Keeping kids safe on an inflatable toy is essential to prevent accidents and injuries, minor or even severe. Inflatable toys, no matter their purpose or type, can pose several risks to children if they are not used correctly or if they are used by children who are too young or too small for the toy. Safety requirements are indicated on each product, and it is important for parents to read the instructions thoroughly. Younger children have different physical and developmental abilities than older children and adults, affecting their ability to use inflatable toys safely. However, age is not the only safety measure, as shown below.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), inflatable amusements, such as bounce houses and inflatable slides, were associated with an estimated 18,000 injuries in the United States in 2018. Notably, most of these injuries were classified as “nonfatal” and did not require hospitalization. To minimize the risk of injury associated with inflatable toys, there are multiple things you can do to provide a safe environment for your children.
Here are some examples of the accidents that can happen when kids use inflatable toys:
Falls and collisions: Inflatable toys can be bouncy and unstable, increasing the risk of falls and collisions. This can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head injuries.
Drowning: Incorrect use or a lack of proper safety gear, such as life jackets, while using inflatable toys like boats, rafts, and pool floats, can put children at risk of drowning.
Over-inflation: Many parents don’t know that over-inflating toys can burst, which can cause serious injuries.
Strangulation: Some inflatable toys have cords or ropes that can pose a risk of strangulation if children become tangled in them.
I know it sounds scary but do not worry (too much)! Parents and caregivers can help prevent accidents and injuries when children play on inflatable toys by taking proper precautions and following safety guidelines.
Types Of Inflatable Toys And Their Safety Risks
Different inflatable toys can have different risk levels depending on various factors, such as the design, size, and intended use. Certain items pose a greater risk of injury than others, particularly if they are utilized incorrectly, or children of unsuitable ages employ them for play.
For example, bounce houses and inflatable slides can pose a risk of falls and collisions if they are not properly anchored or supervised. Pool floats and other water toys can put the risk of drowning if children are not adequately managed or do not wear proper safety gear, such as life jackets. Inflatable balls and other lightweight toys can be blown away in windy conditions, posing a risk of injury or property damage.
There are many different types of toys, and they can all expose your kids to threats. Even though minor, it is not impossible, so it is fundamental to mention them. Some popular options include:
1. Bounce Houses
Bounce houses are large, inflatable structures for children to jump and play inside. They come in various sizes and themes and can be rented for parties or purchased for home use. They’re popular among kids but can pose certain safety risks.
Main safety risks associated with bounce houses:
- Falls and collisions
Bounce houses are a popular form of entertainment for children, but they can also be a source of injury. Children can easily fall or collide with each other inside a bounce house, resulting in bruises, cuts, broken bones, and even head injuries. Therefore, it is important to take adequate safety measures when using a bounce house to ensure the safety of all participants. Every bounce toy comes with instructions regarding weight limits and amount of kids allowed to play on them.
- Overcrowding
As mentioned above, overcrowding a bounce house can cause major safety issues. When too many children jump in a bounce house, it can become overloaded and deflect, causing serious injuries to the children inside. They can collide with each other and hurt themselves while playing. To avoid this, it’s important for parents and event organizers to follow the manufacturer’s recommended capacity for each bounce house.
- Improper setup
If a bounce house is not properly anchored or secured, it can tip over or blow away in windy conditions. It is essential that all safety precautions are taken when setting up a bounce house to ensure the safety of those inside it. Following instructions correctly is very important, but often instructions can be vague and hard to understand. However, you could find some great youtube videos on setting up your bounce house and other safety-related videos.
- Entrance and exit hazards
One of the most hazardous areas for children in a bounce house can be the entrance and exit. If they are not careful, they can easily trip or fall while entering or exiting the bounce house. Children should take their time when entering and exiting the bounce house, paying extra attention to where they are stepping and taking extra care to ensure they do not slip or trip.
- Extreme weather conditions
While bounce houses can add a lot of fun to any outdoor occasion, it’s crucial to recognize the potential hazards of using them in severe weather conditions. High winds, thunderstorms, and snow can significantly increase the risk of injury when using a bounce house, as the structure can become unstable and topple over.
2. Pool Floats
Pool floats are inflatable toys designed for swimming pools or the beach. They come in many different sizes and shapes, including animals, boats, and other fun designs. While pool floats can be fun for kids to play in the water, they can be dangerous when they’re misused.
Main safety risks associated with pool floats:
- Drowning
Supervising children on pool floats can help prevent them from falling off and drowning. It is important to ensure the pool floats are age-appropriate and properly inflated. Regardless of their swimming skills, all kids should wear a life jacket. Additionally, parents should be aware of potential hazards, such as currents in rivers or lakes, that can increase the risk of drowning. By following these simple steps, we can help keep our children safe and sound around water.
