Backyard Trampolines

A home trampoline of any size with a young child on it; several kids jumping at once; a safety net that is unzipped, torn or has seams coming apart; a trampoline set up near a tree, wall, fence or other play equipment; worn or missing frame pads.

AAP's position is that kids of all ages should avoid trampolines except where professional coaches and specialized equipment are present, and that kids under 6 should never jump; toddlers and preschoolers are at greatest risk. AAP's 2012 policy statement strongly discourages home trampolines, and studies have not shown that nets or padding significantly reduce injuries. If a trampoline is already in your yard, the steps below lower the risk but do not remove it: keep the net zipped shut while anyone is on it, check the net and pads for tears and open seams and replace worn ones before the next jump, put the jumping surface as low to the ground as possible, and keep it away from trees, walls, buildings and other play areas. The AAP statement's other harm-reduction steps are one jumper at a time, no somersaults or flips, adult supervision, and checking that your homeowner's insurance covers trampoline injuries.