Helmets which meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation are safe. Helmets that meet these standards are labeled inside. Standards are not mandatory, so be sure to check for the label. Bicycle helmets are designed to protect riders in head-first falls at fairly high speeds. They are light weight and ventilated for comfort.
Bicycle helmets are the only kind of helmets made specifically for bicycling.
Other helmets might not provide the protection your children need. Essential to any good bike helmet is a thick layer of firm plastic foam that absorbs the impact of any blow. Hard shell helmets have a hard outer layer that keeps sharp objects from penetrating the helmet and holds the plastic together if the helmet cracks in a fall or crash. Soft shell helmets are made of an extra-thick plastic layer covered with cloth or a surface coating. Wear your helmet squarely on top of your head, covering the top of your forehead.