When it comes to skiing with children, safety is paramount. The most important item: a ski helmet that really fits. In addition, the helmet should be easy to adjust and lightweight. And of course, an appealing design also adds to the fun.
The most important aspect when choosing the perfect ski helmet for your child is the right size. The challenge: During the first years, the size and shape of children’s heads keep changing as they grow. That’s why many parents, quite understandably, opt for a bigger helmet that their kids will “grow into”. However, this can have fatal consequences. After all, only a helmet that fits perfectly offers maximum protection.
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a ski helmet is your child’s head circumference. Take a look at the size chart below for a useful overview.
Head circumference in cm | Size |
---|---|
40–43 | XXS |
44–47 | XS |
48–51 | S |
52–55 | M |
56–59 | L |
60–62 | XL |
NB: This chart is just for reference. If you’re in doubt, go with the manufacturers’ (partly varying) size recommendations and keep the tips from this article in mind!
Ski helmets for children should fit snugly but not too tightly. When trying on a product, the closed helmet should sit squarely on your child’s head without wobbling.
Finding the perfect ski helmet is not just about the right size and your child’s age. Another important aspect is the helmet’s weight. Why’s that? During a crash, the helmet’s weight presses down on your child’s neck muscles. That’s why it makes sense to choose a particularly lightweight helmet especially for younger children.
Many children’s ski helmets carry a safety certification. If you find the number “1077:2007“ on a helmet or in the instruction manual, it means that it complies with the European norm for ski and snowboard helmets.
What’s more, there are two classes of ski helmets: class A and B. For kids, INTERSPORT Rent recommends class A helmets, or hard hats. They protect a larger area of the head than class B helmets and also cover the sides and ears.
What’s better: a visor or goggles? Read on to find out about the pros and cons:
Helmets with visors …
But they …
When trying on different helmets, make sure to go for the best-fitting ones first. In a next step, you can go for the most appealing design. This is the quickest and best way to find the perfect ski helmet for your little ones.