Shin guards are an essential part of any soccer player’s gear, but it can be hard to know which type is best for toddlers.
With a variety of sizes and materials available, parents may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what protection their little ones need.
Luckily, we have done the research for you!
In this article, we’ll cover some of the top picks for shin guards that provide superior coverage and comfort while playing on the field.
Read on to discover the best options for your toddler’s safety during game time.
Safety Considerations
As parents, it’s our job to protect and provide for our little ones. Keeping their safety in mind when participating in activities is of utmost importance.
Recent statistics show that 1,000 children aged 14 or younger are treated annually in emergency departments due to sports-related injuries, with almost two-thirds being boys and one-third being girls. It’s no wonder why so many parents are looking into protective gear like shin guards for toddlers.
Shin guards act as a buffer between the child’s shins and any potential contact from hard surfaces or other players during physical activity.
They can not only prevent serious injuries but also help reduce discomfort and bruising resulting from minor collisions. Shin guards come in various sizes designed for different age groups, making them perfect for those just starting out with sport activities such as football and soccer.
No matter what type of shin guard you get your toddler, make sure they fit properly – snug around calf muscles without constricting movement – otherwise there won’t be much benefit!
With the right protection in place, your little one will have more confidence to join in on the fun and learn important skills along the way…
Types Of Shin Guards
Shin guards come in various shapes and sizes, designed for specific activities. To protect your little one from scrapes or bruises during playtime, here are five types of shin guards to choose from:
- Soft-shell protection – These offer lightweight comfort with adjustable straps for a secure fit. They provide padding on the outside of the foot but can be bulky if worn all day.
- Hard-shell protection – These are more protective than soft-shells and feature an inner foam layer to absorb shock while still allowing freedom of movement. The hard plastic outer shell provides extra durability against impacts, making them ideal for high-impact sports like hockey.
- Soccer shin guards – An essential part of soccer equipment, these shin guards come in a variety of styles and materials that provide coverage from ankle to knee. Many have hook-and-loop closures so you can adjust the fit as needed.
- Slip-in models – With no need for any straps or buckles, slip-in shin guards slide right into place and are great for young players who may not want to worry about adjusting straps mid game.
- Ankle guard – If full leg coverage isn’t necessary, consider an ankle guard which helps protect against bumps without being too cumbersome on small legs.
No matter what type of shin guard you select, it’s important to make sure they fit properly and securely so your child is comfortable enough to focus on their favorite activity instead of worrying about getting hurt!
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing
Size
When it comes to shin guards for toddlers, size is an important factor. The right fit helps ensure that your little one’s legs are protected without being too constricting or uncomfortable.
Shin guards come in a variety of sizes so make sure you measure your child’s leg length and width before purchasing a pair. It’s also important to consider the age range for each type of guard as some may be too small or large for certain ages.
With the correct size, you can rest assured knowing that your toddler is well-protected while playing soccer!
Comfort
Comfort is just as important a factor to consider when purchasing shin guards for toddlers.
It’s essential that they don’t feel too tight or restrictive so your little one can move comfortably while playing.
You should also look at the material of the guard and make sure it isn’t scratchy, doesn’t irritate their skin, and breathes well so sweat won’t build up in hot weather.
If your toddler finds the guards uncomfortable it could lead to them not wanting to wear them which defeats the purpose of getting them in the first place!
So be sure to check for comfort before making your purchase.
Material
Now that comfort has been discussed, let’s move on to another important factor – material.
It’s essential that you consider the type of material used in the shin guards and whether it’s suitable for your toddler.
You want something lightweight and breathable so they don’t overheat when playing, as well as being durable enough to last a few seasons.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t irritate their skin or cause any rashes.
If possible, try and find a product made with natural materials such as cotton which will be gentler on their delicate skin than synthetic fabrics.
With the right kind of material, not only will your little one remain comfortable but also protected from potential injuries during playtime!
Popular Brands For Toddlers
- Shock Doctor is a great brand for toddlers when it comes to shin guards.
- McDavid is another popular choice for little ones, offering more protection than the standard guard.
- Under Armour has some of the best protection for toddlers, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something extra.
- Opro also offers great protection and they have a range of designs and colors to choose from.
- Storelli is a great brand if you’re looking for something lightweight and comfortable for your toddler.
