Are cheap Amazon kids' helmets safe?

Any helmet sold in the U.S. is legally required to meet CPSC 1203, and most budget models on Amazon do carry that certification. The trade-offs reviewers flag aren't usually about basic impact protection but about weight, ventilation, padding quality, buckle pinching, and longevity of the adjustment dial. A certified $25 helmet that fits well and gets worn is safer than a premium helmet that doesn't fit.