10 Best Bike Helmets for Babies & Toddlers

We’ve personally tested over 70 helmets to find the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers. From family rides in bike trailers and child bike seats, to independently riding on a balance bike, we’ve piled up the miles with our own pack of baby and toddler bike testers.

We all know that little ones can be quite particular, especially about helmets! But getting in the habit of always putting on a helmet could literally save your child’s life. As a result, we’ve made sure the helmets on our list are not only safe and offer a great fit, but also comfortable.

If you have a toddler with a large head, check out our Top 10 Bike Helmets for Kids.

10 Best Baby and Toddler Bike Helmets

Highlights of our Best Baby and Toddler Bike Helmets

MSRP: $55 (without MIPS), $75 (with MIPS)

SIZE: XS (45 – 49 cm), S (49 – 53 cm)

FEATURES: Flat back for trailer or bike seat use, durable in-mold construction, dial-adjust fit, built-in visor, sealed sweat pads, and optional MIPS technology.

FULL REVIEW: Giro Scamp II

Built with high-quality, in-mold construction, a dial-adjust system, and optional MIPS technology (to help minimize impacts at sharp angles), the Scamp has an impressive resume. MIPS helmets can be expensive, but the added brain safety technology offers parents additional peace of mind.

Throughout the years, all of our baby and toddler testers have loved wearing the Scamp because it’s so lightweight, comfortable, and less bulky than every other helmet. And with a flatter profile in the back, the Scamp is also well-suited for trailer or bike seat use, in addition to bikes.

The recently updated Giro Scamp II offers a bit more coverage on the sides and back of the helmet, but is still one of the shallower baby bike helmets on the market. It also now features a cool ratcheting buckle that makes pinching your baby’s neck skin near to impossible.

MSRP: $30

SIZE: Child XS (44 – 50 cm), Small (51 – 54 cm)

FEATURES: Light-weight, in-mold construction, dial-adjust fit, well ventilated, crash replacement guarantee

FULL REVIEW: Kali Chakra

The XS Kali Chakra is the smallest baby bike helmet we’ve found. While our highly-recommended Giro Scamp fits heads as small as 45 cm, the XS Kali is smaller, more narrow, and fits heads about 44 cm.

With a compact, lightweight design, easy dial-adjust system, excellent ventilation, and a built-in visor, the Kali Chakra helmet is a kid and parent favorite. Ventilation on the child’s Chakra is superb – twenty-one large vents allow for excellent air flow. At 245 grams, it’s also one of the lightest-weight helmets we’ve tested! 

To top it off, all Kali helmets come with a crash replacement guarantee.  If a Kali helmet is damaged during a crash, Kali will swap out your damaged helmet for a new one.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON SIZING: The Kali Chakra Child comes in two sizes – XS and S. Through our testing we found the small sizing to be inaccurate. Although the small is labeled as 48 cm – 54 cm, it was too big for our testers with heads smaller than 51 cm.

MSRP: $44

SIZE: Toddler (45 – 49 cm)

FEATURES: CSPC 1+ certified, dial-adjust system, locking side strap sliders, sticker pack for helmet decorating

While this Thousand Jr. toddler helmet looks similar to its big brother Thousand Jr. kids helmet, there are a few significant differences that make it particularly suited for the youngest of riders in a biking family.

First, it’s sized smaller to provide a best fit for 1 – 3 year olds with average sized heads. Second, it is significantly lighter – just 220 grams vs. 390 grams, which will be much easier for a baby’s neck strength to manage.

And third, a huge part of what makes this helmet lighter is that it has in-mold construction vs. the skateboard hardshell styling. This causes the toddler helmet to look a bit more babyish compared to the larger kids version, but it makes sense for the young riders it’s intended for. It’s also not dual-certified for skateboard use.

Overall, the quality is fantastic and if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the Giro Scamp (no MIPS), the Thousand Jr. Toddler helmet is an excellent option.

