GUIDE ON TRAMPOLINE SAFETY and Enclosures 

Exercise is known to be very important for our health. As goes the popular saying, “health is wealth”. While there are several ways to keep the body fit and reduce the chances of illness and injury, trampoline use and safety is our topic for this post.

Safety Guidelines on the Use of Trampoline

Big or small, yard or gymnastic purposes as well as entertainment reasons. Depending on your backyard size or open floor space they are many different shapes and sizes of trampolines. The biggest trampolines are found on Olympic gyms. The gymnasts choose the Olympic trampolines for their acrobatic tasks. You need to be skillful in the large-sized adult trampolines in order to really be able to use them like they are designed. Safety needs to be considered at all levels.

Keep the Trampoline Clear and Dry.

Trampolines work best if they remain completely clear and dry. Toys, balls, and all debris should be removed from the trampoline’s surface. You should also only allow jumping when the trampoline is dry. Wet and cluttered surfaces make it much more likely that your child will slip. Slipping causes awkward landings and uncontrollable bouncing. Keeping your trampoline clean and dry will ensure everyone remains as safe as possible. 

Check Under the Trampoline for Objects Before Jumping Begins.  

It is not just the top of the trampoline that you need to check for obstructions. Before jumping begins make sure to remove anything from underneath the trampoline as well. Nothing should be stored under the trampoline when it is in use. And, never allow your children to play under the trampoline when others are jumping. 

Not allowing a child under an in-use trampoline makes sense. The bouncing kids could potentially jump on the head or neck of the one underneath the trampoline. This could create some very serious injuries. It is also likely that injuries will occur if children bounce on any object stored underneath the trampoline. Even if you put the ladder, toys, or other objects underneath, remove them all before play begins. 

Check for Wear and Tear.

Constant use of the trampoline will expose it to some degree of wear and tear. But this can be fatal if it escalates while you bounce. So, it is important to check the bouncing condition of your trampoline before taking a bounce. Welcome to the responsibility of maintenance. Some times it just makes sense to buy a new one. If you need some ideas see our picks here.

Check the Safety Net Often

Safety nets are also an important part of the trampoline. When you are spinning off, they are the ones who’ve got your back. However, they can go through some occasional – or usual – tears and spoils. Hence, it is important to regularly check them and ensure the nets are still safe at least. When I was growing up trampolines never had nets. Now days its hard to find one that doesnt come with a net.

Unfortunately people remove them or do not replace them when they wear out. This is a terrible idea. Always use a net.

It may seem as though these guidelines are not necessary. However, when you consider the number of injuries related to trampoline usage, you find the necessity. The injuries are so alarming that the American Academy of Pediatrics has even advised against using them. 

Ensure the Springs are in Place 

Springs are a major component of a trampoline. In fact, without the strings, a trampoline is like a fancy mat – because it’s actually made with fancy mats too. The springs are what absorb the pressure upon a bounce, expand, and pop you back up.

However, for the trampoline to work perfectly well, the springs must be in place and fit. If the springs are not in place, you might fall to the ground, hard. Also, you might sustain injuries where you come in contact with an out-of-place spring with force. 

Make sure all springs are attached and covered with the pad. Make this a monthly or more often check to ensure safety. 

Apply Pads to Trampoline where necessary

Trampolines are made with padded areas to ensure that contact does not cause injuries. However this does not mean they will completely prevent injuries either. 

Often the pads that cover the springs and bars are thin and wear out quickly. Be sure to replace pads that are worn out. In addition, always teach your kids to never jump on the mat. 

Setup the Trampoline in Open Area

Another importance. Trampolines need space. It is not compulsory, but it is necessary. Not for the trampoline, but for your safety. Usually, some bounces can be very unpredictable. You might not realize how high your next bounce can take you. You might lose balance, you might hit something above you, or even spring off all together.

For example, there is a tree above or close to your trampoline, it can be dangerous. An uncalculated or poor jump can take you too high and you might hit a tree. Plan for accidents, make sure to do setup in an open area planning for high jumps and accidental falls. 

Refrain from Stunts

Trampolines are not the X-games or Moto GP. It’s not a skydiving exercise. Backflips, front flips, double jumps, gainers and so on aren’t meant for the home trampolines. This is where many injuries occur. If not sure where to start and would like to develop an exercise routine, start here.

Trampoline Rules and Supervision

This is primarily in cases where you are not the one bouncing on the trampoline. It could be your children, their friends, or your friend’s children. Point is, it usually involves people you have some sort of control over. Essentially, where you find someone you have reasonable control over using the trampoline, you should supervise. That is the time to put on your supervision character.

