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Kids, Safety and Ski Helmets: Some Questions and Answers

October 15, 2012 by braveskimom

boys in ski helmets buttermilk coloradobrave ski mom logoIf you’ve read The Brave Ski Mom for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that our entire family wears helmets: ski helmets, bike helmets, hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets and helmets when skateboarding. If we climbed, we’d wear helmets then, too. We LOVE helmets.

It wasn’t always this way. My husband and I didn’t wear ski helmets until we had children. But once we helmeted up, we’ve never looked back. I am so used to my helmet that I feel naked without it (I feel this way about my bike helmet and seatbelts, too). I hope, and pray, my kids feel this way, too.

Before we go on, if a child in your life needs a new ski or snowboarding helmet, scroll down to the bottom of this post and leave a comment to win a Junior Helmet from Giro and Ski N’ See ski shops! 

Some Questions and Answers About Ski Helmets

Do Ski Helmets Help Prevent Head Injury?

Yes. Research conducted over the past 20 years shows that children under age 15 are more likely to suffer a head injury while skiing or snowboarding than any other age group. For kids in this group, a helmet can can prevent or reduce the severity of the injury by 53%. The same studies, cited by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, show a 44% prevention and reduction in injury amongst adults.

Similar results came from Swedish study that predicted a 50% reduction in head injuries sustained while skiing and riding with helmet use.  (Source: MomsTeam)

ski helmets timberline mount hood oregon
Helmets. Not just for racers — for all kids!

Do Ski Helmets Prevent Concussions?

No. According to The Concussion Blog, ski helmets do a good job of preventing skull fractures, but they do not prevent concussions.

One statistic that I’ve heard, but have been unable to find anywhere, is that a helmet will help prevent a concussion resulting from impacts up to 13 mph. Over 13 mph, a concussion can still occur.

13 mph is not a super-fast speed. Still, I like having something between our heads and the ground and good, solid, well-made ski helmets are the something I choose.

Also, if you, or your child, do sustain a concussion, take Lindsey Vonn’s lead and don’t ski until you are cleared by your doctor.

youth hockey helmetWhich Sports Cause the Most Concussions in Kids?

Football and hockey. Yes, football and hockey cause the most concussions among young athletes engaged in team sports. But before you get complacent, snow skiing, bicycling and playgrounds account for the most concussions from individual activities. Interestingly, about one-half of concussions in children ages 8-19 are sports related, with 40% of these concussions occurring in kids ages 8-13.

Girls are also more likely to sustain concussions than boys. According to pediatric sports injury specialist Mark E. Halstead, MD, of Children’s Hospital St. Louis, “In my experience, girls also tend to be more aggressive in their sports than guys.” (Source: WebMD) You go, girls! But, when appropriate, wear a helmet.

Can Helmets Hurt a Child’s Spine or Neck?

No. Kids have a greater head to body weight ratio, which has raised questions about whether or not a helmet can be harmful to young spines, especially to the cervical vertebrae.

According to another article at MomsTeam, research shows no evidence of an increased risk of spine or neck injury from ski helmets.  Your child will not become a bobble-head.

Do Helmets Reduce a Child’s Ability to See or Hear?

No. The article referenced above also puts to rest any concern about children having impaired hearing, or a reduced field of vision, from ski helmets. While ski goggles have been shown to lengthen visual reaction time slightly, helmets alone, do not.

Who Wears Helmets?

Smart, Skilled Skiers and Riders. Here’s a fun fact to have on hand if you have a child who resists wearing a ski helmet. A study by the British Medical Journal found that “more skilled skiers and snowboarders” are likely to wear helmets than their less skilled counterparts.

Clearly, if you want to show your stease, a helmet is a necessary accessory.

ski sticker helmet

How Can We Prevent Head Injuries from Snowsports?

Avoid Accidents. The best way to prevent a head injury from skiing or snowboarding is to avoid accidents. Hitting the ground is the leading cause of snowsports-related injury (74% as compared to 10-13% from hitting trees, people or other stationary objects).

Here are some common-sense tips for avoiding all injuries on snow.

  • national ski areas association know the code
    Image courtesy National Ski Areas Assocation.

    Choose the right equipment. Make sure that your boots and bindings fit and work properly.

