Baseball batting helmet
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- NOCSAE-certified youth batting helmet. Best for: Young players in leagues and practice. See options on Amazon
- NOCSAE-certified adult batting helmet. Best for: Teen and adult players. See options on Amazon
Fit checklist
| Check | What the CDC fact sheet says | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Head size | Wrap a soft tape around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, level front to back | Sizes vary by brand |
| Snugness | Snug all around, no spaces between pads and head; nothing worn underneath | Too tight can cause headaches |
| Height | Ear holes line up with ears; front pad 1 inch above the eyebrows; bill parallel to the ground | Not too high or low |
| Vision | You can see the athlete's eyes; they can see forward and side to side | Helmet must not block vision |
Details are from the CDC HEADS UP Batter's Helmet Safety fact sheet. Use the brand's own sizing chart with your measurement.
Hairstyle and comfort
The CDC says an athlete should try on the helmet with the hairstyle they will wear for practices and games, because helmet fit can change if the hairstyle changes considerably. For example, a long-haired player who gets a very short haircut will need to adjust the fit. Ask your athlete how the helmet feels: it needs to be snug, but a helmet that is too tight can cause headaches. If the fit changes, measure again and compare with the brand's sizing chart, since sizes vary by brand.
Reading the labels
The CDC says to look for a batter's helmet with labels that:
- say it meets the NOCSAE standard, certified by the manufacturer or by SEI, meaning the model has been tested and meets NOCSAE performance and protection standards
- state whether the helmet can be recertified, or when its certification expires if it cannot
- specify how often it must be reconditioned and recertified
- show the date of manufacture, which helps if there is a useful-life limit or a recall
NOCSAE publishes ND022, its standard performance specification for newly manufactured baseball and softball batter's helmets, and ND026 for recertified batter and catcher helmets.
Care and storage
- Inspect. Check for missing or loose padding before the season and regularly during it.
- No home repairs. Parents or athletes should not try to repair helmet damage themselves.
- Clean gently inside and out with warm water and mild detergent; do not soak it, put it near high heat or use strong cleaners.
- Protect it. Do not let anyone sit or lean on the helmet.
- Store it well. Not in a car; keep it in a room that is not too hot or cold, away from direct sunlight.
- No paint or stickers without checking with the manufacturer, as this may affect safety.
When to replace
Do not let an athlete use a cracked or broken helmet, or one missing padding or parts. Follow the safety labels on when to replace the helmet. Some helmets carry a label saying they should not be reconditioned; these will list how long the helmet can be used, though wear and tear may mean replacing it sooner.
Reconditioning means an expert repairs a used helmet, fixes cracks or damage, replaces missing parts, tests it and approves it for use. The CDC says helmets should be reconditioned regularly by a licensed NAERA member, and not to let an athlete use a used helmet that has not been recently recertified.
Helmets and concussion
The CDC's helmet guidance says there is no concussion-proof helmet, and that it is very important helmets fit properly by being well maintained, age appropriate, certified for use, and worn consistently and correctly. Any athlete with a suspected head injury should stop playing and be checked by a health care provider before returning.
For other head protection, see our bike helmet guide, and for sprains on the field, our ankle brace guide.
What to look for when you buy
NOCSAE-certified youth batting helmet
Best for: Young players in leagues and practice
The CDC says to look for a label that says the helmet meets the NOCSAE standard.
Watch out: Check the brand's sizing chart against your athlete's head measurement.
See options on AmazonNOCSAE-certified adult batting helmet
Best for: Teen and adult players
A NOCSAE label means the model has been tested and meets NOCSAE performance and protection standards, per the CDC.
Watch out: Check the label for certification expiration or recertification needs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How should a batting helmet fit?
- Snug all around with no gaps, ear holes over the ears, and the front pad about 1 inch above the eyebrows.
- Can my child wear a cap under a batting helmet?
- No. The CDC says nothing should be worn under a batter's helmet, including a baseball hat.
- What does the NOCSAE label mean?
- The CDC says it means the helmet model has been tested and meets NOCSAE performance and protection standards.
- When should a batting helmet be replaced?
- If it is cracked, broken or missing padding, or when its label says certification expires.
- Can I put stickers on a batting helmet?
- Not without checking with the manufacturer, as it may affect safety, the CDC says.
- Is a used batting helmet safe to buy?
- Only if it was recently recertified; the CDC says not to let an athlete use a used helmet that has not been recently recertified by a licensed NAERA member.
Sources
- Get a Heads Up on Batter's Helmet Safety (fact sheet) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Safety Guidelines: Helmets (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- NOCSAE Standards (nocsae.org), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment