Winter Safety Tips for Children of All Ages

by Daniel Sean Kaye

Winter is undoubtedly a fun time of year, with skating, sledding, skiing and much more. But even the safest winter toys have their share of safety concerns. New users of items such as snowboards, sleds, and skates obviously have the greatest chance for injury due to their unfamiliarity with the items. If this is your child’s first year really getting out in the snow, there are many ways you can help keep him or her safer.

Mom always said to dress in layers and she was right. First off, it keeps you warm, limiting exposure to the elements. But in addition, it acts like an extra level of padding, and that’s something everyone needs in the hard, cold environment of winter. Young children often don’t recognize how cold they are, opting to have more fun than to take a break for safety. Dressing them in layers helps keep them warm while allowing them more time outside. Just stay vigilant for signs that they need to go in.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the following safety information to guard against hypothermia and frostbite:

● Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

● Hypothermia develops when a child’s temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing. As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.

● If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.

● Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They may become pale, gray, and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.

● If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.

● Do not rub the frozen areas.

● After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets. Give him something warm to drink.

● If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.

Like the elements, children need to be shielded against the potential hazards of winter toys, such as sleds, ice skates, skis, snowboards, and snowmobiles. While you may consider these to be toys, to children they can be very dangerous. It can’t be said enough – stay vigilant when children use these items. A young child – even one that seems mature and capable – can make very serious errors very quickly that can result in injury or death.

The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC suggests the following when it comes to riding sleds:

● Wear a helmet.

● Wear warm clothing – including heavy gloves and boots.

● Know how to stop your sled or make a sharp turn by dragging your feet.

● If your sled won’t stop or if you are out of control, roll off your sled and onto the ground. Don’t worry about your sled after you roll off. You can get it back after it stops sliding.

● Make sure your sled is in good condition and isn’t broken. And always tell an adult if you have a crash.

● Only use the sled your parents or guardians gave you. Never use an inner tube, saucer, or disk. You can get hurt because you can’t steer them.

● Only sled ride when an adult is present.

● Never sled ride in unsafe areas like the street, driveways, rocky hills, or near a cliff.

● Never ride into a snow bank – the snow may hide a tree stump or rocks.

● Never sled ride when it is icy. Ice makes the sled go too fast and you can’t steer or stop a sled when you’re on ice.

● Never sled ride in the dark.

● Never ride a sled that is being pulled by a car, truck or ATV.

The National Safety Council suggests the following tips for ice skaters:

● Wear skates that fit comfortably and provide enough ankle support to keep you on your feet.

● Have the blades professionally sharpened at the beginning of each season.

● Skate only on specially prepared skating areas where you are sure the ice is strong enough to withstand your weight.

● Always check for cracks, holes, and other debris.

● Before setting out on your skating expedition, learn basic skating skills, such as how to stop and fall safely.

● Wear warm clothing and rest when you become tired or cold.

● Never skate alone.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the following for Snow Skiing and Snowboarding:

● Children should be taught to ski or snowboard by a qualified instructor in a program designed for children.

● Never ski or snowboard alone.

● Young children should always be supervised by an adult. Older children’s need for adult supervision depends on their maturity and skill. If older children are not with an adult, they should always at least be accompanied by a friend.

● The AAP recommends that children under age 7 not snowboard.

● Wear a helmet.

● Equipment should fit the child. Skiers should wear safety bindings that are adjusted at least every year. Snowboarders should wear gloves with built-in wrist guards.

● Slopes should fit the ability and experience of the skier or snowboarder. Avoid crowded slopes.

● Avoid skiing in areas with trees and other obstacles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the following for Snowmobiling:

● The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

● Do not use a snowmobile to pull a sled or skiers.

● Wear goggles and a safety helmet approved for use on motorized vehicles like motorcycles.

● Travel at safe speeds.

● Never use alcohol or other drugs before or during snowmobiling.

● Never snowmobile at night.

● Stay on marked trails, away from roads, water, railroads and pedestrians.

Also, remember that professionally made snow products must include rider age and weight information, so be sure to read these requirements before your child uses any of these snow/ice items. Every snow toy should offer beginner age requirements. (Parents should keep in mind it is crucial that children be taught not only how to use them, but how to fall safely, what safety equipment they need to wear, and where and when is acceptable to use the items.)

Enjoy your winter by understanding the dangers out there and by educating your children. By knowing what to do – and what not to do – the cold months can be the most fun ones of the year.