Not sure if you are reading this blog item and you are from New York or the east coast, but there have been major blizzards there the past two days. I barely made it back to California for my friend’s birthday in Lake Tahoe. On the way to California, I was re-routed to Utah – a beautiful state with unbelievable snow. My boyfriend’s niece was geared up and ready to go skiing. This morning as I was bidding farewell, I got to watch her try on her K1 skis and get fitted for her helmet. What I found interesting is that she wanted to pick her helmet before trying on her skis! I think it is fantastic that she learning ski safety at age 3, and she even remembered from last winter ski season the importance of helmets from when she first learned to ski at age 2 (see picture). It’s all about safety!
Head injuries are one of the biggest contributing factors toward deaths in the snow, so it’s vital you teach your children early about the importance of wearing a helmet.
Purchasing a helmet for your kids when they ski is one of the first important steps before going to the snow and learning to ski.
What to consider:
- Does the helmet come with a certified safety standard? Check for a label of certification.
- Is it made for skiing? Don’t opt for letting your child wear their bike helmet instead just to save money.
- Ensure that the helmet fits your child’s head correctly. If it doesn’t fit, there it completely defeats the purpose of having it in the first place.
- It is recommended that you purchase brand new, as most helmets need to be replaced if they have been involved in an impact.
- Check if it has a UV rating and protect your little one’s eyes.
How to know if it fits
When looking at kids ski helmets refer to a sizing chart to assist you. Most helmets are measured in centimeters.
Steps:
- Measure the circumference of your head (just above the eyebrows) for the most accurate measurement.
- When a helmet is on and secured under your child’s chin, you should only be able to fit one finger between the strap and the chin
- When secure you should be able to place 2 fingers above the eyebrow as a measure before you hit the front top of the helmet
- Check to make sure the back of the helmet doesn’t touch the nape of the neckline.
- Ensure ear pads are covering the ears
- If you tilt your child’s head backwards the helmet should not move
NOTE: If you are wearing goggles, it’s important to fit your helmet with these on as they do impact on the weight and fitting of the helmet.
ALL IN ALL? Kids ski helmets are no longer considered “not cool” or “dorky” – they are cool and a fun new accessory to purchase during the winter season or a great holiday vacation!
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