Best bike helmets for babies and toddlers

When your little one is ready to start cycling, choosing one of the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers is a smart step.

There are plenty of bike helmets out there claiming to be suitable for young children, but after years of hands-on testing with the best kids’ bike helmets, we’re here to help parents new to cycling with babies and toddlers make informed decisions.

Whether you’re carrying kids by bike or getting them started on one of the best balance bikes,the helmets in this guide are all certified for safety, lightweight for developing necks, and comfy enough for them to wear happily.

The smallest helmet listed fits heads as small as 44cm. Remember that helmet sizing is based on head circumference, so it’s essential to get the right fit. To help, we've created a guide on how to measure your child’s head for a bike helmet.

In a hurry? Don’t worry – we’ve included quick picks for your convenience, plus top tips to highlight the most important things to consider. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers, sorted by price to help you find an option within your budget. We've also added some frequently asked questions in case you want more information.

Contents

Use these links to skip to the most relevant part of the article, to save time.

• Quick picks: for parents in a hurry
• Top tips: to help you decide
• Best bike helmets for babies and toddlers
• How to choose from the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers

B'Twin Baby Cycling Helmet 500

Best for the smallest heads

• Price: £14.99
• Size: 44-49cm
• Weight: 170g
• Safety standards: EN 1078
• Colours: Pink, yellow

Buy if: you want something affordable for your baby

The B’Twin Baby Cycling Helmet 500 not only offers excellent value for money, but also comes in the smallest size for the youngest passengers: 44-49cm.

and with its lightweight 170g design, EPS liner for shock absorption, and a PVC outer shell for impact protection. As far as we know, it's the smallest baby bike helmet available in the UK, making it an excellent first helmet for your little one.  It has adjustable straps, a rear dial for a secure fit, and three ventilation points for comfort. Ideal if you’re a budget-conscious parent looking for a reliable and affordable option for your baby.

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Hornit Helmet

Best designs

• Price: £29.99
• Size: 48-53cm (Small)
• Weight: 340g
• Safety standards: EN1078 and CPSC
• Colours: Choice of 15

Buy if: you want a great choice of patterns and colours

Featuring a range of playful designs, including flamingos, dinosaurs and unicorns, the Hornit Helmet makes wearing safety gear fun for kids. It's equipped with a fully adjustable fit system, a lightweight shell, and ample ventilation points. If you’re looking to entice your older toddler into wearing a helmet, you’ll appreciate the whimsical and vibrant design options available here.

You can read about it in more detail in our Hornit Helmet review.

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Abus Smiley 3.0 LED

Best for visibility

• Price: £36.99
• Size: 45-50cm
• Weight: 230g
• Safety standards: CE EN 1078
• Colours: Choice of 8

Buy if: you’re likely to be riding in low light conditions

The Abus Smiley 3.0 LED is designed to provide extra visibility in low light conditions, with an integrated LED light at the back. Perfect if you ride all year round and have to contend with the lack of winter daylight! It combines a robust, lightweight shell with excellent fit adjustments and plenty of ventilation. Ideal if you’re prioritising safety during early morning or evening rides, this helmet ensures your child is visible to traffic.

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Lazer Pnut KinetiCore

Best for bike seats

• Price: £39.99
• Size: 46-52cm
• Weight: 250g
• Safety standards: CE
• Colours: Choice of 6

Buy if: they’d benefit from a flatter back and neck protection

The Lazer Pnut KinetiCore has a smooth and flat back and extended neck coverage, making it perfect for little passengers. It features Lazer's KinetiCore technology, the brand’s answer to MIPS rotational impact protection, along with easy adjustability and ventilation. It’s a great option if you frequently ride with your little one in a bike seat or pull them along in a trailer.

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Specialized Mio MIPS

Best protection technology

• Price: £40.00
• Size: 46-51cm
• Weight: 290g
• Safety standards: CPSC Bicycle
• Colours: Blue, mint, geometric

Buy if: you want the best protection technology available

The Specialized Mio MIPS stands out with its Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, providing superior protection against rotational forces. It's also equipped with an easy-to-use magnetic buckle, has lots of ventilation channels, and features a visor for sun protection. This helmet is perfect if you want the absolute highest level of safety technology for your child.

