Sunday, December 28, 2008

Consider Age And Saftey When Choosing A Trampoline For Children

By Jane Bracken

When you go to purchase your family's first trampoline there are numerous things to consider. The first and quite possibly the most important is finding one that fits the age. However, other things such as the safety rating is another thing that families look into. Both of these issues make choosing the right trampoline a very hard task.

Today, most injuries (according to doctors) come from the jumpers falling off of the sides. Secondly, they come from collisions and then lastly from the mat springs. Now, parents can fight back against their child's injury with many safety options.

Trampoline manufacturers designed many different models of trampolines. They vary from extremely large trampolines that are designed specifically to carry multiple jumpers to trampolines that are made especially for toddlers. No matter what kind of trampoline you plan to purchase, being informed about them is essential.

Larger trampolines can be over 14-feet wide, and come in a variety of shapes. It is commonly thought that round and octagonal trampolines produce the best results. Corners do complicate safety issues by creating an area of the trampoline mat with two sides connecting to the frame instead of one. If worried about spring injuries, a square or rectangular trampoline may not be the right for your children.

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.

Normally when you purchase a trampoline with a spring cover you get another added benefit - enclosures. This is a netting that is designed specifically to keep the jumper in the trampoline and not flying out of it. No matter the size of your trampoline, they are available and great for any age. Not only will you be protecting your children from spring injuries but also from falling out.

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.

Say you have a toddler or any child that is under the age of ten; there is a high ring of doubt about owning a trampoline. However there are now trampolines with handle - small, compact, safe, and stable. They are small enough to be put indoors and are by far the safest trampoline for any toddler. They reside only a few inches off of the ground to prevent falling injuries and they do not contain any springs.

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. - 15683

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