Dirt Bike Gear for Children

Things are getting real when you see your little one with a dirt bike helmet! If you’re like us, you started your little rider on a strider bike and a typical bike helmet. At the time you weren’t sure if your rider was going to have an interest in riding dirt bikes at all! Now that they are a little older, ours is 3 going on 4, they can tell you they want to ride a dirt bike. The dirt bike world is loud and fast, and the gear really makes the rider! Below is a Dos’ and Do nots’ guide about dirt bike gear for toddlers. Helmets Do not up-size: Helmets are first on the list because they are a MUST. Do not go bigger on the helmet just so it lasts longer with your growing rider. I know it is tempting and as a mom I know how fast kids grow. I would encourage you to up-size with the rest of their gear but NOT THE HELMET.

Do: Go to an off- road dealership and try on their sizes before ordering online. To tell if the fit is right, the helmet should feel snug when putting it on- not too snug though! Too snug and your riders ears will hurt. To tell if it is too loose the helmet will wobble and be easily taken off and on.

Do not go cheap: Finding good deals on dirt bike gear can be tricky, but possible! I am an Amazon fan for most things for my family, but I know there are a lot of knock-off products out there too. Just because it looks nice doesn’t mean it is safe. Do: When shopping for a helmet be sure to find one that is DOT Certified. I did find a great deal on a DOT certified helmet on Amazon! I really like this helmet and it comes with a pair of goggles and gloves too. Also, look for common name brands like FOX Racing, Answer or 6D. These are, in my opinion, the best brands for helmets! Goggles Do not ditch goggles: Goggles are not just for big riders! Your rider may feel uncomfortable wearing goggles at first, but in time they will love them! For my rider he claims that the goggles “make him go fast!” Do: Protect your riders’ eyes from dust

and debris that comes from riding. Goggles fit comfortably above the nose and go around the outside of the helmet. Do not leave them dirty: If you think that after o

ne ride the googles are clean, I am here to tell you they are not! If you look closely on the clear lens, you will notice dust, pollen, mud, grass and

water all over it. The longer debris sits on the lens, the more likely scratches will appear when cleaning them for the next ride. Do: Clean them right away! It is best to get in this habit early. Every time those goggles come off wipe them gently with a microfiber clothe. There is a newfound appreciation of goggles now that you kn

ow those things aren’t in your riders’ eyes! Gloves Do not separate them: Gloves have 2 purposes in our family. They protect the riders’ hands from getting calloused and they get lost. Gloves are the number one piece of gear that we always loose.

Do: Keep them together! Most gloves have a Velcro strip by the wrist, when the gloves are off you can combine the two gloves with the Velcro strips. We also have a separate “glove bag” that we put all of our gloves in. Gear (Pant and Shirt)

Do not go expensive: Riding gear can cost between $100- $180+. Unless you can afford it, I would suggest finding cheap gear- or none at all! Gear holds a very good purpose of protection from trees and thorns while riding and they provide a softer landing when riders fall, but a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt can be a good substitute.

Do: Buy used gear! For my riders I have found some great deals on Facebook Marketplace. Toddler gear will hardly ever have major damage and it is a great way to meet other dirt bike moms!

Do not keep them dirty: Unless you like the smell of sweat and mud and possibly creepy crawly bugs in you gear bag, I suggest cleaning your gear as soon as you can. Sweat is a definite in each piece of gear and it can take some time to get that sweat smell out.

Do: Prepare the washer! Dirt bike racing is an outside summer sport. Sweat and mud is a definite in each piece of gear and it can take some time to get things cleaned. I have written instructions on the best way to clean your gear from mud stains, sweat and ticks. *Tip: Spray your gear with tick repellent before riding!

Riding Boots

Do not buy cheap: Boots are protective gear for your riders’ feet, ankles and shins. Riders legs are very vulnerable when racing. The list is pretty long for how a ri

der can injure their legs on a dirt bike, but I’d like to skip that and focus on the best possible way of preventing injury, and that is with a good pair of riding boots.

Do: Buy a size bigger! Up-sizing in you boots for a little more growing room is O.K. unlike helmets. Riding boots are not for running or walking, instead they stay on the pegs. This gives the O.K. to up-size because your riders feet and legs will be protected.

Do not expect them to fit like shoes: Riding boots feel… weird. Especially when walking in them! You’ll notice your little rider have a bit of a wobble and even a hard time lifting their feet. Be sure to comfort your rider that this is normal! As long as the boots are not too big or too small.

Do: Wear them often! When you buy a new pair of riding boots, they are going to feel stiff. Have your rider wear them throughout the house or outside to make them feel more comfortable. Also, when buying riding boots look for name brands like Alpinestars, Moose Racing, and Thor. These are, again in my opinion, the best brands for riding boots.

Chest Protector, Knee Guards, Elbow Guards and Neck Brace

Do not over-heat your rider: Riding Dirt bikes is an outdoor summer sport. It is important to be aware of the heat that’s on your rider! From the sun, the dirt bike motor and gear it can be dangerous towards their health. Chest protectors, knee guards, elbow guards and neck braces are another layer of heat that may do more damage than protection.

Do: Make the call for your rider. Dare I say that wearing all these protective pieces (Chest protector, knee guards, elbow guards and neck brace) are not necessary for toddler riders. Wearing as much protective gear is encouraged, but with these it does depend on common sense. Make sure you are aware of the comfort of your rider.