As soon as that first snow hits the ground, kids start dreaming of snow days spent on the slippery slopes. As parents, we revel in our little ones' rosy cheeks and squeals as they pile their little bundled corpses onto the sleds and jump down the hill. But many people don’t know at what age you can ride a sled and which ones are better to choose.
As with any fun activity, especially when involving children, it is important to familiarize yourself with some safety tips when riding. If you are a parent with young children, it is important to keep them safe using the tips below.
At what age can you ride a sleigh?
Sleigh rides are a childhood ritual that is loved by all ages. However, any activity that involves small children, high speeds and unpredictable traffic can lead to danger and a variety of injuries. Parents must be prepared to prevent them and deal with any trauma that may arise.
At what age can you ride a sled?
Children under five years of age must be accompanied by an adult to sled. Children under 12 years of age should be supervised by elders to avoid injury. Make sure children are guided forward on the sled and never allow them to ride backwards or stand as this can cause head and neck injuries.
At what age is it legal to use a wheelchair?
There are only general recommendations regarding the optimal period to start using such devices. We are talking about the child reaching six months of age. But not everything is so simple, because children develop differently.
Thus, not every child, upon reaching the age of 6 months, is able to sit confidently and keep his back in a level position. Placing such a baby in a sled-stroller with a vertical seat is dangerous for serious developmental disorders. In this case, to determine the child’s readiness for a walk on a wheelchair, it is necessary to take into account only his developmental characteristics.
It is also important to remember that during the first year of every child’s life, sleep plays a huge role, which children most often indulge in in the fresh air. When choosing a sled-wheelchair, you should definitely inquire about the possibility of the seat adopting a horizontal position, because staying in a vertical position for a long time is not recommended. According to many parents, such devices can be safely used until the child reaches the age of five.
Choosing the Right Sledding Hill
If you have a few snow-covered hills in your area, they won't all necessarily be great places for sledding. Here are some tips for choosing the right sledding hill:
- Make sure it is not too steep and has a level surface for safe braking.
- Avoid hills that are near water, fences, or other dangerous areas.
- Avoid hills near streets or parking lots.
- Make sure there are no poles, trees or buildings on the hill.
- Choose a hill that is more snowy than icy, this way if the child falls, the landing will be softer.
To keep yourself and your family safe, go sledding with your children during the day rather than at night.
You need to wear the right clothes when sledding
Snow sledding means you'll be outside for a while during the winter. If a child does not wear warm clothes, the risk of colds or hypothermia increases. That's why it's so important to put on several layers of warm clothing before you go sledding with your kids.
Both hypothermia and frostbite are risk factors for spending long periods of time outdoors during the winter. Before going outside, make sure that you and your children are dressed in warm and dry clothes. A winter wardrobe should include winter boots, thermal underwear, winter pants, a winter jacket, mittens or mittens, a hat and a scarf. In addition, a full set of dry, water-repellent clothing will help little ones warm up quickly if they play for a long time and are covered in snow.
Buying a snow shovel and sled
To make the skiing process more comfortable, you can use a snow shovel. Today, there is a wide range of snow shovels on sale that will suit almost any budget, so you will never have to worry about buying a product for children. In addition, in stores you can see dozens of different models of sleds for every taste and budget.
When can you go sledding?
NIKA-CHILDREN 7-3 modification produced since 2017.
The undisputed bestsellers of past years are the NIKA-CHILDREN 7 and NIKA-CHILDREN 7-2 NEW sleds with a roll-out wheelbase. The main difference between sled models 7 and 7-2 are small design additions in the form of a “fur” mattress-liner, “fur” edging of the hood and cover for the legs, the presence of a snow-windproof film and insulated mittens for mother. Technologically, this sled is a complete analogue of the previous model Nika 7. The word “fur” is put in quotation marks for good reason, because this “fur” is more like plush, like soft toys, than natural fur and the effect of it is rather more aesthetic, than practical. The sled is equipped with a simple and understandable installation mechanism on roll-out wheels. In the 2016-17 modification, the manufacturer added a number of changes: 1) the metal pedal for installing the sled from the runners to the wheels was replaced with a more convenient and wide plastic one, as a result of which it became more convenient to put this model on the wheels and back to the runners; 2) increased the diameter of the wheels of the roll-out base from 11.5 cm to 12.5 cm, as a result of which the sled received higher maneuverability, now there are obstacles in your way in the form of bumps, thresholds, holes, etc. will cease to be a significant problem.
In 2021, the NIKA CHILDREN company released analogues of the above-mentioned models - these are the sleigh-stroller Nika for Children Disney Baby 2 (the only difference is in the design of the fabric, characters from famous Disney cartoons are used) and Nika for Children 7-4 (equipped with an additional insulated envelope for the baby, in which, like in a blanket, you can wrap up the baby, creating additional comfort, coziness and warmth).
