Saturday, January 3, 2009

Consider Age And Saftey When Choosing A Trampoline For Children

By Jane Bracken

There are a number of things to consider when purchasing a trampoline for your family's children. One of the most important aspects of this decision is selecting an age-appropriate trampoline. For many families, safety is the biggest issue that prevents their purchase of a trampoline or has made choosing a trampoline extremely difficult.

Common injuries on the trampoline usually are all related to three things. One being the jumper fell off, the second is the jumper collided with something or someone else, and lastly is they got snagged on the springs. However there are many ways a parent can limit all of these injuries for their child.

There are a variety of models for different purposes; there are large trampolines that can accommodate a number of children at once; there are trampolines with handle for children under 10. Being informed is the best policy when choosing a trampoline that is right for your children.

If you are looking into getting a large trampoline - be prepared for a massive, fourteen foot or bigger square, diamond, or circle shape. However a circular or octagonal trampolines are normally the best options because they have less corners; which means there are less spring related injuries.

Manufacturers have attempted to provide extra safety by including covers that wrap around the entire frame to protect jumpers from the springs. Unfortunately, jumpers can still injure themselves from the springsa cover moving, or from getting their hands or feet under the cover. Though a great idea, the spring cover is not foolproof. These trampolines would be better suited for older children.

Another innovation that would fit the same type of trampolines is an enclosure. The same 14-foot trampoline mentioned above would have an optional 14 trampoline enclosure that is made specifically for it. There are a number of universal enclosures as well. The enclosure is a high net that is designed to protect jumpers from the springs and from falling off. Models that protect jumpers from the springs are more effective because the netting is more rigid than a spring cover alone.

Sadly, enclosures do not always suffice. Older or larger children do have the chance of falling through the netting to potentially severe injury. Even with the secured area inside, they are not safe for all children. If you have smaller children, you cannot go wrong with an enclosed trampoline.

There is one last group left; and that is the toddlers. Those children under ten that want to jump but you are scared they are at a high risk on a larger trampoline. Luckily there are trampolines designed specifically for them that provide maximum safety. They are close to the ground, have no springs, and are extremely stable.

These springless trampolines are by far the safest on the market. So if safety is your main concern, purchasing a springless trampoline with enclosure is the best option. It can easily put any doubt of injury out of your mind as there is no chance of falling out or getting a spring related injury - because there are no springs. Not only are they safe but they are less expensive to ship, cheaper to repair, and last longer than the traditional spring trampoline. A springless trampoline is the safest route, however there are many other models and methods you can use to have a safe and fun jumping experience. - 15255

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