MSRP: $35

ONE SIZE: 47 – 52 cm

FEATURES: Dial-adjust fit, more stable fit on small heads, easier to get on and off, available in fun, bright colors

FULL REVIEW: Joovy Noodle

The Joovy Noodle was designed specifically with the youngest kids in mind. Its light weight makes it is easy for a toddler to wear and still be able to control their neck and head movements. With the chin straps threaded through the back dial-adjust, the Noodle is more stable on smaller heads, and the separated straps also make the helmet much easier to get on.

The dual color chin buckle (black on the left, red on the right) makes the buckle easier to spot and get on and off a moving toddler. And its internal pad system is incredibly high quality – one of the best we’ve seen!

MSRP: $69

SIZE: XS 46 – 50 cm

FEATURES: No-twist side cords, magnetic buckle, rubber visor, extended coverage

FULL REVIEW: woom Kids Helmet

Just like their kids’ bikes, woom’s kids helmets are exceptionally designed, with attention paid to the smallest details. Here are seven reasons you’ll love a woom helmet:

1. Extended coverage for a better fit
2. Rubber visor for facial protection
3. Easy to grab dial adjust
4. Side strap cords that don’t have to be adjusted and most likely won’t get all twisted
5. Magnetic, pinch-free buckle
6. Great airflow
7. Super lightweight

MSRP: $75

SIZE: Youth (48 – 52 cm)

FEATURES: MIPS comes standard, in-mold construction, highly-adjustable fit system, available with or without a visor, locking side straps, tons of ventilation

FULL REVIEW: Smith Wilder Jr. and Zip Jr. Youth Bike Helmets

New on the scene as of fall 2021, Smith’s debut into youth bike helmets is a BIG success. The Smith Wilder Jr. and Zip Jr. are smaller versions of Smith’s adult helmets. They boast the same exceptional quality, same super cool styling, and same highly-adjustable fit system.

Smith’s youth helmets run a little small, so if your child’s head is larger than 52 cm, check out the identical adult versions of these helmets in size small – the Smith Convoy or Smith Signal.

The Smith Wilder Jr. and Zip Jr. are identical helmets except that the Wilder comes with a visor, while the Zip doesn’t. It’s a purely stylistic choice! They also come in different colors, so that may sway your decision as well.

The standout feature of these toddler helmets is the size adjustment system. It boasts two qualities that are usually only found on high-end adult helmets. The rear of the helmet has a plastic cage that cups the back of the head when the dial-adjust is tightened. This can produce a more snug fit.

Additionally, the dial adjust knob and cage can be shifted up or down so that the knob sits on the sweet spot on the back of the head for the most secure fit. Ideally, the knob should sit on the occipital bone for the best and most accurate fit. Most kids helmets cannot be adjusted to account for the unique position of that bone on your child’s unique head.

MSRP: $65

SIZE: Baby Nutty (48-52cm)

FEATURES: Flat back for use in trailers or bike seats, magnetic buckle, some of the funnest, funkiest designs around, CPSC 1+ certified (Baby Nutty)

FULL REVIEW: Baby Nutty

If you want the hippest little baby on the block, a skater-style helmet with fresh and funky designs is probably for you! With lots of fun designs to choose from, your little one can sport their favorite funky style while also keeping their noggin protected while on the go.

With extended coverage in the back, a newly upgraded dial-adjust fit system,  a pinch-free magnetic buckle, and a soft chin pad for added comfort, the Baby Nutty is a fun, quality, and comfy option.

MSRP: $60

SIZE: Small, 49 – 53 cm

FEATURES: Retro styling, dial-adjust fit, integrated visor, magnetic buckle

FULL REVIEW: Thousand Jr.

If safety and style are equally important to you, the Thousand Jr. helmet is a perfect match. And speaking of matching… Thousand offers matching kids bike bells as well as adult helmets with the same styling. Matchy matchy all around!

While the retro-cool vibe is certainly the standout feature of these adorable little head buckets, the Thousand Jr. is also one of the highest-quality toddler helmets you’ll find. With durable straps and a rugged outer shell, the Thousand Jr. is built to last the long-haul.

