01/30/2026
Ice is no laughing matter. But with the kids out of school and only so much space in your house, sledding sounds like a great idea! Here are some tips from pediatric emergency doctor Kathleen Noorbakhsh, MD on how you can still have fun and be safe in these wintery conditions.
🪖 Sledding is a great opportunity to wear a helmet. A typical sled on snow can go 20 mph – that's faster than most kids can even bike! In the current icy conditions, sleds may be even faster.
🌳 Sled in an area without obstacles or roads. Specifically, children should not slide down hills that end in trees, fences, vehicles, guard rails, or bodies of water.
🏄 🚫 Use sleds as they are intended, sitting up and facing forward
👩👦 Young children should be supervised when sledding
🧤 Children should dress appropriately for the weather, wearing coats, mittens, hats, and proper footwear.
🧠 To reemphasize – wear a helmet. Brains are essential.
