Trampolines are a beloved pastime in the United States, with their popularity surging due to the rise of indoor trampoline parks. However, a heartbreaking incident has prompted one mother to urge other parents to reconsider the safety of these bounce-friendly attractions for toddlers. Each year, trampolines contribute to an alarming 91,750 emergency room visits, primarily due to injuries sustained during play.
After a serious accident involving her 3-year-old son, Ethan, a mother named Sarah took to social media to share her story. “It’s been tough to relive the past two weeks, but we feel it’s crucial to inform other parents about the dangers of indoor trampoline parks,” she wrote. “Ethan fell and broke his femur, the strongest bone in his body, while joyfully jumping near his dad and me. We weren’t even in the same jumping area when he got hurt.”
The family was having a fun day out when the incident occurred, leaving Ethan with a painful injury. He is now in a hip spica cast that he will need to wear for at least six weeks. “Our lives have been completely turned around since the accident, and every day is a challenge for our sweet boy as he adjusts,” Sarah shared, accompanied by a poignant photo of Ethan in distress.
In the aftermath of this traumatic event, Sarah learned that many pediatricians advise against trampoline use for children. “We discovered from our pediatric orthopedic surgeon that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons strongly recommend that children under 6 should not use trampolines,” she explained in her widely-shared post. “Their delicate bones simply can’t handle the stress of jumping.”
Furthermore, the AAP has a policy against recreational trampoline use for children of all ages, citing the high risk of injury. They recommend stringent safety measures if trampolines are used—such as constant adult supervision, appropriate padding, allowing only one jumper at a time, and avoiding flips or somersaults.
The reasoning behind these recommendations is clear: trampoline injuries are on the rise. A recent study titled “Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries” found that emergency room visits due to trampoline injuries jumped from 581 in 2010 to 6,932 in 2014. Sarah hopes that by sharing her son’s experience, more parents will be alerted to these concerning statistics. “We want to raise awareness about the fact that these facilities often promote special toddler sessions, even though toddlers should stay far away from trampolines,” she added. “By talking about our ordeal, we aim to prevent other families from facing the trauma and heartache of trampoline-related injuries.”
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In summary, while trampolines may seem like a fun activity for children, it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the potential dangers involved. Taking the time to educate yourself and others can help prevent serious injuries and keep your little ones safe.