December 27, 2010
Look outside your window and it looks like a Winter Wonderland. Walk outside and the wind chaps your cheeks, freezes your ears and yet the children want to stay out and play! I remember my mother smearing Vaseline on our cheeks when we were little, before going outside in this weather.
I worry about my kids being out too long, and I worry about them choosing a safe place to sled. Are they old enough to play outside by themselves if I can eyeball them from my window? They like to sled down a neighbor’s hill on a cul de sac, yet it is still on a street. When we have enough snow, they build a snow bank to land in. Is this any safer? Is it less safe?
I decided to look up some sledding tips from the experts and was enlightened by what I read. Allow me to highlight a few of the suggestions for you.
1. Never sled down a hill head first. (This makes a lot sense, especially if the sledders are not wearing helmets).
2. Only allow 1 person per sled at a time, except under 5 y/o who should sled with an adult.
3. Avoid scarves and drawstrings which could get caught and cause strangulation.
4. Do not substitute inner tubes, trays, trash can lids for a sled.
5. Clothes should be layered and stay dry (change clothes when they get too wet).
For the complete list and answers to my questions (and hopefully yours) visit: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/safety/outdoor/sledding.htm
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