If your child has a birthday coming up in Texas, you might be thinking about ways to make it a special occasion. Many parents opt for bounce house rental in this case, which are inflatable structures that allow kids to play inside. While fun, bounce houses aren’t always safe, as explained by HealthyChildren.org.
Over a ten-year period, approximately 64,000 children required emergency medical treatment after using a bounce house. Injuries are usually linked to falls since multiple kids use the bounce house at the same time. Injuries typically involve fractures, sprains, and even head injuries. Head injuries are particularly dangerous, as they may have lifelong effects on kids depending on severity.
Issues with installation can also occur. For instance, if a bounce house isn’t secured properly it could be blown away by a strong wind. In this case, parents can educate themselves on safety guidelines to ensure the device is being operated correctly and isn’t over capacity. You can also ask the company supplying the inflatable for safety records or accidents reports. Also, look at online review sites or even the Better Business Bureau, which will list any claims made against the company.
Parents can also take other steps to ensure their kids are safe when using a bounce house. If there are kids of all ages at a party, designate separate times for older and younger kids to play. Older, bigger kids are likely to injury younger children should a fall occur. Additionally, don’t allow any kids to take food or drink into the bounce house, and supervise kids at play at all times. Children should also be instructed on the proper behavior when playing, i.e. no roughhousing or fighting, as well as no pushing other kids.