Introduction
Safety should always be the top priority when kids are enjoying outdoor activities. Accidents can happen quickly, whether riding bikes, zooming around on scooters, skateboarding down sidewalks, or playing at the park. As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to minimize risks by equipping children with proper safety gear.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 essential types of safety equipment for kids of all ages. From helmets and pads to accessories tailored for specific sports, having the right gear helps kids feel confident exploring their physical abilities while protecting them properly. We’ve researched top brands and dug into customer reviews to identify options that balance safety, comfort, and fun.
As kids grow and develop, their play gets more active and adventurous. Whether exploring the outdoors, playing team sports, or learning new hobbies, they must have the proper safety gear to protect them from potential injuries.
However, with so many products on the market, it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to determine what gear best suits different activities and ages. This guide outlines the top 15 recommendations for essential safety gear that will keep kids protected as they learn and grow through active play.
Top 15 Safety Gear for Kids
From helmets and pads to gloves and flotation devices, these options are tested and effective at cushioning impacts from falls, crashes, and slips while allowing free range of motion. Read on to find the best solutions for keeping young athletes and explorers safe as their skills progress.
Helmets
This adjustable helmet meets U.S. CPSC safety standards and features an innovative ComforTEKTM liner for ventilation and comfort. Its sleek design will appeal to older kids.
Bern Macon 2.0 Helmet
Price ranges from $75.18 – to $80.00
- Pros: It meets safety standards, has a comfortable liner, an adjustable fit, and a breathable design.
- The Bern Macon II is an award-winning bike helmet made of durable ABS material with 22 large vents for airflow. Its ComforTEK fit system uses soft internal material to conform to a rider’s head for a customizable fit that gets more comfortable over time.
Lightweight with a vented design, this skate-style helmet offers dual certification for biking and board sports. Bonus points for its stylish graphics.
Ouwuer Multisport Kids / Youth Helmet
Price ranges from $30.99 – $32.99
- Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, dual certification, colorful designs.
- Cons: Runs small, so size up.
- The Ouwuer helmet is certified for biking and skateboarding with its multi-impact safety shell, adjustable straps, and rear venting. It comes in various designs that suit personal styles while protecting heads well.
For toddlers just finding their balance, this kid-friendly helmet boasts easy adjustability and extra coverage for little heads.
BELL Sidetrack II Youth Bike Helmet
Price ranges from $44.83 – $44.84
- Pros: Affordable, adjustable fit for toddlers, ample coverage.
- Cons: Basic safety features only.
- Designed especially for little riders still finding their balance, this Bell helmet has extra protective coverage above the ears and soft internal padding. Its adjustable fit ring and buckle closure adapt as toddlers grow, ensuring a safe fit on early bike rides.
Knee Pads
Made for skaters, these flexible pads are reinforced in high-impact zones without restricting movement. They come in fun colors kids will love.
187 Killer Pads Youth Knee & Elbow Pad set
Price ranges from $55.47 – $66.82
- Pros: Reinforced pads, flexible, colorful designs, affordability.
- Cons: Run small, limited-size options.
- These durable knee and elbow pads from 187 Killer feature breathable neoprene backs with injected EVA foam pucks over joints. They come in a pack of two to keep young boarders and bikers protected during tricks practice or trail rides.
Breathable neoprene construction, flexible joints, and padded protection make these multi-sport pads comfortable for active play.
Wemfg Kids Protective Gear Set Knee Pads for Kids
$16.89 on Amazon
- Pros: Comfortable neoprene, flexible joints, multi-sport use.
- Cons: Sizing runs large, with limited color/graphics.
- With padded foam and flexible neoprene construction, the Wemfg Kids Protective Gear Set is ideal for various outdoor activities. Their low-profile design doesn’t restrict bike, board, or playground movement.
Soft padding in these pads absorbs shock without bulk. They feature quick-clip closures for secure yet convenient on-off.
Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads
Price ranges from $18.20 – $35.00
- Pros: Soft padding, lightweight, quick-clip closure.
- Cons: Minimal impact protection.
- Featuring plush cushioning made of dense closed-cell EVA foam, these Pro-Tec pads absorb shock without bulk. A breathable neoprene outer shell keeps the padding in place securely and conveniently during play.
Elbow Pads
Perfect for skateboarding, these double-layered pads withstand repeated impacts. Straps secure them tightly without irritating them.
