Are trampolines safe? Yes and No! To make trampolines safer you can get one with a handlebar for the kids to hold onto. Toddlers love to bounce, jumping off furniture, stairs, and water sprinklers. Mini trampolines are designed for kids, and these typically have a diameter of 36 inches and a safety bar for kids to hold on to when jumping. This seemingly makes these trampoline safe to use, and some might even argue that it is healthy to have toddlers playing on trampolines. But are mini trampolines safe for toddlers?
Trampolines may have become safer than they were before, and statistics show that injuries from trampolines have been on the decline since 2004. But numbers don’t always tell us everything. Adults and kids alike can still get injured. The most common injury from trampolines is ankle sprains, which isn’t that severe. However, a sprained ankle is painful and will, to some degree, will limit a child’s participation in sports and other activities.
Broken bones and dislocations are the more serious injuries that can occur. A report by AAP showed that 3.59% of pediatric fractures were a result of trampolines.(1)
Trampoline Safety Guidelines
Here are a few guidelines that you may want to consider in your house.
• Only allow one person/kid to jump at a time.
• Flips or somersaults are not allowed. Flips or somersaults are one of the most common causes of permanent, severe spine injuries in kids and adults alike.
• Don’t allow them to play by themselves. They must be actively supervised by an adult always.
• Ensure the netting, padding, and the trampoline itself is always in good condition.
• Make sure the trampoline is well-maintained at all times. Replace parts when needed immediately.
• Never set the trampoline on an uneven surface. The area around the trampoline should be cleared of any surrounding hazards.
Things To Look For When Buying A Trampoline?
- When buying a trampoline, pay attention to the trampoline’s weight limits. There are trampolines made for just one user or children, and there are some that can be used by multiple people. Choose the one that suits your needs.
- Make sure the trampoline has an enclosure. The enclosures protect users from accidentally falling out of the trampoline.
- If you’re a parent of a 5-year old, buy the one with handlebars. Trampolines with handlebars will help small kids jump with stability.
- Set your trampoline in an area with plenty of space. A trampoline does take up a significant amount of space, so ensuring that is important. Also, do make sure that there’s enough clearance around it. You should place your trampoline on soft ground or surface, such as grass. Do not set your trampoline on a hard surface, as it will result in severe injuries during accidental falls.
- Safety features are critical to good quality trampolines. Check out for all the safety features such as a quality enclosure, good padding over the springs, galvanized steel frame, rust-resistant springs, and no holes or gap enclosures.
- Always buy trampolines made by reliable and trusted manufacturers. Read trampoline reviews and complaints. Also, don’t forget to do some research on the manufacturer.
- Ensure your trampoline comes with extended warranties on parts such as springs and mats, as these tend to break or malfunction over time. Also, make sure the trampoline you’re buying has spare parts available so that it lasts for a long time.
So Are Indoor Toddler Trampolines Safe?
Trampolines are primarily used for athletic training such as diving, gymnastics, freestyle skiing, and figure skating. The AAP endorses using trampolines for these activities as these are structured training programs with adequate supervision, coaching, and safety precautions in place. The AAP also recommends using a safety belt or harness for extra safety.
Parents want their kids to be active and have fun as the easiest way for them to introduce their children to outdoor trampolines is the mini trampoline. However, whether it is an indoor or outdoor trampoline, all of them requires body control. So wait, and when they’re old enough to control their bodies, they can use them safely. For now, if you have a mini-trampoline at home, don’t allow multiple users on it and ensure the surrounding area is free of any hazards.
Should I Buy My Child a Trampoline?
Jumping on a trampoline is a right of passage for most children. They love the excitement and freedom of jumping in the air, but this decision is a personal one that you will have to make for your family. Sure enough, you’ll see safety-conscious parents not allowing their kids to jump on trampolines and not setting one up in their backyard. Then you find parents and even medical professionals who do have a trampoline in their yard. The point is whether or not you want to get your kid a mini trampoline or a trampoline for your yard is entirely your choice, which only you can make. Therefore, you and your child need to be fully aware of the pros and cons of trampolines before you finally decide on whether purchasing a trampoline for you and your family is a wise decision or not.
Reference
1 – Study Shows Trampoline Injuries Have Increased Over the Past Decade, retrieved from, https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Study-Shows-Trampoline-Injuries-Have-Increased-Over-the-Past-Decade.aspx
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