Bicycle Helmet Use

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Having your child wear a helmet when riding a bicycle is the best way to protect him from injury. Head injuries, including injuries to the face, brain, and skull (head bone), are common with bicycle accidents. A helmet helps protect your child from having a broken skull, or brain injury, bleeding, or swelling. It also helps protect your child’s face from bad cuts or bruises. If injury does occur, wearing a helmet decreases your child’s risk of having a permanent or life-threatening injury. Wearing a helmet may even help prevent a deadly injury from a bicycle accident.
  
  
• Many states have laws that require helmet use. If your child already rides a bicycle and does not have a helmet, be sure to get one. Make sure that your child also wears it properly. Your child should wear a helmet every time he rides a bicycle, even on short trips. Your child should wear it even if he is riding in a passenger seat on an adult bicycle. Having your child wear a helmet whenever he rides a bike may save his life.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Choosing the safest bicycle helmet for your child:

• Fit: Your child’s bicycle helmet should fit well. Wearing a helmet that does not fit well may not protect your child’s head. A poor fitting helmet may even increase the risk for head injury. Most helmets come with extra foam or removable pads. Add or take out the foam or pads to help the helmet fit your child’s head better.
  
  
• Safety standards: Check inside your child’s helmet for a sticker or label stating the helmet meets safety standards. The helmet should be approved by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). It may also be approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Checking for proper bicycle helmet fit:

• Do the eyes, ears, and mouth test .
  
  
  • Eyes: Place the bicycle helmet on your child’s head. It should be centered on top of your child’s head and cover the top of his forehead. The helmet should be at the same level from the front to the back of your child's head. The space between the front of the helmet and your child's eyebrows should be 1 to 2 fingers wide. Your child should be able to see the rim of his helmet when he looks up.
    
    
  • Ears: Using your index (pointer) and middle fingers, make a 'V' sign under your child’s ear. Fix the straps until they meet the 'V' sign of your fingers. One strap should be in front of your child's ear and one strap should be behind his ear.
    
    
  • Mouth: Fasten the helmet strap. Ask your child to open his mouth as wide as he can. Opening his mouth should pull down on the helmet a little. Pull the strap until it fits tightly but stays comfortable against your child's chin.
  
  
• Once the helmet is firmly strapped, ask your child to shake his head around. The bicycle helmet should not move. Tighten the strap if the helmet moves with head movement. You may also adjust the pads to make the helmet fit better.

Getting your child to wear a bicycle helmet:

• Be a role model for your child. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Your child is more likely to wear a bicycle helmet when he sees his parent doing the same.
  
  
• Learn more about bicycle helmet use. Ask about programs in your neighborhood or your child’s school that promote bicycle helmet use. Have your child join these programs if they are available.
  
  
• Let your child choose his helmet. Allowing your child to choose a helmet he likes increases the chance he will wear it.
  
  
• Set a family rule about helmet use. Have a clear and simple rule about the need to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
  
  
• Talk to other parents and your child's teachers about bicycle helmet use. Encourage parents and teachers to wear a bicycle helmet and have their children wear a helmet also. Your child is more likely to wear a bicycle helmet when he rides with others who wear them.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any questions or concerns about bicycle helmet use and safety.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child's pain or injury from a bicycle crash worsens.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.