A children's cycling helmet needs to do more than look good. It needs to fit properly, feel comfortable enough that your child is happy to wear it, and stay securely positioned while they ride.
The YOMO Kids' Helmet is designed specifically around young riders, with three head-size options, an adjustable dial-fit system, a Fidlock® magnetic fastener, lightweight construction and 10 ventilation openings.
Here's how the YOMO helmet works, how to choose the correct size and how to check that it fits your child properly.
Why helmet fit matters for children
A helmet can only do its job properly when it fits the rider correctly.
A children's helmet should sit level and low on the forehead, feel snug around the head and stay in position rather than rocking from side to side.
That is why choosing a helmet by your child's age isn't enough. Two children of the same age can have very different head measurements.
Measure their head circumference in centimetres before ordering.
YOMO kids' helmet sizes
YOMO helmets are available in three sizes:
| Size | Head circumference |
|---|---|
| XS | 46–50 cm |
| S | 50–53 cm |
| M | 53–56 cm |
If your child's measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger size provided it can still be adjusted securely using the fit system and pads.
How to measure your child's head for a bike helmet
You only need a soft tape measure. If you don't have one, use a piece of string and measure the string against a ruler afterwards.
- Place the tape around the widest part of your child's head.
- Position it approximately 2 cm above the eyebrows.
- Keep the tape level all the way around the head.
- Make it snug without pulling it tight.
- Record the measurement in centimetres and compare it with the YOMO size chart above.
Don't rely on a helmet labelled for a particular age. The actual head measurement is what matters.
How should a children's bike helmet fit?
Once the helmet is on your child's head, check four things.
1. Keep it level
The helmet should sit level rather than tilting backwards and exposing too much of the forehead.
2. Keep it low on the forehead
The front edge should sit low enough to provide appropriate forehead coverage without obstructing your child's vision.
3. Adjust the dial until it feels snug
Use the rear adjustment dial to tighten the internal fit system around the head.
It should feel secure without being uncomfortable.
4. Check for movement
Ask your child to gently move their head from side to side. The helmet should remain securely positioned rather than rocking independently of their head.
Adjustable dial-fit system
Children grow quickly, so a useful adjustment range can help maintain a secure fit as their head size changes within the helmet's stated size range.
The YOMO helmet uses an adjustable rear dial-fit system, allowing you to fine-tune the internal cradle around your child's head.
The dial is there to adjust the fit within the selected helmet size. It isn't a substitute for choosing the correct size in the first place, so always measure before ordering.
Fidlock® magnetic fastener
Fastening a helmet under a child's chin can be awkward, especially when small fingers want to do it themselves.
The YOMO helmet uses a Fidlock® magnetic fastener designed to close securely while reducing the chance of pinching skin when fastening the buckle.
It's a small detail, but one that can make getting ready for a ride simpler for both children and parents.
Comfortable strap and chin pad
A helmet may fit correctly but still be unpopular if the straps feel uncomfortable.
YOMO helmets use a vegan-leather strap detail with a soft chin pad designed to sit comfortably beneath the rider's chin.
As with the rest of the helmet, the straps should be adjusted so that the helmet remains secure without feeling unnecessarily tight.
10 vents and internal cooling channels
Children can get warm quickly when they're active, particularly during longer rides or warmer weather.
The YOMO helmet uses 10 ventilation openings and internal cooling channels to encourage airflow through the helmet while the child rides.
Good ventilation helps make the helmet more comfortable, which matters when you want your child to wear it consistently.
Lightweight construction
Young children have smaller necks and heads, so unnecessary helmet weight isn't desirable.
The YOMO helmet is designed to provide its protective structure without feeling excessively heavy on a young rider.
Combined with the adjustable fit system and ventilation, the aim is a helmet that children can wear comfortably for everyday cycling and other suitable wheeled activities.
Reflective details for additional visibility
The current YOMO helmet design also includes reflective decals.
Reflective details can make a rider more noticeable when illuminated in lower-light conditions, although they should never replace suitable lights, bright clothing or appropriate supervision where those are required.
Six YOMO helmet colour finishes
A helmet needs to fit properly first, but letting a child choose a finish they genuinely like can make wearing it feel more personal.
The current YOMO helmet range is available in six finishes:
- Matt Dark Grey
- Glossy Dark Grey
- Matt Purple
- Glossy Purple
- Matt Green
- Glossy Green
Colour availability can change, so check the YOMO Kids' Helmet product page for the options currently available in your chosen size.
Can YOMO helmets be used with balance bikes?
Yes. The YOMO helmet is suitable for children riding balance bikes as well as pedal bikes.
The same basic fit principles apply regardless of which bike your child is riding: measure their head, choose the correct helmet size and adjust it so it sits level, low and securely on the head.
Can children use a YOMO helmet for scooters, skating and skateboarding?
The YOMO helmet is designed and certified for cycling as well as activities including skating and skateboarding.
Always follow the helmet owner's manual and the safety guidance appropriate to the activity your child is taking part in.
When should a child's helmet be replaced?
A helmet should not be treated as a product that lasts indefinitely simply because the adjustment dial still fits.
Regularly inspect it for damage, deterioration or anything that could affect its protective structure.
A helmet that has been involved in an impact should not continue to be used simply because it still looks intact. Follow the manufacturer's guidance and replace it when required.
Children also need a larger helmet once their head measurement moves beyond the stated adjustment range of their existing size.
What happens if I order the wrong helmet size?
Measure carefully before ordering wherever possible.
If you order the wrong YOMO helmet size, an unused helmet in its original packaging can be exchanged in line with the current YOMO returns policy.
However, return postage and the cost of sending the replacement are not covered for a wrong-size exchange.
A helmet that has been worn outdoors, damaged or involved in an impact cannot be exchanged for safety reasons.
Free YOMO helmet with a YOMO bike
YOMO currently offers one free YOMO helmet with every eligible YOMO bike purchased directly through the YOMO website.
To use the offer, choose the correct helmet size and colour and add the helmet to your basket alongside the bike. The offer is subject to availability and applies to YOMO website orders.
Measure your child's head before placing the order, because the normal wrong-size helmet exchange costs still apply to a free helmet.
Explore YOMO children's bikes or view the YOMO Kids' Helmet range.
Frequently asked questions about kids' bike helmets
What size bike helmet does my child need?
Measure your child's head circumference just above the eyebrows and compare the measurement with the helmet manufacturer's size range. YOMO sizes are XS 46–50 cm, S 50–53 cm and M 53–56 cm.
Should I choose a children's helmet by age?
No. Age can be a rough guide, but head circumference is the more useful measurement. Always measure your child's head before choosing a helmet size.
How tight should a child's bike helmet be?
It should feel snug and remain securely positioned without creating uncomfortable pressure. Once adjusted, it should not rock noticeably from side to side when your child moves their head.
Should the helmet cover my child's forehead?
Yes. It should sit level and low on the forehead rather than being tilted towards the back of the head.
Are YOMO helmets adjustable?
Yes. Each YOMO helmet uses a rear dial-fit system to fine-tune the fit within its stated head-circumference range.
Does the free helmet offer apply when buying a YOMO bike from a dealer?
The current free-helmet offer applies to eligible YOMO website bike orders. Dealer purchases are separate and should not be assumed to include the same offer.
Choose fit first, then let them choose the colour
The best children's helmet is one that fits properly and is comfortable enough that your child is happy to wear it every time they ride.
Start by measuring their head, choose the appropriate YOMO size and then fine-tune the fit with the adjustment dial and straps.
Once the fit is right, they can concentrate on the more enjoyable decision: choosing their favourite finish.
