I see them on little kids at our local playground all the time—bicycle helmets that look like big bubbles, perched high on the crowns of the children’s heads. They look a little silly, but worse, they’re not fitted properly. Getting the right helmet fit is essential in case of an accident.

The front of the helmet should be level and no more than one or two finger widths above the brow. (See the video at right for more information.) The helmet should fit snugly, with the head partially compressing the soft foam pads inside, even before the straps are tightened. The straps should form a "V" under each ear, and the buckle should be centered under the chin, not to the side or along the jaw. The straps should be snug enough that the helmet is pulled down when the mouth is opened.

See our full bike helmet report, and check our bike helmet Ratings to learn which models held up in our tests.

—Artemis DiBenedetto