Berkeley Parents Network
Google Custom Search
Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Subscribe Help/FAQ What's New

Bike Helmets

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > What/Where to Buy > Bikes > Bike Helmets


  • Bike Helmets for Toddlers
  • Bike Helmets for Babies

    Bike Helmets for Toddlers

    Can anybody recommend a store in the area (Oakland/Berkeley) with a good selection of, and experience in the fitting of, bicycle helmets for toddlers?a (I would be willing to drive a little out of the way for a good quality helmet with proper fit!)a We basically need something that my 2-and-a-quarter years old son can start wearing so that he will develop the habit that he wears one whenever he is on a set of wheels, whether it be a bike, skateboard, rollerblades, etc.a (Right now he has a very low-to-the-ground tricycle.)aaThank you! Marian
    No need to drive out of your way! Both Missing Link (Shattuck near University) and VeloSport (MLK at Virginia) would do a fine job. Our son got his first two helmets there (age 6 months and 3 years). Fran
    Try Hank & Frank Bicycles on College Ave. They carry the Bell brand for children. I bought one for my son when he was 3. Bell is one of the best brands. My whole family has the bell brand head gear. This company is well known for making motorcycle helmets. Cindy
    Try the Missing Link on Shattuck at University. A fair percentage of the staff have kids of their own, and most of them are knowledgeable about fitting helmets for toddlers. However, just before the start of Fall semester is one of the busiest times for Berkeley bike shops, so if you go there (or anywhere else in Berkeley) on a weekend the shop may be too crowded for you to get individual attention. Go on a weekday morning if at all possible. Jennifer

    Bike Helmets for Babies

    From: Fran

    Try VeloSport on MLK at Virginia. That's where my son's first helmet came from. He has a big head, but he started wearing it when he was about 6 months old. I'd consider selling or loaning it, but it was in an accident. The brand was a French name (man's name, first and last--Louis Varnaux?).


    From: Sally

    I bought the smallest one I could find when my daughter was about that age (9 months) and then stuffed extra socks into it because it was still 'way too big. In retrospect it would seem that socks would reduce the efficacy of the shock-absorbing properties so this was not necessarily a good thing to do. I just couldn't find a smaller helmet.


    ... in reference to "stuffing" a helmet with socks so it fits a very small passenger ...

    From: Craig

    Oooh! Not a good idea. I think most doctors will tell you (they told me) that you should wait until they're at least a year old. The problem with putting a helmet on too soon is that their little necks just aren't ready yet and the added weight of a helmet can actually cause serious injury (i.e.. you stop short for some reason and they might not be strong enough to stop their head and helmet from whipping forward too fast). Most helmet companies don't make really small helmets for this very reason.


    Home   |   Reviews   |   Advice   |   Members   |   Post a Message
    Join BPN   |   Help   |   What's New   |   Search   |   Contact Us

    Last updated: Jun 10, 2003
    Copyright © 1996-2008 Berkeley Parents Network


    The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.