Adjusting a Helmet

They make pads to go inside the helmets to keep them snug. For kids' skate helmets there are usually 2 sizes... thin ones and thick ones that go front, back, and top (to extend the life of the helmet so they can be worn as your head grows). If the thick pads are already in, then yes, it's too big. If it's moving fwd and back and INCH, it will only protect his head from projectiles, not from impact. Impact will cause a concussion from his head bouncing off the helmet. In order for it to absorb the impact, the head needs to be stationary in it.

The triangles go *around* the ears. Should NOT be just under (unless you want an ear crunched or lopped off).

It sounds to me... if you have to tighten the straps that small, and the helmet moving that you need to move down a size. But I would personally take him into the shop with you and have them fit it. It may be a really easy fix of just something done weird... or it may be the wrong size.

If I remember you said your son is spectrum. If so you cannot properly fit the helmet. If you make it tight enough he should flip a nut if he is anything like Andy.

We have already accepted good enough with his bike helmet. I figure it is better than nothing but if he has a fit it will be nothing, ya know?

you know what, I can't figure out the whole helmet thing either. It know how it's supposed to fit but can't get the dang things to do it. I'm going to try to google it, there might be a youtube video that would help.

Sounds like it might be too big. Then again, when you say it moves an inch is that with you YANKING it back and forth? Just have him shake his head in all directions. If it stays put that way, it's snug enough. If it shakes on his head, take it back and get the next size down (or try a different brand in the same size... my 6 year old wears an 8+ in one brand and a 14+ in another -he has dreadlocks so there's quite a bit extra in there- both fit snuggly).

HTH
T.

Does he take lessons? Ask his teacher or coach to check it (be sure the teacher is on board with wearing helmets too -- if the teacher pooh-poohs helmets, get a new teacher!). Alternatively, go to a bike shop (assuming here it's somewhat like a bike helmet) and ask them to check it for proper fit. If it's moving pretty freely an inch each way it's too loose. The people at the bike shop where we got my daughter's helmet insisted that the helmets if properly put on should not move.

Also do not let him do what kids tend to do -- and adults too -- which is loosen the straps and then push the front of the helmet back off his forehead so the helmet just perches on the crown of his head! Everyone does it and it's a huge NO. The helmet should come down over the forehead firmly, to about the middle of the forehead. This is so that if you go down face first, the helmet, not the forehead, is the first thing to make contact with the ice or pavement or whatever's in the way.