Safety and Age<\/h3>\n
We enjoy our kids having fun, but don\u2019t want it to come at a huge cost. Over time, we heard many parents say their kids loved trampolines so much and were begging them to buy one that they simply had to cave in.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s fine, but doing some research beforehand is in order. Not all trampolines are equally safe, and truth be told, trampolines are riskier than some other forms of entertainment. The risk isn\u2019t huge, but it\u2019s there and you should always keep an eye on your kids while they\u2019re bouncing away.<\/p>\n
![\"Children](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/child-on-trampoline-large.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
When did it all start? ![\"trampoline](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/trampoline-safety.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\nThe rapid increase in trampoline sales during the 1990s, which is considered a decade when trampolines started to gain popularity, all without detailed safety standards to comply with, has led to an epidemic of trampoline-related injuries, with a total of eleven deaths. All that leads to fact that several organizations, among them the American Organization of Pediatrics,\u00a0 struggling to completely ban the sale of home trampolines.
\nHowever, this call to action didn’t result in banning trampolines but did resolve and improve safety standards for trampolines, and in 2003. new safety standards for trampoline enclosures were introduced.<\/p>\n
\nKey Safety Guidelines<\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s face it: Trampolines can look intimidating, especially when it\u2019s your own kids who want to jump on them. However, over time I found that it\u2019s of no use denying them this simple pleasure. Plus \u2013 it\u2019s healthy for them!<\/strong><\/p>\nAt first, I\u2019d let my kids jump at their neighbours\u2019 place, but they managed to cajole me into buying them a trampoline they can use on their own. And believe me, was is scared out of my mind! Here I was, a responsible mom of two, buying my kids what seemed like a deathtrap!<\/p>\n
Luckily everything turned out well. Today\u2019s trampolines are MUCH safer than they used to be and nobody I know had any accidents on their trampolines. That\u2019s not to say accidents can\u2019t happen. I believe they do happen, but if you follow the safety guidelines carefully, you\u2019ll have no issues. Here\u2019s what I feel is the key to a safe and fun experience!<\/p>\n
\n- \n
One at a time<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Official stats and manufacturers themselves advise against letting multiple jumpers on the trampoline at the same time. Their advice is solid. When two people jump, they can accidentally hit or land on each other. Ow! The bouncing motion itself can make it harder to predict how and where you want to bounce \u2013 so you risk completely losing control. It\u2019s bad enough for an adult, let alone a kid!<\/p>\n
You can imagine how difficult it was for me to convince my children that it\u2019s unsafe to bounce around together, but I was firm on this rule and they quickly accepted that. There are plenty of trampolines in the market that provide interaction for the child away from the trampoline \u2013 some come with cool tablet games (tgoma), others have nifty basketball hoops and similar. There is also a variety of trampoline games around that you can teach your kids. Or sometimes they\u2019ll just come off the trampoline to catch a breath. Bouncing is exhausting!<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Mind the age limit<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to trust the manufacturer\u2019s age range. If the minimum says 12 years, then it\u2019s 12 even if doesn\u2019t look like that to you. Maybe you\u2019re missing something \u2013 say the bounce is too high for younger kids. It\u2019s something you can\u2019t notice before you buy and can prove dangerous. Always buy from reputable manufacturers that take care to mention the minimum age.<\/p>\n
My children are a bit older, but if they were younger I\u2019d look into a dedicated kids\u2019 trampoline. They make them smaller and less bouncy (but still fun!). They can be stored indoors and are even cheaper than regular ones, and also come with loads of foam. It\u2019s a good option for kids aged 4-8.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
No tricks<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unless your kids are gymnasts, they shouldn\u2019t be doing flips or somersaults. My friends\u2019 kid would do such feats I would cringe when I saw her do that, fully expecting her to break her neck. Nothing happened (I found out she\u2019s a gymnast) but I\u2019d never let my kids do that. Know their limits and lay down the rules.<\/p>\n
No somersaults, no flips, no fancy bounces. Don\u2019t be too strict \u2013 allow them to have fun, but don\u2019t allow them to do as they please.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Check the mat<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Inspecting](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/teared-trampoline-mat-large.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Always check for scratches and holes in the mat. If it’s just a little hole, it becomes a safety concern. Mat’s are the ones that are stiff and absorb most of the force while jumping, so small holes can really quickly become big ones. You don’t want your kid to fall through. Inspect, inspect, inspect!!!<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Keep it level<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A trampoline is more stable the more legs it has, but no legs can save it if you put it on an uneven surface. We used a string trick \u2013 hammer two stakes into the ground, where the sides of the trampoline would be, and tie the string from one stake to another to check for surface slope.<\/p>\n
