The holiday season is a time for fun, family and plenty of outdoor activities. But with all the excitement — whether kids riding four-wheelers, jumping on trampolines or racing down slides — comes the risk of injuries like sprains, breaks and bruises.
In this ParentingU ExtraCredit, James Gutheil, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, shares some essential tips to help keep your children safe so that holiday cheer isn’t interrupted by a trip to the emergency room.
Common Holiday Injuries: What Parents Should Know
When kids are on the go, minor bumps and bruises are par for the course. But some activities can lead to more serious injuries, especially during the holidays when kids are active with high-energy toys and play equipment.
Four-wheelers, ATVs, dirt bikes, bicycles, hoverboards and trampolines are some of the biggest culprits for holiday injuries, often leading to fractures of the arms and legs or injuries requiring medical attention.
Safety First: Preventing Holiday Injuries
Preventing injuries may not be foolproof, but taking extra safety precautions can go a long way. Here’s what you can do to help keep your kids safe during high-energy holiday play:
- Use proper gear: Helmets, elbow guards and shin guards are essential when riding anything with wheels, such as ATVs, dirt bikes, bicycles or roller skates. Even with proper gear, it’s best to avoid high speeds or paved surfaces to reduce accident risk.
- Limit trampoline play: If children are using a trampoline, ensure it’s one kid at a time. Multiple children bouncing together significantly increases the chance of injury, especially for smaller kids who can get bounced by heavier playmates.
- Supervise and set boundaries: Supervision is key. Help kids understand that age-appropriate play and staying within certain boundaries will keep everyone safe, especially when it comes to potentially high-risk activities.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
Kids may brush off pain, and it can be tricky to know when an injury is serious enough to seek medical help. Here are some signs to watch for that may signal a need for further evaluation:
- Swelling, bruising or warmth: If you notice any swelling, discoloration or warmth around the injury site, this could indicate a break or sprain.
- Inability to bear weight or move comfortably: If your child avoids putting weight on the injured area, seems hesitant to play or feels pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter medications, it’s time to connect with your provider.
- Pain that won’t subside: If discomfort continues or worsens, or if your child becomes irritable or hard to console, consider seeking care at an urgent care clinic or emergency room.
First Steps if an Injury Happens
If an injury does occur, there are a few things you can do to make your child comfortable before seeking medical attention:
- Stabilize the area: Try to keep the injured limb or body part still to prevent further damage.
- Apply ice: Ice can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. To protect the skin, wrap the ice pack in a cloth.
- Give pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Always follow the recommended dosage; download our ibuprofen and acetaminophen dosing guide here.
Holiday Fun with Less Risk
While the holidays are a time for fun and freedom, a little caution can go a long way in keeping your child safe. Parents can set boundaries, choose the right safety gear and supervise risky activities to keep the season joyful and injury-free.
With these safety tips, your family can focus on what the holidays are all about: making memories together.