NIKA-CHILDREN 7-3 IS THE MOST POPULAR MODEL OF SLED STROLLERS SINCE 2018.
Since 2021, the vector of popularity has shifted to the new model NIKA-CHILDREN 7-3. Its main additions are the presence of a removable restrictive bumper, a snow-windproof film divided into several sections, a warmer fur mattress with internal padding, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, an improved mechanism for throwing the parent pusher handle (it has become automatic).
Otherwise, Nick's stroller sled for Children 7-3 is very similar to its predecessors. The same durable folding frame, convenient and reliable pedal mechanism for installation from runners to wheels and back. True, the fabric has become somewhat denser due to impregnation, and now it has a higher windproof and water-repellent effect. This model comes with a hanging soft toy for a child.
A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MODELS OF WHEELCHAIR SLEDS DISCUSSED ABOVE.
Advantages: The quality and strength of the mechanism for installing the sled on the roll-out wheelbase and back on the runners from the manufacturer NIKA CHILDREN is still the most reliable and simplest of all the models that are presented on the children's goods market. To adjust the position of the hood, a ratchet mechanism is used, which is certainly very convenient. Firstly, this eliminates the possibility of spontaneous folding of the hood, that is, the “ratchet” allows you to firmly and tautly hold the shape of the dome over the baby’s head. Secondly, this mechanism makes it possible to install and fix the hood in several intermediate positions.
Additional information: It is worth considering that a sled on a roll-out wheelbase cannot be placed “on its hind legs” like a regular stroller. This is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer, as it leads to deformation of both the roll-out mechanism itself and the frame of the sled as a whole.
Disadvantages: The soft upholstery of the pusher handle on some Nika Children models is made of polyurethane foam. It is soft to the touch, but unfortunately very prone to damage. Any unsuccessful storage, transportation or light blow with a sharp object on the upholstery of the handle can cause noticeable dents and tears that cannot be sewn up or sealed. But during the production of the Nika Children 7-3 model, this drawback was taken into account by the manufacturer and the upholstery of the pusher handle became fabric (soft, dense and pleasant to the touch velor).
Photo report:
The wheel diameter is 12.5 cm, which provides the sled with good maneuverability.
The handle is covered with PVC foam padding. Strong impacts on this material leave small dents that will straighten back out over time.
The fabric of the sled is of good quality, like most strollers, and has windproof and water-repellent effects.
The fur is white, plush, thick and very fluffy. This element decorates the sled in an incredible way.
A very durable mechanism for installing the sled from the runners to the wheels and back.
The ratchet for adjusting the visor is very convenient and allows you to fix the hood in intermediate positions, and also prevents the hood from spontaneously folding while the sled is rolling.
The stroller sled is equipped with fasteners made of impact-resistant and frost-resistant plastic.
Tips for keeping children safe on sleds
Now that your children are properly dressed and have the necessary sleds for sledding, it is important to pay attention to some rules of sledding:
- Make sure an adult is always present to supervise young children. In the event that someone is injured, it is important to have an adult on the scene who can provide first aid and transport injured children to the emergency room. However, if someone is seriously injured, they should always call 911.
- Children under five years old must go sledding with an adult. Children under 12 years of age must be supervised and not left alone.
- Do not allow children to do jumping or other extreme movements on the sled.
- Make sure that children ride forward on the sled; do not allow them to move while standing. This increases the risk of injury or falling.
Make sure little ones go up slopes and not down the middle, as they can injure themselves and others. Children should sled one at a time, not several. Never tow a child in a sled with a car.
How to avoid injuries and enjoy sledding
According to traumatologists, most sledding injuries can be avoided by following several important recommendations:
- Supervision is mandatory. An adult should always be present when children are sledding. You, as an adult, need to make sure that they use safe areas for sledding, that is, areas where there are no trees, posts or fences.
Parents should make sure that the area is not only a comfortable place for sledding, but also located away from the street, parking lots and other dangerous areas. Doctors advise against sledding outside or on sidewalks, even when there is plenty of snow, because there are too many potential hazards.
- Use a real sled, not a substitute such as a plastic sheet. There is no guarantee that riding on a plastic sheet will be safe. This item can easily be perforated by rocks or branches, putting the child at risk of injury.
- One child on a sleigh. If you have two or three people on the sled who are not designed for this, it can impair the ability to control the sled. As a result, the ability to control the process is impaired if any type of accident occurs. Some types of sleds are designed for two people, and that's fine. But you shouldn't increase the number of children to make the trip more exciting or fun.
Other tips on how to ride a sled correctly
- Forward, feet in front: This is an ideal sledding position because children can best control the sled from this position by steering with their feet or using a rope attached to the handles of the sled. Children should never sled down a slope.
