5 Things to Look For in a Kids Bike Helmet
5 Things to Look For in a Kids Bike Helmet
![Things to Look for in Kids Bike Helmet Things to Look for in Kids Bike Helmet](/images/default-source/two-wheeler-insurance-page-images/things-to-look-for-in-kids-bike-helmet.jpg)
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has recently made it compulsory for children below four years of age to wear a crash helmet and a safety harness while traveling on a two-wheeler. These safety provisions were already there for older kids but now have been made compulsory for kids between 9 months to 4 years of age as well. Not following this rule will attract a penalty. For people carrying kids on two-wheelers, it is recommended to purchase comprehensive bike insurance with a passenger cover add-on.
Whether the child is being driven on a two-wheeler or riding a bicycle himself, invest in a helmet to keep him safe. It is important that children wear good- helmets as they are more prone to injuries as compared to adults. Wearing a helmet can reduce the chances of a head injury to a great extent.
Top 5 aspects to consider when buying a helmet for your child:
1. The safety aspect:
Safety is the topmost priority in every parent’s mind while choosing a helmet for their child. There are a variety of helmets available in the market but may not be up to the mark as per the safety standards. Before choosing a helmet ensure that it is ISI certified and has the ISI mark. Ensure that there is proper cushioning to absorb shock, soft inner lining, and a hard shell to withstand a hard impact.
2. The type of helmet:
Always choose the right kind of helmet for your purpose. A skating helmet may not be suitable for biking as it is specialized to cover the back of the head. Similarly, biking helmets are single impact helmets and are designed for one hard fall, it gets crashed due to a hard impact and should be replaced after a crash. However, bike helmets can be used for skating and a two-wheeler ride. There are multisport helmets also available which are designed for certain sports. Check which sport a helmet has been tested for before choosing one.
3. The exact fit and the accurate size:
The second most important factor to consider is the fit and size of the helmet. A right size helmet will fit on the head without any movement. The best way to find the right size is to measure the head size with a measuring tape and then choose a helmet according to the child’s head size. If the helmet puts pressure on any point on the child’s head, it is not the right fit.
You can try another shape to avoid any kind of pressure. The right fit should cover the top of the forehead and there should be a gap of 2 fingers width between eyebrows and the helmet. It should not affect visibility. It should not be tilted at an angle should equally cover the front and back. The Chin strap should not be too tight and one finger can be inserted between the chin and chin strap. It should be a quick-release strap.
4. The style quotient:
If you want your child to wear the helmet, style is a very important factor. This is one aspect where your child should have the final say. The style should appeal to the child and make him/her feel good about wearing a helmet. However, keep in mind that safety is not compromised while choosing a design or style.
5. The comfort aspect:
For kids, comfort is very important. How the helmet feels after wearing? It shouldn’t feel too heavy otherwise it may strain the neck. It shouldn’t have any sharp edges or annoying stitches inside. It should have the right amount of ventilation so that it can be worn for a longer time. All of these aspects will make it comfortable to wear.
How To Make Your Child Wear A Helmet?
All the parents want their kids to spend time outdoors. It is the best way to keep children away from gadgets. However, there is always a risk of injuries and falls. Using protective gear is one way to reduce this risk but making children wear it is another challenge. Here are some simple tips you can try to get your child to wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle or skating.
● Develop a habit of wearing a helmet in your child whenever he is riding a bicycle. Don’t let them ride without wearing a helmet.
● If you ride a two-wheeler with your child sitting at the back, always wear a helmet yourself and make him also wear one. Do not forget to include a passenger cover add-on to your bike insurance.
● Tell them why it is important to wear a helmet. Show them examples of sportsmen wearing helmets.
● Ask their friends to wear helmets also. Kids won’t feel awkward if all are wearing.
● Reward them for wearing a helmet and being responsible.
Conclusion
You will find a lot of fancy helmets for kids in the market at a very low price, but before choosing one keep in mind that protection is the main reason you are buying a helmet. It is not an accessory to show off rather a very important necessity. Choose one with proper certifications even if it costs little more, remember that you are investing in your child’s safety like you purchase bike insurance to cover any misfortunate event.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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