JBM Adult & Knee Pads Elbow Pads
$19.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Double-layer protection, secure straps, perfect for skating
- Cons: Limited color/size options
- With durable PVC shells and injected EVA foam cores, these JBM pads absorb impacts from repeated slams. Hook-and-loop closures tighten them securely without restricting arm motion on the board.
Comfortable elbow pads are discreetly stashed in the padding-equipped shorts for all-day protection during outdoor play.
BOSONER Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads Guards Protective Gear
$29.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Comfortable padding, discreet storage, all-day protection
- Cons: Shorts required for pads
- Featuring Coolmax-lined pad pockets, these multi-sport gear discreetly hold elbow and knee pads to protect joints even after impacts occur during running, biking, and play.
Soft EVA foam in a low-profile design keeps elbows safe in a natural range of motion for rides, runs, and more.
Simply Kids Knee and Elbow Pads
$31.45 on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight, low-profile design, breathable mesh, flexibility
- Cons: Minimal padding thickness
- Soft EVA foam and mesh ventilation in these mini elbow pads conform naturally to arms. Their minimal profile allows movement for a full range of activities like cycling, skating, and climbing.
Wraparound design with double-layered foam evenly distributes impacts across the wrist and forearm. Great value for the price.
187 Killer Pad Debry Wrist Guards
Price ranges from $20.20 – $29.99
- Pros: Wraparound protection, foam padding, affordable
- Cons: Run small, limited colors
- Featuring a wraparound shell and dual-layer EVA foam, these 187 Killer guards cushion impacts across the joint and forearms. Great value for the price.
Flexible splint construction absorbs shocks without restricting motion. Easy hook-and-loop closures make them quick for kids to put on themselves.
Pro-Tec Street Wrist Guards
Price ranges from $11.99 – $29.95
- Pros: Flexible splint, absorbs shocks, easy on/off
- Cons: Basic feature set
- Soft splints in these Pro-Tec guards flex and recoil to cushion falls without restricting motion. Hook-and-loop straps allow kids to easily self-apply for outdoor play.
Neoprene bands are designed to fit growing kids and give all-day comfort on the bike, board, or trail.
Triple Eight Wristsaver Wrist Guards
Price ranges from $33.64 – $44.99
- Pros: Comfy neoprene, adjustable for growth, all-day use
- Cons: Limited colors, basic padding
- Designed for growing kids, these wraparound guards from Triple Eight use an elastic neoprene band for a customized fit that doesn’t cause binding. Their low profile fits discreetly under bike gloves or pads.
Protective Gloves
Spandex backs and palm padding with grip strips protect hands during crashes off ramps. Breathable for longboard sessions.
Fox Dirtpaw BMX Gloves
$19.95 on Amazon
- Pros: Padded palms and backs, breathable spandex, traction strips
- Cons: Limited colors, bulkier fit
- Durable padded palms and breathable backs allow these gloves to withstand hard crashes on ramps while letting hands air out between tricks.
Flexible exoskeleton gloves cushion impacts to knuckles from skis, boards, and bike falls; breathability keeps sweaty hands dry.
G-Form Pro Trail Gloves
Price ranges from $15.99 – $27.42
- Pros: Flexible exoskeleton, cushions impacts, quick-drying
- Cons: Runs small, limited padding thickness
- An exoskeleton shell over flexible fingers defends joints in falls yet allows a full natural range of motion in water activities. Mesh ventilation wicks sweat for comfort.
Multi-purpose gloves for bikes and boards offer padded sliders over knuckles plus a tacky palm print for control.
Accmor Kids Cycling Gloves
$7.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Great value, durable knuckle pads, tacky palms, all-weather
- Cons: Limited sizing
- Multi-functional by design, these basic gloves from Accmor Sport have a durable synthetic back, and a grippy palm for any bike, board, or skate session while staying affordable.
Safety Gear for Specific Activities
Biking Gear
This full-featured helmet for riders 8-14 offers smart safety tech like Mips and comfort features.
BELL Super 3R Helmet
Price ranges from $178.09 – $239.95
- Pros: Meets CPSC standards, MIPS tech, excellent ventilation
- Cons: Higher price point
- Advanced safety tech like Mips integrates smoothly into this full-shell Bell helmet’s commendable ventilation and lightweight, durable design targeted at serious young riders.
