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Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus consultant in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to MayoClinic.com in general and primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
Dr. Hoecker, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, is certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was trained at Washington University's St. Louis Children's Hospital, and in infectious diseases at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1989.
"The World Wide Web is revolutionizing the availability and distribution of information, including health information about children and families," Dr. Hoecker says. "The evolution of the Web has included greater safety, privacy and accuracy over time, making the quality and access to children's health information immediate, practical and useful. I am happy to be a part of this service to patients from a trusted name in medicine, to use and foster all the good the Web has to offer children and their families."
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Question
Trampoline jumping: Safe for kids?
My 7-year-old is begging for a backyard trampoline. I'm sure she'd love it, but I'm worried that she could hurt herself while jumping. Am I worried for nothing?
Answer
from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Your worries about trampoline use are justified. Jumping on a trampoline poses a high risk of injury for both children and adults. Falling off a trampoline or using a trampoline incorrectly can result in strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries — including potentially serious head and neck injuries. In fact, the risk of injury is so high that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that trampolines should never be used at home or in outdoor playgrounds. The AAP supports limited use of trampolines in supervised training programs, such as gymnastics and diving classes. But even then, strict safety guidelines must be followed.
It may be difficult to listen to your daughter's begging, but the best response to a request for a home trampoline — whether it's a full-sized backyard trampoline or a smaller indoor trampoline — is no.
If you choose to buy a trampoline despite the risks, follow these safety rules from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Install a trampoline enclosure — a special net designed to surround the trampoline.
- Make sure shock-absorbing pads cover the trampoline's springs, hooks and frame.
- Place the trampoline on level ground. Make sure it's a safe distance from trees and other structures.
- Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time — and never without supervision.
- Don't allow somersaults on the trampoline.
- Don't install a trampoline ladder, which may encourage unsupervised jumping.
Also, be aware that you may be charged a higher premium for homeowners insurance if you choose to purchase a trampoline. You may want to check with your insurance provider about liability coverage as well.
Next questionDepression treatment for children: What works?
- Trampolines at home, school, and recreation centers. Pediatrics. 1999;103:1053.
- AAP publications retired and reaffirmed. Pediatrics. 2006;117:1846.
- McDermott C, et al. Trampoline injuries in children. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2006;88:796.
- Shields BJ, et al. Comparison of minitrampoline- and full-sized trampoline-related injuries in the United States, 1990-2002. Pediatrics. 2005;116:96.
- Trampoline safety alert. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/085.html. Accessed Dec. 18, 2008.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 18, 2008.
