Protect your child’s head from injury, especially during any type of winter sports where there is a significant amount of motion and potential for falling. Remember that hard packed snow and ice can be just as damaging as a fall on concrete.
A sledding hill should not be too steep, with a slope of less than 30 degrees that ends with a flat runoff. Often, sledding hills are not far from highways or roads so it’s important to keep a safe distance from motor vehicles. Any sledding area should be clear of obstructions like trees or fences. Kids can prevent injury by wearing a helmet and sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first. Dressing in layers is also important. If your child begins to sweat, remove layers as needed, so they stay dry. Wet clothes can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.