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Turn “Do I HAVE to wear it?” into “Can I wear my helmet NOW?” with our top picks for head protection that kids actually love!
These aren’t your average boring safety gear.
We’ve assembled the ultimate list of kids’ bike helmets that check all the boxes—safety standards for parents and eye-catching designs for the little cyclists in your life.
Top 15 Best Kids’ Bike Helmets Reviewed
1. Nutcase Baby Nutty MIPS Helmet (best overall)
- Size: 48-52 cm (18-20.5 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
This Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet is durable and comes in a wide range of colors and design options to appeal to kids, as well as increase visibility with added reflectors. It features a handy dial at the back so that the fit can be tailored and secured easily.
It has an injection-molded ABS shell exterior with an EPS foam lining which has MIPS technology for increased impact-resistance and all-around head protection.
It also benefits from having a magnetic strap closure additional padding, as well as a removable visor.
Features
- MIPS technology – increased head protection
- Highly visible – bright colors with reflective designs for increased visibility
- Easy to fit and adjust – dial adjuster and magnetic buckle closure
2. Giro Scamp MIPS Helmet (best with MIPS)
- Size: XS: 45-49 cm (17.7-19.3 inches), S: 49-53 cm (19.3-20.86 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
The Giro Scamp MIPS Helmet is durable. It features In-Mold Hardbody technology, which is a two-layer shell design that has a strong polycarbonate inner shell that’s fused to the liner for added strength while minimizing weight.
It benefits from having MIPS technology to help protect your child’s brain in an impact. It features a Roc Loc adjustment system that lets you tighten or loosen the fit of the helmet using a rubberized dial, and has adjustable straps with a pinch-free buckle.
Features
- MIPS technology – added impact protection
- Dual-layer shell – for improved durability
- Pinch-free buckle – easier to put on and more comfortable
3. Raskullz Girls Loud Cloud Sparklez Helmet (best for girls)
- Size: Toddler: 48-52 cm (18.9-20.5 inches), Child: 50-54 cm (19.7-21.3 inches)
- MIPS: No
- Visor: No
The Raskullz Girls Loud Cloud Sparklez Helmet delivers both style and safety for young riders. Its eye-catching cloud design with glittery accents makes it a favorite among girls while ensuring high visibility on rides.
This lightweight helmet features an impact-resistant shell with cushioned interior padding for comfort during longer rides. The adjustable straps allow for a secure, custom fit as your child grows.
Parents will appreciate the easy-to-use buckle system that kids can eventually manage themselves as they gain independence.
Features
- Highly visible – can be easily seen by others for safety
- Vented – for breathability and comfort
4. Giro Tremor MIPS Youth Helmet (best for mountain biking)
- Size: 50-55 cm (19.75-21.75 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
This Giro Tremor MIPS youth helmet is built for young bikers who like to ride on off-road trails. It’s lightweight and has a stylish design for that all-important cool look.
A great feature of this is the Roc Loc adjustment system that lets you easily adjust the size of the helmet for the best fit. This even has a ponytail compatibility feature to make it more comfortable.
Another good feature of this is the MIPS technology to limit rotational motion during impacts. It also benefits from having 18 vents, quick-dry padding, and a removable visor.
Features
- MIPS technology – can be safer for the brain in a rotational impact
- Roc Loc system – easy to adjust the size and compatible with ponytails
- Removable visor – to suit different conditions
5. OUWOER Kids Bike Helmet (best budget helmet)
- Size: S: 48-54 cm (18.9-21.3 inches), M: 54-57 cm (21.3-22.4 inches), L: 57-61 cm (22.4-24 inches)
- MIPS: No
- Visor: No
This Ouwoer helmet is an affordable option that can be ideal for neighborhood biking. It features a durable ABS shell with an impact-resistant and shock-absorbing EPS liner.
It has 11 vents for air circulation and comfort and benefits from having a dial adjustment system for a secure fit. Another handy feature is that it comes with two sets of foam inserts which can help you further customize the fit.
Features
- Budget-friendly – affordable option
- Two sets of foam padding – for comfort and a better fit
- Dial adjustment – to adjust the size and fit easily
6. Bell Sidetrack II Mips Helmet
- Size: Child: 47-54 cm (18.5-21.25 inches ) Youth: 50-57 cm (19.7-22.5 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
The Bell Sidetrack II is designed for mountain biking and off-road trails, with a visor to help keep the sun out. This is a durable option with an in-mold polycarbonate shell and an EPS liner for impact resistance. Another great feature of this is the MIPS technology, which helps to protect your child’s head from rotational motion.
It also features a dial system for easy size adjustment and it has no-twist straps that are designed to stay flat and secure while fastened. Additionally, there’s a sweatband that can help to keep moisture away from eyes.
Features
- MIPS technology – for added safety
- Anti-twist straps – for improved comfort and fit
- Durable – in-mold fused dual-layer construction
7. Bern Nino 2.0 MIPS Helmet
- Size: S: 52-55.5 cm (20.5-21.85 inches) M: 55.5-58 cm (21.85-23.2 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
This Bern Nino 2.0 MIPS Helmet is a lightweight, low-profile option that can be ideal for both boys and girls. It benefits from having MIPS technology for added safety and brain protection and it has a removable flip-up visor.
This can be easy to put on because of the EZ-fit system that automatically adjusts to fit your child’s head with elastic at the back. The straps are designed to stay flat for added comfort and there’s a mounting point at the back for a light (not included).
