Making plans for a trip to the slopes? If so, you’ll want to think
about protecting your kids.
Skiing can be a great source of winter fun.
But it can also be dangerous for children who aren’t properly prepared.
"It’s important that parents take the time to go over a few skiing
instructions and safety rules with their children before heading to the
slopes," says Dr. Scott Colliton, a pediatrician at The Children’s
Mercy Hospital. "Most ski injuries occur because the child wasn’t
fitted in the proper equipment."
Here, from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Mercy
Hospitals and Clinics, are several tips to help your children safely
enjoy skiing and avoid injuries and mishaps.
- Sign your children up for lessons as soon as they are ready. The
best defense against injuries is to emphasize safety at a young age. By
beginning with formal lessons at ski school your child will learn basic
ski skills.
- Outfit your child with the proper equipment, and make sure it’s
sized appropriately. All children should be fitted for skis and ski
bindings based on their height, weight and abilities. Skis that are too
long make it difficult to turn and put extra pressure on joints and
muscles. As a general rule, skis for four- and five-year-olds should be
no higher than the top of their head. It’s also important to make sure
boots fit properly. If the boots are too tight, they can cause
numbness.
- Dress your child appropriately for the cold weather. It’s best to
dress your child in layers and encourage him to tell you or his
instructor when he is getting too hot or too cold.
- Make sure your child is closely supervised.
- Use sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles. The glare from the snow
can cause severe sunburn.
- Avoid loose-fitting, free-flowing scarves. Scarves can easily blow
in a child’s face and obstruct vision. They may also get hung up on
rope tows and pulled into chairlifts.
The following wardrobe items are recommended:
- Waterproof ski pants
- Waterproof ski jacket
- Hat that covers the ears
- Waterproof ski socks
- Waterproof mittens or gloves
- Long underwear
- Turtleneck
- Sweater or sweatshirt
By taking these simple precautions, your whole family can enjoy safe
and fun times on the slopes this winter.
