Keep Your Kids Safe on the Lacrosse Field With These Essential Kidney Protectors

Keep Your Kids Safe on the Lacrosse Field With These Essential Kidney Protectors

Look for Padding Made from High-Density Foam or Gel for Maximum Protection

When it comes to keeping your young lacrosse player safe on the field, the padding material of their kidney protector is crucial. The gold standard is high-density foam or gel padding, which provides superior shock absorption compared to basic foam or plastic.

High-density foams like EVA or PE are formulated to be denser and more compact. This helps disperse and dampen impact forces from checks, elbows, and errant sticks. Thick, high-quality foam conforms to your child’s body and cushions vital organs. Gel pads take it a step further with liquid or gel enveloped in outer layers. This allows the pad to mold perfectly to their body while absorbing intense shock.

Cheaper, low-density foam pads simply don’t cut it in terms of protection. They compress too easily and bottom out after repeated impacts, putting your kid at risk of bruising or internal injuries. Spending a bit more for high-end, lab-tested foams and gels brings peace of mind.

When shopping for kidney protection, look at the specs and materials. Press on the pads to test the rebound – top-notch foams and gels will bounce back instantly. The gold standard certification is NOCSAE, so look for that stamp of approval too. Don’t take chances with subpar padding that could jeopardize your child’s safety and enjoyment of this fast-paced sport. Quality kidney pads let kids play hard and aggressive, without worrying about painful kidney shots.

Choose Kidney Pads That Wrap Around the Back for Full Coverage

When picking out kidney protection for your lacrosse player, it’s crucial to select pads that wrap entirely around the back. Partial coverage leaves the sides and back of the kidneys exposed, which can lead to painful blows in a sport full of checks, pushes, and collisions.

Full wrap-around kidney pads are designed to shield the entire back of the torso, not just the frontal kidney area. Quality pads will extend laterally and vertically to protect the lower back and sides. This complete coverage protects those vulnerable organs on all sides.

Partial kidney pads that only armor the front leave the kidneys susceptible from all angles of impact. Even a side or rear check can transfer force to the front kidneys. Without 360-degree padding, you’re leaving vital shock absorption to chance.

Many youth lacrosse leagues require full wrap protection for good reason – better safe than sorry. The complex motions of cradling, scooping, throwing, and checking create accidents waiting to happen. A properly fitted, full wrap kidney protector acts as insurance against those inevitable blows.

When fitting a new pad, have your child raise their arms and bend over. The pad should stay in place, not ride up or shift. Reflective trim around the entire protector improves visibility as players spin and turn on the field.

Don’t take chances with partial kidney coverage. Look for pads that encircle the back and waist fully. This complete armor lets your child play with confidence, knowing their vulnerable midsection is fully shielded from harm.

Make Sure the Protector Fits Snugly Without Restricting Movement

Finding the right fit is crucial when selecting a kidney protector for your young lacrosse athlete. The pad needs to fit snugly to stay in place, without restricting freedom of movement or comfort.

A properly fitted kidney pad should wrap firmly around the midsection without sagging or shifting during play. Excessively loose pads can slide out of position, leaving organs unprotected. Overly tight pads can dig in, pinch, or constrict breathing and mobility.

Quality kidney protectors are constructed with stretchy, breathable fabrics that conform closely to the player’s body. Elastic straps and adjustable closures ensure a customized, stay-put fit. Your child should be able to cradle, pass, scoop and shoot without the pad budging from proper positioning.

Avoid bulky, oversized pads that could impede motion. Streamlined, low-profile padding allows natural athletic movements. Gel pads mold to the player’s form for seamless coverage. Lightweight, flexible pads maintain comfort through intense gameplay and don’t weigh down smaller athletes.

Test the protector by having your child run, cut, pass, and take sample checks. He or she should have full range of motion without pinching or chafing. Refine the fit with adjustable straps as needed. Your young athlete should forget they are even wearing the pad while playing hard.

With youth leagues mandating kidney protection, a properly fitted pad ensures compliance without hindering performance. Take the time to find the right size, fit and adjust straps for a snug, stable protector that moves with your child on the field.

