When is the right age to introduce my child to a trampoline?
Has your child been asking for a trampoline and you aren’t sure when they are old enough to use one? Deciding when the right time is to get your child a trampoline can be tricky, but it doesn’t need to be! Most trampolines will come with an age limit that you need to consider, as well as size recommendations for ages, with many trampolines recommending they are used by children six and older. We will dive into this today, so you know when you can let a child on a trampoline and what size to purchase.
How old does a child need to be for a trampoline?
Each trampoline you see will have an age limit, recommending the minimum age for its bouncers. Typically, this is six years old unless you are buying a trampoline designed for toddlers. This age limit isn’t an arbitrary one, though; it is backed by science. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no child under the age of six should jump on a trampoline, as there is a higher risk of injuries. This is because their bones are still developing, and if they bounce on a trampoline, there is a greater risk of fractures, sprains, or other trampoline injuries.
An indoor trampoline designed for toddlers can be purchased, but it is better to wait until your child is older, using tunnels or tumbling mats to keep them active and engaged instead.
Trampoline age groups
When buying a trampoline for your child, you will want to consider their age group to ensure you buy the right size. Of course, you might want to opt for a larger tampine from the get go, especially if you have a larger garden, but we find following these size requirements ensures that your child will feel comfortable bouncing and have plenty of space.
The age groups for trampoline are split into three: young children, preteens and teenagers, and adults. Below we have each range and the desired trampoline size for them:
Young children
Young children are defined as those aged six to ten and are better suited to small to medium-sized trampolines. Of course, if your child is tall for their age, you might want to consider a larger option, but most will find this size suitable. Small to medium trampolines are usually between 6 and 12 feet in diameter, and you should consider the following features when choosing the trampoline:
● The size of your garden
● The size of your child
● The amount of jump space you want
● Any safety features
You should also consider whether you are buying the trampoline for now or the future. If you want a trampoline that will last you for years as your child grows, then opting for a bigger one is the better option. However, if you only want a trampoline that will be used for now, then a smaller trampoline is best. You might want to start with a smaller trampoline to see how often your child will use it before investing in a larger, long-term trampoline.
Preteens and teenagers
Preteens and teenagers are considered children aged 11 to 17 and we usually recommend larger trampolines that will account for the physical growth during this period of a child's life. A large trampoline will usually last through your child's teenage years, and is typically used for pleasure or athletic purposes. If your child is using it for athletics purposes, like gymnastics or trampolining, then you will need to ensure it has the right jumping space.
Jumping space refers to the space your child can jump on the trampoline, rather than the overall size of the trampoline. On some trampolines, especially those with springs, part of the trampoline's size is taken up by the springs, reducing the size of the jump space, sometimes by up to 2 feet. You will want to consider this carefully and might need to increase the size of the trampoline you choose. Alternatively, you can opt for a spring-free design where your child will enjoy a larger jump space.
Adults
Adults refers to any bouncer aged 18 and over, and will also need larger trampoline sizes. The same principles apply when choosing a trampoline that is suitable for adults, you will need to consider the size of your garden, the size of the trampoline, and indeed use. You will also want to check the weight limit and ensure that you never exceed this, even when there are multiple bouncers.
If you are planning to share the trampoline with children, you might want to add additional safety features, including additional mats over springs and easier steps for them to use.
Find your trampoline today
You can use the age ranges highlighted today to narrow your search and find the perfect size trampoline for your children. Vuly has a huge range of trampolines that are worth considering, in various sizes. You can use these for young children, preteens, and adults, providing fun for the whole family. Check out the trampolines from Vuly Play to see what is best for you.