7 Kid Baseball Helmet Reviewed: Batter’s Box Protection on a Budget

A kid baseball helmet can mitigate serious injuries a beanball to your child’s head can bring. For instance, a 9-year-old boy can pitch a baseball around the average speed of 45-50mph. When this pitch becomes a rogue ball, it can hit your child within the vital organs, resulting in severe injuries.

In the same fashion, this is the reason why leagues require catchers to wear a full-on youth catcher’s gear behind the plate. However, batters and fielders do not get the absolute protection a catcher’s gear provides.

Therefore, parents must ensure that their child wears the proper gear when they step within the playing area. As a result, we list down 7 of the best kid baseball helmet to protect your child as they swing in the box.

A Buyer’s Guide to Baseball Helmets for Children

kid baseball helmet

As stated, baseballs can reach whopping speeds of around 50mph on average. As a result, young players, especially batters, are at risk once they step within the batter’s box. Thus, children must use a kid baseball helmet that features outstanding specifications to help them take their game to the next level.

Here are the following features you should look for when buying a kid baseball helmet:

Materials

The overall durability, weight, and quality of a kid baseball helmet boil down on its materials. In addition, excellent materials provide a healthy balance between the three stated fields. When buying a kid baseball helmet, we advise buyers to look for helmets that feature an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic shell.

What makes ABS excellent for baseball helmets is its resistance to denting. In addition, its lightweight construction doesn’t impede the movement of players. Lastly, it is comparatively cheaper compared to other materials. In conclusion, ABS provides an excellent balance between durability and weight without breaking the bank.

Attachable Accessories

Typically, manufacturers make kid baseball helmets with attachment slots for jaw guards and face cages. This construction style helps manufacturers cut the cost down of their helmets while still providing buyers with the option to modify the product.

On the other hand, some kid baseball helmets come with the said attachments. Nevertheless, having the option to put in a jaw guard and face cage is imperative when buying a kid baseball helmet.

Certifications

In baseball, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) certifies equipment that meets the highest safety qualifications. Therefore, if a baseball helmet meets the NOCSAE standard for safety, it only means that it provides absolute protection for its wearer against baseball impacts.

7 Excellent Baseball Helmets for Children to Choose From

EASTON Z5 2.0 Baseball Batting Helmet

Product

Brand: Easton

Type: Kid Baseball Helmet

Easton specifically designed the Z5 2.0 for batters who give their all in the box and within the diamond. Featuring an ABS plastic shell, the Easton Z5 2.0 provides excellent durability without compromising weight.

Furthermore, the Easton Z5 2.0 features a dual-density foam interior that helps cushion the impact of baseballs. In addition, this foam interior provides wearers with a soft and comfortable helmet feel. For overall comfort, Easton also incorporated a wrapped ears design for the Z5 2.0, protecting the ears of batters for maximum protection in the box.

Moreover, the Easton Z5 2.0 utilizes a Bio-Dri inner liner that helps fight off bacteria, odor, and sweat. Lastly, the Z5 2.0 meets the NOCSAE standard for safety, making it one of the best options for a kid baseball helmet.

Specifications:

  • NOCSAE Certified
  • ABS Outer Plastic Shell
  • Dual-Density Inner Foam
  • Bio-Dri Liner
  • Dual-tone matte finish

PROS:

  • Meets the NOCSAE safety standards for baseball protective equipment.
  • Offers moisture-wicking fabrics to help minimize distraction during games.
  • The combination of the dual-density foam liner and abs plastic shell offers exceptional protection.
  • Strategically placed vents to help players stay cool under the sun.

CONS:

  • The helmet doesn’t come with a jaw guard or face cage.

Rawlings Sporting Goods Highlighter Series Softball Helmet

Product

Brand: Rawlings

Type: Kid Baseball Helmet with Face Guard

If you’re looking for a batting helmet that provides excellent protection within the diamond, then you should give the Rawlings Highlighter Helmet a try. The Rawlings Highlighter Series comes with a pre-attached face guard, providing batters with absolute protection during games.

In addition, Rawlings incorporates their revolutionary Coolflo technology on the Rawlings Highlighter Helmets. As a result, users benefit from the increased airflow the Rawlings Highlighter helmets provide as they run around the diamond.

Furthermore, the Rawlings Highlighter Series features an open-cell foam that helps protect the head from rogue balls and beanballs. Moreover, Rawlings based the Highlighter Helmets on professional player specifications that helped the helmet reach the NOCSAE standard for protective equipment.

