|
A good fit is vital for a helmet to offer the best protection. Avoid
buying an oversized helmet for your child to grow into. When
selecting a helmet, have your child try on the size you think will
fit and one size smaller. Select the smallest size that fits
comfortably. Adjust your child’s helmet so it fits snugly and
correctly. The straps should be tight when the chinstrap is
buckled. When correctly fitted, the helmet should be level on the
head, with the front edge no more than one inch above the eyebrows.
Have your child push up firmly on the front edge of the helmet with
the heel of the hand.
If the helmet moves backwards, you need to shorten the front
straps. Have your child grab the helmet by the rear edge and try to
peel it off to the front. If it moves forward enough to cover your
child’s eyes, shorten the back straps without changing the length of
the front straps.
The chinstrap should be tight enough that when opening the mouth
widely, your child can feel the helmet push down against the top of
the head. Leaving a helmet in the car trunk on a hot day may cause
the shell to shrivel or crack and the liner to come loose.
Use only soap and water to clean the helmet. When purchasing a
helmet look for one or more of the following safety standards
compliance labels indicating the helmet meets minimum requirements
for impact absorption, strap integrity and resistance to rolling
off:
Snell
Memorial Foundation:
www.smf.org
|
