St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa — Starting Out Healthy

Health Bits

Photo of girl jumping on trampolineWith Trampolines, Safety Rules

How do children get hurt on trampolines? To find out, researchers reviewed 50 trampoline accidents that were treated in a British emergency department. They found that four out of five took place when many people were on the trampoline at the same time. Almost half happened with no adult supervision. And nearly two out of three involved trampolines that did not have a safety net. Before you set up the family trampoline this summer, follow these rules to help keep everyone safe:
  • Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
  • Place the trampoline away from structures, trees and other play areas.
  • Always supervise children on a trampoline.
  • Use trampoline enclosures.

Photo of baby getting a bathBedtime Routine Helps Babies and Moms

Sleep problems often concern parents of young children. About 20 to 30 percent of infants and toddlers have trouble going to sleep, wake frequently or both. But a bedtime routine may help. In a study reported in the journal Sleep, researchers asked a small group of mothers to follow a three-step nightly routine before bed that included a bath, massage and quiet activities like cuddling. Another group of mothers continued their usual bedtime routines. After two weeks, mothers using the three-step routine reported better sleep in their children — and less tension, depression and fatigue in themselves.

Photo of boy learning how to mow the lawnLawn Mower Safety Tips

Keep your kids safe while you’re keeping your lawn neat. Wait until they’re at least 12 years old before allowing them to operate a walk-behind lawn mower. Don’t let them use a riding mower until they’re 16 years old. And keep children younger than age 6 indoors when someone is mowing. Follow these precautions while you mow — and once your children take on this chore, make sure they follow them, too:
  • Pick up twigs, stones and toys before you start to mow.
  • Wear protective gloves; goggles; sturdy, closed-toe footwear; and long pants.
  • Remove debris from mower blades with a stick, not your hand.
  • Be careful when mowing a hill. With a walk-behind mower, mow across. With a riding mower, mow up and down.
  • Never give anyone a ride on a riding mower.