Getting the Fit Right
A helmet sits level on the head, roughly two finger-widths above the eyebrows, with the side straps forming a V just below the ears and the chin strap snug enough that only one or two fingers fit underneath. Most kids helmets in this size range cover head circumferences of 50 to 54cm, with an adjustable dial-fit system that lets the same helmet stay usable as hair thickness and head size change through the year. A helmet that rocks side to side or tips backward when nudged is not adjusted correctly, however new it looks.
CE Certification and Ventilation
UK and EU kids bike helmets are required to meet the EN1078 safety standard, the same certification used for cycling, scooting and skateboarding. A CE mark on the helmet confirms it has been tested to this standard. Ventilation matters as much as certification for actual daily use: helmets with front, top and rear vents stay cooler on warm rides, which is the difference between a helmet a child wears without complaint and one that gets left at home.
When to Replace a Helmet
A helmet should be replaced after any real impact, even if no damage is visible, because the foam lining absorbs impact by crushing internally in ways that are not always visible from the outside. Outside of an impact, most manufacturers recommend replacing a child's helmet every few years as materials age, and sooner than that if your child has simply outgrown the size range.