Trampolines

Remember those cozy summer days spent hopping, tumbling and flipping for hours on your trampoline? We bet you can still feel your heart soar like it did when you caught more air than Neil Armstrong during the first moonwalk. Now that you’re a parent, we’re sure you have a few concerns that need to be settled before you plant a trampoline in your backyard. Rest assured, we’ve got you covered:

How safe is a trampoline?

You’ll be relieved to know that trampoline safety is leagues beyond what it used to be. While your memories may feature spring trampolines with no enclosures, today’s trampolines come packed with safety features. You can opt for a springless trampoline, not to mention a wide variety of enclosures and mats to keep your child safe and sound. To make sure your bounce zone is as safe as possible, look for the following:
• A net enclosure to prevent your child from falling off.
• If the idea of springs on a trampoline gives you the heebie-jeebies, check out a springless design. They’re a bit more expensive, but still offer hours of fun.
• Find one with a pad that covers the otherwise exposed springs.
• Make sure the frame is made from heavy duty, weather- and rust-resistant materials.
• Ladders make trampolines easily accessible for everyone.
• Don’t forget to talk to your child about how they can stay safe while having fun before they start bouncing.

What sizes do trampolines come in?

The rule of “bigger is better” doesn’t necessarily apply to trampolines. Smaller sizes pack more “oomph” when it comes to bounciness. If you’re looking for an indoor trampoline, cutting back on size will be safer and keep you from having to sacrifice too much space. Of course, a larger size provides more area for jumps and flips. While it’s generally not advised to have more than one person on the trampoline at a time, a larger size will better accommodate a group of children, as well. Whatever size you decide on, make sure you have enough space to accommodate your new toy before bringing it home.

Is one trampoline shape better than the other?

The shape of your trampoline is mostly up to your personal preference, though different shapes provide a slightly different bouncing experience. Round or oval trampolines provide a softer, slower bounce, whereas a rectangular or square style will provide a firmer bounce that gets you more lift.