A helmet can be passed down only if it has never been crashed in, is less than 3-5 years old, has been stored properly (cool, dry place, out of sunlight), and still fits the younger child properly. Inspect carefully for any cracks, dents, frayed straps, or degraded foam. If there is any doubt about the helmet's history or condition, replace it. The cost of a new helmet is minimal compared to the risk of a compromised one.
Cycling Helmet · Kids / Youth Helmet
Can I pass down a helmet to a younger sibling?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.

Mountain Bike Helmet (XC/Trail)
$50 – $300
Half-shell helmets with extended rear coverage and visors for cross-country and trail mountain biking.
extended rear coverageadjustable visorgoggle-compatible retention

Commuter / Urban Helmet
$40 – $200
Stylish, feature-rich helmets designed for daily city cycling with integrated lights and casual aesthetics.
integrated lightscasual stylingreflective elements
More questions
- How do I know what size helmet my child needs?
- When should I replace my child's helmet?
- Is MIPS worth it for a kids' helmet?
- Can my child use a skateboard helmet for biking?
