Although skiing with the kids is a great holiday idea, it is important to be aware of the risks it involves. One hot topic of discussion is the use of a kids ski helmet and its great importance. Still, every year, many children are seen on the slopes not wearing one. The outcome can be catastrophic, which means that it is imperative that you invest in a proper kids ski helmet to protect your little one when adventuring on the slopes.
When skiing, children can go down at high speeds while having very little control. Their motor control is less developed and they lack the decision-making skills necessary to stay safe. This includes judging speed, distances and when to start braking. Icy surfaces, trees, and rocks are not forgiving and there is also the risk of your child colliding with another skier that is much heavier, bigger and faster.
Research has shown that wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by 30 to 50 percent, and it can be the difference between life and death. With the wide range of kids ski helmet models available on the market, it can be hard to find one that’s safe, sturdy and will fully protect your child’s head in the event of an accident. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when buying to ensure your kid has a cool-looking and well-fitting helmet!
Safety Certifications
In Australia, protective headgear must adhere to the current approved safety standards. Safety certifications are indicators that the manufacturer is producing helmets that are appropriate for use in a given sport. Giro is a good example of a reliable kids helmet manufacturer that meets all the safety standards that need to be met.
Add-ons for Warmth
Keeping in mind that skiing is mostly done during the winter, savvy helmet manufacturers are producing helmets with additional accessories that keep the wearer’s head warm. If you are planning to spend a few days on a particularly cold mountain, look for a kids helmet with detachable ear pads or a detachable liner. These accessories will keep your little one warm without adding extra bulk. Once the weather warms up, you can simply detach the ear pads or liner. They are also easy to wash and dry.
The Right Fit
Skiing with an ill-fitting helmet can be very frustrating. To find the right size helmet your kids should either try on different helmets or you should measure their heads with a tape measure if you are shopping online. Getting the right head measurement is the first step in getting a good fit. But there are other things to consider as well. A properly fitting helmet should also be snug on your child’s head and there shouldn’t be any gap between the top of your child’s goggles and their head. Last but not least, the chin strap needs to be fastened against the throat to reduce the chances of it flying off in case of an accident.
Remember that once your kid has crashed and their helmet has taken a good hit, it has done its job and the shell material might be damaged. Even if your child hasn’t fallen on the slopes yet, experts recommend replacing a ski helmet after 3 years. All the small wear and tear add up and can affect the quality of the helmet.