Thudguard kid’s helmets (not for cycling)
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I can’t argue that this helmet for toddlers to wear around the house (i.e. its not for cycling or other dangerous activities) makes sense and that the design is cute. But am I wrong for finding this level of safety consciousness disturbing? At least this one comes from the UK, proving that its not always the Americans leading the safety charge.
Have a look for yourself:
Thudguard: Infant protective safety hat
June 3rd, 2008 at 21:15
I’ve met some awfully clumsy little people, and it’s quite horrible to witness them “learning the hard way.” The usual measure, less controversial, is to child-proof the house with various corner protectors, gates, strategic redecorating, etc. This would seem a simpler means to a similar end. I wouldn’t judge a parent harshly for considering one of these, at least not before knowing the child’s coordination, exuberance, and particular environmental hazards.
June 4th, 2008 at 10:19
We my little ‘un started walking, I looked at these. The conclusion I came to was that it seemed unlikely that they are only going to help in little tumbles, and that the skull is perfectly good for protecting under those circumstances. Sure, it might stop an “ouchie”, but there may be behavioural consequences from wearing one. However, we’ve absolutely gone for the “baby proofing” stuff. Every corner and edge in our house seems to have a rubber guard blu-taked to it.
June 9th, 2009 at 22:34
See our website where you can get Thudguard soon in the Netherlands. You can make reservations now. KIDIEZ.COM
June 11th, 2009 at 10:45
Kidiez.com,
Have you really done your market research? Selling house helmets for kids in the Netherlands sounds about as smart as marketing ice to Eskimos. The Dutch don’t even bother putting helmets on their kids while riding bikes through the inner city and the kids often don’t even sit in approved child seats. This country is very realistic about the differences between real and perceived dangers. But hey, knock youself out!
February 5th, 2010 at 13:37
In response to pain, my daughter has just started holding her breath until she passes out. (It is called breath holding spells.) As she is learning to walk, she often bumps her head or face. I am buying a helmet to protect her head to try to reduce these spells.
June 29th, 2010 at 23:06
@Henry, we have an unique product but not known yet. That is our USP. Sometimes succes is not coming as planned. It takes time. The Dutch will change from attitude. That takes time and guerilla marketing tactics.
June 30th, 2010 at 10:45
Can I say that this borders on child molestation? The helmet is not only hampering a kid’s normal learning experience, but also stunts the growth of the skull. According to the website these helmets stretch from 40 to 50 cm, but children’s skulls vary quite a bit in size. I wonder what a paediatrician would say.
June 30th, 2010 at 11:20
Kathy,
I have two little ones myself and have also seen that kids can do some very strange and scary things. Of course I commiserate with your situation (which probably and hopefully has already disappeared) but I still have a strong suspicion that putting a helmet on your daughter will hamper not help her development. The amateur child psychologist in me suggests that the pain of falling is not the problem, since all kids share this pain. Instead the problem is a function of her reaction to the event, perhaps the pain but just as possibly another factor such as the reactions of those around her.
Kidiez,
Frits, DrMekon, Todd and I all note above that we’re sensitive to the emotional side of wanting to protect your kids but cannot avoid being highly skeptical about the concept. We’re not reckless and I believe we all have children. However we share a feeling that these helmets are not merely frivolous and certainly not a positive new concept that we’ll just have to get used to. No, I’ve come to the conclusion that they’re actually a BAD IDEA and that it’s ethically wrong to promote them. Your “guerilla marketing tactics” are thus not welcome, in the same way that Volvo’s campaign to promote helmets that protect children from Volvos is not welcome:
https://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2010/06/09/volvo-introduces-helmet-to-protect-against-volvos/
Please find something positive to sell by “guerilla marketing tactics”.