What are your thoughts on trampolines?

DH and I have never liked trampolines. I've seen and heard of so many accidents with them. We're going to a BBQ this weekend with a family who has one. I'm trying to think of a diplomatic way to tell my friend that I'm not comfortable with DS on hers. I know it will be touchy because, after all, her DD play on it nearly everyday. Also my DS is only 2 and will want to bounce with other kids there.

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

I'm ok with them, but then again I don't know anyone personally who has gotten hurt. I do have a few friends that have them and have been on them. we went to a party this weekend where all the kids were bouncing on it. there was always a parent watching and keeping the kids under control. we tried to limit how many were in at the same time as well. I even took DS who is only 8 months in with me and another mom who had her 1 year old. we made all the other kids take a break while we were in there with the LOs.

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

While I'm not opposed to them, I wouldn't own one or allow my kids to use one unsupervised. Most of the accidents I've heard of, the kids were unsupervised or being rowdy on it.

For now, if the kids are older/bigger than your DS and more agile/active you could use that as an excuse. [Although, I just let my 20 month old DD on one with 4 boys that are about 6-10. They were so good with her, she sat most of the time and they gently bounced it for her.]

Or, just don't even address the issue. Chances are that there will be so much more going on that it won't be an issue. Or you know, just say "oh, we're ok, thanks though". Unless pushed, why make it an issue by bringing up your discomfort with the trampoline?

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

I loathe them -
IMO they are more dangerous than a pool -

If you're paying attention to your kid in a pool, you can jump in and help them before something god awful happens ....

If you're standing next to the stupid trampoline - WHAT can anyone possible do if the kid falls the wrong way or bounces off or whatever? - Nothing - there's not enough time to see what's going on and help them - instant broken neck. God forbid (I know, worst case scenario) but still -

And those 'safety nets' are a total joke IMO.

I wouldn't worry about offending anyone - it's not like you're going to say "No I won't let my kid play on that death trap" ....KWIM? Just tell her it makes you really uncomfortable -

If it were ME, I'd be lame and self depricating and say something like "I know I'm a total downer and a neurotic mess, but I just can't let him get on that thing"

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

Not a fan ... neither is my sister who is an RN ... she sees a lot of injuries from them.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

One of DH's friends from med school is paralyzed due to a trampoline accident.

I am not comfortable with them at all. I would even go as far as probably avoid a place that had them because I know 3yo DS would not accept not jumping if everyone else is.

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

I am not a fan of them at ALL. My neighbor's son was jumping on their trampoline unsupervised and fell off. He landed on the ground with a THUD. I swear I lost years off my life in those few seconds while I waited for him to come to. He wound up being fine, but that was that. No trampolines for my 2.

I am wondering, do you all feel the same way about bounce houses? DH's cousin got really hurt in one. A larger child fell on her ankle and broke it. She needed surgery, pins, the works. Her ankle is still not the same.

I recently offended a neighbor who wanted my DS to jump in the bounce house with her kids. I told her "those things scare me" and she seemed offended. I didn't mean to offend her, but I just answered honestly without thinking...

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

Not a fan of them OR bounce houses. My son was jumping in a bounce house, landed wrong, and broke his ankle. It happens ALL the time from what I hear.

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

My cousins had one when we were kids. Somehow 2 of the girls wound up accidentally bouncing into eachother headfirst. They were sore and pretty shaken up afterwards, luckily that was as far as the injuries went. They weren't "roughhousing" either, it was an honest accident. I don't think I'd want my kids in them. I don't think the nets really make them much safer either.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

The bounce houses don't bother me UNLESS there are too many kids in there, or the other kids in there are much older (in which case, my kid just doesn't belong in there at that time)

Kids can get hurt or have an accident doing anything - on the playground, soccer field, riding a bike -

I'm just afraid of the trampoline b/c I feel like it's high off the ground, with no real protection from falling right off ......

You can't fall out of a bounce house (well, I'm sure you CAN .......but the chances of it happening are not the same as the trampoline)

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

Not a fan at all.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

We had one growing up. My brothers never got hurt, I was a little older but I never got hurt either.

I wouldn't buy one for my kids. I refuse to buy a pool. I'm not much of a risk taker.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

My kids have been on them at gymnastic parties. They've been on them when they were very young (2 & 4) with their older cousins. The trampoline had netting & they were only allowed to bounce in the middle.

Even with that said, I would never have a trampoline. If your homeowners insurance finds out you have one, your premium skyrockets - or they can drop your policy like they did to a friend of mine. Of course, the reason for them dropping you is the real cause for concern. Too many accidents.

Not sure if you were looking for the right words to say but I would joke & say "I'm a helicopter mom & too overprotective for that",then I'd tell ds different mom, different rules.

Message edited 6/21/2012 4:09:33 PM.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

I am not a fan after everything I've heard. I wouldn't even say anything, I would just monitor your son and keep him off.

Unless you are asking her to shut it down for BBQ?

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

My 2 year olds are nuts and get hurt all the time...even without jumping on a trampoline.
I would worry too much about them getting hurt or f-ing up their heads. We had a trampoline when we were kids----but we were MUCH older.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

An accident waiting to happen.

Never,ever will we have one at our house.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

we have one, my kids love it.

my kids are on the boring side though. very chill.
he jumps, she is on the side waiting for her turn, she jumps, he waits.

my cousin came to visit with her 4 year old...i can definitely see it as a danger for some kids.
he is a big, powerful, all of the place jumper.
so while he was here, rule was one person on it at a time.

knock on wood, it has been 6 mos of fun so far. they are on it way more then swing set.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

ITA with all others: just keep your kid off it. No one is going to force him on it.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

If she says anything at all, I'd just say something, "not today with the party being so busy and all...DS is more interested in the snacks and playing with that ball over there...". the host will probably be so busy taking care of party stuff that she won't even notice he's not on it. i wouldn't want my girls on one and they are 2 and 4. they have one of the tiny ones with the handle here and i always supervise that thing!

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

No way, no how at my house. They are a major liability and most homeowner's policies don't cover injuries from them.

Be that as it may, if I was going to a party and DS wanted to go on it, I would let him with me standing right there.

What are your thoughts on trampolines?

i love them and would buy them when my kid is older.
i was a gymnast and also coached gymnastics so i feel i could teach safety and spot when necessary. i loved trampoline so much i considered competing in it but i was too old by the time it became a true competition sport.
that being said if i were to purchase one i would wait til my kids were old enough and skilled enough through proper gymnastics training to use it properly. and they would have to be in a gymnastics program already and know trampoline safety. i would absolutely NOT buy a cheap one and consider it a toy for young children.

i would also be very wary of allowing other children to use it at my home, since that is such a huge liability.

Message edited 6/22/2012 1:45:59 PM.

Re: What are your thoughts on trampolines?

I see no issue with them as long as the children are supervised and there are rules with it.

We have one which has a netting around it do there is no chance of a child falling off of it. And as for jumping and injuries. I see the same as a bounce house.

The kids have rules and when there's little ones on there the older ones are very good or they're off. My rules are strict, no second chances. You listen you take turns or your off. end of story.

And all of my children are in gymnastics so they know about safety, and their friends all know the rules too before they go on.