Prevent head injuries: why your child should wear a helmet

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 27, 2023

Why is a helmet important for your child?

A helmet is important for your child because it provides extra protection in the event of an accident. A helmet helps, for example, in the event of a fall from a bicycle, skates or rollerblades. In addition, a helmet helps in the event of a collision with an object such as a sidewalk or wall.

In this article I discuss why a helmet is so important for your child and what you should pay attention to when buying a helmet.

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Is a bicycle helmet really safe for your child?

As a parent you naturally want your child safe and can cycle, scooter or waveboard. A bicycle helmet can help with this. But how safe is a bicycle helmet really? Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury in an accident by about a third. In the Netherlands, there are approximately 10.000 cases of head injury among cyclists each year, with a third of these cases being serious injuries. Wearing a bicycle helmet can therefore certainly contribute to the safety of your child.

How does a bicycle helmet work?

A bicycle helmet consists of a hard exterior and a foam layer on the inside. In the event of a collision or fall, the foam layer ensures that the blow is absorbed and distributed over the helmet. This reduces the impact on your child's head and prevents or reduces injury. The combination of the hard exterior and the foam layer therefore offers good protection in the event of an accident.

When should your child wear a bicycle helmet?

Wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is strongly recommended. Wearing a helmet is especially important for activities where your child makes speed, such as cycling, stepping or wave boarding. A helmet can also offer protection when making sharp turns or driving on an unpaved surface. It is therefore wise to always have your child wear a helmet when he or she goes cycling or undertakes other activities where a fall or collision can occur.

What should you pay attention to when buying a bicycle helmet?

A good bicycle helmet ensures that your child's head is well protected in the event of a fall or collision. Therefore, pay attention to the following points when buying a helmet:

• The helmet should fit well and should not move too much on your child's head.
• The helmet must fit snugly on the back of your child's head.
• The helmet must have a European pass and meet European safety standards.
• The helmet should not be too hot to wear and should provide adequate ventilation.
• The helmet must be easy to adjust and stay in place during cycling or other activities.

When should your child wear a helmet?

Cycling is one of the most common activities that requires children to wear a helmet. Even if your child has not yet fully learned to ride a bicycle, wearing a helmet is highly recommended. After all, poor motor skills can cause your child to fall down quickly. Once your child has started cycling, it is important to put a helmet on him or her right away. The following applies: better too early than too late. This way you prevent your child from suffering serious head injuries in the event of an unfortunate fall or collision.

Skating and rollerblading

Wearing one is also important when skating and inline skating helmet (the best for kids reviewed here) absolutely recommended. Especially if your child is not yet fully developed and the concentration is not yet sufficient. After all, hitting a curb, turning the steering wheel or snaking can happen quickly and cause a serious accident.

Other activities

In addition to cycling, skating and inline skating, there are many other activities where wearing a helmet is recommended. Consider, for example, riding a vehicle with a motor, such as a quad or a moped. But also when playing with an object that can come quickly, such as a ball, a helmet can offer good protection.

Tips for buying a bicycle helmet for your child

Before you buy a bicycle helmet for your child, it is important to know what to look out for. A helmet protects your child's head in the event of an accident and can prevent serious injury. That is why it is important to buy a helmet that meets the European standard. In the Netherlands this is the EN 1078 standard. Many bike shops sell helmets that meet this standard.

Make sure the helmet fits properly

A helmet that does not fit properly does not provide optimal protection. Therefore, measure the circumference of your child's head, just above the eyebrows and temples. Use this measurement to determine which size helmet you should buy. Most helmets are adjustable so you can find the right fit. Make sure the helmet is firmly on your child's head and covers the back of the head. The closure must be sturdy and practical at the same time.

Choose a licensed helmet

Always choose a helmet that meets the European standard. These helmets are tested and tracked by a number. A recognized helmet has a foam layer on the inside that can limit damage to the head in the event of a crash. A helmet that does not meet the standard does not offer optimal protection.

Note the straps

The straps of the helmet should be firm and snug on your child's head. Make sure the straps are not too tight or too loose. It is important that the helmet stays in place while wearing it.

Let your child try on the helmet

Let your child try on the helmet before you buy it. This way your child can see how the helmet is on and feel how it fits. It is important that your child feels comfortable in the helmet, otherwise he or she will be less likely to wear it.

Regularly check the condition of the helmet

A helmet only protects in the event of an accident if it is still in good condition. Therefore, regularly check the condition of the helmet. For example, if the helmet has received a strong impact, the protective foam layer may be damaged. In that case you need to replace the helmet.

Don't lose sight of safety

A bicycle helmet is a piece of safety for your child. It may seem like an unnecessary purchase, but it can make all the difference in the event of an accident. In addition, in the Netherlands it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 to wear a helmet while cycling. So don't lose sight of your child's safety and buy a good bicycle helmet.

The BTWIN helmet

An example of a good bicycle helmet for children is the BTWIN helmet. This helmet meets the European standard and has a sturdy closure. The helmet is available in different sizes and is adjustable so you can find the right fit. The BTWIN helmet is available at Decathlon.

Head injuries in children: why a helmet is so important

It's no secret that head injuries are one of the most dangerous types of injuries that can occur in an accident. In children, the risk of head injury is even higher because their skulls are not yet fully developed and their neck muscles are not yet as strong as those of adults. Unfortunately, head injuries and bicycle accidents are common among children. In the Netherlands, approximately 10.000 children are treated in the emergency room every year after a bicycle accident. About 1.500 of these children have suffered a head injury.

A helmet prevents head injuries and has many advantages

The good news is that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce your risk of head injury. Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. In addition, wearing a helmet can also have other benefits, such as:

• Increasing your child's safety while cycling, skating, skateboarding, etc.
• Giving parents peace of mind and worrying less about the safety of their children.
• Encouraging healthy activities and promoting an active lifestyle.
• Preventing permanent damage to the brain and preventing lifelong disabilities.

A helmet is especially important for young children

While wearing a helmet is important for all ages, it is especially important for young children. Children between the ages of 1 and 4 have the highest risk of head injury in cycling accidents. This is because they are not yet able to balance and coordinate as well as older children and adults. In addition, young children are often involved in accidents where they fall off their bikes or hit an object.

A helmet must meet certain requirements and fit properly

If you buy a helmet for your child, it is important to make sure that it meets certain requirements. In the Netherlands, helmets must comply with the European standard EN 1078. This means that they have been tested for safety and offer protection against head injuries. In addition, it is important that the helmet fits well. A helmet that is too big or too small will not provide the right protection. It is therefore important to choose the right size and to properly adjust the helmet.

Conclusion

It's important to have your child wear a helmet when they bike, skate, or do other activities where a fall or collision could occur. A helmet will protect your child's head from serious injury and it's definitely worth buying one that fits and sits well.

So what are you waiting for?

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.