Thus, riding on your stomach when the child begins to accelerate and ride the sled down at high speed is not recommended. This kind of sledding is unsafe because the person loses control over their ability to brake and over the sled. It also increases the chances of getting a head injury. The child is directly struck by a moving vehicle, tree, fence, or other person.
- Children under 12 years of age must wear a helmet. Young children have large heads and a higher center of gravity than older children and adults. Therefore, in the event of an accident, it is more likely that a child will injure his head than another part of his body.
- Wear warm and protective clothing. For example, if a branch falls from a tree, clothing will provide an additional level of fall protection.
- Know when to bail out. Explain to children that they must bail out - covering their face and head with their hands to protect their face and eyes, and then slide off the sled - whenever they lose control, visibility, or think they will end up in a dangerous area such as a pond, parking lot or an area with trees and poles.
Please remember that sledding is not recommended in extremely cold weather. In this case, the risk of frostbite increases.
How to ride a sled to avoid injury
Treatment of injuries
Unsafe situations often occur when sledding. If your child is injured while skiing, you need to determine whether you can treat the injury at home or if you need to contact emergency services.
Milder injuries, such as bruises and sprains, can be treated by resting, elevating, and icing the injured area or limb. If a ligament is sprained, wrap the damaged area with an elastic bandage.
Disadvantages compared to conventional sleds
- They cost more . Ordinary sleds can be bought for a price of 500 rubles. The cost of wheelchair sleds starts from one and a half thousand.
- Not intended for mountain skiing . The sled stroller is very unstable because the seat is located higher than that of a simple sled. In addition, they are not equipped with a brake. Therefore, you cannot roll them down even from low mountains or leave them unattended.
- Heavier . The lightest sled-wheelchair weighs 5 kg. They are very difficult to get down and up the stairs. The option with wheels will not make the situation easier, since they are quite small. It’s good if the house has an elevator and the stairs are equipped with slopes.
- Serves 1-2 seasons . Manufacturers claim that the sled stroller can be used until the child turns 4 years old. But in practice, children over 2.5-3 years old prefer a snow scooter, which is more appropriate for their age and is suitable for games and slides.
How to choose a safe sled
There has been previous sledding-related research that relates to determining the cause of sledding injuries and establishing safe sledding practices
What types of sleds are the safest?
The safest types of sleds are those that can be controlled and also have the function of lifting a person off the ground.
Are there any types of sleds that should be avoided? Discs and other types of sleds that cannot be steered should only be used in park areas with clearly defined lanes.
How to choose?
If after much thought: what kind of transport should I buy for my baby for the winter? - your choice has finally settled on a sled - a stroller, then this information will be very useful for you. The options for choosing a sled are given below.
Age: features of all-terrain vehicles for infants from 3 months
It is worth immediately noting that the use of this transport for newborn children is prohibited.
The use of sleds and strollers is allowed from at least 3 months . This age is indicated for those models in which the backrest position is adjustable. Most children at this age do not yet know how to sit fully and sleep on the street, so reclining and lying down positions will be very useful.
If the position of the backrest in a certain model of sled/stroller is not adjustable, then the recommended age for use is 8–10 months. By this time, children are fully seated, which means there will be no additional load on the spine.
Attention ! Most parents worry that such sleds are “for one time,” or rather, a season. Because they believe that the design of this vehicle will not support an older child. This is wrong. The stated age for use of the sled - stroller is up to 3 - 4 years.
Frequency of use
Your experience living in your locality will help you decide how often you will use this winter transport.
If there is little snow in winter and it is constantly cleared, then it would be advisable to choose a simple, inexpensive, lightweight model, or even a stroller. If the situation is exactly the opposite, then you should wisely choose a more comfortable and safe sled model - a stroller for your child.
For children aged from birth to 6 months, it is necessary to purchase a stroller with a cradle and wheels with good shock absorption. This will allow the newborn’s fragile spine to form correctly and avoid health problems in the future. Sleighs and strollers do not have such functions.
Equipment
When choosing a sled or stroller, its configuration also plays an important role. This is exactly the case when the more bells and whistles, the calmer you are and the more comfortable your baby is.
You should definitely pay attention to the adjustability of the backrest, the presence of seat belts , internal insulation, the depth of the hood and the materials from which the sled-stroller is made.
Is it possible for small children to ride a sled?
Does the age of the child matter when choosing a sled? Yes, because younger children may have a harder time avoiding danger. You may want to choose a sled that can be pulled or one that allows an adult to ride with your child and handle the steering. If you follow these rules, your time will be exciting and will bring a lot of pleasure and positive emotions. Never allow your child to go skiing on his own without the supervision of an older person.
