Child Safety Link: Helmets

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Helmets

Child Safety Link recommends wearing an approved helmet anytime you are participating in wheeled activities such as cycling, skateboarding, in-line skating or riding a scooter. Keep the following tips in mind when purchasing or using a helmet:

Try the helmet on before you buy it.
Never purchase a used helmet. It may have been damaged.
Buy an approved helmet (look for an ASTM, SNELL or CSA sticker inside the helmet).
For comfort, look for a helmet with adequate ventilation.
Bicycle helmets are designed for a single impact. If you hit your helmet once, you need to replace it. Skateboarding helmets are available in single and multi-impact designs. Many winter helmets are also designed for multiple impacts. Multi-impact helmets can withstand multiple hits; however, they must be replaced if any physical damage is visible on the helmet. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if your helmet is a single or multi-impact design.
Replace your helmet every five years or if it has been in a collision.
Buy a helmet that fits your child now, not one they will grow into.
Follow all manufacturers' instructions.
Wear the proper helmet for the sport (see table below for details).
Helmets should sit level on top of your head and should not be loose. This means the helmet should cover the top of the forehead, just above the eyebrows. The strap should fit comfortably and snugly under the chin. The inside of the helmet should touch the head all the way around.
Side straps should fit in a V shape under the ears.
Always remove your child's helmet before he or she plays on playground equipment. It could get caught on the equipment and may strangle the child.

Head injuries can cause long-term disabilities and impairments. Wearing a helmet is an easy way to help prevent head injuries.

Sport	Helmet Type
Cycling/Scootering	Bike Helmet
Skateboarding	Skateboard Helmet
In-Line Skating	Skateboard or Bike Helmet
Sledding	Ski or Hockey Helmet
Hockey	Hockey Helmet
Downhill Skiing	Ski Helmet
Snowboarding	Ski Helmet
Ice Skating	Hockey Helmet

A Parent's Guide to Helmet and Recreation Safety

Helmet Safety Bookmark