Kiddofreedom

Best Rollerblade Helmets for Kids

Little rascals everywhere love wheeling around on the best kids rollerblades. But here’s a not-so-pleasant truth: kids sometimes fall while inline skating. And things can get pretty messy if they don’t have proper protective headgear. But even the best rollerblade helmets for kids don’t guarantee full protection against concussions according to the CDC. However, a decent helmet can offer a reasonable amount of protection against brain injuries.

Related: Best roller Skate Helmets for Kids

Rollerblades Are Speed Beasts

Rollerblades are notorious for picking up speed soon after you start striding. These skates come with slim tall wheels that defy friction. Kids rollerblades aren’t typically super thin and tall, but they’re slimmer and taller than roller skate wheels. That’s why they’re faster in the final analysis. 

When a thrill-seeking lass or lad flies down the street at breakneck speed, that’s mesmerizing to watch. If they’ve mastered balance and control, you know they’ll be fine. Except there are no guarantees the kid will remain up the entire time. They definitely need a decent helmet on their head, because you never know when… 

But, what are the best kids helmets for inline skating? That’s the question the mini-reviews below and the detailed buying guide after the reviews strive to answer. 

Kids Rollerblades Buying Guide: Summary

Helmet Sizing, Fit, and Comfort: The best way to get the sizing right is to use a cloth tape to take the measurement all around your baby’s head. Measure around the widest point of the noggin, which is usually somewhere about 1 inch above the brows. 

Next, use the helmet model’s sizing chart to select the right helmet size for them. Because fit should be the number one consideration when buying a rollerblade helmet for a beginner kid skater or anyone else for that. A well-fitting skate helmet feels comfortable and stays on the head even when shoved by an impact during a fall. 

Safety Certifications: The skate market reels from the weight of non-certified skate-style helmets. These are often cheap, and it’s hard to pass up the deal. But think twice before picking any of them because they don’t assure young skaters (and older ones) of protection in a hard spill. At the very least, choose an ASTM F1492 certified inline skate helmet for your toddler or child. And if the helmet is also constructed as per the safety standards of CPSC 1203, that’s even better. A dual-certified inline skate helmet adequately protects both the front and back of the head. 

Chinstrap and Retention system: Once you fit and secure the helmet on your kid’s dome, try putting a finger underneath the chinstrap. If it struggles a bit to wiggle through, that’s a secure fit. You shouldn’t be able to put two fingers in there.  

Weight: Everyone likes lightweight skate helmets. Because they’re, well, light. A lightweight helmet protects young and older noggins without feeling like it’s on the head all the time. If a lid’s too heavy, it literally weighs down on the young neck, and that discourages helmet use in many cases. 

Looks: Looks aren’t the most important aspect when it comes to buying an inline skating helmet for a child. But kids tend to love really cool helmets, because who doesn’t want to be cool? 

Brands: Stay away from brands no parent in the inline skating world has ever heard of. Because companies like that have a notoriety for selling soft-foam non-certified helmets. Whenever in doubt, I suggest going with skate brands that inline skating moms and dads know and trust. Some brands parents trust include Triple Eight, S1, Pro-Tec, Bern, and a few others. 

Price: It’s not easy to find really good (dual-certified) kids rollerblades for $20. Decent ones cost anywhere between $70 and $100. At that price range, you can easily get a dual-certified lid that fits and performs well enough. 

A larger budget can add a decent fit retention system, a better-quality/comfier chinstrap, fit pads, a GoPro mount, and more to the deal. 

5 Rollerblades Kids Actually Want to Wear

Let’s roll!

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1.Winner&Best for Weird Head Shapes: TSG Meta Kids Inline Skate Helmet

TSG Meta rollerblade helmet for young children

TSG has been garnering popularity among the skating community over the years. Because it makes good quality skull protection gear.

The TSG META is sturdy, well-made, low-profile skate helmet for kids. This urban-style dual-certified design lends itself to both rollerblading and biking. This is because its construction quality meets the standards of the ASTM F1492 and CPSC 1203.

Even though the TSG Meta isn’t very expensive, nothing about it from material quality to construction quality feels cheap or flimsy. It is a rugged-looking lid reserved for serious young skaters — those who want to exploit their potential to the max without risking losing their mind in the process!

The straps look nicely done — they’re reflective too. Also, the chin buckle and side buckles are solid quality and work as they should.