  • Learn to ski or snowboard correctly. Take lessons. Don’t ski or snowboard beyond your ability.
  • Know The Code. Always ski or snowboard in control and don’t take unnecessary risks.
  • Never ski or snowboard alone.
  • Wear a helmet.

lids on kids logoFor more information on helmets and safety, including tips for fitting kids’ helmets and interactive games for kids, please visit LidsOnKids.org.

Ski N’ See Junior Helmet Giveaway

For the third year running, Utah’s Ski N’ See ski shops are sponsoring a Junior Helmet Giveaway for readers of Brave Ski Mom! Ski N’ See is committed to fun and safety for all skiers and snowboarders and are proud to promote helmet use.

This year, one winner will have their choice of a Junior Boys or Junior Girls Slingshot Helmet from Giro. To enter, simply leave a comment below. To double your chances, “like” Ski N’ See on Facebook and let me know that you did. One winner will be chosen by random drawing on Thursday, November 1 at 8:00 a.m. MDT.

junior girls giro slingshot helmet ski 'n See utah
Junior Girls Giro Slingshot Helmet . Photo Courtesy Ski ‘N See.
ski n see utah boys junior giro slingshot helmet
Giro Slingshot Helmet for Junior Boys. Photo courtesy Ski ‘N See.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck! 

Related Posts: 

  • Of  Course, You Should Put A Lid On Your Kid, November 18, 2010. (Helmet fitting tips)
  • Ski Helmets: Should Kids Have a Choice? October 17, 2011.

Thank you so much to Ski N’ See for sponsoring this Junior Helmet Giveaway. Ski N’ See is our go-to ski shop in Utah for demo skis, discount lift tickets for many Utah resorts and a great selection of gear. You can find their online store at Utahskis.com. 

As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends. 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Richard!

© 2012 – 2020, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.

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Filed Under: Equipment and Gear, Skiing With Kids Tagged With: Family Skiing, gear, giveaway, ski, ski equipment, skiing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim says

    October 15, 2012 at 6:28 am

    We need to buy 3 new helmets this year! Hope I can win one of them! Thanks!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:32 am

      Yes, I’m sure winnning one would be a big help! Good luck!

  2. Alyssa Erickson says

    October 15, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Liked them on FB! We need another helmet now that our youngest has moved into the skier ranks!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:33 am

      So important to have helmets on little ones (every one?)! Thanks for supporting Ski N’ See on Facebook! You’re entered twice.

  3. shawna says

    October 15, 2012 at 8:20 am

    Great Post!!! I liked them on FB. I’m going to share this on FB. Our youngest is 3 and we almost have our whole family on the slopes now. I have a feeling winters will be different from here on out!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:35 am

      Your winters will be awesome! Thank you so much for liking Ski N’ See and sharing this post! You’re entered twice. Cheers!

  4. Amelia says

    October 15, 2012 at 9:13 am

    GREAT tips. Thank you! Helmets are a MUST for us too – would love to outfit family member #4 for the slopes this year! 🙂

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:35 am

      So exciting to get everyone on snow! Good luck!

  5. Amelia says

    October 15, 2012 at 9:13 am

    I like them on FB! 🙂

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:36 am

      You’re entered twice! Thanks!

  6. Vivien Van Leeuwen says

    October 15, 2012 at 9:38 am

    With a new skier on the house this year I’d love to win this for him! We never let our kiddos on the slopes without a helmet!!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 9:46 am

      Another new skier! How exciting! Good luck!

  7. Vivien Van Leeuwen says

    October 15, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    oh and I like Ski n See on FB! how can you not – they’re AWESOME!! they’re our favorite rental shop in the SL area!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 12:38 pm

      You are in twice and I agree! I love visiting Ski N’ See when we’re in SLC!

  8. Maria says

    October 15, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    I just found this site… looking forward to exploring it further…

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 12:38 pm

      Thanks for visiting! I hope you find lots of great and useful information! If you want stickers, just let me know. They’re free!

  9. Sarah Kamstra says

    October 15, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Our son will be new to skiing this winter too – will definitely get him a helmet regardless but would of course love to win this one!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      You’re off on a new adventure! Good luck!

  10. Christi says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    Kids grow too quickly. Would love to get a new helmet for my almost 8 year old son!

    • braveskimom says

      October 15, 2012 at 2:32 pm

      Way too fast! I tried bricks on their heads, but it didn’t work. Soon, I’ll be the shortest in the family! Good luck!