If it isn\u2019t level, move it or add extra soil to level it out. Most trampolines don\u2019t come with adjustable legs so you\u2019re out of luck here. Non-level trampolines can be insecure as they move during bouncing and are less stable in severe weather.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Supervise, supervise, supervise<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even though you might want to relax and pamper yourself while you\u2019re alone, please don\u2019t let your kids bounce unsupervised. Despite high-tech enclosures, trampolines can still be risky and you should take care.<\/p>\n
But it doesn\u2019t mean you have to stand right next to the trampoline. Just be around and watch for any shenanigans. You can make yourself a (soft) drink and recline in the backyard. Invite your kids\u2019 friends and chat with their parents while they play.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Get an enclosure<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Trampoline](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/trampoline-enclosure-large.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A good enclosure is a must. It consists of sturdy, padded poles that hold taut, strong netting that goes around the entire trampoline mat. The enclosure should be high enough so that people aren\u2019t able to jump over it, and strong enough to keep the bouncer inside even if they mistime and misjudge a jump. We prefer enclosures where the netting is sewn directly onto the mat, keeping the entire spring area outside of the enclosed bouncing surface.<\/p>\n
You should never purchase a trampoline without an enclosure. Even though an overwhelming majority of trampolines on the market come with an enclosure, there still are some that go without. Avoid them unless you\u2019re a pro.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Safety pads are always on!<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"safety](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/trampoline-pads.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to have fairly thick safety pads (at least about an inch) that cover the springs. They cushion the force of impact and prevent limbs from getting tangled with springs. Springs can carry huge loads and forces and if a person\u2019s finger or a toe gets stuck, it\u2019s never a pretty sight.<\/p>\n
Luckily, it\u2019s rare owing to safety pads that keep the danger away. Hitting them is never pleasant, but they absorb the impact force and reduce the likelihood of injury.<\/p>\n
\nStudies about trampoline-related injuries<\/h2>\n
Evidence from all of those combined reports suggests that the following factors can be identified as the main cause of injury:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- More than one person on a trampoline<\/strong> – this is the most important factor which can be associated with injury on the trampoline and the main reason for trampoline accidents. So why is that? Well, calculations show that the lightest person on a trampoline is five times more likely to be injured. There can be multiple reasons for this – from a direct collision with other jumpers (10% of accidents),\u00a0 heavier jumper falling onto lighter jumper (broken legs, hands etc), and of course “kipping” effect. Kipping is a phenomenon where you get enhanced uplift<\/strong> as a result of the mattress being compressed slightly before other jumper lands on the same surface, causing the mattress and springs to be moving upwards (recoiling) at the moment when other jumper lands. It causes much greater force and momentum that the jumper expected and results in unintended rotation or even backward somersault, which can result in serious injuries. Different studies have shown different numbers so here they are – Ninewells Hospital Study<\/strong> (47% of injuries because of multiple users), Wotton and Harris<\/strong> (82% of injuries), RoSPA<\/strong> (75% of injuries).<\/li>\n
- No supervision whatsoever <\/strong>– supervision is crucial in preventing injuries. The role of a supervisor is to ensure that all safety guidelines are followed.<\/li>\n
- Trampoline not assembled properly or on inappropriate location<\/strong> – loose joints, problems with padding and trampoline located near other objects can lead to serious injuries. Always follow the assembly manual when setting up a trampoline and always leave at least 5 feet from other objects.<\/li>\n
- No safety enclosure<\/strong> – One former research (made from 1979 – 1988) has shown that 80% of trampoline injuries occurred because people fell off the trampoline. In newer studies, this number is much lower, where only 22%-28% is the same reason for today’s accidents. Still, a very large number of accidents could be avoided.<\/li>\n
- Age of jumper<\/strong> – child below six years of age. Younger children will less likely have sufficient coordination skills, skills that are crucial while jumping on the trampoline, from stabilizing in mid-air to controlling landings. Younger children have a 50% more chance to get a fracture that requires surgery when compared to the general population.<\/li>\n
- Hitting pad and springs<\/strong> – A study conducted in the USA between 2002 – 2007 showed that almost 19% of accidents were caused by hitting springs or frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nStudy published in The Journal of Pediatrics<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n- Younger children tended to have injuries to their arms and the majority of these were fractures or dislocations.<\/li>\n
- Younger children also had a higher rate of facial injuries, most often lacerations.<\/li>\n
- Older children most often injured their legs and these injuries tended to be bruises, sprains, strains and contusions.<\/li>\n