The TSG Meta has earned endless adoration due to how well it fits most heads. Whether your child has a more round shape or a more oval one, they’ll love how nicely this helmet fits them. It provides adequate coverage for the front of the face and travels low enough at the back of the head without restricting head movement.

At just 0.7 pounds (300 grams), this is one of the lightest (if not the lightest) dual-certified kids skate helmets on the market. It won’t feel like a ton of bricks on your youngster’s neck and head.

Another department where this thing has a decent score is ventilation. Its 11 venting openings connect with interior airflow channels that allow warm, sweaty air to leave and cool fresh air to stream inward.  Skate helmets tend to have round ventilation holes, but the TSG Meta features nice-looking hexagonal holes.

Like the others in this contest, this choice offers two different sizes of pads for tweaking the fit. These liners are removable and washable, and while they aren’t excellent wicking away sweat, they help.

There’s another component that makes this helmet a good bet — its dial-fit retention system. Your child can easily operate the dial while riding. And parents of kids with weird-shaped heads find the TSG Meta to be a consistent savior.

But there’s one thing that TSG should improve in future models: finish quality. I did encounter moms and dads who felt the company did a lackluster paint job. They reported seeing ugly paint runs around the ventilation holes, and it looked like the original color would fade soon.

Unlike most other helmets at this price point, TSG Meta outer shell is made out of polycarbonate vs. the more common ABS shell. Polycarbonate is considered better than ABS. And according to Polymershapes.com painting a polycarbonate shell should be easier and turns out better than painting an ABS shell.

Here are the available sizes for young children: JXXS/JXS: 18.8″-20″ and XXS/XS: 20.4″-21.2.” The sizing chart is accurate. As long as you measure the head circumference correctly and pick out the right size, you should be good.

Pros

  • Not the cheapest but still affordable
  • High-quality, lightweight construction
  • Reflective side straps
  • 5 color options
  • Size adjustment system
  • Washable fit correction pads
  • Super comfortable
  • Low-sitting helmet with great coverage

Cons

  • Finish could be better

Verdict: A great kids skate helmet that fits most head shapes reasonably well.

2.Triple Eight Little Tricky Dual Certified Kids Helmet ($48)

little tricky youth rollerblade helmet

Famous skateboarder Mitchie “Little Tricky” Brusco set the world afire when he landed the never-before-pulled-off 1260 trick. Performing this mind-blowing maneuver entailed turning 3.5 times while airborne, a feat no one before him had ever achieved.

Watch Little Mitchie mesmerize the world here:

YouTube video

Guess what? Little Tricky swears by Triple 8 helmets. What’s more, his creative genius inspired the design of the Triple Eight Little Tricky Youth Helmet.

The helmet’s CPSC 1203 and ASTM F1492 certified. Your kiddo can safely use it for inline skating, roller skating, skateboarding, scootering, and biking.

It features a high-impact absorbing EPS foam (hard) plus soft foam. This makes this protective gear good for both small spills and one large crash. With this purchase, your little one will push their limits without sacrificing safety and protection.

There’s more. This low-profile half-shell design looks cool, and the 8 ventilation holes make it even cooler. But it might seem a little big on smaller skaters. It weighs just 1 pound — not the lightest, but light enough.

It’s a one size-fits-most design for noggins in the 19.25″-22″ (50-56cm) circumference range. It should fit 6 year-olds and even older kids well.  Question: Since this youth rollerblading helmet is a one-size fit option, how does fit adjustment work?

The package includes two sets of fit pads (Sweatsaver liners). The thin padding comes pre-installed, and the extra padding included is the thicker set. These pads help parents customize the fit for comfier, safer rides.

For kids who aspire to become the next Little Tricky, this helmet proudly displays the name “Little Tricky” in two different colors on the side. This treasured print constantly reminds the young skater of their dream to dethrone Mitchie Brusco someday.

This head protection gear is available in four colors. There’s green rubber and glossy white for maximum visibility, black rubber for young boys who think they know what they’re doing, and pink rubber for girls.

Pros

  • Dual certified (ASTM F1492+CPSC)
  • Reasonably light
  • 2 fit pads included
  • Attractive price
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Great rubber finish
  • Decent ventilation
  • Little Tricky’s name on the helmet for constant inspiration

Cons

  • No retention system other than chinstraps
  • Not for babies and toddlers (but do they even skate?

