The popular backyard trampoline offers a potent mix of exercise and recreation, yet it carries significant safety concerns, particularly for younger children. Over 100,000 trampoline-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms annually, making it a frequent source of trauma for young people. Understanding the recommended age guidelines and necessary precautions is the first step toward reducing the risk of a serious accident.
The Consensus on Minimum Age for Trampoline Use
The general consensus among medical professionals is clear regarding the minimum age for recreational trampoline use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) both advise that children under the age of six should not use a backyard trampoline. This recommendation protects the most vulnerable age group from severe harm.
This age floor is based on developmental factors, as children under six years old generally lack the necessary physical maturity. Their motor control, balance, and body awareness are still developing, making the unpredictable motion of a trampoline a danger. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) trampoline standards also align with this minimum age guideline.
The recommendation applies to standard-sized backyard trampolines, which generate high-impact forces during bouncing. While some mini-trampolines designed for toddlers exist, medical organizations still often discourage the use of any recreational trampoline for this age group. Even with supervision, the forces involved and the child’s developmental stage present an unacceptable risk of injury. If a family chooses to allow older children to jump, they must understand that the age of six is the earliest point at which a child might have the foundational skills to participate with extreme caution.
Why Younger Children Face Higher Injury Risk
The developing anatomy of a young child makes them uniquely susceptible to severe trampoline-related injuries. A child’s skeletal structure is not fully mature, meaning the soft growth plates at the ends of their bones are vulnerable to trauma. Injury to these growth plates can lead to long-term issues such as limb length discrepancies or crooked bone development.
Furthermore, the lack of refined coordination in children under six years old makes them unable to correct for an unexpected bounce or an awkward landing. They struggle to control their body position in space and do not possess the swift reaction time needed to safely regain balance after a high bounce. This motor immaturity significantly increases the chance of landing improperly on the mat.
The most common injuries in this age group are fractures, particularly in the lower extremities like the tibia and fibula. Concussions and neck or spinal cord trauma are also possible with an uncontrolled fall. These severe injuries often result from landing on the head or neck after an uncontrolled bounce.
A particularly high-risk scenario is when multiple children jump at the same time. The smallest, lightest child on the mat is at the greatest risk of injury from the “double bounce” effect. Research indicates that a smaller child is approximately 14 times more likely to be injured than a larger child when they jump together. This violent, unexpected acceleration causes the most severe impact injuries, often to the youngest participant.
Mandatory Safety Guidelines for Home Trampolines
For families who choose to have a home trampoline, constant, competent adult supervision is required at all times the trampoline is in use.
The “One Jumper Rule” must be enforced without exception, as the majority of severe trampoline injuries occur when multiple people are on the mat simultaneously. Eliminating the double-bounce risk is the most effective behavioral rule for preventing collisions and high-impact fractures.
Equipment must be maintained and properly installed, starting with protective padding that completely covers the springs, hooks, and the trampoline frame. While safety netting enclosures are helpful for preventing falls off the trampoline, they do not prevent injuries that occur on the mat itself. The mat should be regularly inspected for tears, and all hardware should be checked for rust or damage.
Trampolines should be placed on level ground, away from trees, fences, and other structures that a jumper could hit. The ladder must be removed after use to prevent unsupervised access by smaller children. Somersaults, backflips, and other acrobatic stunts are forbidden unless the participant is undergoing professional training in a controlled setting. Failed attempts at these maneuvers are a leading cause of cervical spine injuries.