Why one mother now feels ‘compelled’ to highlight the dangers of trampolines

Trampolines are incredibly popular right now - with a load of parents swearing that they're the perfect garden accessory to wear out the kids.

However, recently there has also been a surge in trampoline-related injuries - with doctors warning that parents need to be more vigilant. Which is why one Florida-based mum has shared a heart-breaking image of her young son in a body cast. In it, three-year-old Colton - who was injured at an indoor park - can be seen wincing in pain and discomfort. In the aftermath of that photograph, Kait Ellen said she felt "compelled" to make other parents aware of the dangers associated with trampolines. In an emotional post accompanying the picture, Kait wrote: "Colton fell and broke his femur, the strongest bone in his body, while innocently jumping alongside his dad and I." She went on to say that children under the age of six should never use a trampoline, explaining: "This is due to the fact that their fragile bones are not meant to withstand the repetitive pressure from jumping. "We had no idea and were shocked to find this out from our pediatric orthopedic surgeon during Colton's hospital stay." Ms Ellen continued: "Our lives have been turned upside down since Colton's accident and every day is a struggle for his sweet 3 year old self as he adjusts to life in a hip spica cast for the next 6 weeks." She emphasised that toddlers "should be no where near trampolines," adding: "We hope by sharing his story it will prevent a child and their family from experiencing the trauma and heartbreak associated with trampoline injuries in young children."