Helmets
When your child wears a helmet for biking, scooting and snow sports, and whether you wear one too.
When must our child wear a helmet?
In short: Parents choose between 3 main approaches: Always, for all wheels and snow, parents too; Where legally required; Child's choice. Evidence: well established. Guidance and evidence agree. The real question is whether you'll follow it. Best settled: toddler.
- Evidence
- Well established
- Best settled
- Toddler
- Part of
- Raising the child
Helmets: what are the options?
Parents usually land on one of these 3 approaches.
1. Always, for all wheels and snow, parents too
Everyone wears a helmet on bikes, scooters, skates and skis, adults included.
2. Where legally required
Helmets are worn where the law demands it.
3. Child's choice
The child decides whether to wear one.
Helmets: what does the evidence say?
Well established. Guidance and evidence agree. The real question is whether you'll follow it.
Helmets cut cyclists' head injuries by about 85%
Sources
What else is worth knowing?
Helmets reduce head injuries in cycling and similar activities. Laws vary by place and age. Children are more likely to wear one when their parents do.
Questions to ask each other
- Do we want a firm helmet rule, and what is the exception?
- Will we wear one ourselves?
- How will we handle other families who do not?
More in Safety, risk and independence
First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.