Trampolines for toddlers and kids are much more common now, and the design has come a long way from the earlier models. The basic principles behind all trampolines may be the same, but for children and toddlers, you obviously need to pay more attention to the safety aspects.
Does Trampoline for Toddlers Produce a Risk of Injury?
Trampolines are one of the most popular toys for children. However, some parents are concerned that trampolines are dangerous for children and toddlers. Before purchasing a children’s trampoline, it is important to know if the product is safe or if it increases the risk of injury.
Children’s trampolines can be used at home or in well-supervised public playgrounds. The recommended age range for using children’s trampolines is 6 months to 6 years. Some manufacturers recommend against using baby trampolines with infants under 6 months of age because they are too fragile to withstand a fall and cannot yet support their necks (which could result in serious injury).
The kid’s body must be strong enough to support its own weight when bouncing on the trampoline so you should wait until your child can hold his head upon his own before he uses a baby trampoline. If you choose to use a baby trampoline with your infant, you should always place him on his stomach on the mat provided with the product and never leave him unattended while he is playing on it.
TIP: Always read the instruction manual before using your trampoline. This will give you important information on the maximum weight it can handle, as well as other important information such as how to install the springs correctly.
Beginners Guide to Buying a Trampoline for Kids
Trampolines are a great way for young children to get some exercise. However, it is important that you make sure that you buy one that is safe for babies and toddlers. By taking the time to research the best trampolines for babies and toddlers, you can ensure that your child will enjoy jumping safely and be healthy at the same time.
Safety Padding
Safety is always paramount when it comes to trampolines, but even more so when it is for toddlers and even older children. There are a lot of features you will want to assess, but the padding is one of the most important. First off, the safety padding must be of a contrasting color so it won’t be confused with the edge of the mat.
The padding – and the rest of the trampoline – must match or exceed the safety standards set by the US or whatever country you’re in. If the trampoline is made by a reputable manufacturer, you can feel confident about its safety padding. If the padding is good, there’s no need to worry about maintenance.
The best way to determine if the padding conforms to the standards is if the manufacturer provides a certificate stating this is the case. Alternatively, you may opt for trampolines with a soft edge design. They don’t have any springs or frames, so there’s little padding.
If you are not happy with the safety padding around the trampoline, you can always buy one. There are a lot of safety pads online and they are compatible with different models and brands.
Netting
A netted enclosure provides additional safety. For adults and older kids, a netted enclosure may not be necessary. But when it comes to trampoline safety for toddlers, a net is paramount. If you inspect kids’ trampolines, you will notice that almost all of them have netting enclosures. That’s a good thing, but you also have to consider the net quality and if it’s really safe.
Avoid those trampolines that have the net enclosure hanging from stiff or unpadded rigid poles. While these can be durable, the material may be too hard for babies and cause an injury. There are different types of netting enclosures, but the ideal one is fitted inside the padding.
If the netting enclosure is designed that way, it will minimize the chances of the child hitting the edge in the event of a fall. You also need to look at the net’s quality as babies will scratch and try to rip the net. Make sure the net material is durable and can stand up to rigorous use.
Trampolines have to be assembled before use and in some cases, you need to attach the net enclosure. Follow the directions and double check the setup before letting your child use it.
Construction
Trampolines for kids must be made of durable materials. A well-made trampoline should have solid legs so it won’t topple over no matter how hard the baby jumps. The trampoline should also have enough space for the child to jump around. Fortunately, trampolines for kids now come in different sizes.
The weight limit is something else you need to consider. Do you want your child to use the trampoline as he or she grows? If so, it may be a good idea to invest in a trampoline the child can use as they grow. The advantage here is you save money by buying a trampoline for the long term.
The potential drawback is trampolines for older kids may not be suitable for toddlers and babies. If you want to buy a trampoline for the long term, make sure it is easy and safe enough for your child to use. Weight limit is only one factor, as you also need to look into the frame, springs and the other components.
A large number of trampolines for toddlers have a waterproof mat, and this is worth looking into as well. Apart from being waterproof, the pad should have extra protection without compromising comfort.
Ladder and Handlebars
If the trampoline doesn’t have a net enclosure, there should at least be a handlebar. The handlebar is an important safety feature because kids might lose their balance while jumping. With a handlebar, they have something to hold on. Even trampolines with netted enclosures sometimes have handlebars for better control.
A ladder is going to help your child get on the trampoline. This is not as necessary as a handlebar especially if the trampoline is set close to the ground. But if the trampoline is a little high off the floor, your child will find it easier to get in with a ladder.
If the trampoline you bought does not have handlebars built in, you may be able to buy one and install it. This doesn’t always work however. Check the trampoline’s official website if there are any handlebar accessories that may be used for that model.
Other Safety Measures
Even if you have the safest trampoline around, there are still safety precautions you need to take.
- Never let your toddler use a trampoline without supervision.
- Even if the net enclosure is well-designed, it won’t hold up if the frames and springs are in poor condition.
- Do not let your child bounce against the net as it might give way.
- The rule is one child per trampoline at a time. Two kids jumping at the same time increases the chances of an accident happening.
- Do not let your child use a wet trampoline.
- Teach your child to jump only in the middle of the trampoline.
- Kids must never jump off the trampoline after they are done playing.
- Inspect the trampoline on a regular basis. Do not let your child use it if there is any sign of damage.
- Old trampolines with signs of wear and tear need to be replaced immediately.
Choose the Right Size Trampoline for Your Kids
Once you have decided to buy a trampoline for your kids, you will want to ensure that you buy one that is safe enough for them. Trampolines are fun, but they are also dangerous.
The size of the trampoline depends on three things:
Number of Children:
How many children will be using it and how tall they are. If you have one child who is young and not too tall, then a small trampoline with a diameter of about 6 or 7 feet should be adequate. If you have several children of different ages jumping at once then a larger trampoline will be needed with a diameter of about 10 feet or larger.
Yard Size:
Small yards may be able to accommodate small trampolines, while larger yards can support larger models. If you have a large yard but only a small child, look for an all-in-one model that folds down for easy storage.
Age & Weight Limits:
A general rule of thumb is to get a larger model if your child is very active or heavy for his or her age. You should also look for safety features like padding around the springs and frame as well as an enclosure net. This can prevent falls or injuries.
Final Verdict
Trampolines for kids can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to the fun and benefits of the sport. There are still some people who are a little scared and think it might be dangerous, but as we’ve shown here, trampolines are safe today.