Trampolines are considered one of the most fun outdoor toys for kids, but safety should always come first. Baby trampolines are a great option if you want to get your baby outside and give them exercise while they’re at it.
Toys like this are perfect for keeping babies entertained while parents are busy with other young children or household chores. It’s a fun way to build confidence and coordination in young kids.
However, there are a few things you should know before you take your baby outside with a baby trampoline. You’ll find out some of the basics here, along with a few tips to help you pick out the best one for your child.
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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 totrampoline safetyfor toddlers, a net is paramount. If you inspectkids’ 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
Trampoline for babies 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 to. 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.
Final Verdict
Trampoline for babies can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to the joys and benefits of exercise. There are still some who are a bit afraid that it might be dangerous, but as we have shown here, today’s trampolines are safe.