Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

  • About Us
    • Our Team
  • Our Services
    • Motor Smart Kids
    • Continuing Education
    • Resources
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Corona Virus (Covid-19) Response / Move to Telehealth

Should We Wrap Kids in Bubble Wrap?

September 27, 2012 by Stacy Menz

I know the trampolines they are talking about in the article are the outdoor ones but I don’t have a picture of one of those!

I recently read an article on Huffington Post about a new statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stating that kids should not jump on trampoline’s because its not safe.  Now I am sure they have looked at the numbers and seen how many injuries have occurred (its actually down in 2009 from 2004 according to the article) but have they looked at the other factors?  How many of those injuries were on a trampoline that was being used correctly?  How many had multiple kids on the trampoline, maybe even big and little kids together?  How many had the proper safety equipment that was recommended?  All of those factors can influence the information.

I’m not saying that there is no risk for injury if kids are being supervised and the equipment is being used properly but the risk most likely decreases.  (I hate to say it but as a child I hurt myself plenty of times when playing while my feet were planted on the ground)  When used properly trampolines can provide kids with cardiovascular exercise, strengthening for their muscles, sensory input, and the ability to explore movement.  With all the complaints of obesity in our youth and their overall sedentary lifestyle why take away something that when used properly can be fun and a great way for exercise?

I have talked about this before but I thought this article brought up an opportunity to reiterate the need for kids to have a chance to get sensory exploration and movement in their environment while engaging in active play.  How many school playgrounds have swings these days?  Or when was the last time you saw a merry-go-round on a playground.

Safety is extremely important but it is also important to let kids play and explore.  With proper supervision and use many ‘dangerous’ activities can actually have much lower risk.  (I made a similar point about the Bumbo chair recall)

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Related

Filed Under: Developmental Milestones Tagged With: exercise, kids, playgrounds, playing, safety, sensory exploration

Search

Subscribe To Our Emails

Primary Programs

  • Motor Smart Kids
    • Free Play
    • Kids Action Hour
    • Yoga for Kids of All Abilities
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • Video Running Analysis
    • Youth Sports Injury Prevention
    • Concussion Screening and Management
  • Continuing Education
    • PNF 1: Introduction to PNF
    • PNF 2: Accessing the Trunk
    • Strength Training in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Resources
    • Telehealth
    • Informational Handouts
    • Useful Websites
    • Recommended Readings
    • Helpful Products
    • Blogs to Follow
    • Favorite Therapy Products at amazon.com

What Clients Are Saying

We have been working with Starfish Therapies over the last year, and my four year-old has made incredible progress in her gross motor development. Stacy has an amazing ability to work with children. She uses her energy, humor and creativity to make children laugh and play, and at the same time work very hard.”

Recent Blog Posts

  • Jumping Activities
  • Interactive Yoga Nature Walk
  • Creating Movement Opportunities
  • Walking Backwards
  • Heart Pumping Fun

Disclaimers

  • Full Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Patient Notice

Search

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Intake Forms
  • Resources
  • Our Services

Clinical Resources

  • Career Opportunties
  • Continuing Education

Contact

  (650) 638-9142
  (650) 638-9141
  admin@starfishtherapies.com

Join Our Online Community

Locations

  BURLINGAME / MAIN CLINIC
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010


  SAN FRANCISCO
  (located in KidSpace)
  3401 Mission St.
  San Francisco, CA 94110


  PALO ALTO
  (located in Agile Physical Therapy)
  3825 El Camino Real
  Palo Alto, CA 94306


HALF MOON BAY
  (located at Sensitive Solutions)
  30 Avenue Portola, Suite 200 C & D
  Half Moon Bay, CA 94018

© Copyright 2021 Starfish Therapies · All Rights Reserved · Powered by babaLucas