- Sunburn
Did you know that pool floats can increase the risk of sunburn in children (and yourself, of course)? Therefore, it is essential to protect kids with the correct sunscreen. However, sunscreen alone won’t do the job in high temperatures: a shirt combined with sunscreen is the best combo to protect yourself and your children. If you have never dealt with sunburns before, they are really painful. The sun is fundamental for life on earth, but it can also be dangerous if we are exposed to its ultraviolet (UV) rays for too long. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause various skin problems, including cancer.
- Overcrowding
Pool floats are a popular choice for parents and children looking to stay cool during the summer months. But when too many children climb onto the same float, it can cause it to tip over, resulting in serious injuries such as cuts, bruises, and even drowning. With this knowledge in mind, it is important for parents to exercise caution when allowing their children to play on pool floats. Do not allow too many children into one pool float. Always read the instructions for each inflatable pool toy, where they mention how to use it.
- Inflation and deflation
Improper inflation and deflation of pool floats can cause them to malfunction, resulting in injuries such as falls or collisions. To avoid that, please read the manufacturer’s instructions for inflating and deflating the pool floats and regularly check their condition. Neglecting these precautions can result in serious accidents that can be easily avoided with proper care and attention.
- Poor quality or maintenance
Low-quality pool floats or floats that are not properly maintained can pose a risk of puncture or rupture, resulting in injuries or accidents in the water. If your inflatable pool toy looks old or is randomly deflating, buy a new one.
3. Inflatable Slides
Inflatable slides are similar to bounce houses but include a drop that children can use to slide down and exit the structure. They come in various sizes and themes and can be rented for parties or purchased for home use.
Main risks associated with inflatable slides:
- Falls and collisions
Just like pool floats and bounce castles, children can fall or collide with each other while using an inflatable slide, resulting in injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head injuries. However, inflatable slides carry more risks than the previously mentioned ones. Because when kids are sliding on them, depending on the size of the slide, they can come at higher speeds resulting in more serious injuries. Make sure to buy a slide appropriate to your children’s age.
- Overcrowding
Knowing the safe capacity of each slide is crucial to prevent overcrowding and minimize the chances of collisions and falls among children. Overcrowding can cause an increased risk of injury and accidents, so it is important to adhere to the recommended number of children for each inflatable slide.
- Improper setup
Like most inflatable toys, inflatable slides, while providing a fun and entertaining experience, can be dangerous if not properly secured. An improperly secured inflatable slide can tip over or collapse, leading to serious injuries for those playing on it. It is important that all inflatable slides are properly anchored and secured to ensure the safety of all users. I can’t stress that enough.
- Entrance and exit hazards
Children should always enter and exit an inflatable slide one at a time to avoid tripping, falling, or colliding with each other. This will help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience with the slide. In the case of a double slide, please instruct your children to access the slide in a calm and careful manner. Do not allow other kids to wait at the bottom of the slide while the other uses it. Kindly ask them to wait a little bit further from the end of the slide and enjoy the moment.
- Extreme weather conditions
Inflatable slides are a great way to make any outdoor event more fun and exciting, but it’s important to remember that they should not be used in extreme weather conditions. High winds, thunderstorms, and snow can increase the risk of injury for those using the slide. Monitoring the weather forecast and refraining from utilizing inflatable slides in unfavorable conditions is the optimal course of action.
4. Inflatable Balls
Inflatable balls are lightweight and bouncy and can be used for various games and activities. They come in multiple sizes and designs and are often used for outdoor play. Some of them are made for water, and others for the ground. You can completely get inside a ball, or you can have your legs outside of it. Inflatable balls are another type of inflatable toy that can be popular among kids, but they can also pose certain safety risks, as all inflatable toys do.
Safety risks associated with inflatable balls:
- Overinflation
While inflatable balls can be incredibly enjoyable, parents must remain mindful of the potential risks linked to overinflation. An overinflated ball can burst or explode, causing serious injuries such as cuts, bruises, and eye injuries. Adequately monitoring the pressure of inflatable balls is essential to ensure the safety of children when playing.
- Falling
Children can trip or slip inside inflatable balls, resulting in injuries since the ball may continually roll. A simple misstep or slip can result in bruises and even broken bones. Parents should know the age limit of each inflatable boy to ensure their kids are safe. Imagine a 4-year-old inside a giant inflatable ball instead of a smaller one. Age-appropriate balls should be used to ensure children stay safe while playing.
- Rough play
Inflatable balls can be very bouncy, and rough play can seriously hurt your kids. It is important for parents to supervise children when playing with these balls to ensure their safety. If you have kids that, for some reason, do not listen to you and are playing like real Vikings, I would discourage you from getting one.
- Inappropriate use
Some inflatable balls are not intended for use in water or as flotation devices, and improper use can increase the risk of drowning. Using improper inflatable balls in water or as a flotation device can significantly increase the risk of drowning or injury, so it is important always to follow safety instructions and never use an inflatable ball in the water.