Verdict: A worthy purchase. I bet you won’t regret this.

3. Most Stylish Kids Rollerblade Helmet: Thousand Jr. Kids Helmet ($60) 

thousand inline skate kids helmet

One day, one of Gloria Hwang’s friends died after being involved in an accident while out riding a bike. Hwang says she’d read a terrifying statistic that revealed that the U.S. lost about 1,000 lives each year to fatal cycling accidents.

Well, I dug around and found this data  from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). At no time has the United States lost that many cyclists in a year.

Here’s what’s important: Hwang did something about the problem. She started a helmet company whose purpose was (and still is) to save lives.

Today, Thousand helmets for cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and roller skating seem to be everywhere you look. You see them on older, wiser heads and on younger, determined noggins. Keep going, Hwang!

But why have Thousand helmets become a must-have piece of protective equipment for young and older inline skaters?

It’s because Thousand helmets look nice without compromising on safety and protection. These are stylish skate and bike helmets that outdoorsy kids and adults really like and want to wear. Plus, it’s both ASTM F1492 and CPSC certified.

No young skater wants to look dorky. They want to look cool and interesting, and the Thousand Jr. Kids Helmet fits the bill like no other. The lid looks minimalist, like a really cute hat with a brim that deserves to be worn.

The exterior looks simple and clean. And the six ventilation holes allow cool air to flow into three interior air cooling channels. With this option, every sweat tot rides in comfort. This helmet evolves to accommodate your grom’s growing dome.

It’s for children with melons measuring 49cm-53cm/19.30″-20.80″ in circumference. And an adjustment dial retention system helps fine-tune the fit until it’s snug and comfortable.

Is your kiddo creative, the type that wants to paint or customize every piece of baby gear? The Thousand Jr. Kids Helmet comes with a bunch of reusable and reflective stickers that enables youngsters to personalize the ride.

This brain savior stays securely on the head thanks to its durable faux leather straps and high-quality buckles. I really like how sturdy and comfortable these vegan straps are.

Pros

  • Looks stylish with a minimalist design
  • Multiple vents that cool little heads
  • Certified for both rollerblading and biking
  • Fit adjustment dial
  • Removable stickers help personalize the helmet
  • Sturdy Faux leather straps
  • Available in several fun colors

Cons

  • Promised stickers not included in some cases

Verdict: A good buy. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s dual-certified, looks really nice, keeps little noggins reasonably cool.

4. OutdoorMaster Kids Rollerblade Helmet ($34)

outdoormaster kids inline skate

Looking at the massive acceptance safety gear from OutdoorMaster now enjoys might make you think it’s a decades-old brand. But that’s far from the reality. Because it’s a really recent company.

In the same year (2015) that two safety-focused founders launched Thousand Helmets, another bunch of entrepreneurs established another company that parents everywhere really like: OutdoorMaster.

It’s hard to be out and about and not spot some smiling kid or adult wearing an OutdoorMaster helmet or OutdoorMaster protective pads. Here’s the thing: OutdoorMaster makes really affordable skating gear, and I’m talking certified safety gear and not some CE-approved product here.

The outdoorMaster Kids Rollerblade Helmet is similar in several ways to the Triple Eight Little Tricky. Like the Little Tricky, this thing offers dual-certified head protection.

A seriously thick EPS core absorbs impact energy so that your little one can get back up and ride again. Also, there are two sets of fit adjustment pads that make helmet fitment a whole lot easier. This product should fit children whose head circumference is in the 18.1″-20.5″ or 46cm to 52cm.

And like Little Tricky, this OutdoorMaster kids helmet turns to its 8 ventilation holes to keep things around the noggin nice and cool.

Looking at these two helmets, it’s hard to tell if there’s any difference, but there’s one difference. While the Little Tricky doesn’t have a fit-adjustment know on the back, the OutdoorMaster option has it. Also, the OutdoorMaster offering and does feel lighter on young inexperienced heads.

For 8-year-olds and younger skaters, you want to order the size Small. But for older kids and teens, choose Medium size. And if their head’s measurement places them in between sizes, order size Small because Medium will likely be too big.

This impact dampening lid is certified for cycling as well as rollerblading, rollerblading, and roller skating. That is, its construction complies with the ASTM F1492 skate safety and CPSC bike safety standards.

