Mum shares important warning about trampolines after her son is seriously injured

A mother has issued a heartbreaking warning after her three year old son was left seriously injured following a trip to an indoor trampoline park.

Mother-of-two Kait Ellen was enjoying a family trip to a trampoline park with her husband and youngest child Colton when the accident happened, she explained – but had she been informed of the dangers, it could have been avoided.

'Colton fell and broke his femur, the strongest bone in his body, while innocently jumping alongside his dad and I,' she writes, although was keen to point out in an update added to the initial Facebook post that his parents had not been jumping on the same trampoline as him, but the ones directly beside.

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'Come to find out, according to the America Academy of Pediatrics and the America Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons "children under the age of 6 should never use a trampoline." This is due to the fact that their fragile bones are not meant to withstand the repetitive pressure from jumping.'

Having brought Colton along for an event targeted specifically at toddlers, Kait says that they were shocked to learn this, and wanted to warn other parents of the risks involved.

'We share this with you today to spread awareness that these facilities are specifically advertising for Toddler Time, when in fact toddlers should be no where near trampolines. We hope by sharing his story it will prevent a child and their family from experiencing the trauma and heartbreak associated with trampoline injuries in young children.'

The post has been shared nearly quarter of a million times, receiving tens of thousands of comments. Whilst some criticised the family for not doing their own research before the trip, many have jumped to their defence and wished Colton a speedy recovery.

'Who cares what the circumstances were?' said one Facebook user. 'The fact is this poor innocent child was hurt and now the entire family is suffering specifically a 3 years old child who should be enjoying everyday. God bless you hope for speedy recovery.'

Another said, 'I have read about this and I honestly HATE trampolines. I know kids have a lot of fun with them, but one bad bounce can change everything. Thanks for sharing.'

'I had never heard this before so I really appreciate the post. Thank you for sharing and I hope your sweet boy is feeling better soon,' said a third.

In the UK, guidelines produced by ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) in partnership with the NHS advise that children under three never use trampolines, and to buy specially designed trampolines for children under 6.

You should also never allow more than one person on the trampoline at any one time, and always make sure the equipment is positioned in the middle of the garden to avoid falling against walls or trees.