Integrated padding on the bum, hips, and thighs protects without bulk or ride interference over terrain.
Fox Racing Slambozo Cargo Short 2.0
$69.95 on Amazon
- Pros: Discreet padding, shock absorption, flexibility
- Cons: Runs small, limited colors
- Integrated padding on impact zones protects skin from trail debris or crashes without the bulk or constriction of bulky pads underneath regular shorts or pants.
These reflectors ensure visibility day and night on wheels.
Sunlite Front & Rear Reflector Kit
$9.49 on Amazon
- Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install/remove
- Cons: Basic design only
- Simple clips attach these budget-friendly reflectors on wheels, seat posts, and gear loops. Their motion-activated reflectivity keeps young cyclists readily visible after dusk or dawn rides.
Super shock-resistant for street and vert skating, compliant with ASTM and CPSC standards.
Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet
Price ranges from $47.56 – $54.99
- Pros: Meets safety standards, durable ABS shell, lots of vents
- Cons: More minimalist feature set
- Pro-Tec’s durable multi-shell construction and ample venting keep heads cool for high-energy sessions perfectly in standard at skateparks, disciplines, or streets.
Full UltraCush+ pads are made to withstand serious impacts from slams.
187 Killer Pads Pro Elbow/Knee Pads Combo Pack
$68.88 on Amazon
- Pros: Full joint coverage, withstand serious hits
- Cons: Bulkier fit, limited colors
- Featuring their maximum graded UltraCush+ padding in critical areas, these expert-level 187 pads are built to withstand high-impact slams session after session.
Stretch polyester impregnated with polyurethane over fingers improves board feel and cushions knuckles and finger pads.
DUEECO Padding Palm Classic Mountain Bike Gloves
$19.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Comfortable lycra backing, cushions, knuckles and fingers
- Cons: Minimal palm padding
- A spandex back with strategically placed PU palm printing over joints cushions impact zones and enhances the feel for boards, ledges, and manual tricks.
Water Sports Gear
Quick dry material and SPF sun protection keep little bodies comfortable in or out of the water.
Quiksilver Standard Solid Streak Long Sleeve Rashguard
Price ranges from $35.37 – $40.00
- Pros: UPF 50+ sun protection, quick-drying material
- Cons: Limited size options
- Its UPF 50+ rating and evaporative quick-dry fabrication let this top be worn continuously yet comfortably outdoors near water for effective all-day sun protection.
Bungee towing loops provide a stable flotation device as tots learn to kick unassisted.
Speedo Water Kickboard
$22.50 on Amazon
- Pros: Supports learning to kick, adjustable carrying straps, durable fins
- Cons: Basic design only
- Bungee toting handles on this classic Speedo board provide stable flotation assistance as tots gain confidence kicking without support in the early stages of aquatic mobility.
This product satisfies hydration needs poolside or at the beach while adding security in deep water.
Onyx M-16 Series Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
$79.99 on Amazon
- Pros: security, lightweight
- Cons: Small opening, basic floatation
- Useful for paddling in pools or at beaches, this convenient product functions as an emergency floatation device that clips to young swimmers for added peace of mind.
Safety Gear by Age Group
Toddlers
Designed for little rider’s learning balance, the adjustable chin strap and lightweight shell fit growing toddlers.
GLAF Baby Bike Helmet
$32.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Adjustable fit for growth, lightweight
- Cons: Basic safety features
- Crafted for little skulls just finding balance, this OTTOKIT helmet prioritizes adjustability as toddlers grow rapidly via its fit ring and a soft liner for sun protection.
Perfect entry-level padding set for babies and young children featuring soft EVA foam and childproof clips.
AresKo Kids/Youth Protective Gear Set
$29.99 on Amazon
- Pros: Soft padding, adjustable straps, childproof fasteners
- Cons: Minimal protection
- Perfect entry-level protection, plush EVA foam, and adjustable hook-and-loop or push-clip closures in this affordable 2-piece set by AresKo fit safely yet loosely for comfort during baby’s first tumbles.
Feature integrated flotation panels in youth and small child sizes to give non-swimmers peace of mind in pools.
Gogokids Kids Swim Vest
$33.99 on Amazon
- Pros: U.S. Coast Guard-approved, integrated flotation
- Cons: Basic design
- This simple vest’s built-in foam panels in youth and toddler sizes conform snugly for peace of mind alongside non-swimmers in the pool, helping little paddlers focus on fun over fear.
