Winter brings endless opportunities for fun. From sledding down snow-covered hills to skating and skiing, winter activities create lasting memories, but they also come with potential risks. Every year, pediatricians treat winter-related injuries, including fractures, sprains, and cold-weather illnesses.
The good news? With the right precautions, parents can help their children enjoy winter activities safely. Here’s how to keep sledding, skiing, and ice skating fun and injury-free!
Sledding Safety Tips
Sledding is a classic winter pastime, but without proper precautions, it can lead to injuries. Follow these tips to help your child sled safely:
- Pick a Safe Spot: Choose a sledding hill that’s clear of obstacles like trees, rocks, or fences. The bottom of the hill should level out into a flat, open space—never a road or body of water.
- Use the Right Gear: Ensure your child has a sturdy sled that allows for steering. Avoid sleds with sharp edges or damaged parts. Helmets designed for winter sports add an extra layer of protection.
- Teach Safe Sledding Habits: Show your child how to sit upright and face forward, keeping their hands and feet inside the sled. Discourage standing or sledding headfirst, as this increases the risk of head injuries.
- Supervise Young Children: Always watch younger kids while they sled to ensure they follow safety rules and stay out of harm’s way.
Skiing Safety Tips
Skiing is a fantastic way for kids to stay active during the winter, but it requires preparation and the right technique. Keep these tips in mind:
- Dress for Success: Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet for downhill skiing, goggles, and layered clothing to stay warm and safe. Ski boots and bindings should be adjusted by a professional for a secure fit.
- Start with Professional Lessons: Enroll your child in lessons with a certified ski instructor to learn essential skills, like stopping, turning, and falling safely.
- Stick to the Right Terrain: Choose slopes that match your child’s ability level. Beginners should stick to gentle runs and avoid steep, obstacle-filled areas.
- Take Breaks: Tiredness can lead to accidents. Encourage your child to rest and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen: Even in winter, the sun reflecting off the snow can cause sunburn. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen to your child’s face and reapply as needed.
Ice Safety Tips
Avoid skating on frozen ponds and lakes due to the risk of the ice breaking and your child falling through the ice.
- Check Ice Conditions: Only allow skating on ice that has been checked and approved safe by local authorities. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick for individual skaters.
- Look for Warning Signs: Unsafe ice might appear cracked, slushy, or gray. Teach your child to avoid these areas and choose designated skating rinks.
- Emergency Preparedness: Educate your child on what to do if someone falls through the ice. They should call for help immediately and never attempt to rescue someone themselves.
- Wear a Helmet: Helmets are helpful when ice skating.
Preventing Hypothermia
Winter fun can quickly turn dangerous if kids aren’t properly dressed for the cold. Follow these tips to keep your child warm and safe:
- Dress in Layers: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers like fleece or wool, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
- Keep Extremities Warm: Make sure your child wears a hat, gloves, and insulated boots to retain body heat.
- Watch for Hypothermia Signs: Early symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, and pale or cold skin. If you notice these, bring your child indoors immediately to warm up.
Supervision & Common Sense
The best way to keep kids safe during winter activities is through supervision and practical precautions. With the right preparation, children can enjoy everything winter has to offer safely. So bundle them up, review these tips, and let them make the most of the season’s snowy adventures!
If your child experiences a winter-related injury, don’t hesitate to contact Elmwood Pediatrics at (585) 244-9720 to schedule an appointment in Rochester, NY.
