Before your kid gets onto a two wheeler, a helmet is essential for head protection. It gives them more confidence, and for you peace of mind, as they ride.
But it is important that you select a helmet that doesn’t get in the way of fun and comfort.
In this buying guide, we are going to review the best toddler bike helmets you can buy online in the UK. We considered factors like comfort, protective features, size and design to pick the best helmets.
But before we get to our top picks, here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when you are shopping for a new toddler bike helmet.
What to Consider when Buying a Toddler Bike Helmet
1. Fit
Before anything else, check that the helmet you are about to buy will fit your child.
I recommend taking their measurement before you start shopping. Take a tape measure and wrap it around the widest point of their head – on the forehead just above the eyebrows.
Then get a helmet that is closest in size.
Kids’ bike helmets are usually labelled as XX-small, X-small, small and so on.
Don’t just rely on these labels. Check the actual measurements of the helmet.
Most helmets will have an adjustable range rather than one rigid one. This allows you to adjust it to get the perfect fit. You can also keep adjusting the helmet as they grow up.
2. Safety
Next, check which safety features are included in the helmet as well as which safety standards it conforms to.
Check the padding and shell. The padding should be thick enough to protect their heads and the shell should be tough enough to withstand several falls.
The helmet should also have good quality straps that keep the helmet securely in place.
3. Weight and Ventilation
In addition to making sure that the helmet is the right fit, also check that it is not too heavy.
A heavy helmet will pull your child’s head down, cause a sore neck and lead to a bad riding posture. Look for a helmet that uses lightweight but protective materials.
Also check whether the helmet has holes on the surface. This is essential for ventilation. Otherwise, the helmet is going to feel hot, sweaty and uncomfortable.
Holes or vents allow free airflow in and out of the mattress. They also help keep the weight of the helmet low.
4. Aesthetics
It’s not all about safety and functionality. Aesthetics matter too when it comes to toddler bike helmets.
Get something that your kid will be excited to put on.
The ideal design depends on what your child loves. Some helmets are cartoon-themed, others have rocket ships and stars on them and others have a beautiful flowery design.
Most toddler helmets come in bright colours which are not only great for aesthetics but also visibility.
Best Toddler Bike Helmet Reviews
1. Nutcase Baby Nutty Bike Helmet for Babies and Toddlers
This helmet is perfectly sized for toddlers. It comes with an XX-small size range which you can adjust for head sizes ranging from 47cm to 50cm (18.5”-19”).
Under the tough lightweight shell is EPS foam which absorbs shock and pads their head against falls and hits.
The strap is easy and quick to close and open. It features a magnetic closure which opens and closes with a quick snap.
To avoid chaffing and aggravating their soft skin, the strap has a soft padding underneath.
The helmet is very light. It weighs just over half a kg (540g). Part of the reason it is so light is the series of vents on the surface.
These vents also help keep the inside of the helmet cool and sweat-free especially on hot days.
The helmet comes in four kid-friendly designs. There’s green, colour splash, outer space and petal power.
All designs are brightly coloured for easy visibility when riding.
What we like about it:
- Perfect fit for toddlers.
- Can be adjusted as the child grows.
- Lightweight and comfortable with 11 vents for cooling.
- Designed to encourage proper posture when riding.
2. Peppa Pig Girls’ Safety Helmet
If your daughter’s favourite colour is pink, this is the perfect helmet for them.
The main pink theme is accented with bits of yellow, blue and green. There are brightly coloured flowers and bees and a cartoon of Peppa Pig on the side.
Beyond the aesthetics, the helmet is designed for maximum safety and comfort.
It is lined with a lightweight EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) which effectively protects the head against injuries.
The outer shell is also very light and comes with airflow vents to keep the helmet cool and comfortable.
In terms of size, this helmet is a perfect fit for toddlers aged 2 years and up.
It can be adjusted to fit sizes 48-52 cm. To adjust it, you remove or insert the foam strips included with the helmet.
You can also tighten or loosen the chin strap until you get a secure fit.
What we like about it:
- Cool aesthetics.
- Adjustable fit.