  11. Erica (Cragmama) says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    I’m a huge proponent of helmets in the climbing world, it’s nice to see my “snowy” counterparts doing the same! 🙂

    • braveskimom says

      October 16, 2012 at 6:46 am

      Thanks Erica! Like I said, if climbed, we’d wear helmets, too!

  12. Monique says

    October 15, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    LOVE the brave ski mom blog! SO fantastic you do this every year! THANK YOU!!

    • Monique says

      October 15, 2012 at 8:49 pm

      and P.S. Of course I “liked” Ski n See, and shared, too! 🙂

      • braveskimom says

        October 16, 2012 at 6:47 am

        You’re entered two times. Thanks!

    • braveskimom says

      October 16, 2012 at 6:47 am

      Thank you Monique! I appreciate the kind words.

  13. Skia says

    October 15, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    Your post is helpful.Were planning to go to Japan.Skiing is one of the adventures we want to do there.I like the tips you shared.I’ll keep those in mind.It is always best to ensure the safety of my family specially my four year old daughter.I highly recommend those helmets.

    • braveskimom says

      October 16, 2012 at 6:48 am

      Agreed. Hope you have fun in Japan! Cheers.

  14. Christy says

    October 16, 2012 at 9:55 am

    Great information! Thanks so much.

    • braveskimom says

      October 16, 2012 at 10:27 am

      I hope you have a great ski season! Thanks!

  15. Michelle C says

    October 16, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    I liked them on Facebook! We’re in the market for a new a ski helmet this year, so it would be great to win one!

    • braveskimom says

      October 16, 2012 at 4:01 pm

      Good luck to you! I’ve got you entered twice! Thanks for supporting Ski N’ See!

  16. Danna says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:45 am

    Could use a new one for sure!

  17. Terri says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Our whole family wears helmets. The three year old became an independent skier last year! She’d love a cool helmet to show to her older brother and sister.

    • braveskimom says

      October 17, 2012 at 5:14 pm

      So exciting for your family! Good luck!

  18. Melanie stern says

    October 19, 2012 at 4:30 am

    Well done. You have addressed many of the questions surrounding helmets.

    • braveskimom says

      October 19, 2012 at 7:29 am

      Thanks Melanie!

  19. Jim B says

    October 19, 2012 at 7:12 am

    Very good, calm, and reasoned conversation about ski helmets and snowboard helmets. It’s hard to find careful conversations about this subject – I really appreciate your approach. Thanks!

    • braveskimom says

      October 19, 2012 at 7:29 am

      Thanks Jim! I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinion. Cheers!

  20. Jamie Martin says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    Thanks for making it easy for me to understand that our kids need lids, too!

    I’m already a fan on Facebook – Jamie Leigh Martin.

    • braveskimom says

      October 21, 2012 at 11:37 am

      Thank you Jamie! Good luck!

  21. Richard says

    October 22, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    With our first hitting the slopes this year, this is just what we need. Many thanks, Brave Ski Mom!

    • braveskimom says

      October 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm

      Excellent! Glad to hear you’re getting a helmet for your little one!

      Cheers!

  22. Ashley says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    My daughters helmet just broke, so this would be awesome!

    • braveskimom says

      October 23, 2012 at 5:20 pm

      Sounds like she definitely needs a new one! Good luck!

  23. SoCal Ski Mom says

    October 24, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    So excited that the season is near! Thanks for all your research.

    • braveskimom says

      October 25, 2012 at 6:15 am

      You’re welcome! Thanks for reading and commenting! Good luck!

  24. Joe Myers says

    October 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Charlie starts skiing this year!

    • braveskimom says

      October 27, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      Then Charlie needs a helmet! Thanks!

Trackbacks

  1. To Wear or Not to Wear a Helmet | Ski Peace says:
    October 18, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    […] reading my Twitter feed yesterday I came across @BraveSkiMom‘s post about Kids Safety and Ski Helmets.  It made me think of our family’s own practice.  Prior to having children my husband and I […]

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I'm Kristen, a western Colorado mom, wife and trail boss in a busy outdoor family. Our family has a passion for skiing and my goal is to provide information to help other families enjoy their skiing adventures. Whether you have tiny toddlers just learning to slide or grown children with whom you're planning a reunion, you're in the right place. Cheers!

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