It's summer time, and you want your kids to be able to enjoy some outdoor fun right in your own backyard. There are several styles of jumping play sets available on the market, but it's sometimes difficult to know which would be the best fit for your family.
If you've been wondering whether your money would be better spent on a bounce house or a trampoline, there is some important information you should consider. Although both allow your kids to play and exercise at the same time, bounce houses win hands down from a fun and safety standpoint.
The fun factor
Before you spend the money on an outdoor jumping play structure for your child, you should consider which he or she would enjoy the most.
Trampolines come in different sizes, and sometimes you can get a few extra accessories: basketball hoops for example. However, they cannot compare to the scope and variety of available bouncy inflatables.
On the other hand, inflatables bouncers come in all types and with lots of added extras. You can get an inflatable bouncy castle for your princes and princesses or one with sports activities for your little athlete. In addition, you can opt for a slide or an obstacle course within the structure which adds to the excitement.
The party experience
Inflatables are great for all kinds of situations. They're often a hit at children's birthday parties and other events. Having your own means you'll be ready for any spur-of-the-moment get together as well as those celebrations you have already planned. Your kids and their friends will get plenty of use out of a bounce house that they might not be able to get from a trampoline.
More than jumping
The main purpose of a trampoline is jumping, but with an inflatable, you get that and much more. Inflatables can come equipped with slides, basketball or baseball games, and even ball pits. There are countless designs to choose from to fit your particular child's interests and needs.
Exercise
Both types of jumping equipment give kids the chance to exercise and burn off energy. However, because of all of the activities that can be included in a bouncy castle, it provides a wider variety of ways in which to use those muscles. As a parent, you know that it's important for a child to get exercise in a variety of ways and with a wide array of activities. An inflatable can help accomplish this.
Safety
When buying anything that will be used by your child, the main concern of every parent is safety. You want to ensure that the products with which your child interacts are going to be fun. However, if they aren't safe, the fun factor isn’t worth the risk.
When it comes to trampolines vs bouncy castles, there's no contest. Trampolines are known to cause injuries, often severe, and are not considered safe by many professionals alike.
The Mayo Clinic and even the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages them. Injuries range from sprains, fractures, and broken bones to more severe head and neck injuries which can be fatal.
Between 2002 and 2011, more than one million people went to the emergency room with trampoline-related injuries, and 300,000 of these were broken bones according to a study reported on by The Huffington Post. These numbers are staggering and should serve as a red flag to parents considering a purchase for their children.
In contrast, an inflatable bouncy castles has several built-in features which lessen the potential for injuries during use. The walls of the enclosure prevent falls which are a major concern especially as these structures are generally placed outside on hard ground. In addition, the lack of metal parts is a huge advantage. The floor, sides, and ceiling of an inflatable are cushioned. This means that even when a child falls, they land on a soft, padded surface which imposes much less risk.
There are also several steps you can take to help insure safety in an inflatable. These include:
- Maintain supervision of children while playing
- Limit the number of children in the bounce castle at all times. This is especially an issue during parties or other get-togethers where many children are present. It is important to try to avoid collisions.
- Be aware of the weather. Bouncers should only be used when the weather conditions are appropriate. Rainy or overly windy days are not a good option.
- Advise children to play appropriately. As is the case in any situation, boisterous or rough play can result in accidents or injuries. Make sure children understand the rules and can interact with each other and the play set in an acceptable manner.
- Be aware of weight limits. Know the weight limit for your inflatable, and be sure that the children inside don't exceed it.
- Follow the installation instructions. By following proper procedure when installing your inflatable, you can help make it a safe and enjoyable place for your children to play.
Conclusion
Outdoor jumping play sets can be a great addition to any home. However, it's important to understand the differences and to make the choice that's right for your family. Consider all the advantages that an inflatable bouncy castle can offer over other trampolines.
Your children will spend many happy hours playing and exercising, either alone or with friends. With an inflatable bouncer, you can rest easier knowing that you have given them a playset that has their safety in mind in its construction and design.
If you would like more information or advice on purchasing an inflatable for your family, please don't hesitate to contact us. Have fun and be safe this summer, and make it a bouncing good time for all.
