Kids Helmet Sizing Help

Helmet Sizes for Kids

We receive lots of phone calls and emails from parents wanting to make sure they buy the right size helmet for their kids.

Proper helmet sizing is critical to protecting your kids. No matter how well-designed the helmet is, if it doesn't fit right, it won't protect the way it should. It may even come off during an impact.

How Do I Know What the Right Size Is?

The very first step we recommend is measuring your child's head. Simply take a tape measure and wrap it around his or her head, about an inch above the eyebrows. This measurement is the circumference of the head and is the measure every helmet is sized by.

Then, armed with the head circumference, shop around for a helmet that is offered in that size.

Doesn't Age Matter?

No. Unfortunately, age is not a reliable measure of head size. Eight year olds can easily fit "adult medium" helmets, and sometimes 10 year olds wear an "adult large."

Did you know:

95% of kids up to 8 years old will fit in a 54cm or smaller helmet
50% of kids up to 13 years old will still fit a 54cm helmet
54cm is the average head size of a 12 year old

Averages are tricky, though. Your kid may have a larger head (like mine do...), or they may have smaller heads.

Beyond Head Circumference, What Else Matters for Youth Helmet Sizing?

Kids heads are still growing, so look for a helmet that is able to get bigger over time. This can be done through either an adjustable fit system (like a dial that adjusts the fit of the helmet) or extra pad sets that can be removed from the liner - making the inside bigger.

If you kid is under 14-16 years old, finding a helmet that can grow with them for a few years will help reduce your costs. Once they're a teenager, they'll likely beat up or lose the helmet long before they outgrow it.

If you have any questions about sizing, give one of our protective gear specialists a call at (800) 930-4084!

Looking for specific information in skateboard helmets for kids?

One of the most popular action sports for kids is skateboarding, so we've created a special section on Kids Skateboard Helmets and other Kids Skateboard Protective Gear.