We understand that sometimes it’s not easy to get kids to wear a helmet when they’re riding a scooter, especially when they said it’s just a short ride around the neighborhood. Not to mention there’s also a popular belief that helmets cause more harm than good when riding a scooter. Then you started asking, “do toddlers need to wear helmets for scooters?”
In this article, we will answer the question of whether or not toddlers need helmets for scooters and provide you with helpful tips to make scooter riding a safe experience for your little one.
Do Toddlers Need to Wear Helmets For Scooters? And Why?
The short answer is, yes. Saying that wearing helmets doesn’t make much difference is just providing a false sense of security. Helmets are designed to absorb impacts in a fall, which is crucial in protecting your child’s head.
Accidents happen, especially if your child is just learning to ride a scooter for a few months. There’s even a saying that we haven’t really learned riding a vehicle before we got into an accident. Besides that, children are also still not really trained to react to sudden circumstances when they need to maintain a perfect balance in a dangerous situation. Wearing a helmet can help protect your child in such a situation.
How to Encourage Kids to Wear a Helmet?
Getting kids to wear a helmet can be a challenge for parents and caregivers. Here are some tips on how to encourage kids to wear a helmet:
- Explain the Importance. Talk to your child about the importance of wearing a helmet and how it can protect them from serious injuries. Use age-appropriate language to help them understand the risks and benefits.
- Make it fun. One way to encourage your child to wear a helmet is to make them excited, and you can do so by inviting them to choose their own helmet and involve them in the buying process. Also, consider purchasing a helmet with their favorite cartoon character or sports team logo.
- Make sure the helmet is perfectly fit. Even as an adult, I’d be more encouraged to wear a helmet if it fits comfortably in my head.
- Start early and stay consistent. Wearing a helmet is like a habit. When you used to wear it, it would feel weird to go on riding without it, which is why it’s important to introduce wearing a helmet from a young age. Also, stay consistent in telling your child to wear it every time even in short-distance riding.
- Set a Good Example. Be a role model for your child and wear a helmet yourself whenever you ride a bike or scooter. Kids are more likely to follow your lead if they see you practicing safe habits.
- Make it Non-Negotiable. Make it clear to your child that wearing a helmet is non-negotiable and that not wearing one is not an option. Create consequences for not wearing a helmet, such as being unable to ride their scooter or bike.
- Give them a pat on the back. Praise your child when they wear a helmet, and let them know how proud you are of them for wearing one, even when they’re just riding for a short distance. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging good behavior.
Tips for buying the right scooter helmet for toddlers
In addition to encouraging your child to wear a helmet, it’s also essential to pick the right helmet for your child. Here are some tips for picking the right scooter helmet for toddlers:
- Check the Fit. A helmet that doesn’t fit properly is not only effective in protecting your child’s head but also more comfortable to wear. Make sure the helmet fits snugly, but not too tight and should not move around or wobble when your child moves their head.
- Consider ventilation design. A helmet with adequate ventilation keeps your child’s head cool and comfortable, especially during hot summer days. In fact, proper ventilation also reduces the risk of heat-related injuries.
- Only use a scooter helmet. Some helmets are specially designed for scooter use. These helmets usually have a lower profile than bike helmets and provide better protection for the back of the head.
- Pick the lightweight one. Look for a lightweight helmet that your child can comfortably wear for extended periods. Heavy helmets can be uncomfortable and may cause neck strain.
- Avoid Used Helmets. Do not buy a used helmet. In fact, it’s even recommended to replace your child’s helmet every time before an accident.
So, do toddlers need to wear helmets for scooters? The answer is definitely”yes”. Wearing a helmet is always necessary for toddlers when riding a scooter, and there should be no excuse to not wear it. However, making your child wear it can be challenging, therefore, it’s essential to find a way to get them excited and feel encouraged to wear a helmet every time they’re riding the scooter.