I know two families that have lost a child within this last week: one a teenager and one a tiny infant. Both equally heartbreaking stories; both making me want to give my boys an extra snuggle and say an extra prayer of thanks for my healthy kids. A child's death is always sad, but since becoming a parent I find it a thousand times more upsetting. Any time I hear about a child's death I shed tears for that child's parents. I think it is a universal hurt that is felt and understood by parents for parents when a child of any age dies. A hurt that only a parent can truly feel to the core.
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I try to shield my kids from injury (emotional or physical), illness and hardship every day, and yet despite this, I know that sometimes my best efforts are not enough. They will have bruised egos, scraped knees, miserable colds, or worse. So, why not take as many precautions as possible to prevent injury? One protective measure that is simple to enforce is to make sure your child (and you) wear a bike helmet every time he or she rides a bike. It is just as important to make sure the helmet fits properly because an ill fitting, old or damaged helmet may not prevent injury. Here are step by step instructions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for making sure your child's helmet (and yours) fits correctly. For additional information and graphics for each of the steps listed below, please go to the NHTSA Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov . |
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Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
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The Proper Helmet Fit
Helmets come in various sizes, just like hats. Size can vary between manufacturers. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) site: http://www.danscomp.com/products/charts/helmetchart.htm
To select and properly fit a bicycle helmet, follow the helmet fitting instructions below. It may take some time to ensure a proper fit.
Step 1 - Size:
Measure your head for approximate size. Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sitting flat on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn't rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; use the pads to securely fit to your head. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest comfort. In your child's helmet, remove the padding when your child's head grows. If the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the head.
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Step 2 - Position:
The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead—one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow. |
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Step 3 - Buckles:
Center the left buckle under the chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments. |
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Step 4 - Side Straps:
Adjust the slider on both straps to form a "V" shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the slider if possible. |
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Step 5 - Chin Strap:
Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap until it is snug, so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap. |
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Step 6 - Final Fitting:
- Does your helmet fit right? Open your mouth wide…big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head. If not, refer back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap.
- Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward.
Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again.
- Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, unbuckle, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again.
- Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.
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Today's Web site is the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute's site. If you have any questions on this subject, this is the place to go. I found it to be quite comprehensive. Check it out at www.bhsi.org.
One last note on the subject of bike helmets: I just happened to read our church's newsletter this week and noticed that there is a Blessing of the Bicycles in May for all types of bikes complete with bicycle and transportation vendors and a bike tour afterwards. I ran a quick Google search and found that many communities/churches are having a Blessing of the Bikes in the next month or two. This could be a fun experience for your family and one in which you can stress the importance of bike safety and helmets.
I will have some Motherly Advice for you on Friday. Next Monday's post is on texting while driving. Over and out…
This post is dedicated to Chase and Evan. Please give your kids a hug today and think of those who cannot do the same. Prayers go out to these families.
Anna
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