Kiddofreedom

Best Roller Skate Helmets for Kids

If you’re wondering whether kids need to wear a helmet roller skating, stay with me. Children who roller skate regularly face an ever-present head injury risk. The brain of a young child is still developing, and it’s critical to keep it adequately protected at all times. The best roller skate helmets for kids prioritize head protection and comfort while not being dorky at all. 

Related: Best Inline Skates for Kids

In a hurry? Here’s an abbreviated version of the buying guide that comes after the reviews section below. 

A Quick Kids Roller Skate Buying Guide

  • Fit and Comfort: Fit’s the most crucial aspect. Also comfort. Pick a correctly sized lightweight helmet with enough airflow vents. 
  • Pay attention to helmet certifications & helmet safety: Always choose a properly certified roller skate helmet: The most protective roller skate helmets are made to two safety standards: CPSC 1203 and ASTM F1492. These are usually marketed as dual-certified helmets. Check the product description online (or sticker if you’re buying in-store) to know the specific safety certifications the lid offers.
  • Chinstrap: Should be sturdy and shouldn’t pinch.  It should form the letter V astride the ears once fastened and shouldn’t slip around during use.
  • One Size Fits All options: These fit different head sizes. Good to buy because the helmet grows as your child’s to accommodate your child’s developing head. Read kids roller skate helmet reviews to learn if the fit adjustment dial on the option you’re eyeing works well. 
  • Color and Graphics: Brighter colors such as blue, yellow, green, and white are the safest bets because of their high visibility. kid-friendly graphics are a nice touch. For a creative kid, give them something they can personalize by drawing nice graphics or putting stickers on. A reflective tape to increase visibility could be a good idea too.  
  • Price and Brand: $25-$100 certified roller skate kids helmets can be easily found. 

Below is a list of 5 highly protective lids that most kids will love. All of them are certified for roller skating. Every recommendation is relatively inexpensive. 

5 Safe and Affordable Kids Roller Skate Helmets

Here’s a list of 5 choices that every grom will want to use every time they skate:

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1.(Lightest Kids Roller Skate Helmet With Graphics: Triple Eight STAAB Dual Certified

The STAAB Dual-Certified Sweatsaver Kids’ Inline Skate/Bike Helmet is a more exciting version (because nice graphics) of the LIL 8. Like LIL 8 and pretty much all T8 helmets, the STAAB uses a thick dual-certified EPS liner to dampen shocks and impacts.

I don’t know why the STAAB edition costs almost $15 more than the regular LIL 8. I mean, they have similar features. In fact, the LIL 8 is a tad comfier because of the added padding it has under the chin. I guess painting professional skateboarder Kevin Staab-inspired graphics onto a helmet costs that much.

But I must also point out this: this is the lightest helmet in this list. It weighs just 200

It’s ASTM F1492 certified, which means it protects the rear of the head better than options that meet only the CPSC safety standard. Toddlers and children who like wheeling around on roller skates fall from time to time. And they go down backward for the most part, which is why having adequate coverage on the back is critical.

The protective EPS foam also meets the CPSC safety requirements. This means the STAAB edition also sufficiently cushions the head from headlong falls. With this lid covering your grom’s dome, you’re always sure they have all the protection they need as they nudge their skating skills toward perfection.

Unlike the usual LIL 8 which is available in multiple colors, the STAAB is available in two colors: blue matte for boys and pink matte for girls. Variety matters, but few boys hate a matte blue finish, and few girls dislike pink-colored gifts.

Add Triple 8’s amazing kid-centric graphic to the helmet. What happens? It suddenly becomes the sickest roller skate helmet that young boys and girls have ever seen.

When it comes to size, the STAAB model is for 3 to 5-year-olds. It’s built to sit firmly on heads measuring 18″ to 20.5.” It’s a one-size-fits-all kids roller skate helmet that allows you to adjust a retention system on the back to make it fit better.

Also, just like its graphic-less sibling the Triple Eight LIL 8, the STAAB comes with two kinds of removable and washable padding. If your child has a smaller head than his age and the helmet seems a bit too loose for them, simply chuck out the thinner fit pad set that comes pre-installed in the helmet. Fit the thicker pads in (in the package) and see if the fit becomes nice and snug.

Helmets like these two are great for growing heads as well as for little roller skaters with weird-shaped noggins. Many parents who have trouble finding a helmet that fits comfortably sigh with relief when they finally discover either the LIL 8 or the LIL 8 STAAB edition.

