Abus Super Chilly kids helmet

Whatever your stance on the wearing of helmets by adults, I've not met many parents who don't put their kids in one. This makes sense for a number of reasons: kids fall off more, and when they do they're not likely to be going faster than the 12mph test limit for most lids. The helmets you could buy used to be fairly perfunctory affairs but they're getting better all the time, and the Super Chilly is a great example of what you can get for your money these days.

This lid has many features directly drawn from the adult Abus range. The shell is in-mouded into the EPS foam for maximum strength and durability, and it features 11 vents (with bug mesh at the front) and internal air channels for good ventilation when your progeny progress from the child seat to their own bike. There's a proper adjustment system at the rear which also features an integrated LED light which is a nice touch; it's not super bright but it's a good complement to a bike mounted rear light. There's also a good dose of reflective on the shell. The closure is a ratchet system which is much less likely to pinch sensitive young chins. Abus test all their helmets to the European EN1078 standard.

The design of the helmet is deeper than an adult lid to better protect tiny heads, and once fitted (there are two sizes available, and plenty of spare pads in the box, especially in the small size) it's very stable on the head and doesn't move about or slip down over the eyes. There's six designs to choose from so even the pickiest of juniors should find one to suit. £29.99 is a fair bit to spend on a child's helmet but the big range of adjustment should mean that it gets a good few years' use.

Verdict

Not a cheap kid's lid, but very well made with a host of good features