Trampolines: Heaven or Hell?
Let’s face it: trampolines are NOT safe. But they are so much fun! Trampolines allow children to exercise, learn how to position their bodies in space, be entertained and self-soothe! Parents ask me all the time if it is safe to get a trampoline for their kids — here’s what I tell them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly discourages the use of trampolines — full stop. This applies to both home trampolines and trampoline parks. In a study of emergency room visits between 2002 to 2011*, one million trampoline injuries were recorded. One third of the injuries were broken bones and one in two hundred injuries resulted in neurologic damage. These visits collectively cost over 1 billion dollars to the American healthcare system during this time span.
The study also found that 75% of trampoline injuries occurred in children less than 17. Another study found that 75% of those visits occurred when two or more children were jumping at the same time. Of those visits, the smaller child on the trampoline was 14 times more likely to be injured.** These are pretty scary statistics.
In 2012, the AAP came out with a statement against trampolines; they subsequently reaffirmed their guidelines in 2015.***
All this being said, when the pandemic broke out a year ago and parents and children were stuck at home with limited options for exercise, entertainment and peer interactions, trampoline sales skyrocketed! In fact, trampolines were sold out of stores repeatedly due to such high demand.
Why are so many trampolines bought when they are so unsafe? This is my hypothesis: most children with rapidly developing neurologic systems thrive and adapt to motion. Their proprioceptive skills (the ability to position their body in space) grow rapidly - which can be useful for long term full body dexterity. Most children are also thrill seekers — and trampolines are certainly thrilling! And trampolines allow children to exhaust themselves, which is spectacular for children and their parents alike.
As a pediatrician, I discourage trampolines. As a mom… well, it’s a much harder call.
Here are the things that the AAP recommends to at least make trampolines safer:
Somersaults and flips should be discouraged. Failed attempts at these maneuvers can cause devastating cervical spine injuries, resulting in permanent disability or even death.
Only one child should be allowed on the trampoline at a time.
Never allow children to jump without supervision. The supervising adult should be willing and able to enforce the recommendations above and should never leave children unattended.
Netting and other safety equipment have not been shown to decrease trampoline-related injuries. Vigilance is necessary when using any type of trampoline, even trampolines with safety devices.
Springs should be covered with padding to avoid pinching fingers or toes and to protect against falling into the crevice between the springs.
Trampolines should be inspected regularly for tears, rust and detached springs or pads.
Keep ladders away from trampolines as they provide a mechanism for small children to get on the trampoline and jump without supervision.
Homeowners with a trampoline should verify that their homeowner’s insurance covers trampoline-related claims.
*Loder RT, et al. J Pediatr Orthop. 2014;34:683-690
**Wootton M, Harris D. Emerg Med J. 2009;26:728-731
***https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/4/774
