Don't Let Your Kids Jump on Trampolines, Doctors' Group Says

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stiffened its stance against trampolines.

“Pediatricians need to actively discourage recreational trampoline use,” said Michele LaBotz, MD, FAAP, co-author of the updated policy statement.

“Families need to know that many injuries occur on the mat itself, and current data do not appear to demonstrate that netting or padding significantly decrease the risk of injury.” 

The problems:

• More children than adults are injured on trampolines
• Almost 98,000 injuries resulted in 3,100 hospitalizations in 2009, the latest year for which data is available
• 75 percent of injuries occur when more than one person is jumping
• The youngest and smallest are at greater risk
• Falls off a trampoline, potentially catastrophic, accounted for 27-39 percent of injuries
• Netting or padding does not appear to significantly reduce risk

Homeowners with a trampoline should make sure their insurance covers trampoline-injury claims, the AAP said.