Child Helmet

It's important for kids to wear helmets when participating in active sports such as indoor rock climbing. The helmets designed for children are made specifically for the type of sport or activity. For example, a child's climbing helmet is designed to the EN 12492, Snell N-94 climbing and mountaineering helmet standard. This means it is designed to protect the head for the specific type of bumps and impacts associated with a climbing fall. Children's helmets made for skiing and snowboarding are designed to the ASTM F2040, CE 1077, Snell RS-98 or S-98 standard. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Different activities require different helmets, and there are helmets for every season's sports". The NHTSA⁽¹⁾ provided an effectiveness estimate that 85 to 88% of head and brain injuries could be prevented by correctly wearing the appropriate helmet for the sport or activity.

Types of Child Helmets.

There are many types of helmets, and the manufacturers usually designs several models for children. Look for a label or marking on the inside of the child helmet that shows which standard it complies with. Some comply with more than one standard and therefore can be used with more than one sport. The US CPSA⁽²⁾ lists many helmets with the applicable manufacturer's safety standard for various sports in which children might participate:

Fitting a Child's Helmet.

• It should fit level on the head. There should be a space of one to two finger-widths above the eyebrow.
• The helmet straps should meet in a “V” beneath the child's ears, and buckled with no more than two fingers' space between the chin and the strap.
• It should not slide on the child's head more than an inch in any direction.

Fit of a Helmet vs Child's Growth.

Most child helmets are built with an adjustment for growth. This is also useful for wear over a beanie in extreme cold conditions. Other children's helmets may have several sets of foam fitting pads. If this is the type of adjustment provided they can be replaced using thinner pads as your child grows. The pads are only a spacer for fitting. They do not change the level of protection provided by the helmet.⁽⁴⁾

When to Replace a Child's Helmet.

There are three factors to consider. 1) fit, 2) severity of impact, 3) helmet design is a single-impact or multiple-impact type.

References: (1) NHTSA: http://www.nhtsa.gov; (2) CPSA: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/349.pdf; (3) NHTSA: How to Fit a Child's Helmet; (4) Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: http://www.bhsi.org/childpam.htm.

Children's Climbing Helmets, Children's Ski Helmets, and Children's Snowboard Helmets:

Mammut Tripod Climbing Helmet - Kids' The Mammut Tripod Climbing Kids' Helmet gives added safety on the rocks. Made with inmolded construction and weights only 7.4 oz.
Certification: Standard EN 12492
Use: Rock and gym climbing CAMP USA Armour Junior Helmet - Kids' The Armour Junior child climbing helmet has a tough thermoplastic shell, and an easy to adjust suspension system. It is headlamp compatible with a rotating size adjustment wheel.
Certification: UIAA 106 / EN 12492 certified
Use: Rock and gym climbing Giro G9 Jr Helmet - Kids' This childs' helmet has colors and graphics that are appealing. Kids will wear a helmet if they think it's cool. A form adjustment system gives the ideal fit with the turn of a dial.
Certification: ASTM F2040, CE EN1077
Use: Snow and ice sports Smith Upstart Jr. Helmet - Kids' The Upstart Jr. has a soft fleece lining, full ear coverage, and low-profile brim. There are dual AirEvac vents located on the side of the child's helmet.
Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B
Use: Skiing, snowboarding Smith Antic Jr. Helmet - Kids' This Antic child's helmet has cool graphics a kid will like. It also has a furry lining for comfort. Your child will use this helmet because it feels and looks good.
Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B
Use: Skiing & Snowboarding Smith Holt Jr. Helmet - Kids' Has the Bombshell ABS hard shell and molded liner for your kid’s head protection. AirFlow Climate Control makes this child helmet comfortable on warmer days.
Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B, CPSC
Use: Snowboarding, Skiing, Skateboarding Red Buzzcap Helmet - Kids' Designed for kids who don't like helmets. The RED Graphics on a polycarbonate shell brings looks, and the soft interior makes this kid's helmet warm.
Certification: ASTM 2040 and CE 1077B & certified in EU
Use: Snowboarding, Skiing Red Trace Grom Helmet - Kids' This child's helmet is made with a snow-to-skate crossover design. Remove the ear pads and goggle clip and it is ready for skateboards and bikes.
Certification: ASTM 2040, CPSC and CE 1077B Certified in EU
Use: Snow/Skate/Bike Crossover Smith Maze Jr. Helmet - Kids' This child helmet is as light as possible, and the AirEvac 2 ventilation maximizes goggle and helmet airflow. It has a helmet fit system for adjustment for growth.
Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B
Use: Skiing, snowboarding