An expert has issued a fresh warning to parents of the dangers of trampolines with children under the age of six.
According to Nicole Haynes, member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, parents should rethink introducing a trampoline to their backyard if their child is under the age of six because of the potential risk of serious injury on their fragile, growing bodies is far too great.
“It is recommended that children be six years of age to minimise potential injuries,” Nicole tells Kidspot exclusively.
“Younger children are more prone to trampolining injuries due to the their developing skeletal system, having less control as well as being less able to follow safety rules.”
According to Nicole the risk of injury to children from the use of trampolines is high and if recommended guidelines aren’t followed (including the suggested age), your little ones could suffer in years to come.
“Trampolines are a fun way for kids to be active however injuries sustained from trampolining are common,” the expert warns.
While jumping on a trampoline is a great way to build strength and improve fitness and coordination, it can also be a common source of injury in little ones – the most common being bone fractures, ligament sprains, and potential serious neck and head injuries.
Same as being hit by a hammer
Earlier this year a US-based engineer compared jumping on a trampoline to being hit with a hammer.
Pete Pidcoe revealed the multiple jumping surfaces causes an unpredictable transfer of energy and it’s for this reason, kids are at serious risk.
“We found there is energy transferred between trampoline beds. It’s really one big trampoline,” the engineer told CBS News.
Similarly, in 2017, Dr Christopher Mulligan, Orthopaedic Surgery Registrar from Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick issued his own warning about popular trampoline parks around Australia.
"In 2014, with the opening of a trampoline park in the local area, we observed a spike in the numbers of children presenting to the Emergency Department of Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick with injuries from trampolining," the doctor said.
Following the jumping rules
Trampolines are a whole bunch of fun, no doubt! Recreational trampoline parks have opened across Singapore to the glee of kids and adults alike!
However, the number of trampoline-related injuries as a result of failed landings have increased over the years.
It was reported 17 children under 16-years-old were admitted into KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) emergency section, which subsequently increased to 38 cases in 2014, and higher again to 49 cases in 2015.
If your kids love jumping on a trampoline, Nicole advises parents to follow the below guidelines to prevent serious injuries.
- Children should be supervised on trampolines
- Only 1 child is on the trampoline at a time
- Children under 6 years should not use them
- Ensure the trampoline is in good condition
More daring children should also follow the below rules:
- Don’t bounce off or climb the netting around the trampoline
- Jump in bare feet
- Keep to the middle of the trampoline
- Climb down the trampoline rather than jumping off
- Avoid somersaults and other tricks
This article was first published Kidspot and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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