10 things all parents need to consider about trampoline safety
Whether you already own one or are making the leap into trampoline territory for the first time, a trampoline is not something you want to leave to chance. In fact, they are not really recommended for kids under six at all.
With the right trampoline and the correct usage, trampoline injuries can be reduced by 90 percent. Babyology shows you how with our top 10 trampoline safety tips.
Growing up, trampolines were a luxury – an unsafe luxury that led to many cuts, bruises and even broken legs in my neighbourhood, but a luxury nonetheless.
Trampolines have come a long way since then and they are certainly a lot safer now. My kids absolutely love their trampoline and have since they were quite young. And I won’t lie – I would much rather watch them bounce on it outside than bounce off the walls in our house.
Reduce the worry and the risk of injury with these 10 trampoline tips that will have the entire family jumping for joy.
1. Check the ground
When setting up your trampoline, make sure you choose an area that is hard and level. This reduces the risk of the ground sinking or the trampoline being placed on an angle.
2. Empty your pockets
A mobile phone landing on your face is pricey damage, and painful.
3. Jump one at a time
This eliminates the risk of bashing heads.
4. Keep little ones off and away from the trampoline
Double bouncing a toddler can be very dangerous for their body development and scary for them. Keep younger siblings off when big kids are jumping and give your little one a turn to have a quick play when the bigger kids take a break.
5. Consider a springless trampoline
Most of the injuries sustained on trampolines are caused by children hitting or being pinched by the springs. A trampoline without springs eliminates these concerns. At the very least, make sure your springs are well covered by mats.
6. Stick to safer moves first
Before your kids try to outdo one another with flips (and give you a mild heart attack in the process), challenge them with a list of easier, but equally awesome, moves to master first. Try the pike jump, the seat drop, the back drop and the front drop.
7. Keep pets away
As cute as it is to watch your dog try and master a bum drop, it’s best to teach your pets that the trampoline is not their personal bouncy castle as they can scratch the matting.
8. Zip up
A safe trampoline is one that comes with an enclosure. Make sure your children know how to zip the enclosure up and down and understand how important it is to keep the net zipped up when jumping.
9. Steer clear
When someone is bouncing on the trampoline, underneath is a no-go zone. Make it a rule that all children check that the area around and under the trampoline is clear of people, pets and toys.
10. Communicate your concerns
Talk to your child about the dangers involved in not following the safety protocol. Double bouncing can be a lot of fun until someone gets hurt. So can laying under the trampoline and watching someone bounce over the top of you. It may seem safe to bounce without an adult present but it’s never a good idea and children need to understand why they cannot do these things.
One more tip and this one is for all mums out there: if you are testing out your own trampoline skills, it’s critical that you visit the bathroom first. Jumping with a full bladder after having children never ends well. Don’t ask how I know this.
