One of the most enjoyable activities for children is playing in an inflatable bounce house. They’re free to jump up and down and bounce around with their friends, inducing an adrenaline rush within the safe confines of an inflatable structure. These famous attractions are a mainstay at birthday parties, carnivals, amusement parks, events, and even shopping malls. Although they’ve been around for decades, their popularity endures to today.
However, some parents may have concerns about the safety of inflatable bounce houses. While they’re regularly regarded as one of the safer avenues for children to play in, it is most suitable for children in a specific age range.
The Best Age Range
Most toys have age restrictions, and that applies to child-friendly structures like inflatable bounce houses. Typical bounce houses available on the market are designed for younger children between six to thirteen years of age. These children have the right weight and motor skills to play in a bounce house, as they can freely get up if they fall down. They are also less likely to get hurt when other children are playing inside.
However, there are bounce houses designed for small, toddler aged children. These inflatables have low walls, offering easy access for parents to supervise their children while allowing them the freedom to safely explore on their own.
Why Older Children Are Less Suitable
Older children, like teenagers, are also less likely to be interested in bounce houses. Instead, they’ll opt for inflatable obstacle courses and other structures perfect for high-energy individuals. They have the stamina and endurance to enjoy such structures, especially since they’re considerably more physical than regular bounce houses.
Older children are also much heavier and bigger than younger children and may be more likely to be rougher in play. Inflatable bounce houses have limited sizes and can support only a particular amount of weight based on the design. Having an older child in the bounce house will put more stress on the bounce house, which means fewer children can play in it. Exceeding the weight restrictions will damage and deflate the bounce house, which may cause accidents.
When Older And Younger Children Play Together
Children of vastly different weights should not play together in an inflatable bounce house. The weight will not be evenly distributed across the bounce house, which may cause injuries to other children. For example, if a larger, older child jumps on one end, younger and smaller children may lose their balance and fall down.
Older and younger children playing together in a bounce house may also damage it. These drastic differences in weight compromise the safety mechanisms in a bounce house. With these risks, this is why only a limited number of children with similar weights and ages are allowed at a time.
Conclusion
Inflatable bounce houses continue to be a popular attraction for children. Even inflatable structures meant for adults are well-received, given the exhilarating feeling of jumping and bouncing without injury. However, it’s essential to ensure that only the appropriate number of children, of the right size and age, play together in an inflatable bounce house. Doing this provides a safe yet fun environment for all children involved.
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