What parents need to know about trampolines

During the past couple decades, more and more families have bought and installed outdoor trampolines. While adults sometimes use them, they’re mostly popular with children. That said, playing around on trampolines can lead to serious, often permanent injuries, so there are some things parents should know about trampoline safety and such…

Who is most likely to get injured on a trampoline? That would be children younger than 6-years-old. And what are typical injuries? Broken bones, concussions, muscle strains/sprains, cuts, and even head and neck injuries can occur. Want a recipe for trouble? Put more than one kid on the trampoline at a time– then there’s the added risk of kids landing on each other in awkward positions, including mid-air collisions– not good!

What can happen to kids on a trampoline? They can “land wrong” while flipping or jumping. They can try “stunts” that go wrong. What if they accidentally land on the springs or frame, or worse– fall off the trampoline onto the harsh ground below? Don’t forget the pain that comes from hitting another person.

With all that said, if you’re thinking of getting a trampoline for your backyard, should you? No! Don’t do it. There are other, better, safer options for kids to enjoy exercise. Send them to team sports or take a bike ride together as a family.

If, however, you already have a trampoline or insist on getting one, to minimize problems, you should only allow one jumper on it at a time. And, of course, there should always be an adult supervising that person on the trampoline. Equipment needs to be checked often to make sure nothing on it has come loose. Somersaults should be discouraged. Padding should be placed over parts that could hurt somebody. And check your insurance policy to make sure trampoline-related injuries are covered, just in case.

For those who’ve been on a trampoline and now find their neck, head or other body part is hurting, consider making an appointment for chiropractic care at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Please call the clinic at 651-464-0800 to make an appointment.