It’s really hard to find dual-certified helmets that cost around $30, but the OutdoorMaster provides such an option in this kids’ helmet.

Pros

  • Tons of value at a great price point
  • Dual-certified protection
  • Sold in at least 6 colors
  • 2 sets of fit pads
  • Fit adjustment dial
  • No dumb stickers like those found on toddler helmets
  • Sold in toddler (Small) and larger sizes (Medium)

Cons

  • Parents in certain locations have had to sign for delivery

If you’re looking for a toddler size inline skate helmet without any kind of dumb stickers on it, go with the OutdoorMaster.

5.Most Comfortable Rollerblade Kids Helmet: Triple Eight LIL 8 Dual-certified Sweatsaver ($40)

LIL 8 youth helmet for riding inline skates

Weighing just 0.8 pounds, this lid is lighter than most. But when it comes to looks, the Triple Eight LIL 8 Dual-Certified is pretty similar to its sibling the Little Tricky. But the Little Tricky is cheaper. So, why is the LIL 8 cheaper than the Little Tricky?

Having assessed the features of these two T8 helmets, I came to the conclusion that the manufacturer got the pricing wrong. Why should a helmet that packs more features be cheaper than one that offers fewer features?

Both helmets have the good old classic skate-style look. I bet your mischievous rascal will love wearing either. But unlike the Little Tricky, the LIL 8 is a bit comfier thanks to its better-padded chin buckle.

Also, the cheaper LIL 8 boasts an adjustable fit dial system, something its costlier sibling lacks. Both have fit adjustment pads (Sweatsaver liners). But it’s easier to customize the fit with the LIL 8 due to it having an adjustable helmet retention system.

Triple 8 helmets are known to fit round-shaped heads better than most. But the LIL 8 makes things even better through its size adjustment component. This extra feature makes covering different head shapes that much easier.

What age does the Triple LIL 8 fit? This piece of protective equipment is designed for toddlers (3 years) and older children up to the age 5. If the head circumference figure you obtained when measuring your lad’s or lasses’ head sits between 18″ and 20″ (46cm to 52cm), this brain bucket should fit them.  Keep in mind that no two kids develop in precisely the same way.

This option is suitable for getting around on a bike because it’s CPSC 1203 certified. Its dual-certified inner EPS liner absorbs blows that could have headed straight to the noggin of your little one.

And like all the other recommendations in my reviews, LIL8 has the ASTM F1492 safety certification. You won’t have to sink your money into two helmets if your angel also dabbles in biking.

What color options are available? Your little miss or master can have this lid in black matte, pink matte for girls, glossy blue, glossy neon green, and white glossy.

Pros

  • Padded chin buckle that prevents pinching
  • Size adjustable: grows with your kiddo
  • vents well
  • Supplied in at least nice 5 colors
  • Certified to ASTM F1492 & CPSC
  • Lighter than most
  • 2 sets of washable liners/padding

Cons

  • Runs a little larger

Even though the size chart says it’s for 18″-20.5″ heads, I found that the helmet’s a little too loose for 3-year-old wearers. I measure my nephew’s head at 19.60″, but I couldn’t seem to get the fit tight enough even after fine-tuning it through the retention system. But that’s what the included size manipulation pads are for.

Kids Rollerblade Helmet Care Tips

The dos and dont’s below will help keep your young inline skater’s helmet looking great and performing as it should for considerably long:

The Dos:

  • Do clean the youngster’s helmet regularly. Clean both the exterior and exterior of the helmet thoroughly with warm water mixed with some gentle detergent.
  • Do store the helmet out the way of the sun’s UV rays.
  • Do store the lid in a room that’s neither too hot nor too cold.
  • Read the label inside the helmet to verify if it says certified to both CPSC and ASTM F1492.

Don’ts: 

  • Don’t store the helmet in a room or any other place that’s too hot or too cold. Avoid keeping it in a hot garage, for example.
  • Never allow that tot to step outside to skate before they wear their helmet.
  • Don’t paint or decorate the helmet in any way as that could end up compromising safety.
  • Don’t let your child wear a damaged helmet or one that has cracks and other marks that might be signs of compromised structural integrity.
  • Don’t allow your toddler or child to wear a helmet that has temperature-caused bubbles.

By the way…

How Long Does a Kid’s Rollerblade Helmet Last? 

