What are toddlers trampolines?
Toddler trampolines are toys that have a little "trampoline-like" bottom, on which the toddler stands. Some even have a handlebar on top of it, just like you can see in the picture to your right.
Advantages of trampolines:
The two main advantages of toddler trampolines are that it provides the child with a lot of exercise and excitement, both important elements for their development. It is also believed to expand the mind, as kids learn about physics while they play on it.
Disadvantages of trampolines:
There are some disadvantages to toddler trampolines as with anything else. One is that if the child falls off, they could potentially be injured. There have been cases where toddlers have fallen off and hit their heads on something, knocking themselves unconscious.
It is therefore important for an adult to always be present when a child is playing on one of these trampolines. Additionally, toddlers can often become overexcited while playing on them and may end up hurting themselves or others.
Types of children trampolines
There are many types of toddler trampolines. There are even inflatable ones, which are made out of rubber and can be easily transportable. For example, you can take it with you when visiting your grandparents or taking a trip to the cottage. If you go camping, there is also one that has its own handle! You basically tie it up between two trees - if only I would have known about this before our last camping trip...
However, there are other types as well. For example, there are plastic toddler trampolines, too - which look more like an actual kids trampoline than the inflatable ones do. After all, they have actual springs inside them to bounce back up after being stepped on accidentally (or on purpose!).
There are also metal toddler trampolines. These tend to be a bit more sturdy than the plastic ones and, as such, can be used by children who are a bit older (and heavier).
The last type of toddler trampoline is the netted one. This is the safest type to buy for your toddler - it has a netted enclosure around it so that your child cannot fall off (or jump out!) while bouncing.
How much do they cost?
Prices for children's trampolines vary greatly - depending on the size, type, and brand. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30-$200 on one.
Are they safe?
Generally speaking, toddler trampolines are safe. However, there are a couple of common safety precautions to take when using one. First off, do not let your child bounce alone. No matter how old he/she is! Always supervise the bouncing process. Except for the netted ones - these should only be used if a grownup is watching over the child at all times!
Second, never leave the baby unattended on it even if you're just checking on him/her every five minutes. I know that he'll scream his lungs out as soon as you enter the room but can't it wait until after my shower?
Third, make sure that there are no sharp objects around where you intend to place the trampoline. You don't want your child to hurt himself or herself on a pencil that got left behind, do you? Fourth, never leave the trampoline set up if it's not in use. This goes for all types of toddler trampolines! Whenever you're done bouncing around, take the time and put them away.
Always supervise your child when he or she is using a toddler trampoline - it's the best way to ensure their safety!
How to buy a good children trampoline?
When buying a trampoline for your child, you should keep some things in mind. First of all, think about where you are going to place the trampoline. Make sure that it is out of any breach of your child - at least until he/she is old enough not to try and climb on top of it!
While choosing you have to consider the size because when the child hops on it the size should be adequate enough. Space and weight are also important - if you plan to travel with your trampoline, make sure that it doesn't weigh too much! If you plan on leaving your trampoline outside in the winter, make sure that it can withstand low temperatures.
When buying a trampoline for kids, read carefully any instructions that came with it. This will usually tell you how old your child should be for safety reasons and how many people can be using the tramp at once (so as not to overcrowd the bouncing area). There may also be specific warnings about using it near pools or ponds - which might have a drain cover installed there...
If possible, never leave the baby unattended even if you're only checking on him every five minutes. It always takes longer than that! You can now set up your toddler trampoline with ease now that you know what they are and what their purpose is (and now that you've read this article!). Your kid will love bouncing around on it.
Where to set a trampoline?
The best place to set up a toddler trampoline is in a grassy area. This will help to soften any falls your child might take (and there will be plenty of those). However, if you don't have a grassy area available, you can always set it up inside on a soft surface like a rug. Just make sure that the trampoline is away from any sharp objects that could potentially cause injury.
Steps on how to settle a children trampoline outside:
- Place the trampoline in a designated area where your child will be allowed to play on it.
- Make sure that the frame of the trampoline is sturdy and can handle your toddler's weight (read: no flimsy legs that snap in half during use!)
- If you're setting up a netted or enclosed one, make sure that there aren't any holes for fingers/toes/hair, etc to get stuck in!
- Set up some form of protection around it (like netting) so that smaller kids don't wander too close to it and hurt themselves by accident
- If you have a large trampoline, enclose a small so that younger siblings can bounce as well.
- Make sure that there are no sharp objects around where you intend to place the trampoline and that the ground is free of any sharp rocks/dirt etc that could potentially cause injury if your child were to fall on it and get hurt.
- Put on your safety gear (just in case!) and start bouncing!
- When done, make sure all the kids are off of it and store it away until next time!
Steps on how to settle a children's trampoline inside:
- Move any piece of furniture or object away from where you plan to set said trampoline up - we don't want anyone getting hurt by tripping over something while they're playing, do we?
- Take out the legs of the trampoline and make sure that they are easy to collapse in case you need to store it away in a hurry.
- If enclosed, check for holes in the netting just like you would with a normal field/outdoor one.
- Make sure that there aren't any sharp objects around where you intend to set up said trampoline - glass is a big no-no! Also, try to avoid making contact with nails or anything else that could potentially cause injury if your child were to fall on them while bouncing around inside.
- The floor is set - now let's put up our trampoline!
- And when done, put all the legs back in place, store away and start jumping!
How to make an indoor trampoline safe?
Every child knows that when it comes to making an indoor trampoline safe, you have two options: either you put them in their room for a few days until the danger of breaking your neck passes or you just let them bounce around in there. However, if neither of these is an option (or if they are but said child screams his/her head off at the thought of being locked up alone) what do you do instead?
Option number one - make sure there are no sharp objects within reach of your toddler's ministrations. This means taking away any pencils/pens/markers etc that could potentially inflict harm on him or her while bouncing around inside after school.
Option number two - get rid of everything else on the floor! This means taking away any food/drink items that are on their way to being dropped, removing any loose strings or cords of clothing that can possibly do damage if your child's foot gets caught in it mid-bounce, and removing all sharp objects from the immediate vicinity of a said trampoline.
Option number three - make sure your child is accompanied by at least one adult while bouncing around inside.
Option number four - whenever you feel like it's time for them to go outside and play, make sure to put back everything on the floor (including themselves!) Not only is this very efficient but it also allows for more room on the floor which means more room for bouncing and playing within in a smaller space!
Do I need any special accessories?
Some toddler trampolines come with an enclosure net and others don't. If yours did not come with one, try looking for one elsewhere (or just skip it altogether).
Activity suggestions
Toddler trampolines are great toys to engage toddlers in active playtime. These can be used indoors or outdoors - depending on what type of weather outside is like on any given day. Indoor bouncing can be done in a playroom, family room, or basement.
Outdoor bouncing is great for days when the weather is nice and you want to get your child out of the house. Just make sure that there is plenty of space in your backyard (or wherever you choose to set it up) and that there are no trees or other obstacles around that could cause injury.
Some fun activities that you can do with your toddler on a trampoline are:
- Bouncing along to your favorite song
- Doing "jumping" exercises - these are similar to jumping jacks but are done on the trampoline
- Playing "tag" another simple running game
- Having a "water balloon fight" on a hot day
- Bouncing with a friend - this can be especially fun!
- Make up your own games! The possibilities are endless.
So, should you buy a toddler trampoline for your little one?
If you're looking for a fun and active toy that will keep your child entertained for hours on end, then the answer is yes! Just make sure to take the necessary precautions for safety and to have plenty of space in your backyard (or wherever you decide to set it up). And, most importantly, have fun!