trampoline enclosure?

[aiyasmama]

We are seriously considering a trampoline for DD's fourth birthday.  Her teacher has one that she lets the kids use when parents are there to supervise and my DD LOVES it.  She's not an active kid but she will really jump and get her yayas out on the trampoline and I love seeing the joy on her face...

So I'm wondering about the safety enclosures and if they really make trampolines more safe?  I guess I'm just wondering if they might encourage kids to jump up against them or be less aware in general; any chance of falling on the springs or against those bars?  I feel like one of the things my daughter has been exploring and learning on her teacher's trampoline is to stay away from the edge, learn to keep her balance.  Any thoughts?

Thanks!  :)

[hollytheteacher]

Where do you live? In some states, your homeowner's insurance will drop you if you have a trampoline.

We just have the small indoor kind for ds and he loves it, but the big one can be pretty dangerous.

a few links:

http://www.safekidsutah.org/a-trampoline-is-not-a-toy

http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/keepkidssafe/Trampolines.htm

http://www.archildrens.org/Ask-Dr-Lowe/2010/February/Trampoline-Safety-Pediatricians-Say-Stay-Away-.aspx

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc_ca/article.php?id=53366

[Peony]

I had a trampoline growing up so before they started doing the nets. When we got one for our kids, I made sure there was a net. Trampolines are one of the most accident causing play equipment out there, my neighbor who is an ER doc has a special name for them, I just can't remember it right now. IMO a net is essential. At her age she isn't going to get all crazy on it more then likely but give her a couple years and another kid on there, and children go flying. We have a 2 at a time rule at our house but we have still had minor injuries. Another thing to consider is neighbor children, a trampoline on your property is a liability. Some of my children's friends parents will not allow them jump and I respect that. We don't have the ability to put ours in our backyard so it is around the side and I do worry about a neighbor kid playing on it when I am not home and getting hurt so I want to make sure I have all the safety precautions possible. 

[colsxjack]

My aunt and uncle have one and all the kids LOVE it. They have a net and it makes it really safe. All the kids still know to not jump against the net. If they are caught doing so they have to get off. But the net keeps them on in case of accidents, and all the springs are covered too.

[sillysmile]

We have this one with the enclosure:

http://www.1800trampoline.com/browseproducts/6%276-AIRMASTER-TRAMPOLINE-and-TRAMPOLINE-ENCLOSURE.html

I believe we found it for $199. It is really difficult to assemble and takes up lots of space indoors, but my 2yo loves it.

I don't know whether there is still a significant risk of injury with the net, and would love to hear any more info about this.

In this model, the parts inside the enclosure are all heavily padded, and we teach DD never to touch the net. There are hard poles that frame the net, but they don't really seem to pose a safety issue since she is jumping far away from them.