That’s because these two helmets are some of the most comfortable out there. Well, the STAAB edition doesn’t have under-the-chin padding, but it’s secures the helmet comfortably nonetheless.


Pros

  • Dual-certified shock-absorption EPS liner
  • One-size-fits-most: Size adjustability
  • Graphics that enhance the helmet’s aesthetics
  •  

Cons

  • Pricier than regular LIL 8 yet they’re similar

2.Triple Eight LIL 8 Dual-certified Sweatsaver Helmet

kids roller skate helmet

Everyone likes getting more for the same amount of money. And with the dual-certified (ASTM F1492&CPSC) Triple Eight LIL 8 for kids, you’re getting exactly that — more for less. It’s not too often that $40ish roller skating helmets for kids offer all the features LIL 8 does, which is part of why the item made it to this list.

Its rear stays low enough, which means more coverage. And the design doesn’t hinder head movement at all. Nor does this increased coverage detract from the lid’s peripheral vision while roller skating.

Also, it’s really light, weighs just 0.8 pounds. You won’t have to debate with your grom about wearing it. They’ll always want to have it covering their young brain all the time.

A dial on the back of the helmet helps take fit adjustment to a much better place. Many helmets these days come with this component, but for the most part, they don’t cost $40. In fact, quite a few options in the $100+ range don’t have this important extra feature.

Your tot can operate the wheel/knob on the fly; they don’t need to stop to tighten the fit or whatever. It’s a one-size-fits-most choice that your kid won’t outgrow in a few months. And if you have two young skaters who ride at different times and don’t mind sharing a helmet, you’ll save money because you’ll only buy one.

The chinstrap is sturdy, and this is nothing spectacular — most chinstraps are of relatively good quality and manage to keep the helmet on the head during a crash provided they’re fastened properly. But aside from being strong and well-designed, LIL 8’s chin buckle strap is thick and comfortable. It makes young delicate skin feel soft and pampered, and if one thing encourages kids want to helmet up/gear up pre-skating, it’s comfort.

Having a padded chin buckle strap sure isn’t like such a huge pro. But many pricier options come with chinstraps that chafe and pinch kids’ skin, discouraging helmet use.

And being a half-shell urban-styled kids roller skate helmet, LIL 8 definitely looks cute. Older kids hate helmets that make them look like dumb toddlers, and this helmet isn’t one of those. It’s a serious roller skate helmet (especially the black rubber one) that makes them look like the cool neighborhood kid they are.

Ventilation isn’t exceptional, but it’s good enough. And the removable and washable Sweatsaver fit pads improve ride comfort by absorbing sweat.

This skull savior is for toddlers and children in the 3-5 age range. It’s designed to fit heads with a circumference of 18″-20.5.”

 But the size chart seems to be a little off. Many parents of 3-year-old roller skaters found the fit to be looser than they’d hoped even after cranking the size adjustment dial on the back. But I also saw that majority of those who felt the helmet was bigger than stated in the size chart hadn’t used the included fit pads at all.  

I recommend this for 4-year-old children or older. Be sure to measure your kiddo’s head size before order.


Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Well-padded adjustable chinstraps
  • Adjustable fit dial system
  • Great head coverage: CPSC&ASTM F1492 certified
  • Two sets of sweat-wicking fit pads
  • A relatively low price considering the features included
  • Available in 5 colors that tots like

Cons

  • Runs big

Using the included fit pads as well as the fit dial system should help improve the fit dramatically. Overall, it’s decent helmet sold at a great price point.

3.Best Roller Skate Helmet for Creative Boys & Girls: Wipeout Dry Erase Dual Certified  

Do you know why your creative grom needs the Wipeout Dry Erase Kids Roller Skate Helmet? It’s because they can pour their in-born creativity onto the canvas (exterior surface of the helmet) and make it look loads more fun and colorful.

Your tot can use the provided (5) non-toxic markers to draw skulls and bones and anything else they like. And the best part? They can erase whatever they draw with ease and create new graphics any time. More on erasing drawings in a moment.

Alternatively, your daughter or son can tinker with the included stencil kit to achieve the same goal — beautify their protective headgear so they can love it and wear it even more. They can stencil as many as eight different figures or shapes onto the lid.

And who says they can’t decorate their roller skates as well? Being able to decorate their protective gear might be what they need to attune with their roller skating genius.