It depends on the helmet’s construction and the riders skating skills. If it’s a multi-fall helmet, your tot can use it even after a number of minor spills. But if the helmet gets damaged or deformed in any way after a hard crash, definitely replace it. Otherwise, replace the helmet every 5 years or according to the manufacturer’s advice.

How to Choose the Right Kids Rollerblading Helmet

When buying a skate helmet for a rollerblading kid, the first thing to pay attention to is how well it fits the little rider’s head. I’d rather wear a not-so-cool lid that protects like a champ than a really sick helmet with questionable safety and protection credentials. 

Rollerblade Helmet Size

Get the right size rollerblade helmet for your kid and fit it correctly. But how do you size kids rollerblade helmets? If my child’s measurement places them in between sizes, should I size up or down? 

Parents ask these helmet fit-focused questions a lot. Because if you get the size and fit wrong, nothing else matters at all. And there won’t be much comfort and skate performance to talk about. 

Here’s one important helmet fact you need to know: helmets sizes aren’t standardized. A helmet model could be size Large for one company and size Medium for another. Since helmet sizes vary from brand to brand, there’s no universal chart that’s accurate for all brands.

What’s the best way to size an inline skate helmet for a child? Measure the circumference of their head. Then, compare the measurement you get to calculate the closest helmet size as per the size chart of the helmet model.

And if the child sits on a helmet size cusp, inlineskate.com recommends sizing up instead of sizing down. Triple 8, a popular protective skate gear brand, also recommends going with the larger size if in between sizes. 

If you choose the smaller size, the lid might feel too uncomfortable and make it less likely the youngster will actually use the protective gear. Also, a lid that’s too small tends to provide less coverage than would be the case with a larger helmet. 

Look at the head circumference chart below to see what helmet size might fit your little one (Source)

Head Circumference Chart (for Preemies, Babies, Children, Teens, Women, and Men)

Age Head Circumference
Inches Centimeters
Preemie  9″-12″ 23cm-30.5cm 
Baby 14″-16″ 35.5″-40.5″
Toddler 16″-18″ 40.5″-46″
Child 18″-20″ 45.5cm-51cm
Teen  20″-22″ 51cm-56cm
Women 21″-23″ 53cm–58.5cm
Men 22″-24″ 56cm-61cm

How to Size a Kid’s Rollerblade Helmet 

Here’s how to measure the noggin circumference of your toddler, child, or teen correctly. Wrap a tape measure around the head starting from the back toward the front. To keep things nice and accurate, run the tape about 1” above the brows and slightly above the ears. Before you record the circumference, make sure the tape sits level all around the head. 

If you don’t have a tape measure lying around, you can use a string or even a shoelace. Then, lay the string/lace flat on a surface and use a yardstick/ruler to learn the circumference.  

How Should a Kid’s Inline Skate Helmet Fit?

If the helmet is fitted correctly, it should be snug but not extremely tight. A rollerblade helmet that’s too tight squeezes the heck out of little heads and causes pressure points. And these uncomfortable pressure points can discourage equipment use. Also, the helmet should stay level on the head, and it shouldn’t tilt rearward when worn.

But how do I know that the inline skate helmet my tot is wearing isn’t too small or too large? Start by asking the little rascal what the lid feels like on their dome. Is it crushing their head? Any kid who can rollerblade shouldn’t have trouble knowing if their helmet is killing their head.

5 Simple Kids Rollerblade Helmet Fit Tests 

1. Ask the kid to shake their head from side to side or up and down. You can also use your hands to perform this give-the-head-a-shake test.  If the lid shifts more than 1″ or just moves too much, it’s too loose and might roll off the head in a crash.

2. Upward push test: Ask the child to hold the helmet and try to remove from the front. If it fits correctly, they shouldn’t manage to shift it upward too much. If the thing budges more than 1″, consider a smaller size helmet. And if the lid rides up all the way to the forehead or the kid can yank the helmet out of the head, it’s definitely a bad fit. What use is a helmet that rolls off the head at the slightest appearance of impact force?

3. Chinstrap shape test: Fit and adjust the chin strap and buckles. Then, step back and look at the shape the straps form around the ears. The side straps should run down both sides of the ear forming the letter V. Also, you shouldn’t notice any slack; the straps should be nice and taut.

