In my years at the helm of Canada’s top parenting magazine, Today’s Parent, I interviewed countless pediatricians about the importance of outdoor play. One surprising bit of advice came up again and again: think twice before buying a trampoline.
Indeed, both the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics firmly recommend against backyard trampolines, citing their well-earned reputation for injury, from fractures to traumatic brain injuries.
But there’s doctors’ advice and then there’s real life. As a parenting editor, I believe it’s important to educate yourself and then use that knowledge to make the best decisions for your family. After all, even higher-risk activities can be made safer with proper measures in place. When it comes to kids and trampolines, keep these expert-recommended safety tips in mind:
Supervision is key
An adult should keep an eye on jumpers at all times.
One at a time
To prevent collisions, consider only allowing one jumper on the mat at a time. At the very least, don’t mix big kids with little ones.
Ban flips
Somersaults and flips are among the most common causes of devastating back injuries.
Check your equipment
Make sure your trampoline’s protective padding and net enclosure are in good shape and replace them if they’re not.
This story originally appeared in our August ’23 issue.
Related Story 5 parenting hacks to keep kids loving the cottage
Related Story 5 things your kid needs before driving a boat
Related Story How a young family in Alberta turned a shed into an off-grid cabin for less than $30,000