What age for unsupervised in a trampoline?

GingerSB

Two of my friends, both with kids ages 5 & 2, allow their kids to play in their trampolines unsupervised. I am not an overprotective at all, but an unsupervised 2 yo in a trampoline would give me a heart-attack. They have the netting around the trampolines so feel it's safe enough.

We have a bouncer and my kids (4&2) play unsupervised in that, which is how this came up in conversation.

ETA: by unsupervised, I mean in the house with the window open, looking out every so often vs. actually watching them

JOEBunny

I would not do that.  The size difference and danger of collision is too great in my book.  I don't even think a 2 year old should be on a trampoline.

bugmommy

My DSs are 4 and 2.  We just bought a trampoline and it really depends on the trampoline's design and what you mean by "unsupervised".  Our trampoline has the netting around it and at the opening it closes automatically.  There is virtually no way to injure yourself on it - every inch is padded or enclosed.  If I don't climb in with them, I usually sit on the patio (frequently with a book).  I do let them jump while I'm making their dinner though.  I can see the trampoline from the kitchen window and I can hear them, so I know if its getting too rowdy.  Neither of my guys are overly rough and call me for help when they want to get down.  If I had a daredevil, I might feel differently.

ETA: I should also have said that my 2yo is big - 34lbs and 36.5 inches.  He only weighs 4lbs less than the 4 yo.

~Kat~

Yeah, that would not be ok with me. DS was on a trampoline (for about 5 minutes) with some other kids this past weekend and it was scary to see how out of control he was when the bigger kids bounced around. I wouldn't trust a 5 year old to be careful in that situation.

Ilumine

bugmommy:

My DSs are 4 and 2.  We just bought a trampoline and it really depends on the trampoline's design and what you mean by "unsupervised".  Our trampoline has the netting around it and at the opening it closes automatically.  There is virtually no way to injure yourself on it - every inch is padded or enclosed.  If I don't climb in with them, I usually sit on the patio (frequently with a book).  I do let them jump while I'm making their dinner though.  I can see the trampoline from the kitchen window and I can hear them, so I know if its getting too rowdy.  Neither of my guys are overly rough and call me for help when they want to get down.  If I had a daredevil, I might feel differently.

And what happens if they bounce into each other?  That couldn't cause an injury?

bugmommy

Ilumine:

bugmommy:

My DSs are 4 and 2.  We just bought a trampoline and it really depends on the trampoline's design and what you mean by "unsupervised".  Our trampoline has the netting around it and at the opening it closes automatically.  There is virtually no way to injure yourself on it - every inch is padded or enclosed.  If I don't climb in with them, I usually sit on the patio (frequently with a book).  I do let them jump while I'm making their dinner though.  I can see the trampoline from the kitchen window and I can hear them, so I know if its getting too rowdy.  Neither of my guys are overly rough and call me for help when they want to get down.  If I had a daredevil, I might feel differently.

And what happens if they bounce into each other?  That couldn't cause an injury?

Anytime they have bounced into each other they have thought it was hilarious since they are so close in size.  I suppose if they landed just right or crashed into each other in just the right way it could cause an injury but I'm honestly more worried when they crash into each other in the house and almost hit the corner of the wall or the built in cabinets with metal hardware.  Even if I was standing next to the trampoline or even sitting on it, I likely couldn't prevent that.

GreenEggs&Ham

Trampolines are incredibly dangerous.  if your child lands wrong - on their neck - it could snap.  Also, high risk for simply breaking legs if they land wrong.  the idea that there is no way for your child to be injured is comical.

and watching them in the act doesnt make them any safer. Watcching them fall and crack their head against the other child's head or snap their back when they land wrong doesn't add any reassurance to me.

My cousin is a cheif of peds at a big hospital and my neighbor is an ER nurse.  They dont know each other at all - separate hospitals in separate cities.  When i got pregnant, both of them independently asked me to please never get a trampoline because of the horrors they have seen.

There are PLENTY of other options for kids that I dont feel the least bit bad about never getting them a trampoline.

Emiliana7

IMO at no age should children be playing on a trampoline without proper supervision. And by proper supervision I mean by a trained person in trampolining (not just a parent or other adult even).

Just falling off the trampoline is not the worst injuries. You can land wrong and break you neck or injure the spinal cord resulting in paralysis. I would never forgive myself if a child under my care ended up paralyzed because they landed wrong or collided with another jumper.

To me a trampoline is not a toy- not something just to have 'for fun' in the backyard.

As someone who used to do gymnastics (and dance) I've seen my fair share of sprains and breaks while having proper supervision and training- so I realize how much easier injuries could happen and how much worse they could be with people who are not trained.

jettagurl

No age is safe, IMO. Like PP's said, I have no reason to ever have a trampoline or let my kids in one.  They are far too dangerous.  And especially when there is more than one person jumping.  I've worked for two ortho surgeons and can't count the number of injuries that have occurred on trampolines.  I also worked for a medical equipment supplier, and know of at least 2 kids under 8 that are permanently paralyzed from a trampoline injury.

 

cbidt*sgirl

bugmommy:

My DSs are 4 and 2.  We just bought a trampoline and it really depends on the trampoline's design and what you mean by "unsupervised".  Our trampoline has the netting around it and at the opening it closes automatically.  There is virtually no way to injure yourself on it - every inch is padded or enclosed.  If I don't climb in with them, I usually sit on the patio (frequently with a book).  I do let them jump while I'm making their dinner though.  I can see the trampoline from the kitchen window and I can hear them, so I know if its getting too rowdy.  Neither of my guys are overly rough and call me for help when they want to get down.  If I had a daredevil, I might feel differently.

ETA: I should also have said that my 2yo is big - 34lbs and 36.5 inches.  He only weighs 4lbs less than the 4 yo.

 

The biggest danger is necessarily falling off the trampoline, it is falling ON it.  If you land wrong you can easily get bounced into a position to break a bone, including your neck.  I don't think you should ever be unsupervised on a tramp.  As another poster said, watching your kid fall doesn't make it safer, but at least you can intervene if they need help.

preemiemom

Never, IMO. My kids will never have a trampoline and I will do my best to never let them on one, period. They are so dangerous, even w/ the netting. A total unnecessary risk ( and I am a super laid back parent). 

npeacock

NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!!!!!

Even adults should be supervised for fear of a fall on the trampoline that could cause a broken bone (very commonly an arm when attempting to stop you from failling). Kids should never be allowed on one without supervision, and there should never be more than one child on at a time. There is a reason that your homeowners insurance rates go up the second you have a trampoline.

 

npeacock

Oh - and a bouncer can be just as dangerous.

GingerSB

npeacock:

Oh - and a bouncer can be just as dangerous.

how so? The bounce is totally different.