trampoline?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend the safest backyard trampoline we can buy for our older kids (9 and 11)? Once we have it, rules to enforce from the beginning?

[Anonymous]

http://www.springfreetrampoline.com

We have one and it's the safest model on the market. They're expensive, but we found ours on craigslist for a few hundred dollars. The kids (and adults) love it. We tried to enforce the one jumper rule, but it's just too hard and not really fun for the kids. So now we say, no jumping games where they try to push each other down.

[Anonymous]

Something with a net that attaches securely at the bottom (to prevent slip-through) and preferably that has a firm rod running through the top (to prevent sagging).

As for safety rules, I'd agree with the PP. We tried "HEY, KIDS! ONLY ONE AT A TIME!!!" but that just wasn't as much fun. Shoes off, no pushing/knocking down, and stop if anyone seems uncomfortable or upset. Kind of the same rules they're trying to set on college campuses these days.

And for what it's worth, we've found that setting up a sprinkler underneath is a GREAT way to spend a hot afternoon.

[Anonymous]

Here are our rules for ours:
only one person on the trampoline at a time - no matter what
if a friend is over, the parent has to say it's ok for friend to jump
must be a responsible person watching (my kids are 10 and 13 and they have a ton of freedom but not on trampoline because if there is a problem, there needs to be someone who can call 911) My 13 year old can watch my 10 year old but not the reverse

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Something with a net that attaches securely at the bottom (to prevent slip-through) and preferably that has a firm rod running through the top (to prevent sagging).

As for safety rules, I'd agree with the PP. We tried "HEY, KIDS! ONLY ONE AT A TIME!!!" but that just wasn't as much fun. Shoes off, no pushing/knocking down, and stop if anyone seems uncomfortable or upset. Kind of the same rules they're trying to set on college campuses these days.

And for what it's worth, we've found that setting up a sprinkler underneath is a GREAT way to spend a hot afternoon.

I strictly enforce this rule. I don't care that it is not fun. It is less fun to attend a funeral of a kid who died from a concussion from having too much fun (which I had to do). My kids have fun jumping by themselves and it keeps the neighbor kids away, which is fine with me when it comes to trampolines.

[Anonymous]

No jumping off the shed onto the trampoline.

[Anonymous]

No to trampolines. This is irresponsible.

[Anonymous]

ask your pediatrician. I bet they would tell you if they are safe or not. (I would guess not--tons of neck injuries, even with one jumper)

[Anonymous]

No more than 2 kids, no wetting and soaping up the trampoline, no cage fighting/westle mania.
Ours is 15' in diameter.

[Anonymous]

Jumpsport - safer than spring free.

[Anonymous]

I cannot believe the posters who think it's "too hard" and "not fun" to enforce the one jumper rule. That is THE MOST IMPORTANT rule there is. of course, I think having a backyard trampoline is a bad idea, but that's mostly because of idiot parents who refuse to enforce basic, necessary safety rules.

[Anonymous]

Our children played on our with a bunch of neighborhood kids for hours almost every day for years. It's amazing how much fun they had on it. They are a bit older now and aren't using it as much as they used to. We have a large Jumpsport model with the netting around it. It's lasted very well and has been used excessively.

[Anonymous]

It's made by the same manufacturer that makes safe street motorcycles for 16 year olds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No jumping off the shed onto the trampoline.

+ 1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No to trampolines. This is irresponsible.

Trampolines are so unsafe. Neck and back injuries. Liability if another child gets hurt at your house. Plus they look terrible.