Bounce Into Summer Safety

Summer block party season is here and that means inflatable bounce houses will be springing up in neighborhoods across the country. As kids jump into this fun summer activity it’s important to ensure they are safe.

Bounce houses are a great way to get kids active and are considered a manageable risk since severity of injuries is usually less than that of a trampoline. Still, injuries and fractures are fairly common from bounce house play, and parents need to supervise their children.

The most common bounce house injury in children occurs in the upper extremities, especially the elbow. The injuries usually are caused by a collision between jumpers, a fall onto an outstretched hand inside the bounce house or if a child falls out of the bouncer.

Injuries inside bounce houses commonly happen when children of different ages and sizes are jumping at the same time. Parents should place children into small groups by age and size and have an adult at the entrance to ensure the appropriate kids are playing together and that no one falls out. This will not only keep them safer, but helps them learn to take turns.

It’s also important to limit the number of children in a bounce house at a time. If there are too many children, they are more likely to fall out of the entrance and injure themselves on the hard ground.

If a child is injured take him or her away from people and examine the injury. If there is a physical deformity or asymmetry in the extremities, go immediately to the emergency room. If the extremity looks normal, it’s ok to wait until the next day. If the pain has not resolved, then it’s best to see a doctor.

As with all physical activities, bounce houses have their risks. But with adult supervision and a few rules, it can be a great physical activity for kids.