- With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus member of the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to health information content on primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
He's a Fort Worth, Texas, native, certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and 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."
Children's health (7)
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- Fruit juice: Good or bad for kids?
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- see all in Children's health
Preschoolers (1)
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Elementary students (5)
- Baby teeth: When do children start losing them?
- Trampoline jumping: Safe for kids?
- Concussion in children: What are the effects?
- see all in Elementary students
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Question
Trampoline jumping: Safe for kids?
My 7-year-old is begging for a backyard trampoline, 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 jumping are justified.
Trampoline jumping 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 might be difficult to listen to your child'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:
- Use safety nets and pads. Install a trampoline enclosure — a special net designed to surround the trampoline — and cover the trampoline's springs, hooks and frame with shock-absorbing pads. Regularly check the equipment for tears and detachments.
- Place the trampoline on level ground. Make sure it's a safe distance from trees and other structures. Better yet, place the trampoline in a pit so the jumping surface is at ground level.
- Limit trampoline activity. Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time — and never without supervision. Don't allow somersaults or other potentially risky moves on the trampoline.
- Discourage unsupervised jumping. Don't install a trampoline ladder, which could tempt young children to use the trampoline alone.
In addition, be aware that you might be charged a higher premium for homeowners insurance if you choose to buy a trampoline. Consider checking with your insurance provider about liability coverage as well.
Next questionConcussion in children: What are the effects?
- Wootton M, et al. Trampolining injuries presenting to a children's emergency department. Emergency Medicine Journal. 2009;26:728.
- Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention and Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Trampolines at home, school, and recreation centers. Pediatrics. 1999;103:1053.
- AAP publications retired and reaffirmed. Pediatrics. 2006;117:1846.
- Position statement: Trampolines and trampoline safety. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/position/1135.asp. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
- Alexander K, et al. Effectiveness of pads and enclosures as safety interventions on consumer trampolines. Injury Prevention. 2010;16:185.
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