The doodling and kiddy drawings need enough time to dry out, otherwise they won’t stay on. Once the artwork dries out, it retains its original color and doesn’t smudge. But here’s one little thing you must know: erasing the graphics and scribbling isn’t always easy.

Using a damp paper towel doesn’t rub off the drawings. Use a wet towel instead. But while rubbing the colors off this helmet isn’t as easy, no stains end up on the clothes.

But how protective is this brain shield? It’s ASTM F1492 certified, which means its rear portion goes lower than it typically does on a CPSC-certified-only helmet. Its shock-absorbing EPS foam is also CPSC-approved, and that makes it safe for cycling.

The chinstraps and buckles are sturdy as is usually the case with certified skate helmets. This component allows you to safely secure the helmet onto the noggin so that it sits level without tipping rearward as some helmets do when worn.

This toddlers’ and children’s roller skate helmet is available in 3 sizes:

  • Size 3+ fits heads with a circumference measurement of 47cm-49cm/18.5″-19.30″
  • Size 5+: for 49cm-52cm/19.30″-20.47″ heads
  • Size 8+: for 50-54cm/19.70″-21.25″noggins

So, is the size chart reliable? Yes, the Wipeout Dry Erase kids roller skate helmet fits true to size.

But it gets even better. This is a lightweight helmet. Most kids can use 0.5 to 1-pound helmets without experiencing neck fatigue. And this option weighs just 1 pound.

It’s slightly heavier than the usual LIL 8 (0.8 pounds), but I doubt your tot will notice the difference. However, it’s much heavier than the LIL 8 STAAB Edition which weighs an incredible 200 grams/0.44lbs. Good luck finding a kids roller skate helmet that’s lighter than the STAAB.

Ventilation is OK-ish, nothing spectacular, but the sweat-wicking washable liners help quite a bit.


Pros

  • Lightest option on the list
  • Erasable marker pens to ignite your child’s creativity
  • 8 erasable stencil shapes
  • Fits true to size
  • Cheaper than most yet dual-certified
  • Decent ventilation

Cons

  • Marker pens are good, but they could be better
  • Not size adjustable
  • Drawings not easy to rub off

If you’re not bummed about the colors not rubbing off easily, grab this deal and let’s protect that grom’s  noggin.

4. Coolest Roller Skate Helmet for Teenage Girls: Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver

THE Certified Sweatsaver for teenage girls One thing that stands out about the Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet for young roller skaters is that it’s really, really cute. I want you to ride with your daughter when they have this covering their noggin. You’ll notice strangers stealing glances at her, sorry at the helmet. Because it’s so cute that one quick look isn’t enough.

Like every recommendation that’s in my list of the best roller skate helmets for adventurous boys and girls, THE Certified Sweatsaver is safe enough for cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and quad skating.

The paintwork on this helmet calls to mind images of those NICE Moxi girls roller skates. I’m not saying your adorable daughter should only wear this with Moxi roller skates. I’m only saying she’d look even cooler. And I bet she’ll want to wear her Moxi skates and this helmet together because they look a million times better when worn together. Your lass can wear their T8 THE Certified Sweatsaver with any non-Moxi skates, of course.

Here’s another thing your girl will certainly appreciate: the inner cushioning that eases helmet fitment while keeping warm salty sweat off your eyes. As expected, the helmet comes with the thinner fit liners already installed. The thicker liners are in the box, and they’re detachable and washable.

Breathability is pretty good, but I can’t say it’s the quintessential head-cooler. Look, with Triple 8 kids and adults, you get 8 ventilation holes. And that’s good.  But some equally protective and comfy helmets in the same price range provide as many as 11 airflow vents. But neither my daughter nor her roller skating mom is griping about its breathability.

The Chinstrap stays nice and taut once fully adjusted for it. But it didn’t always stay in place on my daughter even when after I fastened it nice and snug. Maybe that’s something to do with my girl’s chin shape or something, but it’s not too bad, and I believe it should prevent the helmet from rolling off her noggin in a messy accident.

The Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Moxi girls’ and womens’ roller skating helmet comes in 3 sizes:

XS/S: for 20″-21.25″ /51-54cm heads (teens’ size)

S/M: for 21″-22.5″ (53cm-57cm domes

L/XL: for 22.5″-23.5″ (57cm-60cm) heads

XL/XXL: for 23.5″-24.5″/60-63cm heads

This helmet runs large. If you’re on the edge of two sizes, size down.

