Is it worth it to get a trampoline?

[Anonymous]

OTs seem to think it's one of the best tools you could have, but I have read they are quite dangerous-even the ones with protective sides. Our ped has seem too many kids end up in the ER from injuries. Those of you who have one...is it worth it? Does it help your child? Do you highly recommend getting one? if so, please share the brand and make you have. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We have a small rebounder trampoline, which is what many OTs have. How old is your DC? They have rebounder ones that come with a handle to hold, Jonah's Treehouse has one. You don't need a huge, high dangerous trampoline to get the OT results. If you have space you can get a very low 6' one for the yard. Our rebounder is in a playroom with mats around. It gets used every day, usually more than once and is a huge hit on playdates. Get one with springs, not the cords, they don't work well. Our rule is 1 person at a time with shoes or bare feet.

[Anonymous]

We got one of these little ones for inside (bought during the snows of February).

http://www.kazootoys.com/bazoongi-bouncer-pink-camo-trampoline.html

We're happy enough with it, I do sometimes worry about accidents, but it seemed safer and more practical than a big one.

[Anonymous]

19:53 here, ours doesn't have a handle but is about the same size. It's so helpful to my kids with SPD. One likes to jump and then crash in a nest of beanbags. We had the other start using it before school every day and at the end of a week the teacher took me aside and asked what was different, it really helped DC have a good morning. Proprioceptive input can be really organizing for kids. Plus, when mine jumps a lot or goes to a bounce house party his eating is a lot less picky, bonus.

[Anonymous]

We also have one that is similar to the one show in the PPs link (ours probably has about a 4 foot diameter). Our DC did some serious bouncing for a couple of days, but now rarely gets on it. We have a pretty small house and it takes a lot of space, so I'm not sure it was worth it for us in the end. Plus, our DC is more interested in bouncing in our big living room chair than on the trampoline. Our DC has pretty mild SPD for whatever that's worth. So maybe a child with a stronger need for sensory stimulation would be more inclined to use it. As far as safety issues, ours has the handle like the one shown in the link and we tried to make sure our DC only bounced while holding the handle, although that hasn't always been successful. The only "accident" we had involved DC sort of falling while trying to step down from it, which really was kind of a fluke. I have seen versions that were smaller than ours, though, and I think they actually might be safer because it limits the surface area where the child can bounce so they can't get too crazy on a smaller one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We also have one that is similar to the one show in the PPs link (ours probably has about a 4 foot diameter). Our DC did some serious bouncing for a couple of days, but now rarely gets on it. We have a pretty small house and it takes a lot of space, so I'm not sure it was worth it for us in the end. Plus, our DC is more interested in bouncing in our big living room chair than on the trampoline. Our DC has pretty mild SPD for whatever that's worth. So maybe a child with a stronger need for sensory stimulation would be more inclined to use it. As far as safety issues, ours has the handle like the one shown in the link and we tried to make sure our DC only bounced while holding the handle, although that hasn't always been successful. The only "accident" we had involved DC sort of falling while trying to step down from it, which really was kind of a fluke. I have seen versions that were smaller than ours, though, and I think they actually might be safer because it limits the surface area where the child can bounce so they can't get too crazy on a smaller one.

PP, my DD bounces on the sofa/living room chair as well. She bounces her head again and again (many times a day) on the back of the soft sofa, and it gets pretty intense (though she talks to us and communicates with us while she does it). Does this describe what your child does? I don't mind her doing it at home, but I am a bit concerned about her doing it on playdates, etc. How do you handle it? Any good strategies to share?

OP, I did bring up a trampoline with the OT and she told me that she wouldn't advise getting one due to safety issues--not just for my own kids, but friends who come over. Interestingly enough, my DD craves proprioceptive input like bouncing her head and swaying back and forth in the car seat, but she refuses to get on a swing. The OT who recently evaluated DD recommended getting one of those large bouncing balls that we can both sit on and trying to bounce with her or get her to sway side to side on it.

[Anonymous]

We have a small trampoline in the apt living room w/o handle. DS used it everyday before and after school for 3 years. I have knee problems, so I bounce for aerobic exercise. DS does not use it every day any more since he has ameliorated much of his SPD, but it was totally worth it and he still uses it a few times a week.

I disliked him bouncing on the bed and brand new sofa, so this was also another reason to get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got one of these little ones for inside (bought during the snows of February).

http://www.kazootoys.com/bazoongi-bouncer-pink-camo-trampoline.html

We're happy enough with it, I do sometimes worry about accidents, but it seemed safer and more practical than a big one.

We have this one for our son. So worth it!!! My sister-in-law is a Pediatrician and won't get one for her son but every time he visits he's always using ours. No one has gotten hurt on it and we have had our for over 2 years.

[Anonymous]

We got a little one with handles. Child does not use it much, but sometimes I can see he needs it and guide him on in jumping by getting one of this toys to jump. An unexpected side benefit is that it is a wonderful way to facilitate a playdate. Kids of all different types like to play on it. So if we invite a low energy child over - that child can get energy on the trampoline while my child can use it to calm down. So, they kinda meet in between - if that makes sense. During the snowstorms it was a great way to keep friends kids entertained. We do have a parent in the room to ensure that appropriate sharing is taking place and everyone gets a turn.