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