When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

7 Best Baby Safety Helmets of 2024

Updated
See our top picks for the best infant and toddler safety helmets.

Are you looking for something to protect your baby’s precious little noggin?

Baby helmets aren’t as easy to find as they should be — especially considering how guilty we moms feel when our little ones take a tumble and end up with a goose egg.

We’ll discuss the controversy around baby helmets and the potential risks associated with them.

And after spending many hours searching for the perfect helmet, we found a wide variety of options — with helmets to suit every situation. Read our reviews of the best baby safety helmets to protect your little one from falls and serious injuries wherever you go.

Our Top Picks

We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Simplicity Infant
Best for New Walkers
Simplicity Infant
  • Super soft and lightweight
  • Adjustable size
  • Has ventilation
Product Image of the Infant No Bumps
Best for Crawling
Infant No Bumps
  • Flexible
  • More comfortable
  • Affordable
Product Image of the ESupport Head Protector
Full Protection
ESupport Head Protector
  • Impact resistance to absorb blows
  • Washable and eco-friendly material
  • Good air permeability
Product Image of the Schwinn Infant Teddy Bear
Great for Baby Bikers
Schwinn Infant Teddy Bear
  • Can be used as bike helmet
  • Integrated visor for sun protection
  • CPSC approved
Product Image of the Thudguard Infant Protective
Cute And Comfortable
Thudguard Infant Protective
  • Ultra adjustable & lightweight
  • Endorsed by medical experts
  • Soft elastic adjustable chin strap
Product Image of the Beyonder Adjustable Helmet
Best Lightweight
Beyonder Adjustable Helmet
  • Comfortable with lightweight materials
  • Sweat resistant
  • For longer-term use
Product Image of the Huifen Infant Safety Headguard
For Outdoor Adventures
Huifen Infant Safety Headguard
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Several designs to choose from


The Best Infant Safety Helmets of 2024

Here are our favorite baby safety helmets on the market.

Simplicity Infant Safety Helmet

Best for Newbie Walkers

If your child is super active or just learning to crawl or walk, this helmet is a great protector. The super-lightweight material makes it easier for your baby to adjust to crawling because it won’t significantly weigh down their head.

It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use, so it can go wherever you go! The shock absorption and impact-resistant materials will have your baby well-protected for those upcoming bumps and bruises.

Pros

  • Non-toxic.
  • Super soft materials for comfort.
  • Adjustable size.
  • Has ventilation to help combat overheating.
  • Super lightweight.

Cons

  • May leave some imprints on the head when used for prolonged period.
  • It can be easy for some babies to pull off.

Our Ratings

Safety
4 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Adjustability
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

As a parent to an adventurous little one, this safety helmet has been a fantastic addition to our household. Personally, I've found it to be a great help in preventing bumps and bruises as my daughter began standing and walking. The helmet's design provides coverage while still allowing for ventilation, which is a nice feature. However, I did have some issues with the strap not staying in place and my child chewing on it. Despite these minor setbacks, this helmet has definitely contributed to my peace of mind as my little one continues to explore and learn new skills.

Simplicity Baby Infant No Bumps Safety Bonnet

Best for Crawling and Playing

This helmet is a little more flexible than others on the market. It still offers a great deal of protection, but it doesn’t cover the head entirely.

A parent who is just looking for a little extra protection will love the flexibility and appreciate the more open design.

It resembles a hat more than a helmet, so it’s likely much more comfortable for your baby. This is a great alternative if you’re worried they may struggle to get accustomed to a fuller helmet.

It will fit a head circumference of 18 to 23 inches, so it can’t quite grow with your baby as long as some other helmets. The benefit is that your baby will hopefully become more stable and less likely to fall, thus needing less coverage anyway.

This won’t stop your baby from becoming upset about falls, but it will help protect them from physical harm.

Pros

  • Flexible.
  • More comfortable because it’s more like a hat.
  • Affordable.
  • It comes in over 20 print options.

Cons

  • Won’t grow with your baby as long as some other brands.
  • The string ties are a bit of a hassle.

Our Ratings

Safety
3.5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Adjustability
3 / 5
Material Quality
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this safety helmet has been a fantastic addition to my daughter's learning journey as she started standing and walking. The adjustable design and open sections for ventilation made it comfortable for her to wear, and it effectively protected her head from any bumps and falls. Despite some minor issues with the strap, like my daughter occasionally chewing on it, the overall benefits of this helmet far outweighed the drawbacks.

ESupport Adjustable Baby Head Protector for Infants

Full Protection for Babies

This helmet is great for babies 8 months or older, and it’s adjustable, so it’ll grow with your child up until 36 months.

If you’re looking for something that provides all-around head coverage, this is a perfect choice. With its strong shock absorption, your baby’s head will have solid 360-degree protection.

An adjustable chin strap allows you to control just how snugly you want the helmet to fit.