Features
- Removable visor – can also be flipped up when not needed
- Elastic fit system – automatically adjusts for size
- MIPS technology – for added impact protection
8. Giro Dime Youth Helmet
- Size: 51-55 cm (20-21.75 inches)
- MIPS: No
- Visor: No
The Giro Dime Youth Helmet features a full ABS shell for maximum impact resistance, as well as a thick EPS foam liner for added impact protection. This is a child version of the lightweight adult Quarter helmet, with similar features that have been designed to suit little riders.
It has eight vents for breathability and benefits from having soft, comfortable inserts to provide additional padding and give a more tailored fit. It also has riveted webbing anchor points for added security.
Features
- Lightweight – for added comfort
- EPS foam liner – helps absorb impacts
- Youth version of an adult helmet – kids can wear a similar helmet to parents
9. Bell Revolution MIPS Helmet
- Size: 50-56 cm (19.7-22 inches)
- MIPS: Yes
- Visor: Yes
This Bell Revolution MIPS Helmet can be a lightweight, comfortable helmet for all-day bike rides. One of the main features of this one is that it has MIPS technology that can provide additional brain protection in the event of an impact.
This comes in a range of colors and is designed with a small front visor and 14 vents for breathability. A handy feature of the Bell Revolution is that it has a dial adjustment system, which lets you adjust the size easily with one hand using the little dial at the back.
Features
- Vented – improves breathability
- MIPS technology – increased impact protection
- Dial adjustment – easily adjusts for a secure fit
10. Bell Axle Youth Bike Helmet
- Size: 54-58 cm (21.25-22.8 inches)
- MIPS: No
- Visor: Yes
The Bell Axle Youth Helmet is a lightweight, budget-friendly option that comes in bright colors with added reflectors for increased visibility on the roads.
It features a built-in visor for shading eyes from the sun, as well as vents for allowing air to circulate around your child’s head. It benefits from having adjustable straps with a buckle closure and an elastic fit system that automatically secures around your child’s head.
Features
- Visor – shields eyes from the sun
- Reflectors – increases visibility in low light
- Vented – for breathability
11. Schwinn Kids Bike Helmet
- Size: 48-52 cm (18.9-20.5 inches)
- MIPS: No
- Visor: Yes
This Schwinn Bike Helmet is an affordable option designed for little riders on neighborhood trails. It comes in fun, bright colors to appeal to kids and features a little visor to help shield their eyes.
A nice feature of this is the dial adjustment system at the back for a more tailored, secure fit. There is also padding for added comfort, as well as air vents.
Features
- Small sizes – ideal for toddlers
- Bright colors – for increased visibility
- Dial adjuster – for improved fit
Features To Look Out For When Choosing A Bicycle Helmet For Kids
Safety/Certifications
The purpose of a helmet is generally to keep your child protected, so safety is usually the most important feature to look for.
Helmets will usually be certified for safety, usually by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
However, they can also be certified by the ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), which is an older, less-used certification.
MIPS
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is technology that can be found on many helmets for both kids and adults. This is an added layer of protection for increased safety in the event of accidents.
The main purpose of MIPS is that it is designed to minimize the rotational force from hitting your head at an angle.
Rotational movement can transfer from the helmet to the brain which can cause damage to the brain. But with the MIPS technology, the rotational motion is reduced, minimizing the risk of brain damage.
Other technologies also exist that work to reduce rotational movement, including WaveCel and SPIN.
Fitting And Sizes (how to measure)
A bike helmet should fit snugly but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable. It can be a good idea to measure the circumference of your child’s head first, so you can choose the most suitable size.
Sizes are based on head circumference and can often be in centimeters. To measure your child’s head take a tape measure and measure around the widest part of their head, from about an inch above their eyebrows.
Video: How to Fit and Adjust a Kids Bike Helmet
Some helmets will have an adjustment system so you can tighten or loosen for a comfortable but secure fit.
The straps should fit in a V-shape around your child’s ears and the chin strap should be tightened and buckled so that they can still open their mouth wide.
You should be able to fit your finger under the strap but no more. The helmet should sit on top of your child’s head without slipping forward or back.
Read more:
- What Cyclists Really Think About Mandatory Bike Helmet Laws
- How To Lock A Helmet To Your Bike
- Best Commuter Bike Helmets Roundup
Helmets for Kids FAQs
Why Bike Helmets Are Important For Kids?
Kids will inevitably fall off their bikes and a helmet can help to protect their skull and brain from damage if their head hits the ground.
When Is It Time To Replace A Child’s Bike Helmet?
When it no longer fits securely. It’s also recommended to replace bike helmets after 5 years.
You should also replace it if it’s been in any type of accident.
Are MIPS Helmets Worth It?
MIPS adds another layer of protection, helping to prevent the brain from being damaged during rotational impacts.
The MIPS technology helps to minimize the rotational movement of the brain.
What Size Helmet Does A 4 Year Old Need?
The size of the helmet will depend on the size of your child’s head rather than their age.
Not all 4-year-olds will have the same size head.
Are Cheap Bike Helmets Safe?
If they are certified by the CPSC or ASTM then they meet the minimum safety standards in lab tests required for products.
How Tight Should A Helmet Fit?
It should be snug so it doesn’t move around but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable.
Final Words
The best kids helmet is the Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS because it’s easy to put on and adjust, it’s durable and tough, and it benefits from having MIPS technology for improved safety.
A good runner-up is the Giro Scamp MIPS because of its built-in MIPS and fused dual-layer construction to minimize weight.
It can be important to measure your child’s head so that you can choose the most suitable size of helmet. An adjustment tool can be a good feature to have and if your child will be riding on off-road trails, MIPS can be a great additional safety feature.
Since all kids are different, not all of these products will be suitable for all children, so it can be important to check the products out for yourself to make sure they fit your child and their needs.