- Nike has some really nice shin guards, so if you’re looking for something sporty, this may be the way to go.
- adidas is another great choice for toddlers, offering protection and comfort.
- Puma is another popular option which is lightweight and provides good protection.
- Reusch is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something hard-wearing and long-lasting.
- EliteTek is a great brand for toddlers who are just starting out with shin guards.
- Cutters has some great designs and colors for toddlers, so if you’re looking for something more fun, this could be a good option.
- Gymboree has some really cute designs for toddlers, so if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, this could be a good choice.
- Alleson Athletic has some of the most comfortable shin guards for toddlers, so this could be a great option if you’re looking for comfort.
- Mylec is another popular brand which offers good protection, so this is a great choice if you’re looking for something reliable.
- Vizari is a great brand if you’re looking for something sleek and stylish, and they offer lots of different designs and colors.
Shock Doctor
Shock Doctor is one of the most popular brands for toddlers when it comes to shin guards. It’s designed to provide maximum protection and comfort, without compromising on style.
It has a range of designs that come in adjustable sizes so your little one can look cool whilst staying safe. The brand also prides itself on using cutting-edge technology with air vents and moisture controlling materials, as well as anti-odor treatments which promote breathability.
In short, if you’re looking for a good quality shin guard option for your toddler then Shock Doctor should definitely be up there at the top of your list!
Mcdavid
Moving on to another popular brand for toddlers, McDavid is a great choice. For years they’ve been making top-of-the-line protective gear and their shin guards are no exception!
They’re designed with comfort in mind – featuring breathable fabric and adjustable straps that make sure your little one can be active without feeling constricted. Plus, the material has anti-odor properties as well so you don’t have to worry about them smelling bad after practice or playtime.
With all these features, it’s clear why McDavid is one of the go-to brands when it comes to safety and style.
Under Armour
Moving on to another household name, Under Armour is a top choice when it comes to toddlers. They offer advanced protection that keeps your little one safe while remaining comfortable throughout their adventures.
Not only are their shin guards lightweight and breathable but they also have built-in anti-odour technology so you can say goodbye to smelly gear after an active day!
Their products come in a range of styles too, meaning there’s something for every toddler no matter what look they’re going for. So if you want quality and style all rolled into one then Under Armour should definitely be at the top of your list!
How To Properly Fit Shin Guards
Now that we’ve discussed the popular brands for toddlers, let’s take a look at how to properly fit shin guards. It is important to ensure your little one has correctly-fitted shin pads as they will be more comfortable and provide better protection during sports activities.
The table below outlines some of the key features to consider when it comes to fitting shin guards:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Size | Make sure the guard covers their whole shin without being too big or small. If possible, try them on before buying. |
| Strap/Velcro Closure | Check if there are straps or Velcro closures so you can make sure it fits snuggly around their leg. |
| Padding | Ensure the padding provides enough cushioning against impacts and won’t move when running or playing with other kids. |
When choosing the right pair of shin guards for your toddler, remember that comfort should always come first. The best way to determine this is by having them put on different styles and seeing which ones feel most comfortable for them.
Additionally, if your child plays in an organized team sport like soccer, ask what type of guard is recommended by their coach beforehand.
Once you have selected a pair of shin guards that both looks good and feels good on your toddler, show them how to securely fasten the straps (if applicable). Explain why wearing these protectors is essential while playing any kind of sport – they’ll understand!
Doing this will help build confidence in your child whenever they go out onto the field knowing they are protected from potential harm.
Conclusion
As parents, we want the best for our little ones. Protecting them from harm should be a priority, so having the right shin guards is essential.
With all the types and varieties of shin guards available on the market today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But with a little bit of research and knowledge, you can make an informed decision that will give your toddler extra protection during their activities like soccer or martial arts.
The process of finding the perfect fit can be likened to shopping for shoes: what looks great isn’t necessarily comfortable and secure when worn for long periods of time.
It’s important to pay attention to details such as size, material, and level of padding in order to find something that fits properly and offers adequate support.
Popular brands such as Nike and Adidas are reliable choices but there are plenty more out there too!
At the end of the day, giving your young ones peace of mind while they play is invaluable – it’s like putting an armor around them that keeps them safe from potential injuries.
We hope this article has given you some clarity on how best to protect your toddlers through selecting the right shin guards!