I bet your teenage girl has got the Moxie, why not give them the Moxi Leopard version so they can grow their confidence even more? There’s also the Moxi Stripey, a unisex choice for boys and girls who like protective helmets but without too much attention.


Pros

  • Nice Moxi leopard pattern on the exterior
  • Dual certified protection
  • Absorbent and washable fit adjustment and sweat liners
  • Acceptably breathable

Cons

  • Could be cheaper
  • Not size adjustable
  • Runs large
  • Few color options



At that price point, I feel the helmet should at least offer size adjustability. And why does it cost slightly over $30 while the chin buckle isn’t even padded?

5. Lightweight Low-Profile Kids Roller Skate Helmet: S1 Mini Lifer Youth Helmet

s1 lifer kids helmet for quad skating

S1 Lifer was founded in 2010, and I’ve yet to figure out why they’re not the most popular within the skating community. This US-owned skate brand makes decent helmets, all of which satisfy the demanding standards of the CPSC Bike Safety Standard and ASTM F1492 Skate Safety Standard.

S1 Lifer uses a proprietary EPS liner called Fusion Foam, and the company’s engineers test each model to ensure it absorbs impact energy to under 300G’s.  

This brand makes both kid sizes and adult size roller skate helmets. But the helmet shell size I’m talking about here’s the Mini Lifer size.

Most if not all S1 Lifer helmets sit low on the skater’s head without sacrificing coverage. If you’re tired of dorky helmets that make non-skaters think you look like some blinking alien, grab this for yourself and another for your son or daughter.

I doubt there’s a young neck out there’s that’s too weak to carry the 0.5 pounds that this kids helmet represents. So, it looks good, it’s super light, and most importantly, it’s highly protective.

This shell size is designed primarily to fit toddler and children’s heads. The smallest size X-Small fits 18.5″ heads.  Helmets for 3-year-olds can be a pain to find. But you still have to use the included fit pad sets to customize the fit to your child’s head size.

Then there’s size Small for 19″ heads and Medium for 19.5 heads. Size Large fits 20″ noggins while X-Large is for 20.5″ heads. Again, if your tot’s little melon sits between sizes (say between 19.5 and 20″, size down).

One thing to expect with these sweat/fit liners is that they tend to deteriorate pretty fast. After about 4-6 months of regular shredding, your young ripper will probably need new sweat liners. These liners don’t do a good job of wicking away sweat either. S1 sells replacement pads and they’re not like very expensive. A replacement liner pack costs around $8.

This lid’s available in 5 nice colorways including black matte, tan matte (leopard print), cyan matte, lagoon gloss, and white gloss among others.

At this price point, you’d expect to get a fit dial system, but that’s not the case. That said, the back and front fit pads do a great size adjustment job.

Pros

  • A lightweight choice
  • Dual certified
  • Mini Lifer shell designed specifically for toddlers and children
  • 2 sets of sweat/fit pads
  • Low-profile but full head coverage

Cons

  • Sweat pads aren’t the best quality
  • Many lower-priced models that look and fit similarly or even better

This is a decent quad skate helmet for toddlers and children, but it’s hardly the best deal that can be had for the money. But it weighs just half a pound (0.5 pounds), and that makes all the difference.

How I Picked the Helmets for Review

I spent an entire afternoon rummaging around the web for kids roller skate helmets that looked nice, weren’t too expensive, and offered dual protection. 

Turns out there’s tons of helmets out there that aren’t certified at all. And the cheapest ones had thousands of glowing reviews. I couldn’t believe any loving parent could buy an non-certified helmet for their little one, but the sea of data I saw told a different story. It was terrifying. 

So, I ignored every non-certified skate helmet and those with questionable safety certifications. If the description said “Protective EPS foam” and nothing else, I didn’t select it. 

5 hours of focused research yielded 8 helmets that were certified and reasonably priced. But I finally settled on 5 of them because 3 had the CPSC but not the ASTM F1492 certification. 

How to Choose a Good Roller Skate Helmet for a Kid

It’s time to expound on the points I listed down under the section A Quick Kids Roller Skate Buying Guide after the intro. I put much thought into this resource. If you find it useful, let me know in the comments section below. 

Below is a list of what to look for when shopping for kids roller skates. Let’s dive in and learn how you can choose a highly protective, well-fitting helmet for your playful tike.

