Best Toddler Helmet 2020 – 10 Picks

You want the best toddler helmet when your child is learning how to ride a balance bike or even a trike.

It’s peace of mind for you, and most of all can avoid nasty bumps, worrying trips to the emergency room and tears.

As a result your child will grow in confidence and be able to take risks in the seafest way possible. 

With this in mind, here are our top picks for toddler helmets. 

The Best Toddler Helmet – Our Pick

The Giro Scamp toddler helmet offers a really comfortable experience. It allows your toddler to easily rest their head, if you use a trailer, without neck discomfort. 

Ponytails are not a problem either with this helmet. It is shaped specifically to accomodate them.   

Specs

• CE certified
• SIZE: X-Small (45-49 cm)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Outer Material: Polycarbonate
• Ventilation holes
• Anti-nip buckle 
• Washable removable lining 
• Spin dial fit adjustment 
• Ponytail accomodation
• Colour: Matt Blue/Lime

What We Like

• Extremely easy and quick to fit thanks to the dial. 
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t slip with wear
• Fits young toddlers from around 9months old. 
• Thin straps are perfect for little chins. 

What We Don’t Like 

• Is more expensive than some other toddler helmets, but the features are well worth it in our opinion. 

Our Verdict

Light, comfortable and great all-round helmet,that accommodates small features and long hair. This is a really well thought out design. It will also fit babies and smaller children from 10 months. 

BELL Children’s Lil Ripper Cycling Helmet

Whether they are enjoying the ride in a trailer, or balancing on their own two wheels, your youngest toddlers can ride in safety with this helmet. 

Solidly constructed the Bell Lil Ripper is at the forefront of helmet safety, balanced with the need to be lightweight for small frames. It also features an adjustment dial and a buckle offset to the side, so it is quick to fit to a squirming child who is ready for adventure. 

We love how the design is modelled on older teen/adult helmets – children love to feel grown up and copy their older siblings. This allows them to explore safely and rock the same look.

Specs

• Materials: Polycarbonate outer
•  Inner: EPS foam liner bonded to outer.
• SIZE: 45-51 cm
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• No pinch side buckle. 
• Good ventilation thanks to 10 air inlets
• Colours available : Checkers matt black, checkers matt white, monsters gloss green, clown fish matte, eyes gloss berry, eyes gloss blue,fruitiest gloss mint

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer or car seat.  
• Offset side buckle makes buckling up easier. 
• Dial at back makes fitting super-quick
• Good quality, sturdy materials 
• Fits even the youngest of toddlers. 
• Lovely bright appealing patterns. 

What We Don’t Like 

• Possibly could have come with extra foam pads to accommodate really tiny heads. 

Our Verdict

We love that Bell have made this helmet adult friendly as well as child friendly. Best helmet for quick fitting in our opinion.

Best Baby/ Young Toddler Helmet

Weeride Spike Baby Boy’s Bike Helmet 

This tiny, lightweight helmet is a perfect first experience of wearing helmets for babies as young as 10 months old. 

While convincing them to wear it at first may be one thing, fitting it snug to their head will be super quick, thanks to the dial and quick fit buckle. 

Allows baby to turn their head without the frustration of a heavy helmet dropping into their vision. 

This helmet is probably one of the smallest adjustable helmets out there, but if it is still a fraction too big, a thin hat underneath it wll give a tighter fit. 

Specs

• CE – EN 1078 Approved
• Ages:  1-3 year olds
• Materials: Polycarbonate outer
•  Inner: EPS foam liner bonded to outer.
• SIZE: 44 – 48 cm
• Weight: 185g
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• No pinch buckle. 
• Twist tightener dial at back
• 6 cooling vents
• Colours available : blue

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer or car seat.   
• Dial at back makes fitting super-quick and accurate. 
• Good quality, sturdy materials for the price tag
• Fits even the youngest of toddlers. 
• Lovely bright appealing patterns. 

What We Don’t Like 

• Some of the key fastenings are attached with velcro and can be fiddly.

Our Verdict

The Weeride Spike is the  ticket for really young toddlers and babies or children with smaller head circumferences. In our opinion, when they graduate from the bike seat to the balance bike or scooter they will need a more robust helmet to protect from harder impacts at speed. 

