Keeping Trampoline Safety In Mind

Watch out! If your child sees a trampoline they will most likely head straight for it and beg to give it a try. Children love the idea of bouncing up and down because it is so much fun. They may also think that it’s as close to flying that they’ll ever get. Moms, on the other hand, are worried about trampoline safety.

It may be surprising to know that jumping on a trampoline is safer than you might think. In fact, reports show that fewer children are hurt jumping on a trampoline than playing baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or riding a bicycle. A report also stated that as long as children follow the safety rules for trampolines, the numbers of injuries is quite low.

Most injuries sustained by children come when there are too many children on a trampoline at one time and one of them gets pushed off, they collide with another child, they land on the springs or frame, fall off of the trampoline and land on the ground, or they jump off of the trampoline rather than climbing off it properly.

Here are some trampoline safety rules to give your children when, and if, they are able to play on a trampoline:

• Be sure that the trampoline is put together properly before allowing anyone on it.
• Keep the area underneath the trampoline absolutely clear.
• Place the trampoline in a level area that is free of trees. There should be at least ten feet on all sides and at least twenty feet overhead.
• Only one person at a time is allowed to be on the trampoline.
• Somersaults are not allowed because of the risk of landing on your head or neck. Both of these injuries may cause paralysis.
• Keep the shock-absorbing pads on the trampoline at all times.
• Children under the age of six are not allowed on the trampoline.
• Adult supervision is necessary whenever children play on the trampoline. There should also be spotters near the sides for additional safety.
• If possible, purchase and use a trampoline enclosure to help prevent injuries from occurring.
• Don?t allow children to jump from the trampoline; always have them climb off.
• Have children bounce low so they can remain in control. It is also best if they can stay as close to the center of the trampoline as possible.

Trampolines can be great fun. The exercise children receive while using them is also beneficial. While it’s true that trampoline safety is, and should be a concern, if your children follow these trampoline safety rules, they will be less likely to be injured. If you?re still not sure, why not give it a try for yourself to see how fun it is?