4. Try to slide two fingers underneath the chinstrap. If the two fingers go right in with minimal resistance, that means the helmet is too loose. Do this: adjust the straps, buckle, and retention system (if it’s there) and see if this improves the fit. If the fit is still off after fit adjustment, return the helmet and get the smaller size down.

5. Mouth wide open test: Put the helmet on the little noggin and adjust the straps and buckles. Next, ask the child to open their mouth wide. If the fit is good, the top of the head should touch the top of the head without overly squeezing it. Obviously, you need to ask the youngster what the feeling is like.

Skate Comfort 

Certain helmet features add comfort, and it’s desirable if a helmet has some of these features. 

I’m talking about having a padded chinstrap. Or having a comfort liner or sweat liner. Or if you’re willing to buy a high-end helmet model for your little adventurous rascal, get with a height adjustment feature.

A helmet like this makes fitting a lot less challenging, and nearly all head shapes can get something that fits reasonably well. 

Head Shape: Different Brands Work Better for Certain Shapes

Getting the size right is one thing, but getting the right size to fit all head shapes is quite another. Most kids (and adults) have one of three head shapes:

  • Round Head Shapes: 
  • Intermediate Oval Head shapes
  • Long Oval head Shapes

Two people buy the same helmet from brand XYZ and wear them. One says their helmet fits like a glove. The other experiences instant temple pressure points. They also find that the lid leaves spaces around the rear and front of the head. If the same helmet fits two heads with the same circumference differently, that’s mostly down to the two heads having different shapes. 

So let’s look at the different head shapes there are: 

Intermediate Oval Head shape: The Most Common Head Shape

There’s a decent chance your budding rollerblader has this head shape. According to Revzilla, most people have the intermediate shape. So, what does this head shape look like? It’s somewhat round, but it’s definitely thinner than a truly round shape. Most helmets made for sale in the U.S. market have this shape. 

Long Oval Head Shape

This one is similar to the intermediate oval head shape, but it’s much thinner (width) relative to length. Think of this head shape as a thinner version of the more common intermediate oval. That is, it’s less round and more oval in comparison. While noggins that look like this are pretty common, they’re not as common as intermediate oval. 

So what brands work best for young inline skaters with a more oval-shaped head? S1 helmets tend to have a more oval shape. I also found that the TSG Meta Skate Helmet fits more oval-shaped and more round-shaped heads better than most. The removable retention system controlled from the back helps a lot when fitting this helmet on the head. 

Round Heads (Least Common Head Shape)

Moon-shaped heads are the least common. If this is the shape your little one has, getting a lid that’ll fit perfectly right out the box can be a tall order. With this shape, there’s a tendency for the wearer to have pressure points around the temples. 

Young inline skaters with this head type are also likely to have a gap between the helmet and the head. Usually, the gap is at the front or back. One way to solve this problem is to choose a helmet that offers fit adjustability through a decent retention system. 

So, what helmet brands sell inline skate helmets that are round/more round? Triple 8, Pro-Tec, TSG helmets are ideal for domes that have a more round shape. If you or your kid have a perfectly round head, consider the TSG Meta. It’s really light, well ventilated, and features a detachable fit dial system in the back. 

Stay Away from Non-certified Kids Helmets

The helmet market chokes on bazillions of skate-style helmets of questionable protective credentials. Many of these kinds of lids are described as “CE-certified”, which simply means they can be sold in the Euro Zone. But if that’s the only safety-related information provided, keep searching. 

Parents have unknowingly bought non-certified skate helmets even from trusted brands such as Triple 8 and Pro-Tec. I’m not insinuating that these companies sell non-certified helmets. I’m saying these companies have sold one or two helmet models that weren’t certified at all. People bought and still buy non-certified rollerblading helmets because they’re irresistibly cheap. Plus, the seller keeps saying they have a protective foam inside that absorbs impacts. 

Here’s the thing. If a company can’t expressively state what safety standards they make their helmets to, you must ask why. It’s a competitive market out there. Do you think any brand would ever want to conceal any information that’d help their marketing? Me neither. 

So, buy a fully certified inline skate helmet for your lass or lad. 

