Helmets

What Size Helmet Does My Child Need?

Age is a rough guide only — head size varies a lot between children of the same age. Always measure before you order.

How to measure your child’s head

1. Run a soft tape measure around the widest part of the head, roughly 2cm above the eyebrows and above the ears.
2. Keep the tape level all the way around and note the measurement in centimetres.
3. Match that number to the size range below. If your child falls between two sizes, choose the larger one — every helmet we stock has an adjustable dial or strap system to fine-tune the fit.

For step-by-step fitting photos and a strap-adjustment walkthrough, see our Kids Helmet Fit Guide.

The Ultimate Guide to Skate & Bicycle Helmets: Safety, Comfort, and Style

Skate and bicycle helmets are essential pieces of safety equipment for any child who rides. These helmets protect your child’s head from potential injuries during falls or collisions, making them a crucial investment for riders of all ages and skill levels. ‘

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything parents need to know about kids bike helmets, scooter helmets and skate helmets, from Australian safety standards to sizing a helmet for a toddler, and choosing the right helmet for your child.

Understanding Helmet Safety Standards

When it comes to skate and bicycle helmets, safety should be your top priority. Various organizations around the world have established safety standards to ensure that helmets provide adequate protection. Some of the most recognised standards include:

• AS/NZS 2063 in Australia and New Zealand — the standard that applies to you
• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in the United States
• EN 1078 in Europe

These standards test helmets for impact resistance, strap strength, and stability. When shopping for a helmet, always look for certification labels that indicate compliance with these standards.

Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards in Australia

In Australia, bicycle helmets must meet the AS/NZS 2063 standard. This standard ensures that helmets sold in the country provide adequate protection for cyclists. Key aspects of the Australian standard include:

• Impact energy attenuation
• Retention system strength
• Stability
• Field of vision

Always check for the AS/NZS 2063 certification when purchasing a bicycle helmet in Australia to ensure it meets the required safety standards.

A helmet certified only to the American CPSC standard or the European EN 1078 standard is not compliant for road cycling in Australia, even if it looks identical. If you are buying from an overseas marketplace, check the sticker inside the shell before you order. Every bike helmet in our range is supplied for the Australian market, so you don’t have to check the fine print.

Choosing the Right Helmet for Your Activity

While skate and bicycle helmets may look similar, they are designed for different activities and offer varying levels of protection. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

Bicycle Helmets

Bicycle helmets are designed to protect against high-speed impacts and are typically more aerodynamic. They feature:

• Extended coverage at the back of the head
• Multiple vents for better airflow
• Lighter weight construction

Shop Bicycle Helmets.

Skate Helmets

Skate helmets are built to withstand multiple low-impact collisions and provide more coverage. They typically have:

• A rounder shape for better protection against falls from various angles
• Fewer vents
• A harder outer shell

When choosing between a skate helmet and a bike helmet, consider your primary activity and the level of protection you need.

Shop Skate Helmets.

Multi-Sport Helmets

Most kids don’t stick to one wheel. If your child rides a balance bike in the morning and a scooter after school, a dual-certified multi-sport helmet saves you buying two.

These helmets are tested to both bicycle and skate standards, which means they handle the single high-speed impact a bike helmet is built for and the repeated knocks of a skate park. Look for a “dual certified” label on the box. Our Triple 8 range is built exactly for this.

Shop Multi-Sport Helmets.

