Doctor Warns Against Trampolines for Children Under Six
A cosmetic surgeon warns parents that children under six should never jump on trampolines, as their fragile bones cannot withstand the enormous rebound force, especially when adults bounce alongside them.
Dr. Nathpol Wongkiatjchorn, known as Dr. Jump, a cosmetic surgeon, shared medical advice on his Dr. Jump Facebook page regarding children and trampoline use. He warns that children under six should not be allowed on trampolines—a caution nearly 90 percent of parents overlook, mistakenly believing lighter bodies are safer. In reality, parents are mistaken.
Globally, many orthopedic surgeons treat injuries from trampolines because people assume they are soft play equipment where bouncing causes no harm. However, trampolines are actually giant springs that store and release enormous energy with each impact. Children under six lack the physical development to handle this; their shin bones are small and fragile, and when hit by uncontrollable rebound force, injuries can result.
More dangerous than the equipment itself is adult carelessness. Many parents jump alongside their children—a behavior with serious physical consequences. When a 70-kilogram parent bounces down on a trampoline with a 15-kilogram child, the impact depth increases dramatically, and all that adult energy transfers through the mat directly to the child's legs. The rebound force can feel as hard as concrete, causing the child to lose balance or fall.
Parents often think holding their child's hand tightly prevents injury, but holding hands does not protect the legs and can sometimes increase danger if a falling child is suddenly pulled by the arm. If parents take their children to trampolines, they must remember three rules:
1. Children under six should only watch, without exception. Explain directly that their bones are not strong enough and they can play when older. Ball pits or slides are better alternatives. 2. One child per trampoline mat. If your child is over six, one child per mat only—never bouncing with larger friends or with parents. If the area becomes crowded with older children, remove your child immediately. 3. Never attempt flips or backflips under any circumstances. Many children want to try tricks like rolling or backflips, but landing on the head risks serious injury.
Teach your child to jump up and down on both feet—that alone is fun and provides sufficient exercise. Trampolines are not bad equipment when children are old enough and parents understand the safety rules.