Best Helmet for Young Toddlers

The ABUS Smiley cycling helmet is a very well made helmet. It’s obvious they have really tried to see the world through a toddler’s eyes. Examples include a super-padded chin strap to avoid chin rubs and non-pinch buckle.  

Want your child to get going every time they want to play? This helmet enables you to quickly adjust the size by using the dial at the back.

It is brilliant for children aged from 6 months upwards and the bump strip at the front gives you peace of mind their face will be protected if they fall forwards. 

Specs

• For ages:  2-5 years old
• Materials: ABS outer. 
• SIZE: XS (45-50cm)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Quick release chin clip 
• Adjustable straps
• Good ventilation thanks to 8 air inlets
• High-quality thumbwheel system
• Built in facial bump strip.
• Colours available : Sparkling green, sparkling red, turquoise sailor.

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer.  
• Very easy and quick to adjust
• Sits very snugly without digging in from 6 months all the way up to around 4 years old. 
• Very good quality, sturdy materials 
• Lovely bright appealing colours. 

 What We Don’t Like

• May need an adult to close the chin clip.

Our Verdict

Beautiful, appealing unisex helmet, that sees the world from a toddler’s perspective and helps them develop confidence. Fit is great for a variety of young riders. We especially love the facial bump strip, which is a great addition for toddlers getting to grips with balancing. 

Also Great for Young Toddlers

The Bern Children’s Flip Visor helmet is the best for toddler stye but with safety in mind too. It offers a secure fit via elastic at the back and thin straps suitable for tiny faces.  It allows your toddler to easily rest their head, if you use a trailer, without neck discomfort. 

Another notable feature is the sun visor, which can be folded up out of the way and down again, so help your toddler see on sunny days. 

Specs

• Passes safety standards: EN1078 & CPSC
• For ages:  between 6 months & 4 years old
• Zip Mould: Construction has a higher strength to weight ratio than traditional EPS cycle Helmets
• Sink Fit : Extends to cover the back of the head, providing greater protection than traditional cycling helmets.
• SIZE: XX-Small (47-51 cm)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• EZ-FIT classic pull strap hook and loop fastener
• Ultra-lightweight 
• Soft visor – can be worn up or down on sunny days
• Sweat-wicking cool lining 
• Colours available : Blue,Pink,Green Dino and Tigre

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer.  
• Ultra- Lightweight
• Doesn’t slip with wear
• Fits young toddlers from around 6 months old. 
• Thin straps are perfect for little chins.
• Cute patterns.  

What We Don’t Like 

• If the visor is removed, there are two pads that can potentially scratch the child’s forehead. The visor is best left intact. 
• Would suit toddlers and younger children better, as the elastic adjustment at the back only stretches so far and can be uncomfortable. Any child from age 3 up may find this helmet too small. 

Our Verdict

Cute, well-fitting helmet for the very young. Older toddlers may find this too small and uncomfortable. 

Best Budget Toddler Helmet 

Raleigh offer a great budget helmet for toddlers. For the price, it is exceptional value, offers snug fit for tiny heads and the sizing from Raleigh is accurate. Being super lightweight, it allows toddlers independence and to zip around in comfort. 

Also available – multicoloured flowers  pirate blue 

Specs

• Materials: Microshell construction 
• SIZE: S (45-50cm)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Quick release chin clip 
• Adjustable soft helmet straps
• Good ventilation thanks to 6 air inlets
• Foam padding for adjustment
• Colours available : Pirate blue, Dinosaur blue, multi flowers.

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer or car seat.  
• Sits very snugly without digging in.
• Good quality, sturdy materials 
• Lovely bright appealing colours. 

What We Don’t Like

• No adjustment at the back of the helmet.

Our Verdict

Great budget helmet for littlies who are looking for their first riding experience. This helmet will take you longer to adjust but Raleigh give accurate sizing, so the helmet will be snug from the outset. 

Best Older Toddler Helmets

Korimefa bring us a superb little helmet for toddlers. It’s another helmet boasting a quick-fit dial, and safety quick-release buckle. It really does consider safety first. 