Opt for Moisture-Wicking Fabric to Keep Kids Cool and Dry

When your child is running hard on the lacrosse field, temperature regulation is key. The right moisture-wicking fabric in their kidney protector pulls sweat away from the body and keeps them cool, dry and comfortable.

Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex are ideal for athletic kidney pads. These fabrics actively draw perspiration away from the skin through the process of capillary action. This “pulls” sweat to the pad’s outer surface where it can evaporate.

Moisture-wicking kidney pads help prevent overheating and that soaked, sweaty feeling. Wet pads can also cause chafing and compromise the pad’s shock absorption. Quality pads combine inner wicking layers with breathable outer mesh for maximum ventilation.

For hot outdoor tournaments and practices, added airflow is crucial. Look for pads with vented foam or perforations to allow heat to escape. Some pads even incorporate cooling technologies like ICE-TX fabric which actually provides a chilled sensation next to the skin.

After an intense game, moisture-wicking kidney protectors can simply be washed in detergent to eliminate odors and bacteria. Let the pad fully dry before using it again to prevent mold or mildew.

Moisture control is vital for young athletes engaged in a dynamic, fast-moving sport like lacrosse. Wet, heavy pads are a distraction. With advanced wicking materials, perforated foams and mesh construction, today’s kidney protectors keep players energized, focused and performing at their best.

Find Lightweight Pads That Won’t Weigh Players Down

When shopping for kidney protection for your young lacrosse athlete, look for lightweight padding that won’t weigh them down or hinder mobility.

Bulkier, heavy-duty pads may seem like they offer more protection, but all that extra weight can impede performance. Newer, lightweight pads use advanced materials to provide top-tier shock absorption without the heft.

Lightweight padding is constructed from breathable, open-cell foams infused with gel. These materials absorb impact while remaining sleek and low-profile. Even thinner pads placed strategically over the kidneys provide ample protection.

For smaller players, overweight pads can be cumbersome and shift out of place. Excess weight from the protector throws off cradling, passing and shooting mechanics. It also forces young muscles to work harder, resulting in earlier fatigue.

During fitting, have your child move around and simulate game play. The kidney pad should move seamlessly with their body, never bogging them down. Adjustable elastic straps allow you to customize the tightness as needed.

The latest composite foams, perforated padding and mesh fabrics make it possible to provide complete protection in a feather-light package. While no protector eliminates 100% of impact forces, lightweight pads come close while enabling athletic peak performance.

Pick Bright Colors for Visibility on the Field

When picking out a kidney protector for your young lacrosse player, opt for bright colors and designs to maximize their visibility on the field.

Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport with ten rapidly moving players on the field at once. It can be challenging for teammates, opponents and officials to keep track of everyone’s location during dynamic gameplay.

Kidney pads in bold, contrasting colors help your child stand out. Vibrant hues like red, orange, yellow, green or neon accents boost visibility even from a distance. This also aids coaches in properly positioning players on the field.

Reflective strips, piping or geometric patterns add even more high-viz punch. Look for pads with reflective logos, designs and trim around the entire protector to facilitate seeing players from all angles.

Beyond safety, fun colors and prints appeal to young athletes and get them excited to gear up. Patterns featuring their team name, mascot or colors build team spirit. Let your kid pick their favorite eye-catching protector as motivation to consistently wear it.

In a fast, physical sport like lacrosse, high visibility is a must. Boldly colored kidney pads keep your child visible as they cut, spin and dash up and down the field – and out of harm’s way.

Look for Adjustable Straps to Customize the Fit

When shopping for a kidney protector, be sure to look for adjustable straps and closures. These allow you to customize the fit for your child’s body type and activity.

Kidney pads secure around the player’s midsection via a series of straps and velcro closures in the back or at the sides. Adjustable elements allow you to tighten or loosen the fit as needed for optimal comfort and stability.

Adjustable shoulder straps with sliding clips or Velcro let you control the vertical position of the pad. Side and waist straps can be cinched or released to make the protector more snug or provide some wiggle room as your athlete grows.

Take advantage of all points of adjustment when first fitting a kidney pad on your child. Have them bend, run and simulate lacrosse moves while making tweaks. The protector should be as snug as possible without restricting breathing or mobility.

No two bodies are the same shape, so customizable straps are key. A protector that shifts out of place defeats the purpose. Dialing in the right fit also ensures compliance, since a comfortable pad is one they’ll actually wear consistently.

