Adding inflatable bounce houses is necessary when planning birthday parties and fun events for kids. It’s one of those fun games kids cherish the most: bouncing, jumping, and falling on soft, padded material. However, your little ones can get injured if you don’t pay attention.
You must ensure safety by supervising your kids when they are jumping on these bounce houses. Here are ten tips to keep your kids safe when bouncing on these magnificent fun houses.
Inflatable Bounce Houses – Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe
Inflatable bouncing setups are undoubtedly interesting and fun for kids. Jumping on these bounce houses requires movement coordination, timing, and balancing. Kids learn how to control their bodies before and after jumping, enhancing their motor skills.
However, if kids are left unattended, they will likely get injured. If the bounce house is not completely inflated, kids can hit their heads. Here are ten tips on keeping your little ones safe on inflatable bouncing castles and making their fun time a true bliss.
1. Choose the Right Location for Setup
Why Location Matters
The first and foremost tip is to choose the best location for setting up your inflatable bouncing castle. Make sure the house is positioned on a flat and level surface without including any sharp items such as sticks, rocks or other pointed objects which would puncture its material or create tripping dangers. Never allow your kids to jump on it when not completely inflated, as they might get injured when hitting a hard surface.
How to Ensure the Ground is Safe?
Examine the area thoroughly before setting it up.
Never put it on slopes or uneven grounds.
If possible, try setting up alongside grass as it provides a softer landing space.
2. Secure the Bounce House Properly
Anchoring Inflatable Houses
You must correctly anchor the inflatable bouncing house to avoid being blown away by the wind or tipped over. Strong winds are especially dangerous because they can lift off the bounce house.
Tips for Proper Anchoring
Consider using extra sandbags or weights to make it stable in windy conditions.
Ensure that the anchors are firmly placed into the ground so that everything remains in its position.
Always use the stakes and tethers to secure the bounce house against strong wind currents.
3. Supervise Children at All Times
Importance of Supervision
Inflatable bounce houses require constant supervision during play. Kids can easily meet accidents, especially when jumping up and down with excitement. For instance, they might fall on their neck instead of landing on their feet.
How to Supervise Effectively
Appoint a responsible adult or teenage kid to manage the bounce house and keep an eye on all the kids.
If there is a crowd in the bounce house, ask kids to take turns, avoiding public and injuries.
Monitor any kind of dangerous acts like rough play or jumping on others to safeguard your child.
4. Set Age and Size Limits
Risks of Mixed Age & Size of Kids
There is a possibility of putting bouncing houses into jeopardy when they are being used simultaneously by children of different ages and sizes. For example, older kids might knock down or injure younger, smaller ones. Toddlers can tangle with the legs of older kids, getting injured.
Set Clear Guidelines
Make sure to introduce a set of clear instructions and guidelines. Ensure no kid goes beyond the age and weight recommendations given by those who manufactured the bouncing house.
If there are kids of mixed ages and sizes, ensure everyone takes turns promoting safety. Additionally, the number of children within the bounce house should always be restricted depending on its size. Never overcrowd a small-sized bouncing castle.
5. Enforce Bounce House Rules
Introduce Rules for Safe Play
With explicit rules in place, you can prevent injuries and avoid dangerous events. In this regard, always remember that children are very enthusiastic; they may play rough or forget about their safety. Hence, as an adult, it’s your responsibility to care for them.
Essential Bounce House Rules
Don’t allow any kids to do flips or somersaults within the bounce house.
Do not engage in rough play or pushing.
If the bouncing house has a slide, allow only one kid to climb and slide safely.
6. Monitor the Weather Conditions
Weather and Bounce Houses Are Not Always Compatible
Bad weather often makes inflatable bounce houses dangerous because of high winds and rainfall. Slippery surfaces during rains or high-pressure wind can destabilise the structures.
What to Do During Bad Weather
Don’t use the bounce house on high winds, especially when it’s pouring down. When the wind is above 15 to 20 km/h, it’s better to deflate the bounce house and remain safe. Always check weather forecasts before setting it up.
7. Regularly Inspect the Bounce House for Damage
Spotting Damages Early
A damaged bounce house can lead to punctures, leaks or even structural collapse. Regular inspection helps in the early detection of these problems before they become life-threatening.
How to Inspect
Look out for tears, holes or any fraying seams before and after use each time.
Check for air pressure, ensuring it’s inflated properly. If it feels soft or half-empty, there might be some leakage.
During playtime, inspect the anchoring mechanism provided for safety.
8. Encourage Safe Jumping Techniques
Teaching Kids Safe Play
Kids may not be aware of the safest way to jump or play in an inflatable bouncing castle. Introducing proper techniques and educating them about how to safely enjoy will greatly reduce injury risk.
What Should You Teach?
Remind children to bounce at the centre of the bounce house and away from the edges.
Teach them how to land on feet rather than knees or hands so as to avoid twisting joints.
Encourage kids not to crowd each other while jumping.
9. Limit the Capacity
Importance of Limiting Capacity
Inflatable bounce houses are most likely to have accidents because they are overcrowded since too many kids are jumping and bouncing in one space, colliding with each other, falling off and getting injured.
Stick to Capacity Guidelines
Always stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the maximum number of users.
Consider setting a time limit for each group so everyone gets their turn.
10. Ensure Proper Deflation and Storage
Store it Safely
Once the excitement is over, deflating and storing the bouncy house appropriately is paramount. Incorrect deflation or storage can cause wear and tear on the bouncy house, making it unsafe for later use.
Deflation and Storage Tips
Deflate the bounce castle entirely before relocating or packing.
Ensure cleanliness and dryness of the bounce house to prevent mildew or mould from developing.
Store in a cool, dry area free of sharp things, protecting against wear and tear.
Conclusion
These inflatable bounce houses provide excellent entertainment for kids; however, their safety must always be your top priority. Follow these tips to secure your bounce house properly, preventing it from taking off in windy conditions.
Protect your kids from jumping too high or pushing anyone around. Remember – these little things will keep our kids having a good time without getting hurt.
