January 13, 2025 Warren Newbery

Trampolines and Growth Plates: What Parents Need to Know

Thinking about getting a garden trampoline UK for your little ones? While trampolining can be great fun, it's worth understanding how jumping might affect your child's growing bones. RoSPA tells us that children under six aren't sufficiently physically developed for safe trampolining - and there's a good reason for this guidance.

Important Notice: This article provides general information about growth plates and trampoline safety. Always consult healthcare professionals for specific medical advice about children's exercise and injury concerns.

Understanding Growth Plates

What are Growth Plates?

Think of growth plates as the construction sites of your child's bones. These developing areas near the ends of long bones are quite remarkable - they're where all the growing happens. But just like any construction site, they need proper protection. These areas might be more vulnerable to injury during childhood and teenage years, which is why we need to think carefully about high-impact activities.

Trampolines and Growth Plate Considerations

Every time your child bounces on a trampoline, the impact travels through their body and bones. For young children whose bones are still developing, these repeated impacts might put extra stress on their growth plates. It's a bit like repeatedly jumping on an unfinished floor - you'd want to be extra careful until everything's properly set.

Different types of trampoline activities might affect growing bones in various ways. Landing awkwardly or off-balance could put unexpected pressure on developing joints. RoSPA has found that ankle injuries are particularly common from awkward landings, which is something to keep in mind when thinking about growing bones.

Understanding the Risks

RoSPA's research shows some clear patterns we should pay attention to. They've found that 60% of injuries happen when there's more than one jumper, with the lighter person (usually the child) being five times more likely to get hurt. Think about it like having a big and small ball bouncing together - the smaller one always gets bounced around more!

mum watching children through a window for an article on trampoline safety and growth plates

Keeping Young Bouncers Safe

Essential Safety Rules

RoSPA's golden rule is one jumper at a time - it's that simple. They're also crystal clear about age limits: children under six shouldn't use trampolines. When it comes to tricks and flips, RoSPA strongly advises against them unless you're properly trained. It's better to keep things simple and steady.

Equipment Safety Essentials

Before any bouncing begins, RoSPA recommends checking these crucial safety points:

- All padding completely covers springs, hooks and frame - Safety netting is secure and undamaged - Frame is stable and properly levelled - No springs are exposed or damaged - The jumping mat is free from tears

Creating a Safe Bouncing Environment

Location matters more than you might think. RoSPA advises placing your trampoline on energy-absorbing ground - think soft grass rather than concrete. Imagine the difference between jumping onto a carpet versus a hard floor - that's why the right surface matters so much.

growth plates and trampolines with girl having fun on a trampoline

Spotting Potential Problems

As a parent, you know your child best. If you notice they're not moving quite right after bouncing, or they're showing signs of discomfort, it's worth paying attention. They might be favouring one leg, showing less enthusiasm for activities they usually enjoy, or mentioning pain that doesn't go away quickly.

If something doesn't seem right, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. Watch out particularly if your child:

- Shows ongoing pain during or after jumping - Develops noticeable swelling or tenderness - Changes how they normally move or play - Seems reluctant to use part of their body

Making Trampolining Safer for Growing Bodies

Active supervision is crucial - and we're not just talking about watching from the kitchen window! RoSPA points out that more than half of all trampoline accidents happen even with supervision, so we need to be properly engaged. This means watching carefully, being ready to step in, and making sure safety rules are actually being followed.

Creating Good Habits

Help your children develop safe bouncing habits from the start. Keep the jumping gentle and controlled. Think of it like teaching them to ride a bike - you start with the basics and build up gradually as their confidence and skill grow.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Trampolining can be a brilliant way for kids to have fun and stay active, but protecting growing bones needs to be a priority. By following RoSPA's safety guidance and staying attentive to how our children respond to bouncing, we can help keep the fun as safe as possible.