Worried about bumps and scrapes? This helmet minimises these instances. Made from polycarbonate materials, it also features a shock-absorbing EPS core, making it light but durable.

It is a fit and go helmet, with a useful extended front lip which functions as a partial sun visor on sunny days, but doesn’t interfere with your child’s range of vision. 

Specs

• Safety: CE Standard and complies with European Standard EN1078: 2012
• For ages:  2-5 years old
• Materials: Polycarbonate outer. EPS core. 
• SIZE: XS (50-54cm)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Quick release chin clip 
• Adjustable straps
• Size adjustment spin dial 
• Ultra-lightweight 
• Air vents for breathability 
• Built in partial sun visor
• Colours available : Pink / Blue / Flowers / Black / Green / Astronaut

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer.  
• Ultra- Lightweight
• Sits very snugly without digging in. 
• Very good quality, sturdy materials 
• Lining can be washed. 

What We Don’t Like

• Is probably too big for toddlers under 18 months old.

Our Verdict

A superb toddler helmet, which will ensure a great fit from toddlers from 2 years old. Not the cheapest but is easy to fit,durable, breathable and provides great protection from bumps.

Best For Style

Hornit Mini Lids

The Hornit Mini lid injects style and earns its place as one of the best toddler bike helmets. 

Not only helmet have excellent dial ajustment and snugly fitting comfortable chin straps, it is the only helmet to boast a rear safety light. The designs are really appealing and are great for introducing outdoor activities as fun activities where a helmet is necessary. 

Specs

• Safety: CPSC Certified
• For ages:  2-5 years old
• Materials: Polycarbonate outer. EPS core. 
• SIZE: S (48 – 53 cm head circumference)
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Quick release chin clip 
• Adjustable straps
• Size adjustment spin dial 
• Ultra-lightweight 
• 11 Air vents for breathability 
• Designs available : Polka Dot, Aviator, Chiller Spider, Ice Cream, Lazy Llama, Military, Pug, Shark, Stealth, Super Sloth, Unicorn, Wayfarer. 

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer.  
• Ultra- Lightweight
• Sits very snugly without digging in. 
• Can see your child at a distance on dull or wintery day, thanks to the light at the back. 
• Very good quality, sturdy materials 
• Fun, colourful designs. 

What We Don’t Like

• On some children the helmet sits to the back of the their head. Some parents may take the view they would like more coverage around the forehead, especially if your child is prone to falling forwards. 

Our Verdict

An exceptionally made, sturdy helmet featuring designs children will love. The added safety light is peace of mind for you and more independence for your toddler. 

Corsa Kids injects a bit of fun into wearing a helmet. Everything in terms of a toddler’s world, safety, vision are met in this, but it’s brilliant to see such a toddler-friendly bold design. Choices include a really cute pink deer with fluffy ears, or a fun dinosaur design.

On the plus side, Corsa ensure all the materials they use are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Their helmet inner pads are washable and breathable so your child will always ride in comfort. On top of this, the pads add to the overall high impact protection the helmet gives your child.

Specs

• Safety: conforms to CE standards.  EN1078-1997 + A1 – 2005 standards
• For ages:  2-5 years old
• Materials: PVC outer.  Inner: EPS + Sponge,
• SIZE: S: 50-54cm
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Quick release, padded chin clip 
• Adjustable straps
• Good ventilation thanks to air inlets
• High-quality thumbwheel system
• Weight:ultra-light weight, 230g(8oz),
• Colours available : Pink deer, dinosaur

What We Like

• Flat at the back – comfortable when worn in a trailer.  
• Very easy and quick to adjust
• Very good quality, sturdy materials 
• Lovely bright appealing colours. 
• Injects the fun into play. 

What We Don’t Like

• Fits toddlers from around 2 years old. Pads can be too thin to be a tight fit for younger children. 

Our Verdict

This helmet considers everything from safety to enabling the child to have fun and delivers brilliantly. It could be on the large size for younger toddlers. 

The XJD toddler helmet offers a really great, simple to fit dial adjustment for your child. Minimise the wriggles and get your child zooming round on their scooter or balance bike quicker. 