Fit Is the Most Critical Selection Criteria

According to Derby Warehouse, no piece of safety equipment is more important than the right size roller skate helmet fitted correctly. And I fully concur.  For me, head protection is nothing to debate about —your child needs to wear a decent roller derby helmet/roller skating helmet every single time before they go out skating. Because a well-fitting lid that’s been approved for skating protects to an appreciable degree the integrity of both small and big brains!

Skaters of any kind who hate helmets sooner or later learn that being fully vulnerable when an accident occurs can be scary and dangerous.

I get it — helmets aren’t particularly cute. Nor are they meant to be. Because looking nice isn’t their most important job, protection is. The skate helmet has its fair share of lids that are dorky.

But what would you rather have? Would you rather have validation from clueless and judgmental strangers or certified head protection for your young child when they need it the most? You decide.

Enough of that; let’s now talk about how to choose the right size roller skate helmet for your child.

How to Take the Correct Head Circumference for Helmet Sizing

When sizing a roller skate or inline skate helmet for a kid, follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Take a cloth tape, string, or just about anything stringy and flexible.

Step 2: Put the middle of the measuring tool on a central point on the back of the young skater’s head.

Step 3: Stretch out the string or tape around to the front of the head, along the circumference of the little head’s widest point.

Step 4: If using a string or shoelace, lay it flat on an even surface and use a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape to read the circumference.

Step 5: Refer to the helmet maker’s sizing chart of the particular model you’re interested in and choose the correct size.

Helmet Manufacturers Sizing Charts Aren’t Always Accurate

For the most part, this simple head measurement and size determination process works well. But there’s no ironclad guarantee that the helmet’s size chart will be accurate. I’ve bought at least two helmets for my child whose size was way off that I had to return them.

So, is there’s any trick for sidestepping helmet sizing issues? One surefire way to get the right size roller skate helmet for a young child is to buy it from a real brick-and-mortar skate store.

In a physical store, someone who sizes kids and adult helmets and other kinds of skating gear for a living will help you choose an option that’ll fit your baby’s head like a glove.

They’ll show you how to secure the helmet correctly using the built-in retention system. They’ll teach you how to adjust the chinstrap or size adjustment feature (where applicable) to dial in a comfortable, safe fit.

How Should a Kid’s Roller Skate Helmet Fit?

A well-fitting kid’s roller skate helmet fits snugly, not too tight, not too loose. It stays firmly and comfortably on the head even when the child shakes his head.  And there’s no gap between the crown and the top of the lid.

What a kid’s roller skate helmet should not do is slip down over a child’s eyes or budge when shook from side to side or up and down

The chinstrap shouldn’t pinch or loosen over time. And when buckled, the chinstrap should form a V shape around the ears.

Because kids’ heads grow pretty quickly, you want to periodically check that their helmet still fits correctly. If it’s time to move to a larger size, waste no time.

Choose the Right Roller Skate Helmet Style 

Here’s a question parents of little outdoor fun-loving tikes keep asking: Can I use a bike helmet for roller skating? 

If a helmet is certified for both roller skating and biking, you can definitely use it for both outdoor activities according to Helmets.org. Helmets that provide a sufficient level of head protection for quad skating and biking adequately meet the safety standards set out in the ASTM F1492 Skateboard Helmet Standard and the CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard. 

You’ll find such helmets described as “dual-certified.” Triple Eight’s Lil 8 and Gotham Dual Certified are examples of dual-certified helmets that work for both outdoor sports (biking and skating). Here at Kiddofreedom.com, we recommend using a dual-certified helmet for roller skating. 

One reason to pick a dual-certified helmet is that it lends itself to two use cases: cycling and quad skating. No need to buy two helmets if your little one rides a BMX bike and also roller skates. 

Generally, dual-certified lids are pricier than non-certified ones. But you don’t want to choose a helmet that straight up guarantees zero protection! 

Skate Helmet vs. Bike Helmet: What’s the Difference?

The traditional classic skate helmet differs from the typical bike helmet in terms of shape, looks, design, and impact protection. 

Shape and Looks

Skate-style helmets have a round shape compared to the mostly oval shape of road and mountain bike helmets. Looks-wise, skate-style helmets look nicer and younger people (and kids) find them more appealing. Many mountain bikers opt to use skate-style helmets for this very reason. 

Impact Protection

The classic skate helmet features a soft-foam shell vs. a hard-foam shell of a bike helmet. It’s designed to handle multiple small spills compared to just one hard fall for a bike helmet. 

Upon impact, the protective foam in a bike helmet deforms and absorbs the crash energy in the process. For that reason, you must discard a bike helmet after a hard tumble even if it seems undamaged. 