- About 3 percent of the injuries were serious enough for the children to be admitted to the hospital.<\/li>\n
- Head and neck injuries accounted for 12 percent of the injuries in younger children. In older children, the figure was 7 percent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/h4>\nStudy by US Consumer Product Safety Commission:<\/h4>\n
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/a> states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline. In data from 2009. there were nearly 98,000 U.S. trampoline injuries, 0.05% of which, or about 50, caused paralysis or other permanent neurological damage, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System<\/a>.<\/p>\nAccording to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Falling or jumping off the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTrampoline Safety Concerns & Precaution Checklist:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nIf you make some precautions most of this accidents can be prevented. So inspect your trampoline regularly and have a safe fun! We’ve divided it into two groups, before using a trampoline and while you’re jumping your fun out!<\/p>\n
Before using a trampoline:<\/strong>![\"trampoline-safety-fail\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/trampoline-safety-first.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h4>\n\n- read trampoline user manual – stick to safety guidelines.<\/li>\n
- make sure hooks, springs and trampoline’s frame are properly padded<\/li>\n
- always use a net enclosure, especially with small children, and make sure there are no holes.<\/li>\n
- remove all objects from your pockets and the jumping area<\/li>\n
- make sure the jumping area is dry and without tears & cuts.<\/li>\n
- trampolines should be away from structures, trees and other play areas.<\/li>\n
- trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While using a trampoline:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n- always try to land in the center of the trampoline<\/li>\n
- don`t talk and jump! you could bite on something you don’t want to bite. yelling YAAAY should be OK!<\/li>\n
- don’t attempt to do back flips or somersaults<\/li>\n
- never jump off a trampoline, always climb off – leave the first to the pros.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization regarding trampoline safety:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Safety harnesses and spotting belts<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered – check our “Installing Inground trampoline” article.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Check our selection of best trampolines with unbiased reviews<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Are Modern Trampolines Safe? When we bounce with our kids, we want them to be safe first and foremost. You\u2019d think that trampolines and safety don\u2019t go hand in hand with each other, but you\u2019d be wrong. It certainly held true back in the heyday, when safety standards were lax and trampolines looked like deathtraps. It\u2019s not like that today, fortunately. Safety and Age We enjoy our kids having fun, but don\u2019t want it to <\/p>\n
\nHowever, this call to action didn’t result in banning trampolines but did resolve and improve safety standards for trampolines, and in 2003. new safety standards for trampoline enclosures were introduced.<\/p>\n
At first, I\u2019d let my kids jump at their neighbours\u2019 place, but they managed to cajole me into buying them a trampoline they can use on their own. And believe me, was is scared out of my mind! Here I was, a responsible mom of two, buying my kids what seemed like a deathtrap!<\/p>\n
Luckily everything turned out well. Today\u2019s trampolines are MUCH safer than they used to be and nobody I know had any accidents on their trampolines. That\u2019s not to say accidents can\u2019t happen. I believe they do happen, but if you follow the safety guidelines carefully, you\u2019ll have no issues. Here\u2019s what I feel is the key to a safe and fun experience!<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
One at a time<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Official stats and manufacturers themselves advise against letting multiple jumpers on the trampoline at the same time. Their advice is solid. When two people jump, they can accidentally hit or land on each other. Ow! The bouncing motion itself can make it harder to predict how and where you want to bounce \u2013 so you risk completely losing control. It\u2019s bad enough for an adult, let alone a kid!<\/p>\n
You can imagine how difficult it was for me to convince my children that it\u2019s unsafe to bounce around together, but I was firm on this rule and they quickly accepted that. There are plenty of trampolines in the market that provide interaction for the child away from the trampoline \u2013 some come with cool tablet games (tgoma), others have nifty basketball hoops and similar. There is also a variety of trampoline games around that you can teach your kids. Or sometimes they\u2019ll just come off the trampoline to catch a breath. Bouncing is exhausting!<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Mind the age limit<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to trust the manufacturer\u2019s age range. If the minimum says 12 years, then it\u2019s 12 even if doesn\u2019t look like that to you. Maybe you\u2019re missing something \u2013 say the bounce is too high for younger kids. It\u2019s something you can\u2019t notice before you buy and can prove dangerous. Always buy from reputable manufacturers that take care to mention the minimum age.<\/p>\n
My children are a bit older, but if they were younger I\u2019d look into a dedicated kids\u2019 trampoline. They make them smaller and less bouncy (but still fun!). They can be stored indoors and are even cheaper than regular ones, and also come with loads of foam. It\u2019s a good option for kids aged 4-8.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