Adjustable kidney pads grow with young athletes. Start with a snug fit and adapt the straps over time for a protector that keeps pace with your ever-moving child.

Prioritize Breathable Materials to Prevent Overheating

When your child is running hard under the sun during lacrosse games and practice, breathable construction is a must in their kidney protector.

Excess heat and sweat can cause discomfort, fatigue, and even put your athlete at risk of heat illness. That’s why it’s important to select a kidney pad made of lightweight, breathable materials that allow airflow.

Look for padding made of open-cell foam or perforated foam pads. These have tiny holes that enable heat and moisture to escape. Mesh outer fabrics also dramatically improve airflow to the skin underneath.

Some high-tech fabrics like ICE-TX infuse natural cooling minerals right into the pad. These actually pull heat away from the body, keeping kids cooler as their activity level rises.

Vented kidney pads provide targeted breathability. Strategic ventilation zones with moisture-wicking linings dissipate heat and sweat where it’s needed most. This prevents the protector from getting swampy.

During pad fitting, monitor your child for signs of overheating like excessive sweating or red skin. Opt for the most breathable materials you can find to avoid heat issues. Keep your athlete cool, dry and performing at their best.

Find Pads with Anti-Slip Lining to Prevent Shifting

To keep your child’s kidney protector locked in place during intense lacrosse gameplay, look for pads featuring anti-slip lining technology.

Kidney pads are secured tightly around the midsection, but all that running, cutting, dodging and physical contact can still cause them to shift out of optimal position. Before you know it, they’ve ridden up or slid to the side, leaving vital organs exposed.

Advanced pads now incorporate anti-slip linings on the interior surface that touches the athlete’s body. Silicone grippers or traction pads create friction to prevent the protector from sliding. This keeps it firmly anchored in the proper spot.

Some anti-slip linings are also antimicrobial, using ingredients like Microban to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This keeps pads fresher while providing traction against the skin.

During fitting, simulate lacrosse moves to test slippage. Quality pads will stay locked in place even when things get hectic on the field. If you notice your child continually adjusting their protector, an anti-slip lining can fix that issue.

With anti-slip technology, parents can have confidence the padding will perform as intended from opening whistle to final horn. Keeping organs protected for the full game is paramount.

Choose Protection Made Specifically for Boys or Girls

For proper protection and comfort, choose a kidney protector designed specifically for your child’s body type. Lacrosse pads made specially for boys or girls conform better to their differing frames.

Boys’ lacrosse is full-contact, so boys’ pads tend to offer maximum wrapping coverage and impact protection. Broad shoulder straps and wide back panels account for their straight torso shape.

Girls’ kidney pads provide solid shielding while allowing a better range of motion for their playing style. More contouring accommodates the curvier hips and chest of female athletes. Adjustable components cater to their narrower shoulders and waist.

Unisex or generic pads can work, but the tailored fit of gender-specific pads makes for happier, more compliant young athletes. The specialized shapes reduce pinching and chafing while staying firmly in place.

For older players, women’s and men’s pads offer an even more anatomical design. But for young boys and girls still developing, opt for pads engineered for their bodies. Protection levels remain high while optimizing movement and comfort.

Don’t settle for pads designed for the opposite gender. A proper-fitting protector lets your child concentrate on playing their best, not fiddling with their equipment.

Invest in a Quality Kidney Protector Certified by Lacrosse Associations

When selecting a kidney protector for your young lacrosse athlete, be sure to invest in a quality pad certified by major lacrosse governing bodies.

Major associations like US Lacrosse, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) thoroughly test and certify equipment for safety and effectiveness.

Look for current NOCSAE or SEI certification on any protector you purchase. This validates they provide adequate impact absorption and ventilation for the sport. US Lacrosse also offers a manufacturer alliance with endorsed equipment.

Reputable lacrosse brands design their pads to meet or exceed these rigorous certification benchmarks. While premium pads cost more than basic alternatives, certified protection is worth the peace of mind.

Some leagues require players to wear NOCSAE or SEI-approved pads. But even if not mandated, certified gear represents the highest safety standards backed by sports medicine research.

