Bicycle Helmet Use

Why does my child need to wear a bicycle helmet?

• 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 his face from getting cuts and bruises. If injury does occur, wearing a helmet may decrease your child’s risk of having a permanent or life-threatening injury. Wearing a helmet may even prevent a deadly injury from a bicycle accident.
  
  
• Many states have laws that require bicycle helmet use. If your child already rides a bicycle and does not have a helmet, be sure to get one. Teach your child to wear his helmet properly for his protection. Having your child wear a helmet every time he rides a bicycle may save his life.

When should my child wear a bicycle helmet?

Make sure your child wears a helmet even when going on short bicycle rides. Your child should start wearing a helmet when learning how to ride a bicycle. He should also wear a helmet if he is riding in a passenger seat on an adult bicycle.

What makes a bicycle helmet safe for my 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.

What should I do to make sure my child's bicycle helmet fits properly?

• 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.

How can I get my 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.

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• Your child has small cuts or bruises after a bicycle crash.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about bicycle helmet use and safety.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child has pain after a bicycle crash.
  
  
• Your child has had a bicycle accident and is acting different than usual.

Where can I get more information about bicycle helmet use?

Contact the following:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
  141 Northwest Point Boulevard
  Elk Grove Village , IL 60007-1098
  Phone: 1- 847 - 434-4000
  Web Address: http://www.aap.org
  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Road
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 404 - 6393311
  Phone: 1- 800 - 3113435
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov
  

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  400 Seventh Street SW
  Washington , DC 20590
  Phone: 1- 888 - 327-4236
  Web Address: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child’s care. To help with this plan, you must learn about bicycle helmets. You can then discuss choices with your child’s caregiver. Work with your caregiver to decide what choices may be best for your child.

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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.