No tricks<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unless your kids are gymnasts, they shouldn\u2019t be doing flips or somersaults. My friends\u2019 kid would do such feats I would cringe when I saw her do that, fully expecting her to break her neck. Nothing happened (I found out she\u2019s a gymnast) but I\u2019d never let my kids do that. Know their limits and lay down the rules.<\/p>\n
No somersaults, no flips, no fancy bounces. Don\u2019t be too strict \u2013 allow them to have fun, but don\u2019t allow them to do as they please.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Check the mat<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\nAlways check for scratches and holes in the mat. If it’s just a little hole, it becomes a safety concern. Mat’s are the ones that are stiff and absorb most of the force while jumping, so small holes can really quickly become big ones. You don’t want your kid to fall through. Inspect, inspect, inspect!!!<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Keep it level<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A trampoline is more stable the more legs it has, but no legs can save it if you put it on an uneven surface. We used a string trick \u2013 hammer two stakes into the ground, where the sides of the trampoline would be, and tie the string from one stake to another to check for surface slope.<\/p>\n
If it isn\u2019t level, move it or add extra soil to level it out. Most trampolines don\u2019t come with adjustable legs so you\u2019re out of luck here. Non-level trampolines can be insecure as they move during bouncing and are less stable in severe weather.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Supervise, supervise, supervise<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even though you might want to relax and pamper yourself while you\u2019re alone, please don\u2019t let your kids bounce unsupervised. Despite high-tech enclosures, trampolines can still be risky and you should take care.<\/p>\n
But it doesn\u2019t mean you have to stand right next to the trampoline. Just be around and watch for any shenanigans. You can make yourself a (soft) drink and recline in the backyard. Invite your kids\u2019 friends and chat with their parents while they play.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Get an enclosure<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\nA good enclosure is a must. It consists of sturdy, padded poles that hold taut, strong netting that goes around the entire trampoline mat. The enclosure should be high enough so that people aren\u2019t able to jump over it, and strong enough to keep the bouncer inside even if they mistime and misjudge a jump. We prefer enclosures where the netting is sewn directly onto the mat, keeping the entire spring area outside of the enclosed bouncing surface.<\/p>\n
You should never purchase a trampoline without an enclosure. Even though an overwhelming majority of trampolines on the market come with an enclosure, there still are some that go without. Avoid them unless you\u2019re a pro.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Safety pads are always on!<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\nIt\u2019s important to have fairly thick safety pads (at least about an inch) that cover the springs. They cushion the force of impact and prevent limbs from getting tangled with springs. Springs can carry huge loads and forces and if a person\u2019s finger or a toe gets stuck, it\u2019s never a pretty sight.<\/p>\n
Luckily, it\u2019s rare owing to safety pads that keep the danger away. Hitting them is never pleasant, but they absorb the impact force and reduce the likelihood of injury.<\/p>\n
\nStudies about trampoline-related injuries<\/h2>\n
Evidence from all of those combined reports suggests that the following factors can be identified as the main cause of injury:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- More than one person on a trampoline<\/strong> – this is the most important factor which can be associated with injury on the trampoline and the main reason for trampoline accidents. So why is that? Well, calculations show that the lightest person on a trampoline is five times more likely to be injured. There can be multiple reasons for this – from a direct collision with other jumpers (10% of accidents),\u00a0 heavier jumper falling onto lighter jumper (broken legs, hands etc), and of course “kipping” effect. Kipping is a phenomenon where you get enhanced uplift<\/strong> as a result of the mattress being compressed slightly before other jumper lands on the same surface, causing the mattress and springs to be moving upwards (recoiling) at the moment when other jumper lands. It causes much greater force and momentum that the jumper expected and results in unintended rotation or even backward somersault, which can result in serious injuries. Different studies have shown different numbers so here they are – Ninewells Hospital Study<\/strong> (47% of injuries because of multiple users), Wotton and Harris<\/strong> (82% of injuries), RoSPA<\/strong> (75% of injuries).<\/li>\n
- No supervision whatsoever <\/strong>– supervision is crucial in preventing injuries. The role of a supervisor is to ensure that all safety guidelines are followed.<\/li>\n
- Trampoline not assembled properly or on inappropriate location<\/strong> – loose joints, problems with padding and trampoline located near other objects can lead to serious injuries. Always follow the assembly manual when setting up a trampoline and always leave at least 5 feet from other objects.<\/li>\n
- No safety enclosure<\/strong> – One former research (made from 1979 – 1988) has shown that 80% of trampoline injuries occurred because people fell off the trampoline. In newer studies, this number is much lower, where only 22%-28% is the same reason for today’s accidents. Still, a very large number of accidents could be avoided.<\/li>\n