This is necessary so you can guide them on the usage of the trampoline. You can also put them in order where they try to pull their stunts. And most importantly, you would be there to be of assistance if something ugly happens.

Enforce the One Jumper Rule. 

Yes, this one is a bummer. Your kids may be mad at you once you begin enforcing this rule. However, multiple jumpers are THE major cause of trampoline injuries. Multiple children bouncing on a trampoline are very likely to jump into each other. This can result in injuries.  

If children are in different sizes, the risk is even greater. Kids of unequal sizes bumping into each will almost always result in the smaller child getting hurt. Also, all trampolines, no matter the size, have a weight limit. Allowing multiple children on the trampoline at once can unintentionally overload the trampoline, which could cause damage and an unsafe situation. By enforcing a one jumper rule with no exceptions, you will remove these opportunities for broken bones and other serious injuries. 

Set Jumping Time Limits. 

Tired kids are going to have a hard time jumping safely. It takes leg strength and concentration to jump on a trampoline. Anyone who’s ever used one for a long time can attest to how tiring they can be. The longer your child jumps on the trampoline, the more tired they will get. 

Being tired puts them at a greater risk of stumbling and jumping erratically, both of which can cause injuries. Older kids will likely be able to jump for longer. Little ones should not spend too much time on the trampoline. Gauge your kid’s tiredness. If you see any signs of them becoming too tired—such as wobbly legs, off-center jumps, not being able to land on their feet—end trampoline time immediately. 

Make Sure All Weight Limits are Followed

Manufacturers put weight limits on their trampolines for a reason. These vary with the size of the product. Larger trampolines will have a bigger weight limit, and so on. Pay attention to these weight limits. 

If the trampoline is overloaded one time, it is unlikely to break. But, constant trampoline overload will stress the structure and make it more likely to fail. The trampoline expectedly breaking is a great way to cause injuries and following the weight limits is a great way to prevent this. 

Use a Trampoline Ladder

Train your kids to use the ladder every time they go on and off the trampoline. Do not allow them to jump off the side of the trampoline. On a long enough timeline, they will get injured if they do not use the ladder. 

The ladder is there to ensure that all jumping has stopped before your kids get off of the trampoline. It will make it less likely for them to trip and all off the side. Just don’t store the ladder attached to the trampoline when it is not in use. Kids may be more tempted to use the trampoline without your supervision if the ladder is always attached. 

Wear Proper Clothing 

Shoes should not be worn on a trampoline. They will damage the mat and can cause injuries. Jumping in trampoline socks is ideal since bare toes may get caught in the trampoline springs. 

Jewelry, loose clothes, or drawstrings should never be allowed on the trampoline. Anything that can potentially get cause in the springs or mat should not be worn. 

No Children Under Six Allowed on the Trampoline

Playing on the trampoline can be extremely fun and rewarding for children, but you should not allow any child under six to use the trampoline. There is lots of research to suggest that the risk for brain injury and trauma on a trampoline is much more for children under six. Little ones also have lower coordination skills, which puts them at a much greater risk for injury. 

What are the Safest Outdoor Trampolines?

There are some safe outdoor trampolines. However, there are some things to generally search for when looking for a safe outdoor trampoline.

One such thing is the safety net. Also, the mat of the trampoline and the springs. It is important to check its durability and quality. 

One of the safest outdoor trampolines is Springfree trampolines. At least, they protect you against trampoline-related injuries that are caused by the trampoline springs.

Do Trampolines Cause Brain Damage?

Trampolines can cause several damages to the body. Some of those damages include spine damage, neck damage, and broken bones. But causing brain damage is rare to an extent. However, the use of trampolines can, in fact, cause brain damage for children under 6 years.

This is because their body is not developed enough to take the pressure from the constant bounce. Where children 6 or below use trampolines, even without physical damage, they can suffer some organ damage. Also, physical damages can occur. There have been reports on this, as well as an actual occurrence.

What is the right age for a trampoline?

It is already a fact that trampolines pose a danger to children of 6 years and below. Hence, to be on the safe side, the age recommendation by experts for trampolines is above 6 years. When looking for a trampoline, keep an eye on the recommended ages.

Are Trampolines Safe for 2-year-olds?

Not at all. In fact, children of 2 years and below should not be seen close to trampolines. And this should also be extended to all children up until 6 years. The safety of children comes before fun; unless the dangers can be reasonable. Their lack of development puts this age group at a big risk of injury.

Everything You Need to Know About Trampoline Enclosures. 

