The Risks of Kids Playing on Trampolines Under Six
A mum who shared a photo of her son, a toddler in a cast from ankle to waist after a trampoline injury, prompted people to rethink the wisdom of letting small children play on trampolines. Also, we did some research and discovered some scary facts about trampolines and young children.
Colton’s Story
Kait Ellen shared the update on Facebook. She explained that the entire family was at a trampolining centre, jumping together but on different trampolines when Colton, a 3-year-old boy, fell and suffered serious injuries.
As difficult as it is to remember the last 12 days, we are compelled by our experience to warn other parents about the dangers of indoor trampoline parks. Colton, innocently jumping with his dad and me, fell and broke his strongest bone, his femur.
A worried mother says that her son’s injury turned the everyday routine into a nightmare. Colton’s cast must be worn for at least six weeks. Six weeks of inactivity. Six weeks of difficult toileting. Six weeks of difficulties with previously simple tasks.
Kait’s update stated “Our lives have been turned upside-down since Colton’s accident. Every day is a battle for his sweet 3-year-old self as he struggles to adjust to life in a spica hip cast for the next six weeks.”
Fragile Little Bones
Kait says Colton’s injury opened her eyes to the dangers of trampolining, especially for little ones. She also learned some safety tips that she was completely unaware of.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “children under the age of six should never use trampolines.” This is because their fragile bones cannot withstand the repeated pressure of jumping. Kait explained that we were surprised to learn this from the pediatric orthopedic surgeon who treated Colton during his hospital stay.
She wants to make other parents aware of the dangers of trampolines, especially for children under six years old.
These facilities advertise Toddler Time when toddlers shouldn’t be near trampolines. Kait warns: “We hope that by sharing his story, it will help prevent another child from suffering the heartbreak and trauma associated with trampoline accidents in young children.”
Preschool jumpers?
Locally, Kate’s claim that special sessions are promoted for little ones despite the potential risk of injury, is confirmed.
Skyzone, an Australian centre, is currently advertising a Little Leapers Session for children under 5. Sky Zone states on their website: “WARNING!!! Skyzone’s website warns: “WARNING!!!
The Bounce multi-outlet offers trampolining and KinderGym for children aged 3 to 5.
Local online home trampoline retailer TrampolineWeb and Warehouse responsibly note that trampolining is not advised for children under six. However, they also point out that it’s a safer option than bouncing around on the sofa or bed.
It’s a debatable question, as experts say that young bones and jumps are a dangerous combination.
The growth plates of children are different from adult bones, Dr Randall Loder told WTHR in the US.
The bones of a younger child are softer. It is more compressible. It’s spongy. Paediatric bones can break relatively easily. “If the forces are right, it could snap.”
Increased Injuries in Australia
An estimated 3,000 trampoline injuries occur in Australia every year. A study by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), found that almost half of the children who use trampolines are under 6.
The ACCC confirms that “the safety guidelines recommend that children younger than 6 years old do not use trampolines, as they are not developmentally ready for such an activity.”
This study shows that children as young as 1 year are using trampolines.
Serious Injuries
The Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne, which treats many children who have been injured on this type of play equipment, categorically warns that trampolines are not appropriate for children younger than 6 years old.
But the little jumpers still jump. According to a hospital spokesperson, trampolines are causing serious injuries in children of all ages. These injuries can be more severe than one might expect.
“We are not talking about a broken forearm. We’re not talking about a fractured forearm. “These are injuries that no child should have to endure,” said Dr Warwick Teague.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Trampoline manufacturers and health professionals warn that children under six years old should not use trampolines. They are at greater risk of injury because their bones are still developing and are not able to handle repeated jumping.
Trampolines: Are They Dangerous?
Trampolines are dangerous to use if you don’t take the necessary safety precautions before jumping. A wrong landing can cause serious, and even permanent injuries. Although injuries can affect adults, teens, and children of all ages, this is more common among children under 6 years.
Smaller children are 14 times more likely to be injured on trampolines than older kids. Falls are the main cause of such injuries. Many trampoline injuries are caused by kids of different sizes and ages jumping on the trampoline together and colliding or hitting each other.
The most common injuries on trampolines include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries or concussions
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts, scratches and bruises
- Head and Neck injuries that result in paralysis, or death
You can get injured by landing incorrectly on a trampoline after doing flips or somersaults.
AAP recommends that you never buy a trampoline at home due to the severity of the injuries. There are safer ways to encourage your children to be active. While trampolines may look like a fun way to keep them moving, they can also be a great way to make sure that your children get enough exercise. The AAP suggests that trampolines should only be used in supervised programs, such as gymnastics, diving and other competitive sports.