- Lightweight design.
- Ventilated shell for extra comfort.
3. Trespass Children’s Cranky Cycle Safety Helmet
This cycling helmet comes in two sizes and three colour options.
The sizes are 44-48cm and 48-52cm. This should cover toddlers as young as 2 years old and kids up to 8 years of age or older.
Take your child’s head measurements and see which size range they fall in.
Once you get the helmet, use the knob at the back to resize the helmet to a perfect fit. You can also adjust the straps for a more secure fit.
As for the colours, there’s white, blue and pink.
The overall style is very similar to that of adult bike helmets. It looks like a cool racing bike helmet.
No cartoons or flowers on the shell. Not the cutest kids’ helmet but I’m sure most will love it nonetheless.
The adult-like streamlined shape is actually helpful when they are riding. It is better for aerodynamics which makes riding easier.
The outer shell is made from lightweight PVC. It has several vents to improve airflow and reduce the helmet’s weight.
The inner padding is made from EPS foam.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Three colour options.
- Two size options with adjusting knob.
- Cool racing design.
4. Raleigh Mystery Spiderman Boys Cycle Helmet
This Spiderman-themed helmet is perfect for kids who love the superhero. It has the classic red and blue design on the shell with spider web patterns completing the look.
That’s not the only cool thing about it.
It comes with an LED safety light at the back. The light can be set to stay on steadily or flash for added visibility. You can also switch it off completely.
There are two size options available.
The smaller size is for toddlers with head size between 48 and 54cm. For older kids, get the 52-56cm size.
There are two ways to adjust the helmet: using the adjustment dial at the back and by tightening or loosening the chin straps.
The inside of the helmet is designed to be as comfortable as possible. It is padded with soft materials to avoid any pressure on their head.
For added comfort, there are 12 air vents that keep air flowing freely in and out of the helmet. This prevents too much heat and sweat from building up inside the helmet.
As for safety, the helmet uses Injection mould construction which results in safer and more durable foam padding.
What we like about it:
- Cool Spiderman design for both boys and girls.
- Lightweight and comfortable design.
- Adjustable size using dial or chin straps.
- Safety LED light at the back.
5. TeamObsidian KIDS Bike Helmet
If you don’t want to buy yet another bike helmet 2 or 3 years from now when they need something bigger, get this versatile one from TeamObsidian.
It is designed to fit kids between 3 and 7 years.
There are 10mm pads which are for ages 3 to 5 and 5mm pads for ages 5 to 7. There is also a fit dial to adjust the helmet for a perfect fit.
Design-wise, the helmet has a streamlined design similar to that of adult helmets. It comes in two colours.
There’s a blue version that is aqua themed – it is adorned with sharks and water bubbles. There’s also a pink version decorated with octopuses.
The shell has 14 vents which not only make it lighter but also keep it cool on warm days.
The interior is padded with soft foam and the quick release straps are soft as well to prevent any chaffing while riding.
What we like about it:
- Adjustable size – ideal for ages 3 to 7.
- Quick-release closure on straps – easy for kids to operate.
- Soft, lightweight and ventilated for maximum comfort.
- Two colour options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the best helmet size for my child?
Measure the widest point of their head – just above the eyebrows – and get a helmet that’s closest to that measurement.
In addition to size labels like XS and S, most sellers will also include precise head size measurements for a particular helmet. So it’s easy to get a perfect fit.
2. Will I have to get a new helmet as my child grows older?
Most kids helmets can fit a wide range of ages. For instance, a helmet for a 2-year old toddler, can also fit a 4-year old kid.
Look for a helmet with an adjustable fit to ensure it stays comfortable and snug as your child grows older.
However, at some point, the helmet is going to get too small and you’ll need to get a bigger one. We recommend measuring your child’s head size every year and making sure it is still within the range for the helmet.
You’ll also know when your child has outgrown their helmet when they start complaining it’s uncomfortable.
3. At what age can a child wear a helmet?
Many experts recommend waiting until your child is at least one year old for them to wear a helmet. At this age, they have enough neck strength to support a helmet.
