Winter offers endless fun for kids, from sledding down snowy hills to gliding across frozen ponds. While these activities create cherished memories, they also come with risks. Each year, pediatricians treat injuries ranging from broken bones to cold-related illnesses and more.
The good news? Parents can ensure their kids enjoy winter activities safely by taking a few key precautions. Here’s how to keep sledding, skiing, and ice skating fun and injury-free!
Sledding Safety Tips
Sledding is a winter favorite, but it can lead to injuries without the right precautions. Follow these tips to keep your child safe:
- Choose a Safe Hill: Look for a sledding hill free of obstacles like trees, rocks, or fences. The hill should end in a flat, open area, not a road or body of water.
- Use Proper Equipment: Ensure your child uses a sturdy sled with steering capabilities. Avoid sleds with sharp edges or broken parts. Helmets designed for winter sports offer an added layer of protection.
- Practice Safe Sledding Techniques: Teach your child to sit facing forward, keeping their hands and feet inside the sled. Discourage standing or lying down headfirst, as these positions increase the risk of head injuries.
- Supervise Younger Kids: Always keep an eye on children while they sled to help prevent accidents and ensure they stay safe.
Skiing Safety Tips
Skiing is a fantastic way for kids to stay active during winter, but it requires proper preparation and technique. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Wear the Right Gear: Make sure your child wears a well-fitted helmet, goggles, and layered clothing to stay warm and protected. Ski boots and bindings should be adjusted by a professional to ensure proper fit.
- Start with Lessons: Enroll your child in ski lessons with a certified instructor to teach them the basics of skiing, including how to stop, turn, and fall safely.
- Stay on Appropriate Terrain: Choose ski runs that match your child’s skill level. Beginners should stick to gentle slopes and avoid areas with steep inclines or obstacles.
- Encourage Breaks: Fatigue can lead to accidents, so encourage your child to take breaks and stay hydrated.
- Use Sunscreen: In winter, it can be easy to forget about sunburn. But the reflection of the sun off the snow can cause severe burns, and it can happen fast. Thoroughly apply a high SPF to your kiddos’ faces and reapply throughout the day if necessary.
Ice Safety Tips
Skating on frozen ponds or lakes can be magical, but thin ice poses serious dangers. Follow these ice safety guidelines:
- Know the Ice Conditions: Only allow skating on ice that has been tested and deemed safe by local authorities. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick for individual skating.
- Recognize Warning Signs: Unsafe ice may have cracks, slush, or a grayish color. Teach your child to avoid these areas and stick to designated skating rinks whenever possible.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Teach your child what to do if someone falls through the ice. Encourage them to call for help and avoid venturing onto thin ice themselves.
Hypothermia Prevention
Cold temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia if kids aren’t dressed properly. Keep your child warm with these tips:
- Dress in Layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add warm layers such as fleece or wool, and conclude with a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
- Protect Extremities: Ensure your child wears a hat, gloves, and insulated boots to prevent heat loss.
- Watch for Early Signs of Hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, and pale or cold skin. If you notice these signs, bring your child inside immediately to warm up.
The Importance of Supervision and Common Sense
Supervising your child during winter activities and using common sense are key to preventing accidents. With proper preparation, kids can safely enjoy all the excitement that winter has to offer. So bundle them up, review these safety tips, and let them make the most of the season’s magic!
Contact Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford at Request Appointment (910) 848-5437 to schedule an appointment in Raeford and Fayetteville, NC if your child sustains a winter injury this season.
Sources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Cold-Weather-Safety.aspx
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Winter-Safety.aspx