- Age of jumper<\/strong> – child below six years of age. Younger children will less likely have sufficient coordination skills, skills that are crucial while jumping on the trampoline, from stabilizing in mid-air to controlling landings. Younger children have a 50% more chance to get a fracture that requires surgery when compared to the general population.<\/li>\n
- Hitting pad and springs<\/strong> – A study conducted in the USA between 2002 – 2007 showed that almost 19% of accidents were caused by hitting springs or frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nStudy published in The Journal of Pediatrics<\/a>:<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Younger children tended to have injuries to their arms and the majority of these were fractures or dislocations.<\/li>\n
- Younger children also had a higher rate of facial injuries, most often lacerations.<\/li>\n
- Older children most often injured their legs and these injuries tended to be bruises, sprains, strains and contusions.<\/li>\n
- About 3 percent of the injuries were serious enough for the children to be admitted to the hospital.<\/li>\n
- Head and neck injuries accounted for 12 percent of the injuries in younger children. In older children, the figure was 7 percent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/h4>\n
Study by US Consumer Product Safety Commission:<\/h4>\n
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/a> states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline. In data from 2009. there were nearly 98,000 U.S. trampoline injuries, 0.05% of which, or about 50, caused paralysis or other permanent neurological damage, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System<\/a>.<\/p>\n
According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Falling or jumping off the trampoline.<\/li>\n
- Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTrampoline Safety Concerns & Precaution Checklist:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nIf you make some precautions most of this accidents can be prevented. So inspect your trampoline regularly and have a safe fun! We’ve divided it into two groups, before using a trampoline and while you’re jumping your fun out!<\/p>\n
Before using a trampoline:<\/strong>
<\/a><\/h4>\n- \n
- read trampoline user manual – stick to safety guidelines.<\/li>\n
- make sure hooks, springs and trampoline’s frame are properly padded<\/li>\n
- always use a net enclosure, especially with small children, and make sure there are no holes.<\/li>\n
- remove all objects from your pockets and the jumping area<\/li>\n
- make sure the jumping area is dry and without tears & cuts.<\/li>\n
- trampolines should be away from structures, trees and other play areas.<\/li>\n
- trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While using a trampoline:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
- \n
- always try to land in the center of the trampoline<\/li>\n
- don`t talk and jump! you could bite on something you don’t want to bite. yelling YAAAY should be OK!<\/li>\n
- don’t attempt to do back flips or somersaults<\/li>\n
- never jump off a trampoline, always climb off – leave the first to the pros.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization regarding trampoline safety:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Safety harnesses and spotting belts<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered – check our “Installing Inground trampoline” article.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Check our selection of best trampolines with unbiased reviews<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Are Modern Trampolines Safe? When we bounce with our kids, we want them to be safe first and foremost. You\u2019d think that trampolines and safety don\u2019t go hand in hand with each other, but you\u2019d be wrong. It certainly held true back in the heyday, when safety standards were lax and trampolines looked like deathtraps. It\u2019s not like that today, fortunately. Safety and Age We enjoy our kids having fun, but don\u2019t want it to <\/p>\n
- The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered – check our “Installing Inground trampoline” article.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Safety harnesses and spotting belts<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- No supervision whatsoever <\/strong>– supervision is crucial in preventing injuries. The role of a supervisor is to ensure that all safety guidelines are followed.<\/li>\n
- More than one person on a trampoline<\/strong> – this is the most important factor which can be associated with injury on the trampoline and the main reason for trampoline accidents. So why is that? Well, calculations show that the lightest person on a trampoline is five times more likely to be injured. There can be multiple reasons for this – from a direct collision with other jumpers (10% of accidents),\u00a0 heavier jumper falling onto lighter jumper (broken legs, hands etc), and of course “kipping” effect. Kipping is a phenomenon where you get enhanced uplift<\/strong> as a result of the mattress being compressed slightly before other jumper lands on the same surface, causing the mattress and springs to be moving upwards (recoiling) at the moment when other jumper lands. It causes much greater force and momentum that the jumper expected and results in unintended rotation or even backward somersault, which can result in serious injuries. Different studies have shown different numbers so here they are – Ninewells Hospital Study<\/strong> (47% of injuries because of multiple users), Wotton and Harris<\/strong> (82% of injuries), RoSPA<\/strong> (75% of injuries).<\/li>\n
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