Want an easy parenting win today? One of the easiest and most important ways to protect your child is by having them wear a helmet while on a bike. That also goes for other wheeled activities, like skateboarding and rollerblading.

In general, it is important to avoid hits to the head. Any activity resulting in a bump, blow or jolt to the head can lead to a concussion, temporarily disrupting normal brain function.

Helmets are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a spill. While there is no concussion-proof helmet, the right helmet can protect against serious brain or head injury.

Bike helmets are made with a thick layer of polystyrene, or plastic foam, that crushes on impact. The material absorbs some of the impact.

Hard-shell bike helmets have a hard outer shell that keeps the polystyrene together if it cracks in a fall or a crash. Hard-shell helmets are heavier and warmer than soft-shell helmets.

Soft-shell bike helmets have an extra-thick layer of polystyrene, covered with a thick cloth or surface coating, providing a lighter alternative.

Regardless of the activity you are buying a helmet for, these tips will help you pick out the right gear for your child.

Be sure it is a good fit. Bring your child when buying them a new helmet. Measure your child's head to help with finding the right size. Because sizes vary from brand to brand, look at each brand's sizing chart.

Ask your child how the helmet feels. It should be snug but not too tight, which can cause headaches. Do not add extra padding to the helmet if it is loose.

Look at the labels. Helmets have labels that let you know it meets established safety standards.

Take care of your helmet. Keep it clean and store it properly. Regularly check the helmet for damage. You should replace your helmet within 5 years unless the helmet manufacturer indicates otherwise.

And remember, once that helmet is damaged, you should replace it. That's especially true of bike helmets. In fact, experts recommend that you replace a helmet after it's been in a crash, even if no damage is visible.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Consumer Product Commission