How to Decide the Best Trampoline for Your Child
Nowadays, it’s hard to get kids away from video games, cell phones, social media and TV. A trampoline is a great way to get them active, while they have fun. But how can you decide the best trampoline for your child?
Individual Needs
A mini-trampoline is a great option if you don’t have a large backyard. It fits inside your home and can be stored out of the way to save room. Although it’s not as large as outdoor trampolines, it can still be an outlet for energy for your child. It is low to the ground, so falls aren’t as painful.
For safety reasons, it’s recommended for kids under 6 not to use a trampoline. However, if you do get one for your toddler or preschooler, look for a smaller trampoline with additional features like a handlebar or safety enclosure, as an extra precaution.
Most of the models are about 4 feet in diameter, providing room for young children, as they develop their coordination and balance. Some models are designed especially for children with colorful patterns all around.
The SmarTrike 3-in-1 Activity Center Trampoline grows with your child for years of play. It goes from a ball pool for infants, to a practice bouncer with handlebar for ages 1 and up, then a freestyle bouncer for hands-free balance development. Another fun model for your youngster is the Pure Fun Ladybug Jumper. The ladybug design smiles just as big as your child. The Little Tikes 3’ Trampoline is considered one of the best.
Safety Needs
Safety is important for parents to consider. Not only does your developing child need to stay safe as they get used to the equipment, but safety is vital for your older child as they practice flips and high jumps.
This is where the details of construction and safety are important. How durable is the mat? How much weight can it support? Is a safety enclosure included in the purchase of a trampoline or is it extra? What is the warranty on the model? Does it cover wear and tear or structural concerns?
Smaller children may be happy with a bigger version. My First Trampoline is 84” and can be used indoors or outdoors. It holds up to 100 pounds, so it’s built for smaller kids. However, it is one of the top 10 safest trampolines, as reported by Consumer Reports. The largest one on the list is the Giantex 15-foot Trampoline. Not only is it safer and more durable, but it is also a good value for the money.
Size Needs
Most trampolines recommend one bouncer at a time. Friends and family can have fun playing games with multiple bouncers at one time. When your children are small, you can watch them run in circles around the perimeter without their weight making everyone fall down. As they get bigger, they have more control of their bounce and can bounce without bumping into each other.
Small trampolines don’t have a lot of room for multiple bouncers. This can result in more children bouncing into each other. If you are concerned with backyard space or multiple jumpers at a given time, then you should focus on the size of the equipment.
The traditional circular trampoline is safe for how it distributes the weight of bouncers. However, the Skywalker Rectangular Trampoline allows more bouncers to have fun, with less likelihood that they’ll meet in the middle when their balance is off. These trampolines range in size from 14’ x 8’ to 17’ x 10’.
Pricing Needs
Budget is another concern when choosing the best trampoline for your child. You want the best quality, but you don’t want to break the bank. While high-quality trampolines are sometimes more expensive, they may also last several years. Less expensive models can be fun for the phase your child is in.
Consider the best time to buy a trampoline. Is there a big Black Friday sale or a good model on sale at the end of the summer season? Your child may be happy whenever they get it. It may not be as important to have it delivered during their birthday or Christmas if you can’t find one on sale. It’s more important to find a model that suits your needs and finances, so you and your child can enjoy the trampoline.
Mini-trampolines and rebounders that are under $100 are easy to find. Rectangular trampolines from Skywalker can range from $400 to over $900 on Amazon. Trampolines from companies like Springfree can cost as much as $2,000.
There’s a variety of trampolines and prices you can choose from. There’s no one perfect trampoline for a child. However, when you compare them by size, safety, price, and the individual needs of your child, you can find one that works best for your family.