Specifications:

  • Open-cell foams
  • Solid matte finish
  • Rawlings COOLFLO Technology
  • NOCSAE Certified
  • Pre-attached Face Guard

PROS:

  • Offers players increased protection around the diamond because of the included faceguard.
  • Allows users to stay cool even during the hottest games.
  • Suitable for both tee-ball and Little League players.
  • Features specifications based on professional models.

CONS:

  • The inside foam lacks in terms of quality.

Rawlings MACH Matte Baseball Batting Helmet Series

Product

Brand: Rawlings

Type: Kid Baseball Helmet

The majority of the baseball community knows the level of quality Rawlings Catchers Masks provide. Rawlings translated this quality for batters, offering a no-compromise performance in the box and diamond.

Firstly, the Rawlings Mach features the innovative MACH shell design, protecting players while providing decent ventilation and breathability. Secondly, Rawlings paired the MACH shell with the excellent IMPAX interior padding. As a result, the impact of baseballs is dispersed by both the outer shell and interior padding, providing a high level of protection within the plate.

Lastly, the Rawlings MACH meets the NOCSAE standards, making it an excellent choice for players that require absolute protection during games.

Specifications:

  • IMPAX Interior Padding
  • Meets the NOCSAE Standard
  • MACH Outer Shell
  • 19 colorways to choose from
  • Comes in both Junior and Senior sizing

PROS:

  • Offers a two-level outer and interior force dispersion system.
  • Provides players screw holes for a faceguard or jaw shields.
  • Excellent ventilation hole system.
  • Incorporates a sleek profile for a professional look.

CONS:

  • Doesn’t come with a faceguard or jaw shield.

Easton Natural 3.0 TEE Ball Batting Helmet with Baseball/Softball Mask

Product

Brand: Easton

Type: Tee Ball Kid Baseball Helmet

The Easton Natural 3.0 is one of the best t-ball helmets with masks in the market today! Featuring an impact-resistant ABS outer shell, the Easton Natural 3.0 provides excellent protection while preserving the lightweight construction of the helmet.

Furthermore, Easton utilizes a dual-density foam liner within the Natural 3.0’s interior, cushioning the impacts of baseball hits. In addition, the interior dual-density foam of Easton features BioDri fabrics. This combination helps the Easton Natural 3.0 absorb sweat and fight odor-causing bacteria.

Moreover, the Easton Natural 3.0 Kid Baseball Helmet comes with a pre-attached faceguard that protects the face of players without impeding vision. Lastly, the Easton Natural 3.0 meets the NOCSAE standard for helmets, allowing players to have a worry-free batting session within the box.

Specifications:

  • ABS Plastic Outer Shell
  • Dual-density Interior Foam Liner
  • BioDri Padded Liner
  • Pre-attached Faceguard
  • 5 ¾” up to 6 ¼” hat sizing

PROS:

  • Meets the NOCSAE standard, making it perfect for all types of baseball games.
  • Allows players to remove the Easton logo for a sleek black and plain helmet.
  • Easton equipped the Natural 3.0 TEE with the capacity to fight off odor-causing bacteria.
  • Extremely durable without compromising its lightweight design.

CONS:

  • Not suitable for Little League play.

Rawlings Coolflo Youth Tball Batting Helmet

Product

Brand: Rawlings

Type: Tee Ball Kid Baseball Helmet

Let your child cool down under the sun while they hit tees for hours on end with the Rawlings COOLFLO Youth Tball Helmet. Rawlings specifically constructed the COOLFLO Youth Tball Helmet with an ABS plastic shell for the best balance between durability and weight.

Furthermore, the Rawlings COOFLO Tball Helmet features dual-density inner foam liners to help cushion and dissipate the ball’s force upon contact. In addition, Rawlings’ dual-density foam helps the COOFLO Youth Tball Helmet provide a comfortable and snug fit.

Moreover, the Rawlings COOFLO Youth Tball features pre-drilled holes for jaw and faceguards. Lastly, the Rawlings COOLFLO Youth Tball Batting Helmet meets the NOCSAE standards for Tball play.

Specifications:

  • ABS Outer Shell
  • Pre-drilled screw holes
  • Clear molded finish
  • COOLFLO Ventilation System
  • 6 ¼” up to 7 ⅛” sizing

PROS:

  • Specifically designed for Tball players.
  • Meets the NOCSAE Standard for Tball games.
  • Budget-friendly pricepoint.
  • Offers an excellent balance between durability and weight.

