Bounce houses, also called inflatable bouncers or moonwalks, are a fun way to keep kids entertained, whether at a backyard birthday party or a neighborhood event.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced the endless energy of children jumping up and down inside a bouncy structure. It’s one of those things that guarantees hours of fun and (hopefully) tired, happy kids at the end of the day.
But as fun as they are, bounce houses have their share of safety considerations. Whether you’re thinking about renting one for a party or buying one for regular outdoor fun, safety should be a top priority.
According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 30 children a day (or one child every 45 minutes) are treated for inflatable bounce house-related injuries.
“Injuries can range from minor scrapes, sprains and bruises to more serious issues like fractures, muscle strains, concussions and even paralysis,” said Melissa Luxton, a trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator with Banner - University Medicine. “Most of these injuries occur at their homes.”
While bounce houses may pose risks, there are ways to keep your kids safe while ensuring they have a blast. Luxton shared tips to reduce those risks and let your kids enjoy bouncing in a safer environment.
1. Renting vs. buying a bounce house
If you’ve ever rented a bounce house, you know that they can be a bit pricey. After the hefty price tag, you may wonder if you should purchase your own – especially if you plan on using it more than once.
Each option has its pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s specific needs, but here are some things to consider:
Renting: Renting a bounce house from a professional company can offer advantages when it comes to safety. These companies are responsible for regular maintenance, repairs and proper setup. They often include guidelines for safe use, and their inflatables are typically insured and inspected for safety.
Buying your own: Owning a bounce house means that all maintenance and safety checks are on you. It can be cost-effective if you plan to use it frequently, but you must make sure you regularly inspect it for wear and tear, deflate it correctly after each use and store it properly to avoid damage.
Tip: Renting may be safer if you’re not prepared to perform regular safety inspections and routine maintenance.
2. Set up on a flat surface
Whether you rent or own, the location of the bounce house matters.
“Always ensure the bounce house is placed in a flat, open area, away from trees, powerlines, rocks and debris,” Luxton said. “If you set up on grass, place a tarp or soft padding underneath to minimize the chances of punctures and provide a softer landing in case of a fall.”
Tip: Never set up a bounce house on concrete or gravel, as falls onto these hard surfaces could cause serious injury.
3. Anchor the bounce house properly
One of the leading causes of bounce house accidents is when strong winds or poor anchoring cause the inflatable to tip or go airborne.
“Always ensure the bounce house is installed with safety regulations like tie-downs or anchors using stakes or sandbags,” Luxton said. Be extra cautious on windy days. If the wind speed exceeds 15-20 mph (miles per hour), deflate the bounce house for safety.
Tip: Renters, ask the company how the bounce house will be anchored and who is responsible for setting it up.
4. Monitor age and size limits
Bounce houses are designed with specific weight and age limits. Younger kids may get injured if older, bigger children are playing at the same time, as their movements can unintentionally knock over the smaller ones.
Tip: Set specific times for different age groups to use the bounce house. Keep the number of children at or below the manufacturer’s recommendation to prevent collisions and falls.
“Prevent children under age 6 from bouncing, as they don’t have the proper coordination to avoid landing in awkward positions,” Luxton said. “Have one session for younger children and another for older kids to avoid rough play and overcrowding.”
5. Supervision is key
Never leave children unattended in a bounce house. An adult should always be present to monitor the children and make sure they follow the rules. One adult should be responsible for watching the entrance and exit to prevent overcrowding and ensure kids aren’t entering with sharp objects like loose buckles, jewelry, food or drinks.
Tip: Assign an adult bouncer supervisor at parties. This designated person should ensure that children take turns, avoid rough play and exit the bounce house properly. “Don’t count on others to properly supervise,” Luxton said.
6. Teach kids safety rules
Kids should know the rules before stepping into the bounce house. Go over basic rules, such as no somersaults, pushing, shoving or climbing on the walls. Explain that sitting or lying down while others are jumping could increase the risk of injury.
Tip: “To prohibit wild play, establish clear rules like one jumper at a time, no flipping and no shoes allowed,” Luxton said. “Also teach kids to jump away from others to avoid collisions.”
7. Check for hazards inside and outside
Before allowing children to use the bounce house, walk around inside to check for any holes, tears or sharp objects. Outside, inspect the blower and ensure it’s working correctly. Keep the blower area clear of any debris that could block the airflow, causing the bounce house to deflate.
Tip: Check the bounce house regularly, even during the event, to ensure everything works properly.
8. Weather awareness: Wind, rain and heat
Weather plays a significant role in bounce house safety. High winds can destabilize even a well-anchored bounce house, while rain makes the surface slippery and increases the risk of falls.
On hot days, the surface of the bounce house can get extremely warm, especially if it’s in direct sunlight for long periods. The inside of the bounce house can heat up to temperatures much higher than the outside air.
Tip: “Check the weather before setting up the bounce house,” Luxton said. “If there is wind, rain or excessive heat in your area, close and deflate the bounce house until better weather returns.”
9. Ensure proper deflation and storage
After the fun is over, deflate the bounce house correctly. Fold it carefully and store it in a dry, cool place to avoid mold and mildew. If you rent, ensure the rental company properly deflates the bounce house after pickup.
Tip: If you own the bounce house, clean it regularly and store it properly to extend its life and keep it safe for future use.
Takeaway
Bounce houses can be a safe and fun way for children to play, but safety must come first. Whether you rent or own, take the proper precautions to ensure the bounce house experience is enjoyable and accident-free. Make sure your kids understand the rules and, when in doubt, prioritize their safety over fun.