But you can use a skate helmet after a small or moderate fall because it’s tested to handle multiple small impacts. 

The typical road bike helmet protects the head more at the front while the classic skate helmet and mountain bike helmet protect the head more at the back. But some bike helmet types such as downhill bike helmets also offer protection at the back of the head. 

Design 

Because cyclists sweat more during rides compared to skaters, bike helmets tend to have more airflow vents. And the more vents, the cooler, lighter, and pricier the helmet. 

Skate helmets, BMX helmets, and highly aero bike helmets have fewer air circulation channels compared to conventional road bike helmets. 

Some skate brands make skate helmets with a sun visor, but skate helmets generally come without a visor. The same goes for road cycling helmets generally. Sun visors are mostly found on MTB helmets. 

Summary: Compared to road bike helmets, traditional skate helmets:

  • Have fewer airflow vents 
  • Have a smooth round exterior 
  • Are more stylish
  • Have a softer shell 
  • Tested for multiple-use impacts vs. single-use impact for bike helmets
  • Meet the ASTM F1492 safety standard vs. the federally instituted CPSC 1203 for bike helmets
  • Some helmets are dual-certified and can be used for both biking and skating.

Safety Matters: Choose a Certified Roller Skating Helmet

A nice-looking helmet that sucks at safety and protection is many times worse than a dorky one that provides great protection. Fortunately, there’s quite a few choices on the market that look good and protect like a champ. 

Question: What safety standard(s) should I watch out for when buying a kid’s roller skate helmet? 

Short Answer: ASTM F1492 (very Important), CPSC 1203 (very important if they’ll also ride a bike with the same helmet), and ASTM F1447-18 (focuses on lightweight construction and ventilation in recreational bike and roller skate helmets).  

Long Answer: So, which standard is more important when choosing a roller skating helmet for my kid? If a helmet only meets the CPSC safety standard, you can certainly buy it for your budding roller skater. 

The front impact test line for the CPSC 1203 Bike Helmet Standard sits higher than it does for the ASTM F1492 Skate Safety Standard.  

In other words, a roller skate helmet certified only to the CPSC 1203 safety guidelines offers greater protection for your child’s noggin around the front. In comparison, a helmet certified only to the ASTM F1492 standard provides greater protection at the back of the head. 

A CPSC-approved helmet is definitely a certified helmet, but it may not be adequately protective if your kiddo falls backward while roller skating. Similarly, an ASTM F1492-certified lid may not provide enough protection to the front of the head. 

At this point, one critical question arises. Do kids and adults fall differently when riding a bike than they do when roller skating? Yes, they fall differently. 

Roller Skate Falls vs. Bike Falls

  • A cyclist doesn’t often fall rearward.
  • A roller skater tends to fall backward more often. 

Takeaway: It’s critical for a budding skateboarder or roller skater to ride a helmet that provides sufficient rearward and frontal coverage. If you want great protection for your toddler or child, it’s best to buy a roller skate helmet certified to both the CPSC 1203 Bike Safety Standard and ASTM F1492 Skate Safety.

What if I can’t get a dual-certified skate helmet? You can certainly use a helmet that’s certified to either CPSC or ASTM F1492. For recreational roller skating, either should suffice. But as their skating skills grow and they start riding harder and faster, it’s critical to get them a helmet that offers dual-certified protection. 

Of course, if your kiddo will ride a bike some of the time and roller skate the rest of the time, you definitely buy them a dual-certified lid. Such a lid will keep the kid adequately covered for both sports, and you will worry less every time they strap on their quads for a stroll in the neighborhood or at the skate park. 

What About ASTM F1447?

Like the ASTM F1492, the ASTM F1447 is a voluntary standard. According to Helmets.org, helmet makers mostly relied on the ASTM F1447 standard pre-March 1999 when the CPSC came into effect in the U.S. Few skate companies then (and even today) used the significantly stricter Snell standard. But that was mostly because Snell charged heftier testing fees. 

To be clear, the ASTM F1447 is still in effect, but unlike the mandatory CPSC, it’s a voluntary helmet standard. It mainly encourages better ventilation and lightweight construction in recreational bike and roller skate helmets. Learn more about the ASTM F1447 standard here

Your baby wants a lightweight roller skate helmet that breathes well. They need a brain protector that won’t kill their little necks. 

Certified vs. Non-Certified Helmet for Your Child? 

