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6/12/20 blog post

trampoline injuries on the rise

Trampolines are popping up like spring flowers – it seems like they are everywhere. Due to current restrictions, there is a lack of other outdoor activities for kids and some families have chosen to make their own fun by purchasing a trampoline.  

Dayton Children’s and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend purchasing trampolines for home use. There are lots of ways kids can get hurt on trampolines. In fact, Dayton Children’s emergency department has seen over 100 injuries related to trampolines so far in 2020. However, if you choose to purchase a trampoline for home use, you should implement rules to minimize injuries.  

 

7 tips to avoid at-home trampoline injuries.

  1. Inspect the trampoline before use to make sure the floor, springs, netting and padding are all in place. 
  2. A parent or adult should be present to supervise and intervene if unsafe play occurs or when someone gets injured.  
  3. Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time even if there is netting around it. When one person jumps and the ‘floor’ of the trampoline sinks, the floor of the trampoline now has stored energy. When the floor starts to rise and a second person lands at that time, the energy can throw that person in the air and off the trampoline.
  4. Never allow anyone under the trampoline (not even the dog). Kids like to play under a trampoline like it's a fort, but when a person is on the trampoline, the child under it can be impacted, resulting in head or neck injuries. 
  5. When jumping, land on your feet, knees, or bottom. Avoid flips or landing on your head or neck.
  6. Keep babies and toddlers off the trampoline. They can get caught in the springs resulting in strangulation or other injuries. 
  7. Neighborhood friends should have their parent’s or caregiver’s permission before they take a turn on the trampoline.  

We hope that these reminders and guidelines will help to minimize injuries. Make sure you set and follow all trampoline safety rules consistently – they could prevent a serious injury. Have a fun and safe summer!   

updates on COVID-19

Please use our coronavirus information hub for resources and answers to frequently asked questions about Dayton Children's response to COVID-19. You can also call our COVID-19 parent hotline at 1-888-746-KIDS (5437) from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm for additional questions. 

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