Pre-Teens
Trendy helmets meet stringent safety and ventilation standards to keep older kids’ heads safe in style.
Troy Lee Designs A1 Youth Helmet
$74.95 on Amazon
- Pros: Stylish graphics, premium build, top safety ratings
- Cons: Higher price point
- Troy Lee’s A1 prioritizes ventilation and style with a premium ABS/EPS construction and various cool graphics that suit tweens’ flair while ensuring heads stay fully protected on wheels.
Complete protective kit with pads, gloves, and elbow/knee guards scaled for tweens for obstacle sports and terrain.
JBM Adult Full Protective Gear
$24.98 on Amazon
- Pros: Complete coverage in one set, sturdy protection
- Cons: Bulkier than separate pieces
- For youth starting into more advanced terrain sports, this JBM pack bundles it all – helmet, pads, and gloves tailored to older kids’ needs in one convenient, full-body protective bundle.
Secure fit PFD with built-in handles keeps early swimmers safely afloat as skills develop.
Rrtizan Swim Vest for Adults
Price ranges from $23.99 – $24.99
- Pros: Secure adjustable fit as kids grow, handles for rescue
- Cons: Bulky for formal lessons
- As pre-swimmers gain skills, Rrtizan’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved vest provides invaluable peace of mind for families with its snug strap closure and flotation without hindrance as abilities progress.
Considerations When Choosing Safety Gear
Material Quality and Durability
The materials used are extremely important for safety gear that needs to withstand falls, crashes, impacts, and the rigors of active outdoor play. Higher quality, more durable materials like flexible polyurethane foams, thick padded fabrics, and reinforced plastics and shells are more likely to maintain their protective properties even after repeated uses and washings.
Cheaper or lower-grade plastics or fabrics may crack, flake, compress, or lose padding effectiveness faster with repeated washings or exposure to elements. Looking for reinforcement in high-impact areas can provide better protection and longevity for growing kids.
Comfort and Fit
How the safety gear feels to kids is just as crucial as its protective properties. Otherwise, they may resist or avoid wearing it. Important design priorities include comfort factors like breathability, flexibility, weight, and adjustable sizing tailored to a child’s body.
Pads should flex naturally with motion without causing pressure points, rubbing, or pinching that leads to discomfort. Helmets, gloves, and other coverings need ventilation to keep young bodies cool during active play. Adjustable closures allow for a precise fit that can grow with users over time.
Safety Standards and Certifications
Certifications by respected third parties validate product safety testing was properly conducted by design. Stringent certifications like ASTM, CPSC, and CE demonstrate critical performance factors like impact resistance, which were rigorously evaluated.
This provides parents more assurance than basic claims alone that gear can adequately protect growing anatomies as intended by withstanding real impacts. Standards alignment is particularly important for high-risk gear like helmets or flotation devices.
Conclusion
Making safety a priority when kids play outdoors means equipping them properly. This gear guide highlights top-rated, high-performing options for helmets, pads, and gloves that are more suited for various sports and ages. Properly fitting, durable safety gear allows kids freedom to explore their physical abilities while significantly minimizing injury risk.
With the variety of safety gear options available today, finding the right protective equipment to suit kids’ changing needs and interests as they grow can seem overwhelming. However, prioritizing quality and comfortable designs certified to stringent standards is key. Being mindful of factors like materials, sizing fit, and manufacturer credentials helps narrow the selection process.
Above all, choosing gear intelligently that kids will wear as intended is most important for their well-being. Consider multi-sport versatile options when starting collections to accommodate growth spurts and changing interests. The balance between necessary protection and flexibility/breathability that doesn’t inhibit free play too much is ideal.
Remember, safety gear is an investment in kids’ healthy development and ability to explore their capabilities confidently. As kids progress into new activities, periodically upgrading protective equipment is wise to ensure continued coverage as abilities and tackled skills advance. Some families find annual or bi-annual gear checkups beneficial to replace outgrown, worn, or outdated pieces.
With diligence in vetting available options, every child deserves quality, certified protective solutions tailored to their unique passions, sizes, and budgets. Feel free to consult experts when in doubt for application-specific recommendations. Let’s empower kids to fearlessly learn through play with the proper gear to keep them safe as they grow.
