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Sledding Checklist
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 “Ok,
have fun hon’!”
Before you let the kids run out the door to sled with their neighborhood
friends, keep these things in mind! Here is a thorough sledding
checklist for kids playing on their own.
1. Properly dressed? Make sure
your child has comfortable and warm snow gear made specifically
for the winter. All appendages should be covered, so dress your
child in thick socks, snow boots, gloves or mittens, and a good
hat. Wearing a layer of comfortable, but thin, pants underneath
snow pants is a good idea for warmth and insulation. Make sure he
or she grabs a good winter coat, too!
2. ID? Yes, a form of identification.
This is not necessarily a paranoid parent’s addition to a
sledding checklist; it is a wise and “just in case”
item that you will not appreciate until it’s too late.
3. Chap stick. Most kids won’t
even notice their cracking lips, but some will grow irritated at
the chaffed and stinging feeling. With chap stick in an easily accessible
coat pocket, he or she will be well prepared!
4. Is the sled cracked or damaged?
Tighten any loose screws and check for cracks in the plastic of
the sled your child is taking. Everything should be ship-shape for
a safe ride!
5. Buddy system! If your child
just can’t wait for his buddies before he plunges into the
snow, make sure you are either able to see his playing from the
window or yard, or simply go along yourself! Sledding is an activity
that can be quite enjoyable even when alone, however the buddy system
is much safer. Someone to watch for cars if the hill is near a street,
to help if an injury occurs, or to go get help if necessary.
“Lets all go together!”
When your whole family takes a trip to the favorite sledding hill,
there are even more items to bring along, just in case! This sledding
checklist will help you prepare.
1. Warm clothing. Gloves, jackets,
scarves, boots, hats and snow pants for everybody!
2. Safe equipment? Make sure to
check all of the sleds you are going to use, for loose screws or
cracked plastic. Discard any damaged plastic sleds—the best
way to fix them is to get a new one! For wooden sleds or sleds that
have any extra parts, make sure everything is tightened and secure.
3. Camera! Often we forget to take photos of random,
fun times—especially those we do often. But the days when
you play out in the snow with your children is just as special to
document in the family album as a school play or birthday party.
These are the moments to catch in time!
4. Helmets. It is true that you
don’t often see a helmeted kid coasting down the hill, but
this is a crucial form of protection, especially on steep hills.
Sledding accidents and fatal injuries are more common that you would
think.
5. Inspect the hill. Check out the downhill you
will be sledding on for any huge bumps or twigs and rocks that will
affect the ride down!
6. Feet first! Sledding is a blast,
but it has its risks. Encourage everyone in your family to ride
down feet first, for better control, and to avoid a massive head
injury. Plunging head first at 10-20 miles an hour can cause a lot
of trouble!
And, last but not least, the most delicious item on any sledding
checklist is a stock of hot chocolate for when you get home!
Related information:
Sledding
Safety
When the snow falls, the first thought for many parents and children
is to break out the sleds.
Snow
Sled Reviews
When you consider buying any large ticket item, you tend to ask
people who have used it what they think of it before you purchase
it.
The
Best Places To Go Sledding
Once we mature and grow older, we realize why all the adults weren’t
as enthused about winter as us kids!
Snow
Sled Maintenance
Nowadays snow sled maintenance can be a lot simpler than the days
of yore, depending on what type of sled you have.
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