There was a time when getting kids to come inside the house was a battle. They used to spend hours outside riding bikes, playing ball, climbing trees, etc. Today, the challenge is to get them to go outside more as screens have become the main attraction, leading kids to have a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re struggling to get your kids off screens and into the fresh air, a trampoline could be a great ally. A backyard staple for generations, a trampoline could make outdoor play more appealing than ever.
The Ultimate Fun
Kids of all ages find jumping on a trampoline very fun. The thrill of bouncing high into the air, experiencing a brief moment of weightlessness before landing in a soft, springy rebound is pure joy. Every jump is an opportunity to get higher, try a flip, or simply enjoy the bounce. The constant jumping keeps children engaged, while the sensation of “flying” awakens their sense of adventure.
A Unique Form of Exercise
While jumping on the trampoline, kids get the much needed exercise without realising. It’s known that 10 minutes of bouncing equals thirty minutes of running. So, aside from fun, investing in trampolines is also a good way to keep kids fit and healthy.
Improved Coordination
To maintain coordination and balance while jumping up and down on a trampoline, a child needs to control different limbs and muscles. The combination of bouncing, keeping balance, and concentrating on adjusting their position helps the child improve coordination.
Enhanced Motor Skills
To jump on the trampoline, children need to engage both sides of their bodies and mind. Bilateral brain activity enhances motor skills, dexterity, muscle control and kinaesthetic awareness.
Safe for Bones and Joints
Jumping on a trampoline is a low-impact activity, which makes it particularly beneficial for children. It is safe for little ones while their bones still developing during their developmental years. Unlike jogging, jumping on a trampoline protects the joints while making them strong.
What To Consider When Buying a Trampoline?
Trampolines are fun and beneficial, but if you choose a low-quality one, they can end up being dangerous as well. Here’s what to pay attention to:
The Bounce Mat
Make sure the bounce mat is made from a durable, UV-resistant material such as polypropylene or permatron. These materials are durable and resistant to outdoor elements. There should also be evenly distributed tension and strong spring attachment points to ensure a smooth and responsive bounce. Stitching reinforced with multiple rows helps ensure strength and longevity, reducing the risk of fraying or tearing over time.
Springs
The springs should be made from a strong, long-lasting material that provides the right balance of flexibility, low noise and enhanced bounce while reducing impact on the body.
In general, trampoline toys with more springs provide a greater bounce. Lighter jumpers require fewer springs for an effective rebound, but overall, a higher number of springs typically results in a better jumping experience.
Padding
Padding is a crucial safety feature to look for in a trampoline. Placed over the springs, it helps prevent children from getting trapped or colliding with the hard metal frame. Thicker padding offers better protection, making it a safer choice. It’s also important that the padding is weather-resistant – avoid open-cell foam, as it absorbs water and deteriorates over time. Instead, opt for closed-cell foam padding, which repels moisture and maintains its durability for longer.
Enclosure Net
The net should be made from a tough, long-lasting material like polyethylene to endure outdoor conditions and frequent use by children. For better protection, the net should be positioned inside the padding’s perimeter, running alongside the jumping surface to prevent any contact with the springs. Additionally, enclosures with a top rim offer extra stability by keeping the net secure, preventing sagging, and ensuring a firm barrier around the trampoline.
Entrance Closure
Trampoline toys come with different types of entrance closures—some feature zip and clip closures, while others have a self-closing design that automatically seals behind the child as they step onto the trampoline. Self-closing models are typically more expensive due to their advanced design, but they offer an added layer of safety by reducing the risk of the entrance being left open.
Weight Capacity
Always check the weight limit of the trampoline before purchasing it to make sure it meets your family’s requirements. The maximum weight capacity of a trampoline can vary widely depending on the brand and model, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. If the trampoline is intended for young children with only one jumper at a time, a 50kg limit may be sufficient. However, if multiple jumpers or adults will be using it, opting for a model with a higher weight capacity ensures better durability and safety.
Shape
Round trampolines are the most common and budget-friendly, offering a controlled bounce that directs jumpers toward the centre for added safety. This makes them perfect for younger children. Rectangular ones, on the other hand, provide a stronger, more even bounce across the surface, making them suitable for older children looking to learn more advanced tricks. Rectangular models also take more space and tend to cost more.
Square trampolines are also available. Like rectangular models, they offer powerful bounce but take up less space, making them a great middle-ground option.
Size
Larger trampolines aren’t the best option for children under the age of 6. In addition to sitting higher off the ground, larger trampolines also deliver a stronger bounce. But if you have kids of different ages, opting for a bigger trampoline can be a smart choice since younger children will quickly grow into it. A larger trampoline also offers more space for bigger jumps, tricks, and multiple users at once, making it a longer-lasting investment as your kids grow.
Another important factor to consider when deciding on the size is how much space available you have in our outdoor space for the toy. Make sure to measure the designated area, as trampolines can be larger than they appear online. Keep in mind that trampoline sizes are based on the full diameter, meaning the actual jumping surface is usually around 60 centimetres smaller.
