Considering getting your kids a trampoline? They'll love it! Trampolines have been around for almost a century now, and they have made an impact! Known for being extremely fun, trampolines are a standard item in the backyards of many households with kids, and for good reason! Put a kid on a trampoline, and they'll keep themselves busy for hours! Not to mention that it'll also tire them out so they sleep better at night.
But while trampolines might seem like they're all fun and games, they can also be dangerous and risky. For that reason, before you buy one, it's best to weigh the benefits with the risks, and here they are.
What's the right age to get your child a trampoline?
This is a common question. You don't want to get a trampoline for your kid too early because it could be too dangerous if they're even able to use it. And you also don't want to get them one too late when they've grown out of it. So, when is the right age to get your child a trampoline?
Studies have shown that the best age for your child to get a trampoline is when they're six. This is because their body has developed to the point where their bones and muscles can handle the strain from jumping and potentially benefit from it. Likewise, they've matured to the point where they can control their jumping, thus limiting the risks of injury.
The Benefits
Jumping on the trampoline is a lot more than simply jumping. Yes, the activity is jumping, but the action has a whole lot of benefits attached to it, like:
Getting your kids out of the house
These days with how available online entertainment and video gaming consoles are, it can be a wrestle to get your kids to go and enjoy the outdoors. A trampoline is an effective way to get them out while allowing them to have fun.
Strengthens their immune system
When your kid works up a sweat from jumping on the trampoline, they essentially flush out toxins in their body while boosting the absorption of nutrients. As a result, they develop a stronger immune system.
Strengthens their muscles
Our kids might make jumping on a trampoline seem effortless with how long they do it and all, but trust us, trampolining is a workout! Because trampolining requires so much effort, it uses almost all the muscles in your body, thus strengthening and building them.
Develops better coordination
Jumping on a trampoline often requires kids to use multiple body parts at the same time, requiring good coordination. In essence, they need to maintain balance while jumping and counterbalancing when they land. This makes trampolines a great way to develop coordination.
Improves their fitness
The more your kids jump on the trampoline, the more tired they'll get. While they jump, their heart rates will increase until they reach their lactate threshold and run out of energy to keep jumping, which just never seems to happen, right? Well, when this happens, the body adjusts to the continuous load needed to exercise, or in their case, jump. By adapting to the needed energy, your kids are getting fitter, resulting in better cardiovascular health and muscular strength.
Their motor skills improve
To jump on the trampoline, your kid has to use their body and brain. This helps them to improve basic and more complex motor skills.
It gets them in a better mood
Now, this isn't just for kids. You could get on the trampoline and jump a bit, and feel mentally better afterward. It's all about the release of endorphins that exercise offers. Endorphins are key to our joy centre, controlling when we're feeling happier or not. A healthy release of endorphins can make you feel significantly better.
What are the risks?
Now, as we said earlier, jumping on a trampoline also has some risks. Some of the more severe risks of jumping on a trampoline include fractures and sprains, especially in the lower parts of the body.
Because your feet, ankles, and legs are taking most of the impact when you land, if you land incorrectly or collide with something while in the air, they're usually the first place that gets injured. Head and neck injuries are also common.
When kids try to do tricks like a somersault or fall off the trampoline by accident, they could risk falling on their head, which can lead to injuries like concussions, damage to the neck, or even spinal cord injuries.
So, should you get a trampoline for your child?
If you had to ask us, the benefits above outweigh the risks. Think of it this way: those benefits are across the board for any child who uses a trampoline. However, while the risks may be severe, they may also never happen. You can also make a trampoline safer by adding a safety net and padding around it. In the end, it's your choice.
Final Thoughts
Yes, trampolines might be dangerous to them, but they're super fun and exciting, and your kid will love them! If you've decided to get a trampoline, why not check out the latest deals on trampolines here? Who knows, you might find one that you can use as well!