Many parents ignorantly or deliberately buy dirt cheap non-certified roller skate helmets for their kids. But I don’t want you to buy a non-certified roller skate helmet at all. 

I watched an engineer from S1 Lifer demonstrate what it means for a helmet to pass an impact test. Prior to this video (watch it below), I didn’t know non-certified helmets were almost useless as far as protection.

Watch this video to learn how helmet manufacturers conduct high-impact tests on different models. They have a “drop tower” sitting between 3.3 feet to 6.6 feet above a hard surface (anvil) which can be flat, round, hemispheric, or other shapes.

The setup is designed to generate 1000 G’s of force, which is directed onto a helmeted head form fitted with a force-measuring instrument. 

The helmet is expected to reduce the 1000 G’s (impact energy) by a certain amount. The more energy the helmet absorbs and disperses, the better it’d be for real-world crash protection. 

How Engineers Perform the Impact-Attenuation Test (CPSC 1203) on Helmets (source: This S1 Lifer video

In the test I watched, the testing technician:  

  • Put the sample helmet on a smooth metal head form.
  • Then dropped the helmeted head form onto a flat anvil 6.5-feet below
  • Then read the peak acceleration G from the test.
  • Finally interpreted the test results.

Interpretation: For any helmet to pass this test, it MUST have a peak acceleration G of no more than 300 G’s. For example, if a helmet posts a peak acceleration G of 295 G’s, it passes the impact attenuation test. 

If a helmet absorbs zero impact energy, its peak acceleration G will be 1000 G’s. If you wore such a helmet, all of the crash energy would end up on your noggin! In the test above, the non-certified helmet absorbed only 5 G’s! 

Bottom line: Your child deserves a roller skate that provides A-game protection. If that helmet happens to be more expensive than others, it’s because it can literally save your kiddo’s precious life.  

Let’s make this little “safe helmet declaration” together: “I’ll never again buy a non-certified helmet no matter how attractive its price or appearance.”

How Do I Know a Skate Helmet is Certified? 

Read its specs on the manufacturer’s website. Even better, schedule a session at your local skate shop and ask to check out a few of the helmets they have. 

If you inspect the lid, you should see the CPSC and ASTM F1492 stickers if indeed the helmet was tested to these certifications. 

Consumer Reports recently found that a bunch of helmets sold online aren’t actually CPSC-certified. Some had no certification sticker while others had a different certification, CE EN 1078. 

The EN 1078 is an EU-zone safety standard and it’s OK, but it isn’t the same or as stringent as the U.S. CPSC 1203 and ASTM F1492 standards.

The CPSC label on the helmet should have a statement saying: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older. 

And if you’re shopping for a younger child, the sticker should read: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 1 and Older (Extended Head Coverage).”

If the CPSC sticker isn’t there, just don’t buy the helmet. 

Some companies may also slap an ASTM F1492 sticker on a skate helmet and market it as a certified skate helmet. As long as they don’t claim that the “skate-style” helmet can be used for biking, they’re safe, but will your kid be? For this reason, it’s best to buy a dual-certified helmet with a CPSC sticker and ASTM F1492. 

Roller Skate Helmet Fit System

Fit Dial Retention Systems

Most skate helmets these days (at least decent ones) come with a good ratcheting fit system. Modern retention systems feature a mechanism (usually a dial or wheel) that you turn to tweak the fit however you want.

The result? A comfortable, snug fit that ensures that the helmet stays on the head and doesn’t roll off the head at the worst possible moment.

It’s not common to find this fit system in the cheapest skate helmets. But you can expect to find it in mid-range and pricier options.

Chinstraps

Helmet companies are required to test the strength and protective capacity of their helmets’ retention systems. Chinstrap webbing and buckle should be strong and sturdy. 

Reliable chinstraps don’t keep moving around or coming loose while your toddler or child is out there roller skating. They keep the helmet firmly secured on the head.

If the helmet you’re eyeing features a padded chin strap, that’s even better. Because a padded chin strap feels comfortable and doesn’t chafe the skin.  

Skate helmets often come with a strong enough chin strap that stays in place during a fall. But the strap won’t keep the helmet on your kiddo’s noggin if you don’t buckle or fasten it securely right off the bat.

Once you help your little one wear their helmet, try sticking a finger between the chin and chinstrap. A properly secured chinstrap shouldn’t allow more than one finger.