Trampoline Rules & Regulations
The AAP recommends that if you are buying a trampoline for your home, you follow these safety guidelines.
- Trampoline activities should always be supervised at all times by an adult.
- The trampoline should only be used by one person at a time.
- The use of somersaults is prohibited because they can cause neck and head injuries.
- Trampolines need to be equipped with shock-absorbing padding and fencing over the springs, frames, and hooks.
- Regularly inspect your equipment for any damage.
- Replace immediately any damaged padding, net enclosures, or other parts of the trampoline.
Trampolines Made Safer
There is no way to guarantee that your child will not get injured on a trampoline. However, you can take steps to make it safer.
Remember that an enclosure or cage is not always safer. Enclosures can keep your child safe from falling or hitting the springs or frame, but many injuries occur when a child is jumping on the trampoline.
You can add protective padding to your trampoline. Place your trampoline level on a flat surface.
You should be aware that accidents can also happen in trampoline parks. Trampoline injuries can also occur from jumping on bounce houses and trampolines.
You should apply the following guidelines to your trampoline as a rule:
- Trampolines older than 10 years should be upgraded/replaced.
- Buy a high-quality trampoline, even if they are expensive.
- Make sure there aren’t any holes or tears on the mat of the trampoline where a child might trip and fall.
- To prevent an accident, make sure the frame is straight and the legs are planted firmly to the ground.
- Make sure the padding is securely attached and there are no cracks or holes.
- Check for rust or corrosion on the frame. This can affect the quality.
Should your Children use Trampolines or Not?
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines be avoided unless they are used by athletes who are training to compete in a sport such as diving or Gymnastics. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines should only be used by athletes who are supervised in a sport like diving or gymnastics.
Pediatric orthopaedic physician Ryan Goodwin MD says that kids have been stuck inside all winter. Dr Goodwin, who has treated trampoline fractures where the bones were broken so badly that emergency surgery was required, expects to see a rise in trampoline and bike fracture rates. It’s not only fractured. Other common injuries include concussions and head and neck trauma, as well as sprains, strains, and sprains.
How many Kids are Injured by Trampolines Every Year?
Here are some facts to help you say “No” despite your children’s pleas and assurances that they will be fine.
Research revealed that nearly 100,000 children suffered trampoline injuries over one year. What are some of the key takeaways from this study?
- The risk of injury for small children is 14 times greater than that for larger children.
- When multiple children are jumping on the trampoline at once, three-quarters (75%) of injuries will occur.
- When it comes to injuries, falls are the main culprit. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a bad somersault or flip can cause a permanent injury.
Instead of outdoor sports, kids should be encouraged to engage in safer activities
There are many other ways to exercise besides trampolining.
Jumping on a trampoline counts as physical exercise. Dr Goodwin adds that it is important to be active and limit screen time. There are safer outdoor activities. Playing frisbee taking a walk, playing catch, or riding a bicycle is all great, but make sure you wear a helmet.
How to Prevent Trampoline Injuries
Here are some safety guidelines that you should always follow if you have an existing trampoline.
- Allow only one person to leap at a given time.
- Be sure to cover the springs.
- Install a safety mesh around the perimeter.
- Make sure the trampoline has been set up on level ground.
- Avoid flips and somersaults.
- Always supervise children with an adult.
Dr. Goodwin points out that many injuries occur even with adult supervision. Many homeowners insurance policies do not cover trampoline injuries because of the risk.
What is the absolute safest method to avoid trampoline injuries? Keep them away.
Trampolines are dangerous for children and parents, say orthopaedic surgeons.
Children under the age of 6 are not recommended to use trampolines by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Rosemont (July 19th, 2017) — Many children enjoy trampolines, both indoors and outdoors, for their physical and fun activities. Trampolines are dangerous for kids, especially those under the age of 6.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 295,000 trampoline-related injuries treated by medical professionals in the U.S. in 2015, including 102,943 emergency department visits.
We want to encourage children to be active, particularly during the summer, but parents and caregivers need to know the risks of trampolines, and especially the possibility of serious injuries, in young children. Trampolines are not safe for children younger than 6 years old. They lack the coordination, body awareness and quick reaction time to protect their bones, brains and bodies.
A Florida 3-year-old boy recently broke his femur during routine trampoline jumping, requiring him to wear a lower body cast and causing him great pain and discomfort.
According to the CPSC, the most common trampoline injuries include sprains, fractures, and other serious injuries resulting from falls onto the trampoline mat or frame, collisions between jumpers, stunts that go wrong, and falling off the trampoline and landing on the ground.
