# Helmets

**When must our child wear a helmet?**

When your child wears a helmet for biking, scooting and snow sports, and whether you wear one too.

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.

- Area: Safety, risk and independence
- Evidence: Well established
- Best settled: Toddler
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/safety-risk-and-independence--helmets

## Helmets: what are the options?

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:

- [AAP](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/3/e2022058878/188764/Helmet-Use-in-Preventing-Head-Injuries-in)

## 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?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=safety-risk-and-independence&topic=safety-risk-and-independence--helmets