Winter can be harsh to say the least. Between blizzards conditions that keep kids indoors and snow days that keep them home from school, it’s no wonder they get cabin fever. Let’s face it – there are only so many indoor activities you can do! When the weather permits, we are outside as much as possible building snow forts, sledding and skiing.
While most people have gotten the message about wearing helmets when skiing, unfortunately there are still many kids not wearing them when they sled or ice skate. Alarming considering that hospital emergency rooms treat about 14,900 children ages five to 14 for sledding injuries each year, a majority of which are head injuries according to the National SAFE Kids Campaign.
Tips on Staying Safe and Warm this Winter
- Bundle up! Layering is the key – first clothes that resist dampness such as thermal underwear or nylon followed by looser layers such as sweatshirts and fleece and then an outer layer that can repel water and wind.
- Stay Dry! Warm gloves, jackets, and snow pants that keep you dry are a must, as well as hats and gaiters for your neck. Gaiters are a better option for kids than scarves which can pose a strangulation hazard.
- Take Breaks! Kids won‘t necessarily know when it’s time to come in and take a break so be mindful of how long they’ve been outside and insist they come in. Remove all wet clothing immediately.
- Know the Signs! Check for signs of potential hypothermia or frost-nip (the precursor to frostbite). Signs could include shivering, abnormally slow breathing, cold pale skin (or bright red skin in infants) and slurred speech. If you detect any of these symptoms in your child call your pediatrician or 911 immediately.
- Practice Safe Sledding! When sledding be sure to keep arms and legs inside at all times, go down feet first and only one person to a sled. Also, be careful of who’s going down before you and near you. Make sure there’s a clear path.
- Choose a Safe Spot! Perhaps the most important precaution when ice-skating is to be sure you’re doing it in a safe place. Skate only at indoor rinks or on ponds/lakes that have been marked as safe.
- Teach Equipment Safety! When first skating with young kids, teach them never to touch the blade of the skate. Also, be sure that their ice skates fit properly. Your child’s foot should be able to move slightly back and forward and side to side but not up and down. Have them wear heavy socks or a second pair of socks.
- Start Off with Lessons! Whether they’re skiing or snowboarding, start them off with lessons. A good foundation in learning the basics will set them up for success and enjoyment. Teach your kids to be responsible skiers.
- Ensure a Proper Fit! If you’re starting them off at an early age and you intend to go skiing frequently, it’s a good idea to rent skis as they will outgrow them quickly and it’s important to always have a good fit.
- Plan for Emergencies! Learn about the resorts emergency plans. I learned this the hard way when the ski school lost my son on the mountain and they had no PA system to announce it.