With lacrosse growing rapidly in youth sports, it’s an exciting time but also a responsibility. Give your child every advantage by investing in kidney pads endorsed by the sport’s foremost authorities.

Replace Used Pads That are Worn Out for Maximum Safety

While a quality kidney protector should handle seasons of use, be diligent about replacing worn out pads to ensure your child’s safety.

The repeated impacts of an entire lacrosse season can degrade padding materials over time. High-density foams and gels gradually lose their shock absorbing abilities as the seasons pile up.

Inspect used pads closely for signs of wear – flattened or cracked foam, broken straps, holes in fabric or mesh. If the protector seems loose, thin or bottoms out when pressed, it’s time for a fresh one.

A simple “squeeze test” lets you gauge the residual padding. Compress the pad in your hands – it should quickly spring back and feel substantial. If it pancakes or is slow to rebound, the protective qualities are compromised.

Set a calendar reminder to buy new pads every 2-3 years or as needed. Hand-me-down pads that have already absorbed years of blows may not offer enough protection either.

While kids grow quickly, don’t size up too fast just to save money. An oversized pad that shifts can be just as dangerous as an overly worn one. Prioritize the right fit and protection level.

Your child’s health is too important to cut corners. Ensure their kidney pad provides the highest level of shock absorption by replacing it as soon as you notice decline.

Get Pads with Stretch Fabric for a Flexible, Comfortable Fit

The best kidney protectors for young lacrosse players feature stretchy, flexible fabrics that allow freedom of movement along with safety.

Protection that’s too rigid or restrictive hampers athletic performance. Newer pads use stretchy fabrics like spandex or Lycra blends that provide a snug yet flexible fit.

These fabrics naturally expand and contract as the body moves. This eliminates pinching or binding even during intense play. The protector becomes like a second skin that moves fluidly with the athlete’s body.

Four-way stretch fabrics offer even greater mobility with their ability to stretch vertically, horizontally and diagonally. This dynamic flexibility paired with stabilizing straps prevents the pad from shifting.

Stretch panels placed strategically at joints improve mobility and comfort further. For girls, look for stretch chest bands and contoured shoulder straps to accommodate developing bodies.

During sprints, dodges and cuts, a stretch kidney pad will flex and give rather than limit natural athletic motions. Protection doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort and performance.

Opt for Pads That Can Be Worn Under or Over Equipment

For maximum versatility, choose a kidney protector that can be worn either under or over your child’s uniform and other lacrosse gear.

Many pads are designed specifically to layer underneath the uniform for a streamlined “hidden” look. But athletes should have the option of wearing protection on top as well.

Pads that strap over the uniform are easier to take on and off for bathroom breaks during practice or games. Over-the-uniform pads also make it easier to visually confirm the protector is in place.

Snug-fitting, flexible pads work best under jerseys and shoulder pads. Bulkier pads are better suited to external wear. Having options enables athletes to customize based on their preferences.

During cooler weather, wearing the pad directly against the skin helps retain body heat versus having layers between pad and body. But in hot weather, the ventilation of an over-the-uniform pad has advantages.

With adjustable and convertible straps, today’s kidney protectors accommodate both wear preferences. Give your young player the flexibility to configure their uniform and gear for ideal comfort and protection.

Educate Kids on Properly Wearing Kidney Protection During Play

Simply providing a quality kidney protector is not enough – young athletes must be educated on properly wearing padding during all lacrosse activities.

Unfortunately, ill-fitting pads that shift out of place are a common sight on youth lacrosse fields. Kids fail to fully secure straps, remove pads when not mandated, or neglect to replace worn-out pads.

Coaches and officials can only do so much – parents must instill the importance of responsible pad use. Lead by example and mandate your child properly wear a kidney protector for every practice and game, no matter what.

Show them how to properly put on and securely fasten the pad. Check the fit and stability yourself before each activity. Teach them to report any discomfort or slipping right away, and help re-adjust.

Remind kids that protection only works properly when worn as intended. A pad dangling loosely can do more harm than good if impact drives the edge into the body.

With your guidance, kids will build the habit of gearing up responsibly. A perfectly fitted pad does no good sitting in the bottom of a bag. Instill conscientious wearing habits that will serve your child well as they mature into the sport.