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Parenting

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Original poster

Does your DC wear a helmet to ride a scooter?

28 replies

ScramblyEgg · 20/04/2011 15:46

I've just bought DS, who's 2.5, his first scooter, a mini micro one. I wasn't planning on getting him a helmet, because scooting doesn't seem any more dangerous than other things he does without head protection, but now wondering whether I should.

What does everyone else do?

OP posts:

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lljkk · 20/04/2011 15:47

No.
I might consider it if we lived somewhere very hilly.

Bicnod · 20/04/2011 15:50

I was debating exactly the same thing. DS is getting a mini micro scooter for his 2nd birthday next week and I think I am going to get him to wear a helmet (he's already got one for going on the back of our bikes) - having seen the speed children go on those scooters I think he could do himself some damage if he took a tumble.

JemimaMop · 20/04/2011 15:50

Yes. My DC go just as fast on their scooters as their bikes, and can fall onto the edge of kerbs etc.

An 8 yr old friend of DS1's came off his scooter last summer and made a real mess of his face and head, had to be taken to hospital for stitches. If he had been wearing a helmet it would not have been nearly as bad.

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messybessie · 20/04/2011 16:32

Yes. DS1 is 5 and has worn one since he had it. He can go really fast.

But mainly, they have to get used to wearing one when they ride a bike so may as well start early.

House rule. No helmet, no wheels.

dickcheeseandthecrackers · 20/04/2011 16:36

No.

Shipscat · 20/04/2011 16:37

Yes, every time.

socialhandgrenade · 20/04/2011 16:41

Yes, on the advice of my sister who gave my DS 2.9 months a scooter for Christmas. She has worked as a physio in paediatric head injuries so I guess she probably knows what she's on about.

As my DS only walks with the scooter between his legs we do look pretty silly, but it's all about good habits I guess.

I like the "no helmet no wheels rule" BTW.

redstripeyelephant · 20/04/2011 17:01

Nope.... I guess it depends how much and where they use it. DD1 is 3 and only scoots to preschool along a pretty quiet road, or to the park, again a pretty quiet residential road, or around the park.

I ummmed and ahhed about whether to force the helmet issue, but I figure she doesn't go any faster than she does when she's running and she doesn't need a helmet for that! She is also very good with it, she knows to stop at roads, we always walk across the road, never scoot, and she knows to stop when I tell her and how to use her brake.

I'd say about half the kids round here wear them.

One thing, teach him to use the brake, I'm amazed at how many of DD's little friends don't know how to use it, a couple of parents I know didn't even realise there was a brake!

notanumber · 20/04/2011 17:03

There's a brake? Where?

redstripeyelephant · 20/04/2011 17:10

the orange thing at the back! At least it's orange on DD's scooter.

notanumber · 20/04/2011 17:23

Really? I thought that was a design thing. How does it work then?

redstripeyelephant · 20/04/2011 17:39

just stand on it! It makes a big difference when they can slow themselves down on a hill.

Finally, I get to pass on some useful knowledge on MN

cellini · 20/04/2011 17:48

definitely a yes! just today my DS 2.9 (got it for his 2nd birthday - best present ever!!) took such a tumble and i thought for the hundreth time "Thank God for for his helmet". the speeds they can reach are unbelievable! also, he started just walking his around but quickly progressed so be mindful. we also do the "no helmet no wheels" rule, works a treat. great present though!

TerrysNo2 · 20/04/2011 17:54

Yes, no way I would let him on it without (he is 2.5). Sets a good principal for bike riding etc.

AlaskaHQ · 20/04/2011 18:00

Yes, definitely.

DS 4 still falls occasionally on his, so definitely rule - no helmet, no scooter.

We used to live in the USA until last summer, where they are more strict over helmets so we may be a bit influenced by there (where 80-90% of kids would have a helmet for even the safest ride on trike).

MollieO · 20/04/2011 18:02

Yes. Ds actually insisted on wearing it when he got his scooter aged 4. Nearly 7 now and he won't go on it without a helmet.

asdx2 · 20/04/2011 18:08

Yes dd is 8 but has worn a helmet since she had her first scooter. It's automatic now, she puts it on every time she gets the scooter out.It has saved some nasty bumps over the years tbh.

rosie1979 · 20/04/2011 21:34

No. Although he has a helmet for going on back of my bike but it takes a lot of cajoling to get it on!

meditrina · 20/04/2011 21:40

No. But you might want to think about wrist protectors, as small tumbles sideways can lead to big problems (arms in plaster) if you land on an outstretched hand/arm. Rather more likely than a blow to the head.

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 20/04/2011 21:42

Yes - every time.

They soon learn to go pretty quick on them.

KeepCalmAndCarryOnMNing · 20/04/2011 21:46

DS has a mini micro and we have a no helmet, no scooting rule. Like others have said, we thought it would be a good habit to get into before he uses a bike.

He can go scarily fast on his scooter but isn't so good at steering or using the brake so as a result he's had a few falls and scraped knees!

TortoiseVEasterBunny · 20/04/2011 21:56

Mine used to wear helmets on scooters but they got to a point where they were questioning why they were the only ones with them on and i'm sure i remember asking this question on MN and mostly being told no, didn't need helmets on scooters!
Youngest is nearly 7 now so i don't worry about her falling off like i used to. They must wear a helmet on bikes and heelys though.

maxpower · 20/04/2011 22:01

no, but DD does wear one on her bike

lockets · 20/04/2011 22:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

domesticslattern · 20/04/2011 22:18

No my DD does not wear one. Very few kids round here do.
I would consider it if she were a bit speedier.

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