The 8 Best Toddler Helmets for Safe Outdoor Rides

Falls and crashes are inevitable as your little one learns to ride a bike or a scooter, which is why toddler helmets are so important. Even on the back of an adult’s bike, your child is vulnerable to falls. The best toddler helmet should not only help protect your kiddo’s brain and skull, but it should also be comfortable and cute enough that your opinionated tot will actually be excited to make it a part of their outdoor riding ensemble.

There are a lot of toddler helmets on the market, and it can be overwhelming to try to wade through them all. Keep these tips in mind—and check out our top picks for the best toddler helmets to ensure your little one is protected on the road.

Do Toddlers Need Bike Helmets?

While there isn’t a federal law calling for its use, nearly half of states in the US have laws on the books that require most bike riders who aren’t adults to wear helmets. Required ages vary by state, though. In California, for example, everyone under the age of 18 must wear a bike helmet while riding; in New York, that age is 14.

But regardless of whether it’s legally mandated in your area, a toddler bike helmet should definitely be on your list of things to get your little one. “Accidents and falls are some of the most common causes of head injuries in children,” says Natasha Burgert, MD, a Kansas-based pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson. “As soon as children start riding a bike with an adult or independently, a helmet should be required equipment. Starting the routine of putting on a helmet as early as possible makes helmets a normal and expected part of moving play—and parents are the best example of this habit.”

Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics says that babies under the age of 12 months are too young to sit in a rear bike seat and not old enough to wear a helmet. While infant bike helmets do exist, it’s important to be aware that baby bike helmets are not recommended for those under a year old.

What to Look for in a Toddler Helmet

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best toddler helmet for your child. A 1999 law mandates that all helmets sold within the US must meet specific safety requirements, so you can rest easy knowing whichever one you pick is up to snuff. Still, even the best toddler helmets can vary in their breathability, style, buckling ease and fit. Here’s what to look for as you shop around:

• Construction. A toddler bike helmet should be lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand impact. All of our picks fall into one of two categories of construction: In-mold and hardshell. While both construction types meet federal safety standards, in-mold helmets will tend to be lighter but less durable than hardshells.
• Fit. “All new helmets have passed safety tests, but correctly fitting the helmet is key to protection,” says Burgert. Not sure how to determine the proper fit? We’ve laid out some tips below.
• Air vents. The best toddler helmets have air vents to promote circulation and keep your child cool.
• Added safety features. Several of the more expensive toddler helmets feature Multi-directional Impact Protective System (MIPS) technology, which reduces rotational force on impact and helps protect against injuries like whiplash. Experts are divided on whether MIPS technology actually provides more protection. Burgert maintains that all toddler bike helmets sold by reputable dealers have passed equivalent safety tests, and there is no safety advantage to any particular model, but special features may bring you extra peace of mind.
• Style. While fit and construction are key, the best toddler bike helmet is one your child is actually willing to wear. Bright colors, cute patterns and beloved characters can go a long way here. You might even let your kiddo pick one out for themselves. “Letting your toddler choose their preferred helmet is a great way to go,” says Burgert. “Kids will take ownership quickly of items they are involved in selecting.”
• Return policy. If you can’t try the helmet on your child before buying, make sure you can either exchange or return it in case it doesn’t fit.

The Best Toddler Helmets

Ready to hunt down the best toddler helmet for your kiddo? Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks on the market.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Helmets

A toddler helmet is an important tool to keep your little one safe on a bike, whether it’s yours or their own. To select the best toddler helmets, we spoke with a pediatrician and AAP spokesperson for her input on what to look for in these helmets. We also consulted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. From there, we tracked down the most popular toddler helmets on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like construction type, sizing options, weight and style. Reviews from real parents were factored in as well to make sure we had the best sense of how these toddler helmets perform for a range of families.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

How Should a Bike Helmet Fit Your Child?

In order to find the right fit for your little one, Burgert says to look for a helmet that sits snugly on your little one’s head and covers the forehead. “If the helmet is too loose, it can fall over your toddler’s eyes and obstruct vision during play, or slide backward and expose the forehead,” she says. “A helmet that moves too far back will not properly protect the skull.” The straps should also be adjustable to make sure the helmet moves only the smallest amount when secured.

To ensure a toddler helmet fits your child correctly, use a soft tape measure to measure your child’s head. You want the helmet to nestle low on their forehead (about one to two finger widths above the eyebrows), the side straps to sit in a “V” shape slightly in front of and under the ears, the buckle to close under their chin and the chin strap to be snug.

To test whether a toddler helmet fits properly, have your child open their mouth wide while wearing it; the helmet should hug their head. You can also follow the guidelines set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Keep in mind that your child’s helmet measurements will change as they grow older.