Baby + Bike + Helmet are words that do not belong in the same
sentence, or at least not in my world. When you think how rough
the roads are these days and the jarring that takes place on a
bike, in a front or rear carrier or even in a tow along trailer
it is hard to think that this is suitable for the smallest of
children.
Up to a year old, a baby's neck muscles are barely even strong
enough to support the weight of their own head let alone the idea
of supporting the weight of an infant bicycle helmet! All the
pediatricians that I have talked to would never under any circumstances
recommend a bicycle as a suitable mode of transportation for any
child under the age of one.
Thus you'll not find any of the more reputable bike helmet manufacturer's
like Bell or Giro jumping on the band wagon to produce an infant
helmet for such a young baby. In fact in many states in the United
States and other areas around the globe, laws have been put into
place to prohibit children under the age of one to be on a bicycle,
with or without a helmet. A Cute Dora the explorer baby bike helmet
may make a fashion statement but should not be perceived as a
be-all safety net.
Shaking baby syndrome is something that we have all read about
and certainly viewed as part of the typical cops and robbers theme
on television. Its real! Do you think the end result of a long
bike ride down a bumpy side trail is going to result in anything
different on the x-rays then the horror stories of "shaken baby"
abuse .. the motivation is certainly very different, but the physiology
is the same. It doesn't make sense to stop drinking, eat healthy
and reduce caffeine to produce this wonderful healthy baby just
to abuse it with your bicycle passion!
Thus I hope I have worked effectively on the fear tactic and
you'll take up hiking for a season or make a connection with a
loving baby sitter and wait a year or two to convert your young
toddler into a safe cyclist. An infant bike helmet should NOT
be on your shower list!
Key Manufacturers of Quality Bicycle
Helmets:
Bell Bicycle Helmets
Giro Bicycle Helmets
More Information:
Bike Helmet:
Essentials of a Great Bicycle Helmet
Consumer Reports Best Buy Review 2007
Regulations for a Kids Bicycle Helmet (under 5)
