Spring is coming! It is time to check on helmets!
Riding a bike, a scooter, a skateboard…These are all things that mean spring in Minnesota is here! A child feels freedom and a sense of accomplishment when able to do these things, but these activities can be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t taken. The best way to keep safe is by wearing a helmet.
Why should children (and adults for that matter) wear a helmet?
An unexpected fall or impact can happen at any time. This is especially true for children first learning a skill. Falls have the potential to cause serious brain injury. Risk to your child can be reduced by a properly fitting helmet. Studies have shown that children from the ages of 5-14 go to the emergency room more for injuries associated from bike riding than any other sport. Your child’s helmet must fit right now. Helmets are not something your child can “grow into”. As your child’s head grows you will need to replace the helmet. Not only does your child need to wear a well- fitting helmet, but it needs to be adjusted correctly and your child must fasten it.
How do I know what size?
Don’t buy a helmet unless your child can try it on. The helmet should fit snugly. While the helmet is on your child’s head it should not move side to side. Many helmets come with sizing pads that allow you to add them for a more secure fit. You can remove the pads as your child grows. Some helmets as a ring inside that allows you to adjust the size.
How do I position the helmet?
The helmet should sit low on your child’s forehead. There should be one to two finger widths above your child’s eyebrow. The helmet should not obstruct your child’s view.
What about side straps?
The left and right straps should form a “Y” and meet right below your child’s ear.
What about the chin strap?
The chin strap should always be buckled when your child is using his or her helmet. It should be snug and no more than one finger should fit under the strap.
Check these things for a good fit:
· Open your mouth really wide, the helmet should pull down!
· If your child looks up he or she should see the visor.
· The helmet should not obstruct vision.
· It should not slip when your child shakes his or her head.
When should I replace the helmet?
You should replace helmets when your child has outgrown them. If your child has experienced a crash in the helmet it should be replaced. If the helmet has been dropped on concrete or a hard surface it should be replaced.
March 6, 2017