Pros

  • Impact resistance to absorb blows to the head.
  • Made with environment-friendly materials.
  • Good air permeability helps prevent your baby from overheating.
  • Practial and easy to wear design.
  • Machine-washable materials make it easy to clean.

Cons

  • It takes time for your baby to become adjusted to it.
  • Too soft to use as a bicycle helmet.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Adjustability
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Love this helmet for my little ones who are learning to walk and crawl. The adjustable sizing and soft yet sturdy padding on the inside have given me peace of mind, especially with my daughter who's just starting to stand. I've seen my kids take several tumbles, and this helmet has definitely saved them from potential injuries. However, I do wish the design offered better protection for the front of the forehead. The helmet is lightweight and my kids don't seem to mind wearing it, which is a huge plus.

Schwinn Teddy Bear Infant Safety Helmet

Great for Baby Bikers

This helmet is perfect for parents who want to protect their babies and keep them looking fashionable on bike rides.

There are several cute designs to choose from, including a teddy bear, dino, unicorn, and fireman hat. Most baby helmets are composed of foam, but this plastic option was made to endure harder impacts and is much more durable.

Strap this on for bike riding or day-to-day activities. It’s heavier than other protective helmets, so it’s best for older babies.

Some parents prefer this because it looks more like a typical helmet rather than one designed simply for walking or crawling. If you’re worried about people judging you, you may feel more confident using this helmet.

You can use the Schwinn helmet until your child is 3 years old. It has 360-degree adjustability, so you can fit it for comfort.

Not only will your little one be well protected, but the fun design may make your little one more likely to want to wear it.

Pros

  • Extra protection in the back of the head.
  • Can be used as a bike helmet.
  • Integrated visor for sun protection.
  • Ten airflow vents to keep the head cool.
  • CPSC approved.

Cons

  • Heavier than simple safety helmets.
  • Some parents felt it did not have enough ventilation.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Comfort
3.5 / 5
Adjustability
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This adjustable helmet is perfect for babies who usually don't want anything on their heads, thanks to the strap in the back. I found it easy to adjust, ensuring a great fit for my 18-month-old, and it should last for a year or two. The design is super cute, and my grandson loves it so much he won't take it off. However, it's important to note that this helmet may not fit all toddlers, as a 2.5-year-old with a 19.5" head circumference couldn't wear the firetruck helmet. Additionally, the headpiece inside fell out shortly after purchasing, so durability might be a concern.

Thudguard Protective Infant Safety Helmet

Cute and Comfortable

The Thudguard safety helmet is composed of lightweight foam that doesn’t put pressure on developing neck muscles.

Though the material is super lightweight, it can still provide 360-degree coverage, all while incorporating excellent ventilation.

The foam is half an inch thick and has been tested to ensure that it can absorb the impact of bumps and thuds.

You can feel confident in the protection you’re giving your baby with this medically endorsed product.

The stretchy circumference band allows the helmet to grow with your child until the age of 3. It’s a one-size-fits-all design, so there’s no need to worry about finding the appropriate starting size.

If you’re a parent looking to protect your baby from potential head injuries, the Thudguard is a fantastic and comfortable choice for your baby.

Pros

  • Adjustable one-size-fits-all design.
  • It is endorsed by emergency and medical experts.
  • Adjustable soft elastic chin strap.
  • Composed of lightweight materials.

Cons

  • This is a bit pricier than other helmets on the market.
  • There’s no attachable visor to protect against face damage from falls.
  • Cannot be used for bike riding.

Our Ratings

Safety
4 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Adjustability
5 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

For active little ones learning to navigate their surroundings, this helmet offers much-needed protection and peace of mind. The lightweight design ensures it doesn't strain their neck, while the adjustable Velcro straps make it easy to secure. One downside is that extended wear can lead to a sweaty forehead, as there is limited ventilation at the front of the helmet. Despite this, the helmet is a valuable investment for parents seeking to safeguard their adventurous infants as they explore the world around them.

Beyonder Adjustable Infant Helmet

Like Bubble Wrap for Baby's Head

If you’re looking for a soft, comfy, breathable helmet to protect your baby, you may fall in love with this option.

The lightweight and sweat absorbent material keeps your baby comfortable at any temperature.

There’s a wide variety of designs for both boys and girls, and the fit is more like a hat than a helmet. It fastens with a string you can tie under your baby’s chin.

The helmet circumference adjusts using a velcro strap, so it grows with your baby from a head circumference of 17.1 to 23.6 inches.

This is great for protection against the inevitable bumps and bruises, but it doesn’t offer 360-degree protection like other helmets.

If your baby is beginning to crawl or starting to stand up and toddle, or if they’re a little on the wild side, you may want to seek a 360-degree option instead.

Pros

  • Lightweight materials.
  • Comfortable and not as constricting as other helmets.
  • Sweat-resistant fabrics.
  • Can grow with your baby for longer-term use.

Cons

  • Uses a tied string under the chin to keep it in place — which some children will be able to untie.
  • Lacks 360-degree protection.