Safety Certifications to Look for When Buying Kids Rollerblade Helmets

As a parent, you’re responsible for making sure that your kiddo gets a properly certified inline helmet. But what safety standards does a good kids rollerblade helmet specifically meet? Watch out for these two standards: 

  • ASTM F1492 Skate safety standard
  • CPSC CFR 16 1203 bike safety standard

Let’s look at each standard and what it does 

ASTM F1492 Skate Safety Standard

If the child will mostly rollerblade (won’t ride a bike), the ASTM F1492 Skate Safety Standard suffices. An ASTM F1492 inline skate helmet offers adequate coverage around the back of the noggin. 

According to Helmets.org, the ASTM F1942’s impact test line is set lower at the back of the helmet than at the front. This safety standard recognizes that inline skaters and roller skaters tend to take rearward spills and fewer forward falls. 

But this certification also results in a rollerblade helmet that doesn’t go low enough in the front. So, if your adventurous, fun-loving rascal takes a head-first tumble, what will happen to their forehead? I’ll let you imagine that. 

Here’s the thing: the ASTM F1492 certification is protective, but it’s fully protective. And that’s where the CPSC Bicycle Safety Standard helps. 

CPSC 16 CFR 1203 Bike Safety Standard 

The law of the land in the United States requires all bike helmets to wear this safety badge. Does that mean all bike helmets in the US are certified? Yes, it’s reasonable to expect every bike helmet bought from a physical store to be CPSC-approved. 

But when buying online, knowing for sure whether the helmet has the CPSC sticker isn’t always easy. If the product information on the manufacturer’s website doesn’t state directly that the helmet is made to this certification, assume it’s not.  

So does a kid’s inline skate need to have the CPSC 16 CFR 1203 standard? Yes! If you want head protection that goes all nine yards, pick out a rollerblade helmet that boasts both CPSC and ASTM F1492. 

When testing rollerblade helmets to the CPSC 1203, manufacturers mark the impact test line a little lower in the front. This effectively means that a CPSC-certified rollerblade/bike helmet offers greater impact protection around the forehead compared to the back of the noggin. 

And what happens when you bring these two standards together? The result is an inline skate helmet that protects aft and fore supremely well. 

Soft-shell Foam vs. Hard-shell Foam Protection   

Non-certified skate helmets have a soft-shell foam interior shell that’s not tested to protect against the worst of falls. In comparison, a certified bike& skate helmet features a hard-shell foam. Hard-shell foam is thicker and sturdier vs. soft-shell foam. And it keeps young and older domes well protected against severe brain injuries. 

Can My Child Use Their Bike Helmet for Rollerblading?

If the bike helmet is ONLY certified to the CPSC 16 CFR 1203 standard, it’s not safe enough for inline skating. One difference between a bike helmet and an inline skate helmet is the type of foam each uses. A bike helmet contains a thinnish EPS foam that crashes into itself upon impact and prevents the worst. 

EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene. This protective foam deforms irredeemably during a crash. That’s why it’s unwise to ride a bike in a helmet that was involved in an accident of any magnitude. 

As for great (certified) kid’s inline skate helmets, they count on an EPP foam for impact absorption. EPP stands for Expanded Polypropylene. EPP foam is similar to a bike’s EPS foam, but it has a more rubbery texture, and it’s thicker. For this reason, an ASTM F1492-certified skate helmet with EPP foam gets back up after impact. And it can still be used even after several mild crashes. But eventually, when you take a really bad fall, you’ll have to replace the helmet. 

Chinstrap and Other Helmet Retention System

It’s safe to assume that a certified helmet comes with tested chinstraps. Helmet manufacturers are required to subject each helmet model to specific chinstrap tests that are outside the scope of this post.  A good chinstrap is made of material that’s strong enough. Both straps and side buckles should be of high quality and should keep the helmet securely on the head at all times. Unfortunately, not every skate company conducts helmet roll-off tests.

Some chinstraps have decent padding around the chin. Such chinstraps provide more comfort compared to those without that added cushy thickness.

Fit Adjustment Dial

The best inline skate helmets for toddlers and children typically offer an extra feature: a dial-based fit retention system. This retention system is often found on the inside of the helmet at the back. A knob or wheel enables you to adjust the fit down to a customized place. This extra feature adds to the cost of the helmet, but your child will get greater safety and comfort from each use.

Fit Pads and Sweat Liners

Some helmets such as those from Triple 8 come with two sets of fit pads. The thicker set helps make a not-snug-enough fit slightly tighter. And removing the thinner padding that typically comes installed in the helmet creates a bit of room.

