Dismiss Modal

Healthy Living

For Parents: Helmet Safety Checklist

Choose a preferred language

The right helmet and other safety equipment can protect the head when biking, in-line skating, roller-skating, or skateboarding. But they only protect if worn correctly. Read the instructions for each piece of equipment with your child. The helmet needs to be made specifically for the activity. For instance, a bike helmet shouldn't be used for protection when riding horses or playing ice hockey.

Before you buy a helmet, check the label to make sure it meets safety standards for the sport. If your child has a fall, and the helmet receives a serious impact, don't use it again. The helmet needs to be returned to the manufacturer for a safety inspection, or destroyed and replaced.

Child's bicycle helmet.Girl wearing safety equipment including helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, pants strap, tied shoelaces.


Can you check off all of the following?

☐ I'm a good role model: I always wear a helmet made for the sport when it’s needed.

☐ My child always wears a sport-specific helmet when needed, even if it's just in front of the house.

☐ My child’s helmet fits securely, with the straps tight under the chin.

☐ I check my child’s helmet often to make sure it’s in good shape and fits well.


Does it fit?

Boy testing tightness of bicycle helmet strap.Boy testing fit of bicycle helmet.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Scooter, Skateboard, and Inline Skates Safety

Wheeled sports include riding scooters, skateboarding, and inline skating. These can be fun and great exercise for your child. But these sports can also be dangerous. When done incorrectly, they can lead to injury and sometimes even death. This sheet gives tips for keeping your child safe.

Read article
Wellness
For Parents: Gun Safety Checklist

How careful are you when handling guns? Your child will look to you as a role model. You need to act safely. Here is a gun safety checklist.

Read article
Wellness
Making Your Home Safe for Children

Every year, thousands of children are hurt or killed in home incidents. But with a little care, many incidents can be prevented.

Read article
Wellness
Making a Fire Safety Action Plan

Time is critical when fire is involved. To protect your family in case of a fire in your home, create a fire safety action plan. This teaches your family what to do in a fire, and can help save lives. This sheet explains how to make a fire safety action plan.