In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its " World Report on Child Injury Prevention ," in which it pointed out that more than 2,000 children each day succumb to accidental trauma. According to this study, 90% of these unintended events could be avoided.
The scale of the phenomenon is such that it has even been asked whether this is not a public health issue . The baby proective helmet is then an excellent solution to avoid appearing in the statistics of WHO.
Why would a baby need to wear a helmet?
As explained by WHO, children are at greater risk of injury because of their lack of judgment. Because they lack the physical and mental abilities of adults, they can not understand and guard against the dangers they face. The confrontation with these different dangers is increased by their curiosity and their need for experimentation. However, it is also known that the type of trauma depends on the activity, age and stage of development of the child. In this respect, particular attention should be paid to the brain area.
In adults, the bones of the skull are welded, while in infants and children, until complete development, the development is only partial. It leaves four areas, which we call "fontanels", not yet covered by the skull bone. That is why, during this period, if one is not careful, the child's brain can be seriously damaged, sometimes leading to disability or even death.
Naturally, it is impossible for the parents or the childcare assistant to be always attentive to all the child's actions and gestures. Also, wearing a baby helmet appears as an excellent safeguard against some shocks and falls.
The Best Baby Protective Helmet
Elenker Baby Adjustable Headguard
The Elenker infant helmet is super lightweight with a dumping and cushioning that can prevent head injuries in case of collision.
This device is suitable for baby ages 8 - 60 months as it's a one size design. Note that this is product should not be used as a bicycle protection cap.
The fabric is 100% cotton with IXPE lining.
Simplicity Toddler Head Cushion
The simplicity toddler head cushion offers an ideal protection for toddlers during crawling/playing.
It has an adjustable 18.8-22" circumference to fit any size of infant head for comfort and safety.
The external layer is cotton and the inside layer an elastic oderless sponge. It's very lightweight and washable.
Thudguard Infant Protective Safety Hat
The Thudguard protective hat is ideal for babies who are unsure about mobility. It helps avoid painful accidents.
Like the other two products, the thudguard is lightweight,conmfortable and sturdy.
It's field tested and endorsed by medical experts. The adjustable chinstrap makes it perfect for any baby head size.
Are helmets for babies necessary?
The benefits of the baby helmet are numerous. First, we must emphasize its security function. The parents will feel a certain appeasement, because of the impossibility of preventing the shocks of their children. Cushioned, the shocks will not cause the much feared head injury.
Therefore, and secondly, the movements of the child are less circumscribed, which has the effect of not obstructing its development. Finally, wearing a protective helmet is not without interest in winter, since it keeps the heat in the head of the baby.
Criteria for choosing a helmet
Size
As for the bike, the rollers or the balanced bike, parents know that the helmet is a security element that must be carefully selected. The choice of a helmet adapted to the measurements of the baby is, therefore, fundamental. It should neither compress the baby's head, nor be too floating, at the risk of not performing its maintenance functions and being uncomfortable.
The solution is to measure the diameter of the skull and choose the appropriate size, knowing that straps placed under the chin allow to adjust and strengthen the maintenance of the baby helmet. Some helmet models offer a great deal of room for maneuver in terms of size.
The material
As regards the materials, we find mainly cotton, quilted polyester fabric, polymer type foams. The choice must therefore be based on the one hand, depending on the treatment of the material against mites and microbes of all kinds and, secondly, with respect to the protective helmet vents, which should make it possible to avoid sweating of the baby.
Comfort
The comfort of a baby helmet depends essentially on the criteria mentioned above. A suitable size and a tolerated material are essential for the well-being of the infant. However, it is important to remove the baby safety helmet at times to allow the skin to "breathe".
It should be added that some helmet models have a visor, unlike others. These have the advantage of extending the protection to the upper part of the face.
The colour
In terms of color, there is plenty of choice. There are models in plain or with a mix of tones: blue, green, pink, gray, green, blue and white, etc. This is a very subjective choice, which depends on the parents' tastes, but also on the baby!
The price
At least expensive, around $15 , the most expensive, for which it will cost nearly a hundred dollars, the range of prices offered for baby helmets is rather wide.
The cheapest models do not have the same quality in terms of microbial or bacterial treatment. However, mid-range models, around $45, generally have the minimum qualities.
Tips for getting the child used to wearing the helmet
It is always useful to explain to the child what the protective helmet and the interest of wearing it, especially as its wearing and the straps that accompany it will not be without hindering him. Of course, this is true for older children to understand. For the little ones, the introduction will have to be even more fun.
It must then use ingenuity and attention to convince him. To evoke the magical power of the helmet, to tell the child how beautiful it is when he is wearing it, to draw a parallel with his favorite heroes, are all convincing examples for the baby. Over time, he will become accustomed to it and will not pay much attention to it.
In short, the baby safety helmet is a useful, if not essential, invention for anyone who wants to see their child evolve safely.