Our Ratings

Safety
3.5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Adjustability
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this baby helmet has been a fantastic addition to our household, especially during the early walking stage. It provided good protection for my little one's head while keeping them comfortable, even on hot days, thanks to the partially uncovered top and adjustable tie. While the helmet could benefit from an adjustable velcro strap, it still effectively saved my baby from many bumps and bruises, making those early walking days less stressful for both of us.

Huifen Baby Protective Harnesses Cap

For Outdoor Adventures

This cute helmet will provide protection and cushioning for your baby’s developing head as they learn to crawl and walk.

It’s suitable for ages 2 to 60 months of age because it can be adjusted using the Velcro strap. There’s also an adjustable chin strap to ensure it stays in place.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and sweat-resistant option, this provides you with both.

It offers 360-degree head coverage, but it also has openings that allow your baby’s head to receive significant airflow.

This might be a good choice if you plan on spending time with your little one outside because the airflow will prevent overheating, and the cushion will protect the head from outside falls.

Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Has significant airflow.
  • Can adjust to fit your baby’s developing head.

Cons

  • Clever babies can learn to remove it.

Our Ratings

Safety
4 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Adjustability
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this head protector has been mostly positive as it helped prevent more severe injuries when my 1-year-old banged his head on the wall. The softness and adjustability of the helmet make it suitable for babies learning to sit up or crawl. However, my child's head does get sweaty quickly while wearing it, and he can easily take it off himself, limiting its use. Additionally, the chin strap could be improved with overlapping velcro for ease of use and to avoid potential harm if a baby pulls on it.

What Is a Baby Safety Helmet?

This device fits on your baby’s head to help protect against injury when learning how to crawl, stand, and eventually walk.

There are different kinds of baby helmets, but most of them are thickly padded and secure under the chin.

Do Crawling Babies Need Helmets?

Some parents choose to use a safety helmet once their baby becomes mobile. It’s a great way to avoid all those extra lumps and bruises, but it can also interfere with your child’s learning experience.

If they have the occasional accidental bump, it might be best to let them live and learn. We can’t hold our baby’s hands forever, and they need to learn for themselves. They’ll be pulling out of the driveway before we know it!

Some babies seem to be magnets for destruction, though. If your baby falls into that category, then by all means, consider a helmet.

Or maybe a helmet is a good option for use at a relative’s house that hasn’t been completely babyproofed.

Potential Risks Associated with Helmets

Baby safety helmets were designed to increase your baby’s safety, but they can have the opposite effect.

The helmet will do its job in protecting the head, but your baby may not learn anything from their dangerous actions.

Your baby needs to explore their environment freely, and sometimes that means learning what they can and cannot do. Many babies will quickly associate certain actions with pain and stop doing them.

Keep In Mind

If your baby is always wearing a safety helmet, the pain will not be as intense, so they won’t create a strong pain connection. Some babies, however, take a very long time to make this connection, so a helmet can be worthwhile.

Although baby helmets are generally pretty lightweight devices, they still add weight to your baby’s head. This extra weight can throw off your baby’s sense of balance, causing them to take more tumbles than they would without the helmet.

The best thing you can do is try to limit the amount of time your baby wears a helmet in a controlled environment, and maybe use it more when outside or in public areas.


Baby Helmet Controversy

It seems as if someone always has an opinion on someone else’s parenting. And there’s a lot of controversy regarding baby safety helmets.

Many people believe they’re unnecessary and can cause children to become more dependent and sheltered.

We expect babies and toddlers to be clumsy and to have many more accidents and falls than at any other time in their lives. Many parents believe this is a time full of discovery that shouldn’t be interrupted by the use of helmets.

The majority of the people on this planet didn’t wear a baby safety helmet, but that doesn’t mean your baby can’t.

The Choice Is Yours

At the end of the day, the judgment is yours to make, and you need to decide what’s best for your baby.

FAQs

What Age Should a Baby Wear a Safety Helmet?

Usually, babies can start wearing safety helmets when they start to crawl or walk and are at risk of bumps and falls.

How Long Should a Baby Wear a Safety Helmet During the Day?

Babies should only wear safety helmets during active play or when they’re in environments with fall risks.

What Are Helmet Alternatives for Babies?

Playpens, baby gates, and padded playmats are great alternatives to safety helmets and can help prevent injuries.

Which Baby Safety Helmet Is Best?

The best helmet is one that fits snugly, is made of breathable material, and meets safety standards. ESUPPORT has a great helmet for all-around safety.


The Bottom Line

Our top pick for the best baby safety helmet is the Simplicity Infant Safety Helmet. We love that it’s so lightweight and that it can grow along with your child.

Many parents will approve of the protection and comfort this helmet provides and enjoy that it is safe for indoor and outdoor use.

Babies will take many tumbles as they adjust to the world around them, and using a helmet for added security is a great way to ease any anxiety parents might have.

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.