Your child will be more comfortable, even in the summer. Heat is not an issue as it has effective ventilation holes. 

Good to know – the sponge inserts for fitting can be removed to wash. 

Specs

• CE certified
• Age of use S: 3-8 years
• SIZE: Size S is suitable for head size 51-54cm 
• Measure the circumference slightly above eye brows to ensure you choose the correct size
• Sturdy ABS outer shell and shock-absorbing EPS foam inner
• Activities suitable for: Bike riding, skateboarding, roller skating, inline skate, scooter, rollerblading
• Ventilation holes 
• Washable removable lining 
• Spin dial fit adjustment 
• Colours available: Black,blue, green, orange and pink.  

What We Like

• Extremely easy and quick to fit thanks to the dial. 
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t slip with wear
• Looks great 
• Washable lining which can be removed also as you need to clean it and as your child’s head grows.

What We Don’t Like 

• Probably suitable for toddlers with a larger head circumference but too big for most 2 year olds. 

Our Verdict

Cute, stylish helmet that does the job. It’s a shame it’s on the big size though. 

What should I look for in a toddler helmet?

How to Choose the Best Helmet for Your Baby or Toddler

Size and Positioning

The helmet should fit low on the child’s forehead. To gauge if a helmet fits properly, you need to check: 

1. If it’s level
2. There should be a gap of an inch or two fingers between the eyebrow and the helmet. 
3. There shouldn’t be any movement from side to side .

To adjust, put foam padding in if it is supplied with the helmet. Some helmets have a dial at the back, that will reduce the circumference of the helmet. Adjust this to fit snugly on the child’s head. 

Too small – if the helmet sits too high on the child’s head or leaves visible marks, it’s too small. 

Good to know – Your child should be able to wear a pair of glasses while they use a helmet.

Weight

Weights vary from helmet to helmet, but generally there is one key thing when choosing a toddler helmet. Keep it light. Babies and toddlers have weaker neck muscles and the extra weight of a helmet could cause strain. The helmet needs to be forgotten as they get on and play, and not cause their tiny necks any discomfort.

Flat back

Most toddler helmets have a flat back now. Having a flatter profile at the back of the head, allows your baby or toddler to sit in a bike trailer or seat and see properly without being pushed forward and again straining their neck.

Adjustability

The side straps need to be adjustable – the perfect size is when you can fit one finger between the strap and your child’s chin. Getting a helmet with an adjustment dial on the back is the best idea with growing children. 

After you’ve fitted it, get your child to shake their head around. If the helmet doesn’t move from its position, it fits. The other useful thing to do would be to ask your child at this point whether the helmet feels too tight and get them to point to anywhere it is nipping.

Buckle

Look for a non-nip buckle when you are buying a helmet for toddlers. It avoids tears as they wiggle around. Some buckles are so easy to close it allows the child to put the helmet on and be independent. A quick test for this would be to see if they could close it themselves.

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)

Two wheeling tots explains MIPs brilliantly: 

In a nutshell, MIPS is an inner plastic cage secured by small plastic anchors. If an impact occurs, this cage rotates with your child’s head to provide better multi-directional impact protection.

Source: twowheelingtots.com

Be prepared for a higher price ticket for MIPS. The GIRO Scamp comes with MIPS as standard.

Ventilation

The key to fun bike riding is that your toddler doesn’t feel too hot. Whilst you can put a thin hat on them to keep out the cold, you can’t add ventilation holes to a helmet later.

Lots of helmets now come with ventilation gaps. 

In Conclusion

So there you have it. A list of top helmets we recommend for your toddler. Helmets in our opinion offer increased protection against bumps to the head, when your child is learning how to ride a balance bike or even a trike.

You will have peace of mind as you watch your child become more and more independent. The emergency room can be avoided.

Best of all your child’s confidence levels in their own abilities will grow as a result of having a calm, nuturing experience. 

The Giro Scamp really does deliver on these requirements. Although it is not the cheapest, it has MIPS – along with being a helmet that really sees the world as a toddler.

The Scamp will provide excellent protection for tiny heads.  

Everything We Recommend