As an added bonus, this is one of very few toddler helmets that is dual-certified for biking and skateboarding. It’s also the only dual-certified helmet that we know of to feature an integrated visor for maximum facial protection in the event of a crash.

MSRP: $89

SIZE: Small (48-52 cm), Medium (52-58 cm)

FEATURES: Removable chin bar, dial-adjust fit system, long integrated visor to protect against face plants

FULL REVIEW: Strider Full Face Helmet

Are you concerned about your child face-planting at high speeds on their balance bike? If you’re looking to prevent a trip to the dentist for this reason, a toddler-friendly full-face helmet like the Strider ST R is an excellent choice.

This full face helmet has a removable chin bar so that the ST R can be used as a traditional bike helmet, or as a full face. It also has a long, integrated visor, which will further help prevent facial damage in the event of a bad crash.

For us, the biggest advantage of the Strider full face over a more traditional full face like the Bell Sanction is that this helmet is very lightweight and breezy. While traditional full face helmets are sturdier and better suited for true mountain bike riding, their heavy weight can be difficult for little ones to manage and can feel very hot against the face.

Other Popular Baby and Toddler Helmets

Here’s our take on several other very popular bike helmets for young ones. Just remember… the most popular brands don’t always make the best helmets.

MSRP: $25

ONE SIZE: Infant 44 – 49 cm, Toddler 48 – 52 cm

FEATURES: Dial-adjust system

The Schwinn Infant and Schwinn Toddler bike helmets come in several super fun designs. While the quality is very basic compared to others on this list, it’s better than a helmet you’ll just pick up at Walmart.

We appreciate that there’s a dial-adjust tightening system, which is very hard to find at this price point. However, keep in mind that with any cheap helmet, adjusting it for a proper fit can be challenging. The side straps on these Schwinn helmets are hard to get “just right”. You’ll need to be vigilant about making sure everything is adjusted properly.

We also found that this helmet is deeper than many other helmets, which is great for kids with taller heads. However, if your child has an average to short forehead, the helmet may sit too low on the head and interfere with their full range of vision.

MSRP: $55

ONE SIZE: 47 – 54 cm

FEATURES: Dial-adjust fit, soft sport-material padding, in-mold construction, 18 vents, fixed V side straps for easier fit

FULL REVIEW: Giro Tremor

The lightweight Giro Tremor is now available in a smaller size! Designed to fit the smaller heads of baby shredders, the Giro Tremor Child has a 47 – 54 cm head circumference range, and is more narrow and a bit less bulky than its big brother.

With a size range that overlaps the Giro Scamp Small (49 – 53 cm), which one should you choose? Besides the obvious styling difference, the Tremor Child’s interior is slightly deeper and wider than the Scamp. If your child has a taller head or wider head, the Tremor Child would be a better choice.

We’ve found the Tremor Child to be a bit bulky in the rear on petite kids with heads 50 cm and smaller. While its still safe to wear, if you’d like a less-bulky alternative with mountain bike styling, check out the Smith Wilder Jr. Additionally, the Tremor Child’s dial adjust knob is difficult to access to tighten against your child’s head.

MSRP: $60

SIZE: Child (47 – 54 cm)

FEATURES: Ergo Fit dial-adjust system, in-mold construction, durable snap-in visor (removable), internal air channels and 15 vents.

FULL REVIEW: Bell Sidetrack 2

Styled like an adult mountain bike helmet, the Sidetrack is a sweet-looking safety accessory that’s packed with features for a very decent price. From extended coverage in the back for better protection, to a dial-adjust system with a full cage for a more precise fit, the Bell Sidetrack II is comfortable, durable, and just plain cool for your toddler.

