama.

Pros:

Comes in 28+ unique colors and designs
Half-shell design protects the lower back head area
Hardshell material feels like it will last for years to come
8 air ventilation channels prevent excessive sweating
The crank dial is easy to adjust the helmet size
Lightweight and easy to put on

Cons:

Some reviewers noted that the helmet wrinkled after being stored incorrectly

Schwinn Kids Bike Helmet with 3D Character Features

Instagram-worthy helmet perfect for infant and toddler girls

The Schwinn Kids Bike Helmet offers two designs with 3D features like a cute bow and panda bear ears.

Cutest

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With this helmet, you can choose from a 3D panda bear face or sweetheart bow. Either way, this one is adorable. This one is recommended for kids ages 0-5 years old and doesn’t seem like it would fit an older child.

The 3D design part is actually a thin plastic that is put over a regular helmet that has good safety features on its own. My daughter loved the panda bear design and I don’t feel the design makes the helmet any less safe.

Pros:

The 3D design is adorable and has a cool texture
Adjustable with a dial fit
Lightweight

Cons:

Not available in big kid sizes
Outer plastic decorative design may crack upon impact

TeamObsidian Kids Bike Helmet

Good quality, cute designs, and long-lasting durability

Moms will love the TeamObsidian Kids Bike Helmet because it offers different options to grow with your child from ages 3-7.

Best for Growing Children

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If you have a child under 8 years old, check out this helmet. The included pads mean your child can grow with it, fitting them from approximately ages 3-7.

This helmet is CPSC-certified, meaning it has a shock-absorbing shell and fitted design. My son had to get the dragon design and after a couple of spills on the pavement, the helmet seemed fine.

Pros:

14 vent holes for airflow
Lightweight
Fully adjustable: soft straps, crank fit dial, two padded inserts
Polystyrene shell seems to absorb shock well
2 year-warranty
Integrated visor to block the sun
Comes in 4 designs: gray dragon, blue shark, purple unicorn, and pink octopus

Cons:

The straps are a bit finicky when trying to adjust them

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a kids’ helmet?

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the most important part about a helmet is finding one that fits your individual head.

Features to look for:

Round and smooth on the outside without any snag points
CPSC standard sticker inside
Visible vents
Comfortable
Bright color for visibility

How should a helmet fit?

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends that you look for a helmet that fits level and low on your head. The helmet should touch all the way around the brim and the V on the sides should meet just below your ears. The chin strap should be snug against your chin but not too tight. You should be able to wear the helmet so comfortably that you forget you’re wearing it, like a seat belt or a pair of shoes.

When can children start wearing helmets?

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends that kids 1-year-old and up can wear helmets. The neck structure and brains of children under 1-year-old are not ready to wear a helmet yet.

When should I replace a helmet?

You must replace your helmet after any crash where you head hit, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. The foam part is made or one-time use, and after crushing it once it’s no longer as protective as it was. Plastic shells often hide the foam damage, but if you’re in doubt contact the manufacturer for inspection. Most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 3-5 years but it depends on how you’ve used and stored it.