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Giro Scamp II

Best premium baby helmet

• Price: £44.99
• Size: 45-49cm (XS), 49-53cm (S)
• Weight: 280g
• Safety standards: CE
• Colours: Black/red, purple, teal, octopus

Buy if: you want a more premium option than the B’Twin

The Giro Scamp II is another option for babies with small heads, and is a bit more premium than the B’Twin listed above. For the bigger price tag, you’ll get Giro’s Roc Loc Jr. fit system, which provides a secure and customisable fit. It's lightweight, well-ventilated, and designed with a pinch-guard buckle for added comfort. As specialists in helmets across the industry, Giro’s offering is ideal if you want to invest in a high-quality, comfortable, and secure option for your baby.

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Is it safe for a baby to wear a helmet while sitting in a bike seat or trailer?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe for babies to wear helmets while sitting in a bike seat or trailer. What’s important is that the helmet fits well, is lightweight, and doesn’t put undue strain on their neck. Helmets designed for these uses often have flatter backs for added comfort when resting their heads against the seat or trailer.

At what age should a baby get a bike helmet?

Babies are typically ready to start wearing helmets from around 9 to 12 months, depending on their physical development and ability to sit up with good neck strength. Two helmets suitable for babies are the B’Twin Baby Cycle Helmet 500 and the Giro Scamp II. As we’ve mentioned, the right size and fit are vital for comfort and safety – so be sure to check, is your child’s bike helmet fitted correctly?

What size helmet does a 1 year-old need?

Even at just one year old, children’s head sizes vary significantly. Typically, a one-year-old needs a helmet sized between 44cm and 49cm. This wide range is why measuring their head is so important. Follow our advice on how to measure your child’s head for a bike helmet, and choose a helmet with adjustable straps or dials for a snug, comfortable fit as your child grows.

How do I choose a bike helmet for my toddler?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a helmet for your toddler. Make sure it meets UK safety standards (explained below). Measure their head for the correct size and look for a helmet with adjustable fit features. Ventilation is also essential to keep their head cool, and the helmet should be lightweight for comfort.

You might also want to pick a helmet with a fun design to make it easier for them to wear regularly.

How much should I spend on a bike helmet for a baby or toddler?

The amount you spend will depend on various factors such as materials, adjustability, design options, and weight. The helmets we’ve listed range from £14.99 to £44.99. All meet the required safety standards, so whatever you choose will be up to the task.

If your budget allows, higher-priced helmets often include additional features like MIPS technology for enhanced protection and comfort features like magnetic buckles.

Is it okay to use a secondhand helmet?

You might be surprised to learn that helmets have a limited lifespan – typically just a few years. Exposure to elements like sun and salt (sweat) can degrade the materials over time. If a helmet has only been used for a short time and stored correctly, it may be okay to pass it down. However, helmets should be replaced after about three years of use or after any impact, even if they appear fine externally.

Helmets are designed for one-time protection, so always be cautious when considering second-hand options.

What is MIPS technology and does my child need it?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts. It allows the helmet to move slightly on impact, absorbing some of the force and offering additional protection.

MIPS isn’t essential but does offer added safety, so if it fits within your budget, it’s worth considering. Helmets without MIPS still provide ample protection and meet strict safety standards. For more details, see our article does my child need MIPS in their helmet?

What are all the different bike helmet safety standards?

In the UK, helmets must meet the EN 1078 safety standard as a minimum. Some helmets may undergo additional testing, and we've written a detailed guide on safety standards to look out for when buying a kids’ bike helmet.

Should my baby or toddler wear a full face helmet?

We don’t recommend full-face helmets for babies or toddlers. They are too heavy for their necks to support and aren’t designed for very young children. It’s far better to choose a helmet that’s specifically made for their age, prioritizing comfort and safety. For more on this, check out our article, does my child need a full face helmet when cycling?

Other articles you might be interested in:

• Cycling with babies and toddlers: everything you need to get started
• How to start cycling with a small child in a bike seat, cargo bike or trailer
• Best balance bikes
• Best bikes for a 1 year old toddler
• Carrying kids by bike questionnaire
• Does my child need stabilisers?
• The best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children
• The best front bike seats for toddlers and young children