To not want my 15 month old trampolining

[Bizawit]

I consider myself to be a fairly relaxed mum. My DD (first baby) is almost 15 months. My childminder (who is also a friend) wants to take my DD and her daughter (13.5 months) trampolining tomorrow. I said I didn’t think it was safe- I’ve read a lot of stuff about the number of child injuries caused by trampolines , and also that you shouldn’t allow children under 6 to go on them. Friend/ child minder seems put out that I said I wasn’t keen, and is trying to persuade me that the advice only applies to trampolining at home and that the toddlers get given non-slip socks. I’m not saying I’ll never let my daughter get on a trampoline but she’s barely even a toddler- only been walking about 2 months, and still somewhat wobbly!

So AIBU- would you let your 15 month go on a trampoline?

I'm in the absolute no way group. I feel ridiculously over protective but I don't care. Nope to that.

No, don't see what they'd get out of it at that age anyway!

Lots of children's classmates seem to have broken wrists or legs on trampolines.

Two of my children have had trampolining lessons though, but the set up is quite different.

I am quite easy going with my toddlers but I wouldn’t have taken a 15m old to a trampoline park. My eldest did go on one at a similar age at gymnastics every week and the list of rules was extensive. No parents jumping, one child at a time, socks to be worn, special covering so little fingers didn’t get in the springs etc. It was very controlled. By 3 all of the kids were completely disciplined at trampoline etiquette in the class. It was quite impressive to watch them.

Idiot exh allowed DS on one when he was 2. Ds broke his leg. Doctor at the hospital told us that they see tonnes of trampoline injuries, especially in younger children

I am amazed that a childminder (who presumably has had some training in safety) would even suggest this. It makes me wonder if they are careless about safety in other contexts.

Blimey @FixTheBone!! Scary stuff! How about horse riding? How many accidents do you see what that sport or is trampolining the worst?

Or how about drunks?

You need to do an Ask me anything thread, it would be very interesting!!

Christ, no

No, i definitely wouldn't allow it. A 15 month old would surely enjoy soft play more?

My DD went to a party at a trampoline park, she was 3.5yo, but couldn't really jump much at that age so she was bored stiff. Her dad stayed with her all the time but I still had the fear watching from the side.

No I wouldn't. My then 2 yea told broke her leg falling awkwardly on a trampoline

I have 4 children - and my youngest is 2 - and I’m pretty relaxed about most things at this stage - but I would say no to this - I’d be worried about the baby snapping her neck or breaking a bone.

Babies that age are happy to go for a walk in the park or anywhere really so they won’t know or care if they don’t go to the trampoline park.

Feels really young to me. DD is 22 months and it has never entered my head to take her to one of those trampoline places. Seems too little to me

Thanks @SuperSleepyBaby - my thoughts exactly. Good to know it’s not me being weirdly uptight. First time mum so don’t want to be controlling and precious, but this just seemed like an unnecessary and potentially v risky plan!

No way, there’s far too much that could go wrong, especially at such a young age.

@Bizawit she went on the trampolines too, there was three, seperated by nets, we went on together, the kids didn’t share or try get on when they were occupied.

@GreyShadow

I think horse riding is pretty high on the riskier sports, In west yorkshire we see a fairly constant trickle of people, however it's generally a far less common hobby than trampolining so I see fewer people overall, more likely to be life-threatening injuries from horse riding as well - pelvic fractures and liver/spleen/kidney injuries are more common as people frequently get landed on by the horse. Trampolines generate unpredictable injury patterns due to the randomness of bouncing around, which is part of the attraction to kids, whereas equestrians come in looking more like they've been in a car or motorbike accident.

Drinking probably results in the largest number of injuries, but many are minor - lacerations, single-limb fractures.

Sounds as though your childminder/friend wants to socialise. I can't really see much benefit in trampolining for a toddler so why take the risk? As you said, they are just getting to grips with solid ground. A park would be better, or soft play.

I’m pretty relaxed about trampolines we have one in the garden and my kids regularly go to these trampoline parks BUT my kids are 5 and 8. There is no way I would let my 15 month newly walking toddler on one.

I don't see the point. They can't properly jump at that age so would just be toddling about on a wobbly surface. Any trampoline park I've been to its only one person on the trampoline so you can't even hold their hand and help them bounce a bit higher.

I wouldn't worry so much about injury because they can't really jump, they're not going to be doing backflips, I just think it's a bit pointless.

I don’t think you’re being precious - but don’t feel you can’t be a bit ‘precious’ at times about things - don’t worry what other people think.

For example, I’ve never let my children stay away from me over night until they were old enough to ask if they could - whereas other people are comfortable leaving newborns. But then again, there are probably things I do that other people might think are not ideal!

Not a hope on hell.

I'm wary about trampolines. I used to bounce for a club and once managed to land on my neck during a somersault. I am very, very lucky it wasn't more serious. My DC aren't old enough for trampolines yet and I would rather they didn't use them as they got older. I've seen the ways some children/teens throw themselves around on them and I don't like it. I was trained and it was still potentially life-changing. Perhaps irrational of me, but there you go.

I wouldn't that young, no. I'm like the exact opposite of a helicopter parent and can't think of anything like that I've said no to, but this would still be a no for me.

Christ, I must be a relaxed parent!

DS and I have been going to a trampoline park weekly since he was 1.

It's absolutely fantastic!

Only 1 person per trampoline so no bashing possible, only under 3 and hugely spaced out.

In fact I feel lots safer there than at the local park.

I do wonder if the google the chance of something happening at a trampoline park; it's probably a lot less than other things you do.

I wouldn't. Friend of mine, her toddler ended up with a leg break from just pottering around on one at home. Didn't fall off or anything, just landed awkwardly.

All these comments about not ever letting young kids in trampolines. ... like kids never fall (or colide with other kids) off of balance bikes or scooters or in the playground 🤔