Picking out your child’s first motorcycle helmet can be an exciting shopping trip. You and your child are excited about hitting the road together, but first you need to slow down and consider several factors when making this important purchase.

Safety
One of the first things to look at when purchasing a child’s motorcycle helmet is to see if it meets your country’s safety standards. In the United States, a DOT sticker should be on the helmet. . Another safety tip is to point your child toward brightly colored helmets as they are easier for drivers to spot on the road. He is more likely to wear a helmet he likes.
After picking out your child’s helmet, be sure to check it closely for loose padding, frayed straps, cracks or exposed metal.

Fit
Making sure your child’s helmet is a good fit will be essential to making sure she wears it and also that it is effective in an accident. Take your child shopping with you so she can try the helmet on. Do not buy a larger helmet so she will “grow into it.” It should fit your child’s head snugly, preventing it from slipping out of place or falling off. Children’s helmets usually come with padding sets you can adjust for a better fit. As she grows, you should use thinner padding to make it more comfortable.
Also remember to check the weight of the helmet. A light-weight helmet is most comfortable for children.

Replacement
If your child is in an accident, dispose of the helmet and purchase a new one. Even if there are no visible cracks or marks, the impact of a hard surface on the helmet can weaken it internally. It is designed to absorb the energy of the impact. A damaged helmet will not provide as much protection in another accident.

Example
The most important safety tip after getting a child’s motorcycle helmet is making sure he wears it. The safest, best-fitting helmet will provide no protection in an accident if it is not on the child’s head. The best way to do this is to establish firm ground rules about wearing a helmet every time he gets on a motorcycle. You should lead by example and wear a motorcycle helmet as well.