Children are full of energy and love jumping here and there. That’s why they can rarely get enough of trampoline jumping. There’s no denying trampoline jumping is an exhilarating activity for children and adults, but many parents wonder if it’s safe for the children.
If you’re unsure about letting your children engage in this activity for safety reasons, this guide will clear the air.
Is Trampoline Safe for Children?
A study shows that in a year, almost 100,000 trampoline-related injuries occurred amongst children. Here are some takeaways from this:
- Small kids have a 14 times higher risk of getting hurt than older children.
- Falls are the top reason behind injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) claims flips and somersaults are usually the reason behind permanent cervical spine injuries.
- Three-quarters of trampoline injuries take place when children jump together.
Another study comparing the severity of injuries caused by trampolines and other activities shows that trampoline incidents were 9.7 times more prevalent. As mentioned, the AAP reviewed the research and data regarding trampoline safety in the 2012 policy statement. The organization claimed that they pose a high injury risk. They also advised that individuals should be as cautious with trampolines as with swimming pools.
In addition, many other studies show the injury stats regarding trampoline jumping, especially among children. Most of them often conclude that trampoline jumping is risky for children.
However, these risks can be controlled through some tips. Before we explore safety tips, go through safety precautions of different ages.
Safety by Age
Toddlers
For toddlers and other young children, trampolines are a big NO! Trampoline jumping can be extremely risky for these children due to their size.
Older Children
A full-sized trampoline is available for children aged six and up. However, they still require adult supervision, especially if they are under the age of ten.
Children aged 5 to 9 are more prone to fractures because their bones aren’t developed and are still soft. On the other hand, older children are likely to experience strains and sprains.
Teens
If your child is a teen, trampoline jumping is much safer for them. However, you must still be vigilant with them when they’re jumping. This is crucial for teens with fresh injuries or chronic illnesses.
How to Maximize Safety For Children?
If children love trampoline jumping and you’re considering buying one or already have one, it’s crucial to maintain safety.
Some helpful safety rules you and your family must follow are:
- Since trampolines are set up on the ground, you must ensure the ground is level. Uneven ground can make the trampoline unbalanced and risky for your children. However, it’s set on even ground, there’s nothing to worry about.
- Check with your child’s pediatrician; do they think it’s safe for them to use a trampoline? We don’t mean to scare you, but it’s best to ensure your little ones are fit to jump. In addition, if your child has any fresh injuries, don’t let them use a trampoline.
- Trampoline jumping is thrilling, and children can get carried away. As a result, it’s easy for them to tumble, but you must be prepared. When setting up the trampoline, ensure it’s placed on a soft surface. Don’t place it on concrete unless you’ve lined the area with safety mats.
- Don’t forget to eliminate debris, water, etc., from the trampoline before your children use it.
- Install it away from fences, trees, or any similar structures. Moreover, to be extra safe, install a safety net around your trampoline.
- Don’t let your children jump on trampolines with their shoes and socks on since it can increase their chances of slipping. If your children are jumping on a public trampoline, they’ll probably offer socks with a better grip.
- Use safety pads to cover the trampoline’s frame, hooks, and springs.
- Before your children use a trampoline, quickly inspect the trampoline for damaged fixtures. Examine the netting and landing surfaces for any holes. In addition, double-check that the springs and bolts are securely fastened. Moreover, replace any damaged fixtures, padding, or netting, if you spot any.
- Don’t place any objects underneath the trampoline.
- Whenever your children are using a trampoline, supervise them. Don’t leave them unsupervised at any time.
- It’s safer if your children take turns jumping on the trampoline but if they insist, be extra vigilant.
- If your children are under 6, don’t let them jump on a trampoline. It can be difficult for them to balance themselves.
- The most common thing children do when jumping on a trampoline is flips or somersaults. These tricks can be risky since it can get challenging for them to control themselves if they jump too high.
- Ensure your children are jumping in the center rather than the edges or sides of the trampoline.
- Once your little ones have had fun and are ready to get down from the trampoline, don’t let them jump off. Most children are excited and often jump, leading to injuries. Ask them to walk to the edge slowly while you help them down.
If this guide is helpful and you’re looking for more, head to our online platform and check out top mini trampolines and rebounders.
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