Choosing a trampoline for a toddler

What to consider when choosing a trampoline for a toddler

Depending on the age of your children and their genders, you might want to make different choices

• Always keep in mind that children grow fast, so a mini trampoline may not be worth it, even for toddlers if you think your kids will want to continue having fun, jumping, after they are heavier than 25kg
• A small mini indoor trampoline can be perfect for that short time when they are very little and want to jump on the sofa and bed. 
• Toddler trampolines are only designed for a short life span and not really ideal to sit outside unless undercover.
• A good trampoline can have a lifespan of 10-15 years; it is a good idea to get a trampoline with this in mind while considering, you want the kids to jump while they are little.
• We recommend you don’t go too big or they won’t achieve as nice a bounce as they would on a smaller trampoline and will tire too quickly if the trampoline is too big.
• Young boys love round trampolines for running around in circles and wrestling but when they grow into their teenage years they love the bigger rectangle ones for jumping up as high as they can incorporating parkour and skateboarding manoeuvres, with a generous share of ball games.
• Girls tend to prefer to follow dancing and gymnastics routines and prance and flip from corner to corner as our records show, girls do typically go for a rectangle trampoline that allows them to bounce higher with less effort.
• Australian Standards recommends trampoline for kids over the age of 6 years. This is to put full resposibility back on parents and carers for full supervision under that age. Many parents we see say that the trampoline seems a safer otion for them to jump on over the sofa, beds etc. 
• Things to know about trampoline supervision for all ages not just toddlers

So if you have both girls and boys, some things to contemplate.

• Weigh up who is likely to use the trampoline most into the future 
• Who will need height over space or the other way around?
• Will you allow more than one user on at a time?

In short, choosing the right trampoline depends on many factors,

• If you have enough backyard space to not be a restriction then a caution don't go too big - 13-16 ft are all too big.       
• If space and budget are of no consequence we recommend 12 ft Round for toddlers and small kids, 
• We highly recommend if you have the space and budget to ignore 8ft and 10ft, they’re the 2 sizes kids grow out of quickly. 
• If you have space be aware if you will allow two kids or more on together even as toddler the sizes under 12ft you will be least comfortable seeing 2 children on; as they tend to gravitate toward each other and more prone to collisions without full supervision. So if you think you will allow more than one at a time on then  at least avoid 8ft and smaller
• That does not mean though that you shouldn't get smaller trampolines when your kids are young, to see if they enjoy this way of play and exercise, before proceeding to a bigger investment.  
• If you decide to go for a 13-16 ft while they are toddlers, they will have a great time running around on it and use up heaps of energy. It is common that when kids reach the ages of 7-8 yo,  they start wanting to do flips. What they find is, they aren't quite heavy enough to get the height to do the flips as easily as they can at a friends place on a 12ft trampoline.

More detail and information about specific sizes can be found on this link - What size trampoline is right for our family and yard?

Scroll down for more information about choosing a trampoline. If you would prefer to talk with someone about your needs please feel free to phone us on (03) 5292 1100 or send us a message here.

Photo - Flickr - Donnie Ray Jones