CONS:

  • Does not include a chin strap out of the box.

Easton Alpha TBall Baseball Batting Helmet, 2021

Product

Brand: Easton

Type: Tee Ball Kid Baseball Helmet

The Easton Alpha brings adult-level specifications to all playing levels, including Tball baseball, and softball. Moreover, the Easton Alpha features excellent specifications that make it worthy enough to meet the NOCSAE standard for all levels of play.

Furthermore, the Easton Alpha features an ABS Thermoplastic Shell that is more durable than the standard ABS shell. In addition, Easton designed the Alpha Tball Helmet with lightweight construction, preventing the helmet from impeding a child’s mobility in the diamond.

On the other side of the outer shell lies the Easton Alpha’s dual-density inner foam liner. This feature enables the helmet to feel comfortable and cushion a ball’s impact during direct contact. Lastly, the Easton Alpha features a small sizing of 6 ¼” – 6 ⅞”.

Specifications:

  • ABS Thermoplastic Shell
  • Dual-density foam
  • BioDri Fabrics
  • Removable Easton Logo
  • 6 ¼” – 6 ⅞” sizing

PROS:

  • Incorporates moisture-wicking and antibacterial fabrics.
  • Features excellent specifications considering its price point.
  • Extremely lightweight but durable construction.
  • NOCSAE Certified for all levels of play.

CONS:

  • The interior foam of the Easton Alpha Tball lags in terms of quality.

Under Armour Converge Batting Helmet

Product

Brand: Under Armour

Type: Kid Baseball Helmet

When playing under the heat, your child requires the best kid baseball helmet that can help them keep cool. In addition, another major concern would be a child’s sweat causes a helmet to smell. In this light, the Under Armour Converge Batting Helmet has you covered.

Firstly, Under Armour incorporates large ventilation ports and HeatGear liners all around the Converge Batting Helmet. As a result, the Under Armour Converge efficiently dissipates heat and allows cool air to come in, especially during hot games.

Secondly, the Under Armour Converge features a durable helmet shell that incorporates strategic ridges and grooves, increasing its overall resistance against ball hits. Lastly, the anti-odor technology of Under Armour kills odor-causing bacteria inside the helmet.

Specifications:

  • Strategic Ridges & Grooves
  • HeatGear liner
  • Robust liner system
  • Anti-odor technology
  • Attachment screw holes for faceguards

PROS:

  • Features a reinforced shell through strategic ridges & grooves.
  • The large ventilation ports and HeatGear dissipates heat efficiently.
  • Offers anti-odor technology and moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Suitable for players under 11 years old.

CONS:

  • The actual color of the UA Converge is lighter than advertised.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baseball Helmets for Children

Q: How do you size a youth baseball helmet?

Parents can measure their child’s helmet size by using a tape measure. Firstly, use the tape measure to wrap around the head of their child just above the ear tip. Secondly, gather your child’s head circumference in inches. Lastly, use this measurement when looking at a manufacturer’s helmet sizing chart.

Q: Are baseball and softball helmets the same?

Although both baseball and softball helmets feature almost the same specifications and function, they are far from being the same. Manufacturers design baseball helmets to specifically stop baseballs. On the other hand, a softball helmet’s design effectively stops bigger-sized softballs. Furthermore, baseball and softball leagues have various rules and limitations; therefore, making the specifications of both helmets different.

Q: How long do baseball helmets last?

Typically, a kid baseball helmet can last from 2 up to 5 years depending on its use. However, players can still use their helmets as long as it meets the NOCSAE certification. Owners can opt to recertify their helmet if it’s within ten years from the date of its initial certification. If not, then they’ll have to buy a new kid baseball helmet.

Q: Can you wear a softball helmet for baseball?

As stated, baseball and softball helmets are not the same. For instance, a softball helmet features a bigger faceguard eyehole for better visibility. Since a baseball is smaller than a softball, there is a possibility that the former can enter a softball helmet’s eyehole, causing injury. Therefore, we do not recommend players to wear a softball helmet for baseball.

Q: How do you know if a baseball helmet fits?

A baseball helmet should fit snugly on its wearer’s head. In addition, there should be no excess space between the inner foam and the skin, preventing the helmet from moving during games.

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