Has your child decided to give roller skating a go? Congratulations! There is nothing more exciting than seeing your child get up on their own wheels and start rolling independently.
But as we know with ALL wheeled toys, it’s safety first. Never simply set your child off without taking practical safety precautions and making sure they know how to use their favorite new toy.
Whether it’s a set of quad skates or their first set of inline skates or Rollerblades they’re ready to use, your number one safety concern as a parent is getting the right size helmet to fit their head, and that suits the type of impact associated with the sport. Not all helmets are created equal!
Let’s look at the important features a roller skating helmet should have, and our top recommendations for a great kids skating helmet.
Important Features of a Roller Skating Helmet
Safety Standards for a Roller Skate Helmet
When formulating our shortlist of suitable roller skating helmets for kids, we’ve ensured that they all met not only US Safety standards for biking (excluding downhill), scootering, and inline roller skates (CPSC 16 CFR 1203 certification or international standard ASTM F144&7-18 ) but also the International standard for skateboarding helmets ASTM1492-15.
While all bike helmets must be certified before they can be sold in the USA, it’s not a requirement for skateboard helmets. Skateboard helmets are designed to withstand multiple impacts, which can similarly occur when using traditional quad roller skates and inline skates.
This makes it essential you check that the helmet you’re purchasing for your child is ATSM certified for skateboard use, as well as for biking if you want it to meet the highest possible safety standard.
You will find helmets suitable for roller skates and inline skates variably marketed as “skateboard helmets”, “multi-sport helmets” and “dual certified helmets”
Another certification you may come across is the European standard EN 1078 for bicycle, skateboard, and roller skate helmets. Although similar, they are not as stringent as the US standards.
Size And Fit of a Roller Skate Helmet
The size and fit of the helmet are your next safety concern when choosing a roller skate helmet. In order for the helmet to be effective in minimizing brain injury on impact, it has to be the perfect fit for your child’s head.
Do not be tempted to go one size up, thinking that that would be better because they will grow into it. If your child’s helmet is even slightly too big, it will be ineffective and will not prevent head injury or brain damage.
As a broad guide, head circumference by age you should be looking for:
| Child’s Age | Approx Head Size inches | Approx head size cm |
|---|---|---|
| Infant 0 to 3 years | 17.5″ to 19.75″ | 44 to 50 cm |
| Toddler 3 to 5 years | 19″ to 20.5″ | 48 to 52 cm |
| Child 5 to 8 years | 19.75″ to 21.25″ | 50 to 54 cm |
| Youth 8 to 14 years | 20.5″ to 22.25″ | 52 to 56 cm |
| Teen/Adult 14 years+ | 22.25″ to 24.25″ | 56 to 62 cm |
Measure your child’s head with a soft tape, placing the tape measure approximately 1 inch above their eyebrows. Check that the tape is even all the way around. If you find they fall between sizes, go for the larger size and use adjusting straps for a comfortable fit.
We have a detailed guide over here on how to measure your child’s head for a bike helmet – the same applies for measuring heads for a skateboard helmet to get the best fit.
Comfort
Comfort is also essential to consider when choosing a childs’ helmet. Kids detest having to wear something that feels tight so do adjust the helmet once it is strapped on for the perfect fit (remember their heads will be continually growing, each season you’ll need to readjust for the best fit).
You will also want a skate helmet that allows for air ventilation so they don’t get too hot and sweaty – these holes are more than just decorative!
It is essential that you get across to your child the importance of wearing a well-fitting helmet. Any form of roller skating or rollerblading should only be allowed if they keep their helmet on the whole time they’re in motion.
Best Roller Skate Helmets For Kids
So now you know what to look for, let’s look at some of the leading brands of dual-certified helmets that will be ideal for roller skating.
Best All-Rounder Kids Skating Helmet: Celoid Kids Multi-Sport Helmet
[amazon fields=”B08L5FSFY4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
A versatile helmet available in a huge variety of colors, the Celoid Kids Multi-Sport Helmet can equally be used for rollerblading as it can for skateboarding and even ice skating.
What we love most about the Celoid is how it grows with your child. A small size (for heads measuring between 18 and 20.5 inches) can fit a child as young as 2 years old and will continue to fit until the age of around 7, thanks to the adjustable helmet fit system.
