How to Take Toddlers Sledding
Taking your toddler sledding, perhaps for the first time, can be an exciting experience for everyone, but safety measures must be taken to keep your little one safe. Sledding might be a favorite winter pastime, but it is more dangerous than you might think. In a 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics study on pediatric trauma injury, 30 percent of the children hospitalized for sledding injuries suffered significant head trauma. Keep your toddler's sledding experience positive and injury-free by putting safety first, as well as dressing your little one appropriately for the snow.
Things You'll Need
- Thermal shirt and leggings
- Lightweight fleece or wool shirt
- Waterproof snow pants
- Insulated outer coat
- Waterproof mittens
- Waterproof boots
- Wool hat
- Child-size helmet, ski or bike
- Steerable sled
Instructions
Dress your toddler in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking thermal shirt and leggings, then add an insulating top next, such as a lightweight fleece or wool sweater and waterproof snow pants. The final layer should be a quality insulated outer coat that protects the body from moisture and the wind. Your toddler should also be wearing waterproof mittens, wool socks, waterproof boots and, most importantly, a warm hat to keep him from losing heat through his head. Put a helmet on your toddler. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages parents to make their children wear helmets when sledding to protect them from head injury, just in case something goes wrong. Ski helmets are the best, as they have a snug fit ideal for cold weather, but any helmet you may have, such as a bike helmet, will work if necessary, according to critical care surgeon and author Dr. Richard Herman. Use a well-made proper sled. For your toddler's safety, the sled you use should be structurally sound, should not have any sharp edges and should have a well-lubricated steering mechanism. Avoid using inner tube or snow-disk-style sleds, which are not as safe as steerable sleds. Choose a small hill. The hill should have a slope of no more than 30 degrees and should be completely clear of trees, fences, light poles or bodies of water. Avoid sledding when the snow is covered with ice. Ride with your toddler. Children under the age of 5 should ride with an adult, as recommended by the Child Injury Prevention Alliance. Sit on the sled with your toddler securely seated in front of you, between your legs, as you ride down the hill.