5. Inflatable Water Parks
Inflatable water parks are large, inflatable structures that lay on top of the water, such as a lake or ocean. They include various features such as slides, climbing walls, and water sprayers, often used for competitive races or obstacle courses. Inflatable water parks are popular during the summer but can pose certain safety risks if misused. You should strictly follow inflatable water park safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Risks associated with inflatable water parks:
- Drowning
Without proper supervision, children may not be able to swim if they fall off an inflatable and could potentially drown. It is important that safety measures are taken when using inflatable water parks, such as providing lifejackets for those who cannot swim and ensuring that there are trained supervisors to watch over children at all times.
- Overcrowding
Because inflatable water parks are usually very big, overcrowding can cause the park to tip over, leading to severe injuries. It’s essential to ensure that the number of children using the park simultaneously is within the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, children should be supervised at all times to prevent reckless behavior resulting in accidents.
- Rough play
Inflatable water parks are becoming increasingly popular, but rough play can cause serious accidents. Without proper supervision and safety protocols in place, collisions and falls can occur. It is essential to ensure that all participants are aware of the risks associated with rough play while playing on top of an inflatable water park.
- Inflation and deflation
Due to their size, improper inflation and deflation can cause them to malfunction. The platform can submerge, trapping kids inside layers of plastic. On the contrary, over-inflation can cause an explosion. It is essential that supervisors check the inflation levels carefully and deflate the structure when it is not in use to prevent any accidents or mishaps. Properly inflated inflatables provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
- Poor quality or maintenance
The risk of puncture or rupture caused by low-quality or poorly maintained equipment can lead to serious injuries. Regular inspection and proper maintenance of inflatable water parks are essential for businesses and individuals to minimize the possibility of accidents.
6. Inflatable Obstacle Courses
Inflatable obstacle courses are large structures designed for competitive races or obstacle courses. They come in various sizes and themes and can be rented for parties or purchased for home use. Kids love them, but parents need to be careful when their kids are playing with inflatable obstacles. You can find two kinds: one for the ground and one for water.
Main risks associated with inflatable obstacle courses:
- Falls and collisions
Due to their size use and bouncy nature, children can easily trip, fall, or collide with each other while playing on them. To prevent accidents, it’s important to set up the obstacle course on a flat and stable surface and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of children allowed to play at the same time. Additionally, it’s advisable to supervise children to prevent reckless behavior and ensure they are following the safety guidelines. By taking these precautions, children can enjoy playing on inflatable obstacle courses safely.
- Drowning
If left unsupervised, children may lack the ability to swim and potentially drown if they fall off an inflatable obstacle course. To ensure safety when using these inflatables, it is crucial to implement precautionary measures, including providing life jackets for non-swimmers and swimmers. Supervisors should be alert at all times when kids are using an inflatabale obstacle course.
- Overcrowding
It’s always best to avoid overcrowding inflatable obstacle courses, as it can make them unstable and more prone to movement. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum capacity and ensure that the children using the obstacle course meet the age and weight requirements.
- Inflation and deflation
Like inflatable water parks, inflatable obstacle courses should be inflated correctly. In the case of deflation, heavy inflatable obstacle courses can fall on kids and suffocate them. And as mentionned above, when huge inflatables like these deflate they pose a higher risk of drowning.
- Improper use
Improper use, such as climbing on the walls or jumping off from unsafe heights, can result in serious injuries such as sprains, fractures, or even concussions. Children should be instructed on the proper use of the park, including where to climb, jump, and slide, as well as the importance of avoiding reckless behavior.
How To Keep Kids Safe When Playing On Inflatable Toys
After citing all the safety risks that inflatable toys can cause, should you let your kid play with one? My goal isn’t to scare you but to help keep your kids safe and happy. Depending on parents and guardians, children can play with inflatable toys safely and enjoyably. Inflatable toys can provide a range of benefits for children, contributing to their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. In addition to providing a fun and engaging way to stay active, inflatable toys can stimulate children’s imaginations and promote social interaction and sensory development.
How to keep your little angels safe when they’re playing on any inflatable toy:
- Supervision
Ensure an adult constantly supervises the children while playing on the inflatable toy. The adult should be attentive and not be distracted by other things.
- Age-appropriate
Ensure the inflatable toy is appropriate for the child’s age and size. Young children should not be allowed to play on an inflatable toy designed for older children or adults.
- Instructions
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inflating and deflating the toy. Over-inflated toys can burst, while under-inflated toys can be unstable.
- Anchoring
Ensure the inflatable toy is adequately anchored to the ground outdoors. This will prevent it from tipping over or blowing away in windy conditions.
- One at a time
Only allow one child to use the inflatable toy at a time when possible. This will prevent collisions and other accidents. I learned that the hard way when I broke my sister’s tooth when we were kids.
- Safety gear
Ensure that the child wears a properly fitting life jacket if they are using an inflatable boat or other water toys.
- Rules
Set rules for the children to follow while playing on the inflatable toy, such as no diving or jumping off the sides.
By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure that your kids have a safe and enjoyable time while playing on inflatable toys and stay away from any potential dangers. With these steps in mind, parents can rest assured that their kids will have an exciting and safe experience with inflatable toys.
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