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Kids Winter Safety Tips

Winter can be a time of exciting activities. Skating, skiing, snow building, and sledding are among the myriad winter activities that keep children moving and smiling. Outdoor play is important, especially in winter when sunlight hours are reduced. Children need the Vitamin D provided by sunlight for proper bone health and growth. Adequate Vitamin D is difficult to obtain solely through one's diet. The following simple tips can help kids have fun in the winter sun while staying safe and healthy.

  1. Dress in Warm Layers

    • Kids need to wear warm clothes when going outside in winter. Wearing several layers of thin clothing is better than one thick layer. In addition to layered tops, pants, and socks, children should wear hats, gloves or mittens, and scarves. The body should be completely covered from head to foot. Warm boots are a crucial factor in winter clothing as well. Winter boots should provide traction and be waterproof.

    Excessive Cold

    • If outside temperature with wind chill factor reaches 20 degrees below zero, children should not venture outside. These temperature extremes can precipitate hypothermia or frostbite incidents. Parents should not allow outside play when temperatures reach this level.

    Time to Come In

    • Kids need to take frequent "warm-up" breaks when playing outside in the winter. When a child begins to shiver or feel tingling or numbness in any body part, it is time to come inside and warm up. If a child feels excessively tired, he should go inside immediately. These are all potential signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

    Sledding Safety

    • When sledding, children should always be monitored by an adult. Sleds should be kept away from roads and motor vehicles. To prevent possible head injuries, children should sled feet first or sitting down. Steerable sleds are safer than inner tubes or disks. Children should avoid sledding in areas that are crowded. Kids and parents should choose slopes that are unobstructed by trees, rocks, or fences.

    Skating Tips

    • Children should ice-skate only on permitted surfaces. Watch for posted signs or inquire about approved surfaces with the local parks department. Skaters should never skate alone. Kids should avoid eating or chewing gum while skating. Skaters should always skate in the same direction as the group and refrain from darting out in front of other skaters.

    Skiing and Snowboarding Safely

    • Skiing and snowboarding can be beneficial, exciting winter exercise activities. However, these sports can be extremely dangerous for children. Kids should be trained to snowboard or ski by a qualified individual. Children should never snowboard or ski alone, and young children should always be monitored by an adult. Children should ski or snowboard only on slopes without obstructions. Proper safety equipment is crucial for snowboarding or skiing, including gloves, goggles, and helmets.

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