| Making sure your child wears a bike helmet is one of | | | | correctly. |
| the most important things yout can do to ensure your | | | | A properly chosen bike helmet will be easier for your |
| child stays safe while riding a bicycle. Head injuries are | | | | child to put on correctly. It will also avoid your child not |
| the number one serious injury that plagues children | | | | wanting to wear their helmet because of it bothering |
| who ride bicycles. | | | | them. |
| Head injuries can happen in an instant but can scar | | | | Bike helmets should be bought new because the |
| your child for life. The severity of head injuries is due to | | | | history of second hand helmets is not known. Bike |
| the fact that the skull is only 1 centimeter thick. | | | | helmets that have been in a serious crash or are |
| At a speed of 4.5 miles per hour your child can shatter | | | | single-impact helmets that have been in a fall should |
| their skull during a fall. The key to preventing a drastic | | | | not be used again. Bike helmets should also be |
| head injury is getting a bike helmet with a proper fit. | | | | replaced after five years or when your child has |
| Children's bike helmets come in two standard types. | | | | outgrown them. |
| There are single-impact helmets that are most | | | | Every time your child rides their bike they should have |
| commonly used for bicycle riding and only protect your | | | | on their helmet. It is also important that parents make |
| child for one incident. | | | | sure the helmet is worn correctly each time as well. |
| Multiple-impact helmets are designed for multiple falls | | | | Children who do not want to wear a bike helmet |
| and often used in skateboarding, but are also suitable | | | | should be told about how easy and how harmful head |
| for bike riding. No matter which type of helmet is | | | | injuries can be. Parents should not give in as an |
| chosen the bike helmet should have a label on it that | | | | accident could happen in a split second. |
| states it meets safety regulations. | | | | A recommended site to visit is: |
| When buying a bike helmet your child should be | | | | Choosing a good bike helmet for your child is important. |
| present so the helmet can be sized properly. The | | | | A bike helmet that is worn properly should protect |
| helmet should not be too big for your child or it could | | | | your child during a fall. |
| easily fall off. It should fit snugly on your child's head | | | | Bike helmets must be worn every time and worn |
| and should not move around. | | | | properly to do their job. A bike helmet could mean the |
| The bike helmet should also not obstruct your child's | | | | difference between your child getting up and brushing |
| eyes and should be worn just above the eyebrows. | | | | off or a trip to the emergency room. |
| The straps should also be snug and positioned | | | | |