(HealthDay News) - Sledding may be a long-anticipated part of a child's winter fun, but it also can lead to injuries.
Follow these safety tips to prevent accidents, courtesy of the National Safety Council:
- Before use of any sled or toboggan, parents should carefully inspect them for any broken parts or sharp pieces.
- Children who are 8 years old or younger shouldn't sled unsupervised.
- Dress warmly and in layers, including a hat and gloves.
- Sled only in wide-open areas that are far from lakes, roads and traffic.
- Don't sled down extremely steep hills.
- Don't sled in areas with trees, rocks, shrubs and other potential obstacles.
- Don't sled down a hill head-first -- always feet-first.