While we recommend the Child size (47 – 54 cm), we do not recommend the smaller Toddler size (45 – 52 cm). The dial adjust on the toddler helmet is almost impossible to grab and tighten based on how high it sits inside the helmet. The child size Sidetrack II is more difficult to grab than other helmets, but not has hard as the toddler Sidetrack II. This is the primary reason the Bell Sidetrack II didn’t make our Top 10.

Baby & Toddler Bike Helmets Comparison Chart

How to Choose the Best Bike Helmet for Your Baby or Toddler

For a more detailed discussion about how to choose and fit the perfect bike helmet, check out our post: Kids’ Bike Helmets: Sizes Guide and How to Choose. If you’re looking for something quick, here’s a short summary of the most important things to look for to find the best helmet for babies and toddlers, who have some unique needs from older children.

Helmet Size – Measure before you buy!

Your cargo is precious, and if that helmet doesn’t fit, it can’t protect your baby! Baby bike helmets can especially be hard because there are only a few that are small enough to fit small baby heads. The Giro Scamp and Kali Chakra XS bike helmets are two of the smallest helmets on the market.

You can measure your child’s head with a soft tape measure, or we prefer to use the measurements provided by the pediatrician at our regular check-ups. Find a helmet with a size range (for example 45 – 50 cm) that your child’s head circumference falls into.

Whichever helmet you choose, just make sure that it’s a snug fit on the head. No biking activity you want to do is worth risking your child’s safety!

Head shape note: Your child’s head shape is unique to them. Most bike helmets have interior shapes that will fit most babies’ and toddlers’ head shapes. If your child has a wider head than most, you may need to buy a larger helmet than their official head circumference would dictate.

Weight – Lighter the better

The lighter the helmet the better. Babies and young toddlers have weaker neck muscles and it can be difficult for them to support the additional weight of a helmet if it’s too heavy. If you’re looking for a full face helmet for a toddler, they are extremely heavy. The Strider Full Face helmet is a good, lighter weight option.

Flat Back – Best for riding in trailers or seats

If you’re looking for a bike helmet so you can take your little one along for a bike ride in a trailer or child bike seat, look for a helmet with a flat back so their head doesn’t get pushed forward as they lean back against the trailer or child bike seat.

Adjustability – Dial in a great fit

Adjusting a helmet for the right fit can be a serious pain for a baby or toddler. The best helmets have a dial-adjust on the back that allows you to tighten the inner portion of the helmet for a snug fit. But even the best dial-adjust systems can be a pain because they can be hard to turn while your fidgeting toddler is wearing the helmet.

Built-In Visor

Kids of any age can crash on a bike, but we’ve found that toddlers on balance bikes tend to crash the most. And these crashes are often face plants.

Built-in visors have saved our kids’ faces on several occasions as they help prevent a child’s nose and mouth from hitting the ground.

Buckle – Pinch free is best!

Most helmets come with standard buckles that can pinch a child’s neck when buckling or un-buckling. Have you ever pinched your baby’s neck skin with a helmet buckle? It’s awful!

Higher-end helmets now feature magnetic or ratcheting “pinch-free” buckles that decrease the possibility of getting neck skin stuck in the buckle. Of course this isn’t a must-have, but it’s a really nice nice-to-have!

MIPS – Multi-directional Impact Protection System

MIPS is a newer technology that adds an additional layer of safety to a helmet. Unfortunately, there are not many baby or toddler bike helmets that offer MIPS technology. While MIPS can be pretty expensive, the Giro Scamp II is our favorite, smallest option that does offer MIPS.

In a nutshell, MIPS is an inner plastic cage secured by small plastic anchors. If an impact occurs, this cage rotates with your child’s head to provide better multi-directional impact protection.

Some helmet brands now offer MIPS-style technology of their own, like KinetiCore from Lazer.

 Related Toddler Bike Helmet Articles

Kids  Bike Helmet Sizes Guide: 6 Easy Steps to help you find and adjust a bike helmet

10 Best Kids’ Helmets: Need a bigger size? Try our list for Kids.

Fun Kids Bike Accessories and Protective Gear: A list of 22 fun accessories for your kid’s bike!