Some helmets (again, Triple 8 comes to mind) come with an additional interior layer designed to wick away the rider’s sweat. That’s really nice feature, and you want the sweat liner to be removable.

When is a Kids Rollerblade Helmet Too Heavy? 

Any skate helmet that weighs anywhere between 1 pound and 3 pounds is considered a lightweight helmet. Any helmet that weighs 3-5+ pounds is definitely heavy. And you definitely shouldn’t buy such a heavy-weight helmet for a young child.

Here’s the problem with heavy kid’s rollerblade helmet:

  • It causes fatigue to young necks
  • It has a greater tendency to move around the head during rides. 

So, what’s the right weight for a kid’s rollerblade helmet? The most lightweight kids’ skate helmets weigh between 0.5lbs and 1lbs. Of course, the lighter the better. Lightweight helmets for all riding ages and abilities tend to be made of better-quality materials and components. And isn’t this how it is with every piece of outdoor gear these days?

Ventilation: More Airflow Vents=Cooler Helmet 

If a helmet is the right size, fits really well, boasts sufficient safety certifications, and features absorbent sweat liners, what does it lack? Nothing, right? Wrong! It needs a few airflow holes that run from the exterior all the way to the interior protective foam.

A rollerblading helmet that vents well keeps young heads cool when they’re out there in hot weather pushing their limits. Sweat-filled air exits through these ventilation holes, and cool fresh air flows in to take its place.

Compared to bike helmets, skateboard/roller skate/rollerblade helmets feature fewer ventilation holes. But that’s because riding a bike has you sweating a storm while riding rollerblades doesn’t generate as much sweat.

You want to choose a helmet with as many vents as your budget allows. The more the vents, the lighter the helmet and the more breathable. But the lightest kid’s inline skate helmet that also vents best tends to be the most expensive.

What’s a Good Price for a Decent Kid’s Rollerblade Helmets? 

What did you really expect me to say about it? Go buy the best helmet within your means and make sure that small  skater wears it each blading session. OK, so you want me to quit being vague already? I suggest staying in the $50-$100 price range.

To be clear, there’s a bunch of certified helmets costing as little as $30. But it’s unlikely that that dirt cheap inline skate brain protector for kids and toddlers is made of the highest-quality materials.

In my experience (and that of many skating moms), $70 is the optimal meeting point between price, skate helmet quality, and performance. At $70ish, price, material quality, and performance achieve a perfect balance.

But hey, you can always spend more if you opt to do that. But while you may get a few bells and whistles from the higher-priced helmet, most aren’t spectacularly better than $70-$100 options.

What Are the Best Kids Rollerblade Helmet Brands? 

Many parents have over time come to trust a slew of skate brands. These include Triple 8, TSG, OutdoorMaster, Pro-Tec, S1, and Thousand skate helmets among others. They’re pretty popular brands with Triple 8 leading the pack. You definitely don’t have to buy from these companies if you don’t want to, but they sell decent helmets that easily pass the safety test.

Best Kids Inline Helmet: Final Thoughts

When out in the market shopping for a decent rollerblade helmet for your kid, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re swimming in an entire sea of seeming good skates, and few are distinct to your eyes. But choosing the right skate for a toddler or child isn’t too complicated. 

Once you get the skate helmet’s size and fit right, you’re on your way to a choice your child will love. Well-fitted rollerblades are rarely uncomfortable. And if the skate helmet sits nice and tight on the baby’s head, they’ll sulk less when you ask them to helmet up. Heck, the little adventurous skater might even start wearing their brain bucket without you coercing them. 

Price-wise, you’re sure to get a decent deal anywhere between $50-$100. And if you’re patient enough during the helmet research phase, you might even land a $30 option that actually looks nice and protects adequately. If you don’t want to deal with brands no parent’s vouching for, that’s OK, but brand isn’t always the most critical consideration. 

It’s best to pick a dual-certified helmet, or at least one that’s made to the rigorous standards of ASTM F1492. Avoid non-certified helmets, even if the price point prompts you to buy the entire lot from the factory. 

As for the best skate brand, don’t obsess about this. Instead, take care of sizing, fit, and safety certification issues first and then worry about everything else afterward. 

And oh, buying the sickest helmet ever is good, but it’s not enough. If the helmet isn’t worn, your kiddo won’t access any of its protective benefits. 

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.