I’m going to break it down for you why it’s critical to nail the sizing when it comes to kids’ football helmets. Sure, they might look tough in all that gear, but the truth is, a poorly fitted helmet can be a recipe for disaster. Without a snug and comfortable fit, a helmet won’t provide the level of protection it’s designed to. That’s not just about preventing concussions; it’s about protecting against a whole range of head and neck injuries.
You’re going to find out about g-force, impact absorption, and the technical side of how helmets protect young athletes, but the bottom line is this: If that helmet isn’t fitting like a glove, it’s not doing its job. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about reducing the risk of serious injury.
I’m here to help you with sizing up the situation—quite literally. But remember, choosing the right helmet is only the first step. You’ll also need to ensure it fits perfectly, and that’s where a bit of know-how comes in handy.
If you want to get it right—and I know you do—stick around. The next section is going to show you exactly how to measure your child’s head to find that Goldilocks fit. It’s not as daunting as it might sound, and I’ll walk you through it step by step.
Step 1: Measure Your Child’s Head:
- Use a flexible measuring tape: Wrap it around the widest part of your child’s head, approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows and just above the ears.
- Take the measurement in inches: Note down the measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch. If the measurement falls between sizes, round up to the next size.
Step 2: Consult a Sizing Chart:
Here’s a general sizing chart based on head circumference, but always refer to the specific manufacturer’s chart for your chosen helmet model:
| Head Circumference (inches) | Helmet Size |
|---|---|
| 18.0 – 18.75 | Youth Small |
| 18.75 – 19.5 | Youth Medium |
| 19.5 – 20.25 | Youth Large |
| 20.25 – 21.0 | Youth X-Large |
| 21.0 – 21.75 | Youth 2XL |
Step 3: Try on the Helmet:
- Have your child put on the helmet without the chin strap fastened.
- The helmet should fit snugly but comfortably. It shouldn’t move easily from side to side or front to back.
- Check the fit around the forehead. The front padding should touch the forehead without gaps, and the brow pad shouldn’t dig into the skin.
- Check the fit around the ears. The ear holes should be centered over the ears.
- Fasten the chin strap. It should be snug enough to keep the helmet in place but not too tight to be uncomfortable.
- Ask your child to move their head around. The helmet shouldn’t pinch or rub anywhere.
Additional Tips:
- Take your child to a qualified sporting goods store: They can help measure your child’s head and ensure a proper fit.
- Never buy a used helmet: Helmets can lose their protective abilities over time, and used helmets may have hidden damage.
- Replace the helmet every 3-5 years: Helmets can wear out over time, even with proper care.
- Inspect the helmet regularly: Look for cracks, loose rivets, or other signs of damage.
Remember: A properly fitted helmet is essential for your child’s safety. If you’re unsure about the fit, always act on the side of caution and choose a smaller size or consult a professional.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Riddell Youth Helmet Fitting Guide: https://assets.usafootball.com/documents/heads-up-football/riddell-youth-helmet-fitting-guide.pdf
- Schutt Size Charts: https://www.teamexpress.com/vendor-size-chart-schutt
- Xenith: https://xenith.com/explore/helmet-fitting-guide
- VICIS: https://assets.website-files.com/5ca63a577e34be9739e12d0f/5dc4eba425b17149de5420f8_ZERO1YOUTH_2019_Manual.pdf
- How To Buy a Football Helmet: Sizing Chart, Fitting & More: https://www.academy.com/c/sports/football/helmets-football
I hope this information helps you find the perfect fitting helmet for your child!
Hey thank you for this post!
Posts like these are essential to raise awareness about safety everywhere including sports. Made important to a greater extent when involving children.
I really appreciate you going above and beyond to include step by step instructions as well as tips, it really makes it much easier to select the correct protective equipment.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Thanks a lot, really appreciate your thoughts!
I really appreciate that you’re pointing out something this important! I feel like so many people neglect to ensure that helmets fit properly and are undamaged, and that goes for other activities as well, like bike riding.
People seem to think it’s not important because nothing has happened yet, but I personally think that’s quite a foolish way to look at things, especially when we’re talking about the safety of a child.
Even though it seems obvious now, the risks of using a second-hand helmet never really occurred to me, so thanks for mentioning that.
Thanks again for sharing this important information!
I completely agree. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with little ones. I’m glad I could help raise awareness!
Hi Henry, super helpful article on the correct way to size these helmets. Thank you for these tips. As I haven’t grown up in the USA this is something I haven’t had knowledge of and have needed to find the right way to get the correct sizing, this isn’t something you want to get wrong as with any helmet for sports.
Thanks again for these helpful tips Henry, from someone who needed them!
I’m glad you found the article helpful! It’s important to ensure a proper fit for both safety and comfort, regardless of location. It’s fantastic that you’re taking the time to get it right, as you mentioned.
If you have any further questions about sizing or other aspects of youth football helmets, feel free to ask! We’re always happy to help.