Fit Pads

Fit pads are another common way to help adjust for fit. Some brands such as Triple Eight include two sets of fit pads, a thin one and a thicker one. With a beanie and these pads, it’s not hard to create a much better fit.

Go With Skate Brands Many Roller Skaters Trust

Upon landing on Amazon, a whole avalanche of skate helmet brands bombards you. Choosing can be hard when most of the companies claim to sell only certified lids at amazing prices. But it’s your child’s safety at stake here, so be careful especially when buying online. If a helmet sells at just $20 and the description says CE-approved and nothing else, keep searching. That’s probably a brand you shouldn’t trust. 

Whenever in doubt regarding skate helmet brands, it’s best to go with brands many parents trust. Triple 8, Lazer, S1, POC, ProTec, and a few others are some of the best-known companies. 

 The majority of the skate helmets I reviewed are from Triple Eight. That’s mainly because Triple 8 makes good-quality lids that work for most people. Even though they’re not the cheapest options out there, most are reasonably priced. 

How Much Does a Good Kid’s Roller Skating Helmet Cost?

When it comes to kids’ roller skate helmets, pricing can vary substantially. There are $25 helmets and $300+ options. One wonders, what causes such a huge price difference? What makes one helmet cost $250 and another just $25? 

You can expect a pricier model to be constructed from better materials and the overall fit to be better. Usually, more expensive helmets have an additional retention system that helps you dial in an even better fit when paired with the usual straps. 

If you can, I encourage you to choose a lid that offers a knob-adjustable retention system on top of chin straps. For most helmets, the wheel-like fit adjustment feature is on the back of the helmet, but other models may have this fit wheel somewhere on the top. 

And some really pricey options allow you to adjust the height of the helmet to some extent. A helmet that provides head height adjustability helps different head shapes get a better-fitting helmet. 

If a skate helmet costs $50, is dual-certified, and fits the little wearer perfectly, there’s no reason not to buy it. 

How to Care for Your Child’s Roller Skate Helmet

Roller skate helmets are a critical piece of safety gear. It is super important to take good care of them on an ongoing basis. Below are a few things you can do to keep your toddler’s helmet looking and smelling nice and performing great.

  • Keep the helmet clean: Wipe down the exterior of the kid’s helmet every time they use it.  Use a damp cloth to wipe off sweat and debris.  And don’t forget to give the ventilation holes some attention.  
  • Habitually inspect chin strap buckles, straps, and the retention system before the youngster heads outside. Make sure each component retains its integrity and is still safe to use.  
  • Replace any worn-down parts as needed, such as pads, buckles, and straps.
  • Periodically inspect the skate helmet for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary. If you notice any cracks, marks, or deformation of any kind, definitely toss the lid and buy a new one. 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s advice as to when you should replace the helmet itself barring any major falls. 
  • Store the helmet properly. Store the lid in a cool, dry place whenever your child isn’t wearing it. Places to avoid: in hot garages, near heat radiators of any kind, and near flames. Also, avoid storing the brain bucket in direct sunlight. 
  • Most manufacturers say to never modify or paint the helmet, but you sure can paint it if you know how to do it without damaging it. 

These simple tips can help ensure your child’s roller skate helmet is always in tip-top condition and safe to use. Have fun skating!

Author: Esther Moni

I'm Esther Moni, a proud stay-at-home mom and a psychology graduate of the United States International University (USIU) . I hate it when anyone calls me a housewife, because what does housewife even mean? Being a mother of two babies and a pup, Bailey, as well as being Ricky's wife tires me to no end, but I still manage a smile at the end of it all. And when my boys aren't done doing mischief, I juggle writing a post on parenting or baby gear performance for this blog and running my little counselling office based out in Nairobi. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/esther.moni/">Visit my Facebook profile here</a>, and this is my <a href="https://ke.linkedin.com/in/esther-moni-3841b573/">LinkedIn profile</a>, and here's my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKcVb3NNDrURDH8C0KiAE1g/">nascent youtube channel.

Esther Moni

I'm Esther Moni, a proud stay-at-home mom and a psychology graduate of the United States International University (USIU) . I hate it when anyone calls me a housewife, because what does housewife even mean? Being a mother of two babies and a pup, Bailey, as well as being a wife tires me to no end, but I still manage a smile at the end of it all. And when my boys aren't done doing mischief, I juggle writing a post on parenting or baby gear performance for this blog and running my little counselling office based out in Nairobi. Visit my Facebook profile here, and this is my LinkedIn profile, and here's my nascent youtube channel.