I love to see kids wearing helmets when riding bikes, scooters, or anything with wheels. However, I cringe thinking about how many of those helmets might not protect the wearer properly in a crash.
The most important part of riding safety is putting a helmet on
every time. If your kids are already doing that, then we just need a little tweaking to keep their heads safe!
The main issues I see with helmet use are improper fit, placement, or strap tightness.
Fit:
A bike or skateboard helmet should be the right size so it doesn't slip out of place easily. Measure your kid's head to buy an appropriately sized helmet, then adjust the fit by either adding pads or tightening dials to make sure it’s comfortably snug.
Placement:
Most kids wear their helmets pushed too far back on their heads. This leaves their foreheads exposed in a crash, which could cause a serious injury. Proper placement is achieved by tipping the helmet forward until there is only space for two finger-widths between the top of the eyebrows and the front of the helmet.
Straps:
Kids hate having a tight strap under their chins, and they hate getting pinched by buckles even more. That’s why having the straps loose under the chin is probably the most common helmet-wearing error I see. To keep the helmet in the right place during a crash, use your two fingers again and tighten the chin strap until only your fingers will fit between the strap and your child's skin.
Dr. Sarah Wiersma is the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics and a board certified pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist. Schedule a Meet & Greet to meet Dr. Wiersma and find out how pediatric direct primary care can support your family.