The medium-sized Celoid helmet works for heads measuring between 20.5 and 22 inches in circumference, which should fit kids aged anywhere between 8 and 15 years old.
Dual-certified, it is impact-resistant and has a scratch-resistant ABS outer shell. The inside is made from soft, shock-absorbing EVA foam, and there’s a removable and washable inner lining. There are also ventilation holes for breathability, perfect for use whatever the season.
Pros & Key Features
- Adjustable & designed to “grow” with your child
- A bestseller with excellent customer ratings & reviews
- Great value for money
- Superb range of color options to choose from including black, blue, navy, gray, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, and violet.
Possible Cons
- The product page on Amazon implies that knee and elbow pads are included in the price, however, you have to buy these separately
[amazon box=”B091V22S9F” title=”CELOID Adjustable Multi-Sport Helmet” description=”A reliable kids skateboard helmet available in a great range of colors and meeting US Safety Standards and international skateboard standards” template=”horizontal”]
Best Kids Roller Skate Helmet: 80Six Dual Certified Kids’ Helmet
[amazon fields=”B09BDXH5KR” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” ]
The 80Six Dual Certified Kids Helmet is an excellent choice whether your kid is on roller skates or a skateboard.
This helmet meets ASTM F-1492 Skate safety standards and also meets the U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, which means that they can use it for cycling and scooting as well.
Featuring a hard ABS outer shell for protection and durability, it has a comfortable liner on the inside with foam padding. The helmet is well ventilated and should still be comfortable to wear, even on hot days.
It’s available in 3 different sizes for kids aged 5 and onward, including teen sizes.
Pros & Key Features
- Phenomenal customer ratings and very reasonably priced
- Includes sizes from 5 years through to mid-teens
- Dual certified
Possible Cons
- The aesthetic is a little plain with only matte color options (black, gray, white, blue, red, or teal)
[amazon box=”B096T2C64W” title=”80Six Dual Certified Kids’ Skate Helmet” description=”Suitable from 5+ this is a great all-rounder helmet that will suit many kids outdoor sporting activities including roller skating or roller blading” template=”horizontal”]
Best Inline Skate Helmet: S1 Lifer Helmet
[amazon fields=”B00EZVE1F0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
The S1 Lifer Helmet is a popular choice with professional skaters and comes in sizes suitable for children, as well as a huge range of color choices for your kids keen on a great aesthetic too.
Dual-certified, sizing for this skate helmet starts from 20.5″ – recommended from around 5 years old.
Specially formulated with EPS Fusion Foam, your child’s head is protected against smaller bumps as well as heavier impacts. It is lightweight and well ventilated making it comfortable for your child to wear for extended periods.
The S1 Mini Lifer is also available for toddlers with a head circumference of 18.5″ to 20.5″
Pros & Key Features
- Made with a fusion foam that is five times more protective than soft-foam skate helmets
- Comes in a great range of colors and designs to match with your child’s skates
- Dual certified
Possible Cons
- The extra small size or younger kids only seems to come in black
- Pricier than many similar skate products suitable for children
[amazon box=”B08X4YQQ9C” title=”S1 Lifer Helmet for Skateboarding, BMX, and Roller Skating” description=”An excellent multi-sports helmet providing 5x more protection than regular skate helmets, recommended from age 5+” template=”horizontal”]
Also Consider: Samit MultiSport Helmet
[amazon fields=”B09L177M7G” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
An eye-catching crack print makes this Samit multi-sport helmet a popular choice for boys who love their blading and skating. It meets ASTM safety standards for multiple sports, including roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, and more.
This is one of the best-ventilated skateboard helmets for children on the market, with 17 ventilation holes. It also features a tough, impact-resistant ABS outer shell, and a thickened EPS inner foam for both protection and comfort.
Designed for heads measuring between 54 and 58 centimeters (or 21 and 23 inches), this will fit the head of a typical 8 to 14-year-old. You can easily adjust the helmet to fit your child’s head using the dial at the back and the adjustable straps with soft chin padding for a comfortable fit.