Perhaps you are looking for a trampoline or have purchased an older model. You may be wondering if you need those new trampoline enclosures. The answer is yes. Trampoline enclosures ensure the safety of your children. They make the danger of your children jumping or falling off the side of the trampoline much less prevalent. 

Safety enclosures are made of a couple of different components. There is a mesh net, the poles, and the clips that secure the net to the trampoline and the poles. The poles should be protected by foam sleeves. The net needs to be heavy-duty and have a durable zippered entrance. You can learn more about the features you need in a great trampoline enclosure below.  

Today’s trampolines almost all come with an included net. Perhaps your net breaks, or you would like to upgrade. Or, maybe you have gotten a good deal on a used trampoline without a net. In both of those instances, what you need to look for in a great trampoline enclosure does not change.  

How to choose a good trampoline enclosure

Choosing a good trampoline enclosure does not have to be that challenging. You just need to look for a few features. 

Same size as the mat

The enclosure should be the same size and shape as the trampoline’s mat. It may make the most sense to purchase an enclosure designed for your exact trampoline, although this may not be possible for older models. In that case, make sure the dimensions line up. It will vary between styles how you will need to match the dimensions. 

Purchase the correct net for your poles

 The number of types of poles you have supporting your trampoline will determine the enclosure you need. All enclosures are held in place by poles. More poles mean more security and safety

Decide between straight and curved poles

 Enclosure poles can be either curved or straight. The net attaches to curved and straight poles differently. There is a circular top ring on the curved poles. This is where the net attaches. With curved poles, the net only attaches to the inside of the trampoline’s springs.

Straight poles do not have the top inner ring. Instead, the net is just attached to the top of each pole. Straight and curved pole enclosures will both keep your children safe. However, the curved pole system is a bit safer. It keeps the entire trampoline structure stiffer and more stable. 

Choose a gap-free enclosure

These are the safest for children of all ages. In gap-free systems, the net attaches directly to the mat, not the springs. Earlier enclosures attached to the outside of the springs. While these systems did keep jumpers from falling off the sides of the trampoline, they did not protect against arms or limbs getting caught in the springs. Gap-free enclosures do protect against those injuries.

High-quality mesh and zippers

 The mesh used for the safety enclosure is not created equal. You want the high-quality mesh you can find. It should be made of UV resistant material. The mesh should have a high durability rating and have small enough holes so that no fingers or toes get caught. 

All enclosures use a zippered entrance. There should be a zipper on both sides of the enclosure. The zipper itself should be double-stitched and durable. A ripped zippered entranceway will no longer protect your kids from accidents. 

Some Benefits of Using a Trampoline

Fun

Simple as it is, it is true, Trampolines are fun. Kids and adults love them. Unfortunately, a lot of adults can’t handle the forces of jumping on large trampolines. If you have injured knees or backs it’s probably not a good idea for you to use a trampoline.

Improves the Body

Well, this is one way to realize that bouncing on a trampoline is a good way to exercise. Using the trampoline can significantly improve your body in many ways. It can help increase your endurance, balance, and strength.

As fun as trampolines are, you are one jump from hitting the ground. Essentially, trampolines require you to have some sense of balance. It helps you train your mind to jump and be steady in ways you can keep bouncing. 

And also, trampolines give you some sense of awareness. You know that one mistake and you are off. Constant use can help increase your concentration too.

Bonding

Oh, kids love risky stuff. And you see a trampoline, to them, as I have said, it is a bouncing castle without a castle. Kids like to bounce. With a trampoline, you can easily have your kids around and use it as a time for both bonding and having some fun. Well, your spouse is not exempted too. It can be a great time for the family. Just make sure everyone plays safely.

Helps the Mood

Bouncing on a trampoline helps with the mood. Feeds the brain with the “happiness chemical”, distracts the mind and helps it clear out for the time being. Who knows, a clear head might be just what you needed all along. It is also a great stress reliever. 

There are thousands of painful trampoline-related injuries, and this just goes on to prove they can be dangerous as well.

Briefly, trampolines seem to have specific con – or generally popular cons. Usually, they can cause ugly injuries. Broken bones, spine injuries, torn muscles are a part of the mix. This can sometimes lead to lawsuits.

Some trampoline injuries are very much avoidable. Some happened due to ignorance, others due to recklessness. The rest are a mix of multiple reasons that may not have been preventable. 

Conclusion

Trampolines do have a lot of good. From exercising to having fun and relieving stress. However, they can also have the unintended consequences of causing injuries and pain. Follow all manufacture guidelines and recommend safety instructions. Recklessness should always be checked. But, to combat the ignorance that might lead to injuries, hopefully our tips will help.