Parents Guide to Trampoline Safety

Trampolines are a source of enjoyment and exercise, but they come with a few serious safety concerns. When the safety issues are addressed and children are supervised by adults, trampolines can provide hours of recreation without the likelihood of serious injury. Parents must educate themselves about the perils of trampolines before purchasing one or allowing their children to play on one.

Solo

• According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a trampoline shouldn't be used by more than one person at a time. Collisions between jumpers can result in injuries, including brain injuries when one head strikes another. Don't allow anyone to do somersaults on a trampoline--they can result in spinal damage and paralysis.

  Play games with your children. Allow one child to jump on the trampoline until a timer goes off, then allow the next child to play. Make waiting his or her turn amusing by telling stories or jokes or playing counting or acting games.

Safety Extras

• Consider placing an enclosure around your trampoline. These are helpful at preventing children from falling off the trampoline, but they won't prevent injuries if more than one person is jumping at a time.

  If your trampoline didn't come with pads covering all of the springs and shock-absorbing pads on the hooks and the frame, purchase them separately and install them yourself. This is key in preventing both minor and potentially serious injuries.

Placement

• Beware of external obstructions that can injure children jumping on a trampoline. Be sure to place the trampoline away from trees, swing sets and jungle gyms. Don't allow children to attempt to jump from the trampoline onto the ground. Never allow a child to attempt jumping onto something soft like a mattress or bean-bag chair--they typically aren't cushioned enough to absorb the shock of such a landing.