Fun And Safe Sledding With Kids Part 1
From Kit Singleton
If you are lucky enough to have snow in your area, take advantage of the opportunity to do some fun and safe sledding with the kids. Not only will it get rid of some of their pent up energy, it will help you build great family memories.
There are a few things you’ll need to do before you get to the actual sledding activity. In this article, we’ll talk about the sled and safety gear. In Part 2 of this article, we’ll talk about protective clothing and the sledding fun.
Choosing Safety Gear
In order to have fun sledding, you need to check out and/or gear up with the appropriate safety gear. Doing this now will enable you to avoid accidents or putting a damper on the fun by having to go home early.
The first piece of equipment you will need for the kids (and yourself) is a snowboard or sledding helmet. Your child will probable need a new safety helmet each year to insure that it fits properly. Remember that a thin cap should fit underneath the helmet. If you aren’t sure, ask the sales person at the store to help you fit the helmet.
If your kids are the rough and tumble kind or are accident prone, you may also want to consider getting special gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, and goggles.
Choosing Safe Sleds
The next piece of equipment you’ll need is the sled. Take your time when you choose or check the sled. Several safety and medical associations suggest that kids shouldn’t sit/slide on plastic sheets or other materials that can be pierced by objects on the ground. This pretty much rules out the saucer, inner tube, and carpet styles. However, a very few of these may be acceptable and meet your safety needs. Be sure each sled meets all safety regulations and requirements. When it doubt, leave it in the store.
All kids from babies to young adults can enjoy sledding, with the proper sled. Pull/push sleds with safety straps and seats are most appropriate for babies and toddlers. This is a great way for you to include even the youngest family members in your family sledding activity.
Older children (7 and up) should have a sled with the ability to steer and/or stop. Sleds that allow your child to lay face-down or slide head-first are not safe. The safest sleds require that your child kneel or sit facing forward. They also have weight requirements that you should follow.
Your safety precautions don’t stop with buying the helmet and sled. Once you have your sled and safety gear, it’s time to get dressed for the occasion. Read Fun And Safe Sledding With Kids part 2 to find out what protective clothing you and your children will need.
