by With the popularity of trampoline parks, even more are getting into the game. But is this a safe way for kids to move their bodies and have fun? There is lots to consider before letting your kid head out to bounce with the neighborhood kids or attend a birthday party at a trampoline park.
Why are pediatricians worried about trampolines?
Studies show that between 2009 and 2018, more than 800,000 children were injured on trampolines. Bumps and bruises are very common injuries caused by trampolines, and we also often see children with broken bones or sprains from falling on MATS or off trampolines.
But trampolines also pose an incredibly high risk of serious injury. Such as broken bones or ligament damage, requiring surgery, paralysis, or even life-threatening injuries. Even broken bones can leave lasting effects on children.
How do kids get hurt on trampolines？
Many children who are injured on trampolines suffer only minor scrapes, bruises or cuts. But of the 110,000 emergency room visits related to trampoline accidents in the United States each year, thousands involve serious injuries to children’s arms, legs, collarbones, back or neck.
Concussion is another common injury caused by a collision on a trampoline. These brain injuries can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms in children. Concussions can also affect their sleep, thinking and school performance.
Kids typically get injured on trampolines when they:
- Are the smallest kid on the jumping surface
- Collide with or crash into others jumping at the same time
- Land wrong on the trampoline surface
- Unintentionally fall from the surface to the ground
- Get into a “double bounce,” where one jumper lands and sends another into the air
- Try risky moves such as flips and somersaults
- Fall on the springs, hooks or frame
What can I do to protect my child?
First, understand the risks associated with trampolining. Since toddlers and preschoolers face the greatest risk of trampoline injuries, children under the age of 6 should not jump. We recommend that kids of all ages avoid trampolining – but if you decide to let older kids jump on the trampoline, make sure they follow these common-sense rules.
- Only one child jumps at a time.
- There’s always an adult watching.
- Do not flip or somersault, as these can cause the most serious neck, head and back injuries.
- Jumping from the roof or other height to the trampoline is prohibited.
- When they jump, the safety net around the jumping surface keeps the zipper closed.
- When there is no one to bounce, the ladder will come down, so that the child cannot climb up by himself.
