What age for a helmet

[ASRVM]

Down hill ski helmets are the way to go for toddlers. They are very lightweight, warm, goggle compatable, and affordable. Much easier on the neck and lots of sizes for a good fit.

 

[SilverGriz]

My son has been wearing a full face MX since he was 1 1/2 yrs. No helmet...no ride! Teach them that early. My son is 2 today and he asks me for his helmet.

 

[summitchaser]

I have to admit I was a little proud to see him try and throw his legs around on the 4-wheeler, then I said oh chit. We started the rule his butt has to be on the seat when he rides it. He won't climb back on the sled till we have something on his head. I was feeling a little uneasy about it and the replies have been great. He hasn't made beyond grandma and grandpa's field and he won't this year.

 

[MountainPowder]

I got a kids size motocross for my daughter almost 2, it fit but she almost fell over backward. So we got her a ski helmet, very light and should work great with a facemask and little goggles we already got her. My boy used to fall asleep every time we took him when he was 2. I've been hesitant to take my daughter out, she's and girl and seems so flimsy I worry more about her than I did my "tough" little boy.

 

[dgoetz]

I ran a S/M tour business for over 20 yrs and that question came up alot. I finally talked to some pediatricians and the consensus was that if they couldn't fit into a jr helmet with some pading or stocking cap then they shouldn't be wearing one because of their neck strength. The bicycle or hockey helmet is what I used on my own kids. We just set a rule if they couldn't fit a jr helmet they couldn't ride on a tour.

 

[BigAl]

To small for a helmet-to small to ride! My wife and I spent 34 days in the ICU with our son after he received a severe head injury for a car accident. I haven't ridden my sled or my bike without a helmet since.

 

[vmaxfrank]

I put my daughter in a XS ski helmet as soon as she could wear one. If I had it to do over again, I'd find a hockey helmet because they have cages and you can use a shield instead of messing with goggles. Full face BMX helmets may be hard to find and some are just as heavy as MX helmets, be sure to check weights.

I bought her a mx helmet (youth small) on sale, figuring she would grow into it. Next thing I know, she is in a youth large at 5 years old. Must have Dad's melon head. She wears a neck brace with the helmet. Don't worry about restricted movement because if they are riding with you they will fall asleep anyway and the brace helps keep their head from falling over too much.

I also use a sledpal harness and thing they are great. Highly recomend to any parents. If you have to stand for some reason, the kid comes with you and won't be thrown if you hit a sudden bump or something.

My daughter has been riding with me on snowmobiles and atv's since she was one or so - maybe younger. She now rides with me on my motorcycle and wants one of her own. When she shows the motor skills, I'll get her an atv or bike. She has the judgement now. Their is an old phazer II waiting for her when she is ready for a sled.

BTW, I still have a soloman ski helmet XS (black) and Youth S MX helmet (orange) if someone needs one, PM me and we can work something out.

 

[Bamboozled]

Lets be honest here

The neck thing is Exactly right!

Remember, they need to be able to support the helmet with those weak muscles.

Don't go too big too early.

I always did the hockey helmet thing when they were very little until they could support the heavier helmets

Jeff.......with regard to helmets....why don't you post a picture of your forehead from New Years Eve to show people what happens when you DON'T where a helmet

 

[AZ800]

Down hill ski helmets are the way to go for toddlers. They are very lightweight, warm, goggle compatable, and affordable. Much easier on the neck and lots of sizes for a good fit.

X2. That's what we are using until our little ones are big enough for a MX helmet.
They also make kid harnesses, cost about $50, I think, you can strap your kid onto you so that you're not having to ride 1 handed half the time.