Key Features to Look for in a Kids Helmet

When shopping for skate and bicycle helmets, keep an eye out for these important features:

1. MIPS Technology: Many modern helmets feature Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, which helps reduce rotational forces during impacts. Learn more about MIPS technology
2. Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial for comfort, especially during hot weather. Look for helmets with multiple vents to keep your head cool.
3. Adjustable Fit Systems: Many helmets come with dial-fit systems or adjustable straps to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
4. Lightweight Materials:  Helmets made from lightweight materials like polycarbonate or carbon fibre reduce neck strain — which matters far more for a small child than an adult, because a young rider’s neck muscles are still developing.
5. Integrated Lights: Some helmets come with built-in LED lights for increased visibility during low-light conditions.
6. Visors or Integrated Sunglasses: These features can help protect your eyes from sun glare and debris.
7. Magnetic Buckles: Fiddly plastic clips catch skin under the chin and put kids off wearing a helmet. Magnetic closures can be done up one-handed and are far easier for a child to manage alone.
8. Soft Interior Padding: Removable, washable pads keep the helmet fresh through a hot Australian summer and let you tune the fit as your child grows.
9. Low-Pressure, Sensory-Friendly Fit: Some children are sensitive to tight straps, seams or the sound of a dial retention system. Look for a wider strap, a softer chin pad and a smooth interior with no exposed seams.

Proper Fit and Wearing Techniques

A helmet can only protect your child if it fits properly and is worn correctly. Follow these steps to check the fit:

1. Measure your child’s head circumference to determine the right size.
2. Position the helmet level on their head, about two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
3. Adjust the side straps to form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears.
4. Tighten the chin strap so that no more than one or two fingers fit between the strap and their chin.
5. Ask your child to shake their head gently. The helmet should stay in place without excessive movement.

How to Properly Wear a Bicycle Helmet

Wearing your bicycle helmet correctly is crucial for maximum protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Place the helmet on your child’s head, ensuring it’s level and covers their forehead.
2. Adjust the side straps to form a “V” shape around the ears.
3. Buckle the chin strap and tighten it until it’s snug but comfortable.
4. Check the fit by pushing the helmet gently in all directions. It should move the skin, not slide on the head.

Remember, a properly fitted helmet is key to ensuring your safety while cycling.

Remember, a properly fitted helmet is what keeps your child safe, and a helmet that feels comfortable is a helmet they will actually wear.

The Kids Helmet Brands We Stock

We only range helmets we would put on our own children’s heads. Each brand below has been chosen for a specific reason.

• Hornit — Best for visibility. Integrated LED safety lights front and rear make your child far easier to spot on winter school runs and dusk rides. Sizes span small through medium, with designs from unicorns to pug puppies.
• Triple 8 — Best for kids who do everything. Dual-certified models cover bike, scooter and skate use, and the Dry Erase range lets kids draw on and redesign their own helmet, which does more for compliance than any amount of nagging.
• Globber — Best for first-time riders. Very light shells with LED lights and small XXS sizing, designed to pair with a toddler scooter or balance bike.
• Nutcase — Best for teens and adults. MIPS-equipped commuter styling for older riders who won’t wear anything that looks like a kids helmet.

Maintenance and Replacement

Proper maintenance can extend the life of your helmet, but it’s important to know when to replace it. Follow these guidelines:

• Clean your helmet regularly with mild soap and water
• Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Inspect your helmet for cracks, dents, or other damage before each use
• Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if there’s no visible damage
• Replace your helmet every 3-5 years, as the protective materials can degrade over time
• Check the fit at the start of every season. Children’s heads grow quickly, and a helmet that sat correctly last summer may now sit too high on the forehead.

Most parents replace a kids helmet because it has been outgrown rather than because it has aged out. If the dial is at its widest setting, or the helmet leaves a mark on the forehead, it’s time for the next size up.

Why Buy a Skate & Bicycle Helmet From Xchange Sports Australia

Investing in a quality helmet is the single cheapest piece of insurance you will ever buy for your child. We are an Australian family-run business dispatching from Sydney, and we range helmets for kids specifically, not adult helmets in smaller shells.

• 30-Day Perfect Fit Guarantee — if the size isn’t right when it arrives, send it back and swap it.
• Flat-rate shipping Australia-wide, dispatched direct from Sydney.
• Sizing help before you buy — call or email and we’ll talk you through the measurement.
• Full range of matching protective gear, so knee and elbow pads arrive in the same box.