Pros & Key Features
- Stunning crack effect aesthetic with three great color options (blue, black, and red)
- Breathability -17 ventilation holes to keep your kids head cool while skating
- The sponge pads are removable for washing away sweat and grime
- Should fit your child for a number of years, adjusting to fit a child approximately 8 to 14 years old
Possible Cons
- Onlookers may fear that the helmet is broken due to the crack effect – but I’m sure you’re little skater will agree that’s what makes it one of the coolest kids’ skate helmets!
[amazon box=”B09L177M7G” title=”SAMIT Skateboard Helmet for kids” description=”A great aesthetic print on a sturdy kids skateboarding helmet, ideal for your 8 to 14 year old skater” template=”horizontal”]
Best Toddler Roller Skate Helmet: LANOVAGEAR Adjustable Toddler Helmet
[amazon fields=”B09NVNLQW3″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
If you have a younger child to cater to, the LANOVAGEAR Kids Helmet is a great multi-sports helmet choice.
Made from an ABS shell and EPS foam, it meets the U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 1 and Older, and the U.S. ASTM Safety Standard for multi-impact Skateboard Helmets. This means cycling, scooting, skating or even boarding, this cute kids helmet will protect a toddler’s head.
Available in a small (toddlers aged approx 3 to 5 years) for head circumferences measuring between 48 and 52 cm, as well as medium size (55-58cm).
Pros & Key Features
- Suitable down to toddler sizes which many brands cannot do
- Meets skateboarding and cycling safety standards so you only need to invest in one helmet for all your toddlers’ wheeled toy needs.
- As well as the cute bug design there are several gender-neutral plain colors to choose from too.
Possible Cons
- The cutsie appearance may not appeal to your older child
[amazon box=”B09NVNLQW3″ title=”LANOVAGEAR Adjustable Toddler Helmet” description=”A cute option for your younger kids who still love a little fun with their skate helmets” template=”horizontal”]
Best skate helmet toddlers to teens: Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet for Roller Skating
[amazon fields=”B082LN6SFZ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
We can’t say enough good things about this kids skating helmet. Available down to a size XS (20″-21.25″), this dual-certified helmet will fit a toddler’s head, all the way through to an adult in their XXL size (24.5″).
Available in many eye-catching glossy patterns and designs, as well as more neutral matte tones, every helmet comes with two different sets of moisture-wicking sweatsaver pads so you can customize the exact fit.
No complaints on comfort or safety as the Triple Eight helmet offers high impact-absorbing EPS foam and thick dual-density soft foam. The chin strap is adjustable and has a side release buckle.
Pros & Key Features
- Suitable down to toddler sizes and all the way through to large adults
- Meets skateboarding and bike helmet safety standards, both appropriate for inline skating
- Wide range of colors and sizes
Possible Cons
- Some purchasers believe sizing is on the roomy size, with the adjustable padding you’re better going a size down and adjusting the padding for best fit.
- It’s at the pricier end of the scale for a child’s roller skate helmet
[amazon box=”B082LN6SFZ” title=”Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet for Skateboarding, BMX, and Roller Skating” description=”An excellent skate helmet for toddlers through to tweens with a wide variety of color choices.” template=”horizontal”]
Can’t I just use their bike helmet as a skate helmet?
The important thing to note between a skate helmet and a bike helmet is that skate helmets are designed for multiple impacts.
It is pretty much expected that you’ll take a few tumbles when you’re on either roller skates or a skateboard, hence all the additional safety gear that isn’t necessary for biking and basic kick scooters.
Bike helmets, on the other hand, are designed to be aerodynamic with foam that compresses on impact; frequent crashing isn’t expected. If your child does take a tumble though, it’s still going to be their helmet that saves them from serious brain injury.
We discuss kids’ bike helmets and scooter helmets in much more detail over here.
Can I use the same helmet for skating and blading?
Yes, as long as you choose a dual-certified helmet, this should be safe for all your child’s outdoor sporting needs be it attempting the half pipe at the skate park to blading in the park with friends or even popping on a scooter.
What other safety gear do new skaters need?
In addition to a well-fitted, dual-certified helmet, roller skaters should also be equipped with:
- Wrist guards
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
You can check out our complete guide to all the best inline skates accessories your child will need over here next -from safety to extra fun and honing their skating skills.
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