Over the decades, trampolines have become more and more popular, and you’ll find a wide range of them including the mini trampoline and kid trampoline. On the other hand, there also has been a great number of injuries caused by improper use of trampolines. Some products were also not as stable and handled weight and tension over the years differently. If you are thinking about buying a trampoline for your kids, you should take some safety precautions to ensure a better trampolining experience for your family. And if you already happen to have a trampoline, take some steps to add some safety accessories and do some repair work for more stability. Here are some things you can do to add more safety.
Preparation
Ensure that your kid trampoline is established in a place where there is enough clearance and no obstructions nearby, such as branches, fences, poles and clothes lines. In addition, never place a trampoline near a building like your garage or house. The surroundings should be cleared from toys, rocks or any other object that could result in injury should a fall occur. If possible, place the unit on a surface that has a cushioning effect, like soft lawn, sand, bark or protective floor covering. You can even try sinking it well into the ground to secure it in place.
Next, do everything you can to add some safety features to your trampoline if it doesn’t already have them. They will be well-worth the investment. The very basic safety accessories are safety net or enclosures and safety pads. Make sure the safety net is raised securely by the poles and that the shock-absorbing pads cover the hooks, springs and frame entirely.
Supervision
It doesn’t matter what kind of trampoline you have. As long as children will be using it, there needs to be adult supervision. Make some rules against somersaulting and that only one person at a time can utilize the trampoline. Do not allow kids under the age of 6 years to utilize a standard-sized trampoline, unless the trampoline was meant for very young children. When not in use, store the unit in a way that children will have no access to it unattended. Avoid adding a ladder to the unit because it gives unsupervised access by small kids.
Maintenance
Always make sure the trampoline is thoroughly dry before use. If it just rained or snowed, get rid of any debris and moisture on the bed. Springs, mats, pads and other parts that receive the most tension should be checked if they are in good working order. If the condition is quite bad, like there are tears on the mat or padding or if some springs are broken or missing, then do some patching up or replacements.
Features To Look For
Units with safety pads that conceal all the springs, frame and hooks are the best, although you can purchase separate pads to place over them. Some versions may already come with safety nets too, so you might want to look into combo packages if you haven’t already bought a kid trampoline. Trampolines are a great way for your kids to expend their energy and have fun. Just take heed of these safety precautions.
