Winter weather may be frightful for adults, but it’s nothing short of delightful for kids. However, when children go sledding, skiing or skating, parents should enforce a few safety rules.
“The most common serious injury in young children who ski, snowboard, sled and skate is head injury,” says Kristine Williams, MD, MPH, pediatrician in the emergency department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Although not all accidents are avoidable, taking basic precautions can reduce the potential for injury.”
One basic safety measure parents can take is to ensure children wear helmets any time they participate in sports or other activities—such as bike riding—that involve a potential for head injury.
“Ideally, children should have a helmet designed for each sport, but if they don’t, they can use any helmet that fits well and protects the entire head,” Dr. Williams says. “Wearing a helmet can prevent a hard fall from resulting in a serious—or even fatal—injury.”
Hitting the Slopes
St. Louis abounds with hills, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one where your kids can play. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the area before permitting your children to play there.
“Make sure the adult who supervises the children checks the area to ensure it’s free of obstacles like trees, rocks and poles,” Dr. Williams says. “Don’t choose a spot where they can sled into a street or parking lot. Some popular sledding venues such as Art Hill at Forest Park may have additional dangers such as jumps and tightly packed snow or ice.”
Ice Is Nice
Venturing out on the ice with a new pair of skates can be fun, but it also can be dangerous unless kids follow some basic rules. First, make sure the ice is thick enough to bear your child’s body weight. City parks often will post signs to indicate whether or not conditions are safe for skating.
Once children are on the ice, supervise them and pay close attention to their energy levels. Activities like skating and hockey can cause kids to lose energy, which—according to Dr. Williams—can make them more prone to injury. For safety, encourage children to take breaks every 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming overtired.