Slip, Slide, but Don’t Collide! Safety Tips for Sled Stars 

There’s snow better feeling than zipping down a hill on a sled, and wind hitting your face. But before you take that first ride, it’s important to learn how to stay safe while you slide. Don’t worry, sledding safely doesn’t mean less fun. In fact, it helps make sure every snowy adventure ends with high-fives instead of wipeouts. Grab your mittens, hop on your sled, and let’s slide into some cool safety tips. 

Snow Day Oopsies: Common Sledding Injuries & When to Visit Urgent Care 

Sledding is all fun and giggles, right up until someone hits an icy patch, takes a tumble, falls off their sled, or accidentally discovers that trees are not soft. Although most sledding mishaps are minor, winter wipeouts can still lead to injuries that require going to urgent care. Knowing what to watch for and using preventative measures can help keep kids safe and reduce the chance of sledding related injuries.  

Bruises & Bumps (The Classic Sledding Souvenir) 

Soft-tissue injuries are the most common issue of sledding. Kids might come home with a handful of colorful bruises, a sore tailbone, or a tender shoulder after a fall. Most bruises just need rest, ice, and a cozy spot on the couch, but if there’s significant swelling, pain that worsens, or trouble moving the area, a medical evaluation is recommended. 

Fractures, Sprains and Strains 

Stick to aiming for hills that have less trees, more space, and less obstructions like fences, rocks, roads, or light poles are safer and therefore one of the best preventive measures to avoid injuries. A sudden twist while trying to steer, stop, or dodge another sledder can lead to stretched ligaments or muscles, or sometimes even a collision that can cause fractures. Ankles, wrists, and knees are the top culprits. Signs of a sprain or strain include swelling, sharp pain with movement, bruising, or difficulty putting weight on the area. Fracture can include severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, or refusal to use the limb. 

Head Injuries 

Head injuries can occur when a sledder loses control of the sled and either flips, crashes, or slides into something unexpected. It’s recommended to face forward while sledding as opposed to going down the hill on your stomach face first, riding backwards, or standing, an article by Kids Health states. After a head injury, it’s still important to watch for headaches, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or unusual sleepiness afterward.  

Sunburns 

Fun fact: You can actually get a sunburn while sledding in the middle of winter! According to an article by Care in the Sun, snow can reflect up to 90% of UV rays, which increases your risk of sunburn if you don’t take proper precautions. To protect your skin, it’s important to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and other protective clothing, even on cold or cloudy days! 

And Of Course, Cuts & Scrapes 

It’s safe to assume when it comes to collisions, there’s a good chance there will be some scrapes or small cuts involved. Most need just a good cleaning and possibly a bandage, but deeper cuts, bleeding that won’t stop, or dirty wounds may require medical attention to heal properly. 

When to Head to Urgent Care 

Bring your child to PM Pediatric Urgent Care, if you notice: 

• Severe or worsening pain 

• Swelling that doesn’t improve 

• Difficulty walking or using arm/leg 

• Possible fracture signs  

• Head injury symptoms 

• Cuts that won’t stop bleeding 

Sledding is one of winter’s purest joys, and with a little preparation and a few smart habits, it can stay that way. When kids know how to sled safely, they gain confidence, independence, and the freedom to enjoy the snow. Knowing that kids are sliding smart can bring peace of mind to parents, guardians, and caregivers.  

If bumps, twists or unexpected slips happen, PM Pediatric Urgent Care is here to help with same-day care for sprains, strains, and all the little winter mishaps that might pop up. But with these safety tips in your back pocket, we hope your sledding adventures are filled with smooth rides, big laughs, and winter memories that last long after the snow melts. 

Works Cited 

Nemours Children’s Health / KidsHealth. (2023, September). Safety tips: Sledding. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-sledding.html 

Care in the Sun. (n.d.). Sun protection in the snow. Care in the Sun. https://careinthesun.org/sun-protection/sun-protection-in-the-snow/