8 Wintertime Fun Safety Tips

Let it, Snow! Let it, Snow! Let it, Snow!

The winter months are a magical time for kids to head outdoors to experience all that wintertime and a good snowfall has to offer – sledding, igloo making, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. But these wonderful outside activities may also present a danger for children and an unwanted trip to the emergency room.

To keep your kids safe and warm, follow these wintertime fun safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

1. Dress for the weather. Dress children in thin layers with a wicking layer beneath to help children keep dry. As a general rule of thumb, younger children should wear one more layer than adults. And don’t forget the winter accessories – warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
2. Keep exposure to the cold at a minimum. Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.
3. Skating safety. Allow children to skate only on approved surfaces. Advise your child to skate in the same direction as the crowd, avoid darting across the ice and never skate alone.
4. Sledding safety. Sledders should stay away from streets, crowded areas, ponds, lakes and obstructions, such as trees. Make sure young children are supervised. Avoid loose scarves that can get caught while sledding.
5. Choose sled equipment wisely. Use steerable sleds, not snow disks or inner tubes, which can reduce visibility and spin out of control. Make sure the sleds are structurally sound and have no sharp edges.
6. Skiing safety. If your children want to learn to ski or snowboard, look for a qualified instructor in a program designed for children. Older children’s need for adult supervision depends on their maturity and skill. If older children are not with an adult, they should always be accompanied by a friend.
7. Choose the proper ski equipment. When skiing, bindings should be adjusted appropriately. Rental or sales professionals can help choose equipment that is the right size and fit.
8. Snowmobile safety. AAP recommends that children under age 16 do not operate snowmobiles and that children under age six never ride on snowmobiles. Travel at safe speeds, stay on marked trails and never snowmobile alone or at night.

Lastly, don’t forget about using a helmet to protect your child’s head from injury. When hitting the slopes, outfit your child with a helmet made specifically for skiing or snowboarding. Consider having them wear a helmet while ice skating and sledding too.