Should you let your toddler go on a mini trampoline?
If you’re looking for something to help your toddler get some exercise and get their wiggles out, a mini trampoline or rebounder can be the perfect solution. But are mini trampolines safe for toddlers?
As long as the mini trampoline is age-appropriate for your child (for example, if it’s one that’s meant for toddlers to use), is made of high-quality materials without any small pieces, and is used responsibly by you and by your child, trampolining should be totally safe.
While it is generally accepted that toddlers’ ages range from 1-3 years old, this article will extend that range to children up to 6 years old too.
In this post, we will look at this topic deeper and explore the potential benefits and dangers of letting your toddler use a mini-trampoline.
Table of Contents
Benefits of a mini trampoline for toddlers
Improve heart health
Trampolines are a great way for kids to get some exercise even if they don’t have access to an outdoor yard. Jumping on a trampoline is a great way to let off steam and keep your heart rate up while doing so. It’s a fantastic cardiovascular workout, and there’s a reason trampolines were popular in the past.
Improve motor skills
Children’s perception and motor skills benefit greatly from trampolines. The vestibular nerve system, which provides information to the brain about position and spatial awareness, is targeted by jumping.
Increased energy levels
More oxygen is carried around your children’s bodies in the bloodstream while they bounce. This boosts their energy levels and makes them feel more awake right away. Get your kids exercising to give them a boost of energy for the day!
Happier children
There’s a reason why everyone enjoys jumping. Endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, are released as a result of enhanced oxygen circulation.
Jumping up and down on a trampoline is a lot of fun and a terrific way for our kids to unwind after a long day. Rebounding on a trampoline is fantastic for improving sensory abilities since it requires concentration, fun, and repetition.
Low impact activity to learn focus
Jumping might also help them concentrate. According to certain research, leaping helps the brain relax due to physical exertion, but it does not burden the body as much as running or jogging.
Rather, it’s a moderate activity that provides a variety of physical benefits for children, including coordination, overall health, and focus. Mini trampolines allow children to gain without taking up too much room.
Build up confidence
Trampolines are a terrific way for youngsters who are afraid of new things and physical activities to gain confidence.
Because there are lots of different ways to move on a trampoline (as long as you jump safely), they achieve immediate success, which boosts their courage and self-confidence.
Dangers of a mini trampoline for toddlers
Risk of injuries
Sprains and fractures in the arms and legs, as well as head and neck injuries, are all possible outcomes of this exercise. Because of the increased danger of injury, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against using trampolines at home.
Possible impact to growth plate
The growth plate is made up of soft cartilage tissues that wrap around the ends of children’s bones. As the child develops, these cells solidify into bone, resulting in a longer bone that can support the child’s increased weight. If these tissues are harmed as a result of a fracture, the way the bone grows in the future may be affected.
Lack of coordination
This is kind of a catch-22 situation where you don’t have coordination without practice but the practice also puts you at risk of injury. How you approach it really depends but personally I rather take a small risk and let my child experience this exercise and make sure that he or she is fully supervised.
How are mini trampolines different?
Safety measures
Mini trampolines are created differently than typical outdoor trampolines, making them safer. The chance of falling off is greatly reduced because they have a smaller bouncing surface that is considerably closer to the ground.
They are frequently constructed with soft, resilient padding that covers the springs and gaps surrounding the trampoline’s outside border, making sure that your child’s feet and hands are not pinched when bouncing.
Elastic cables connect the bouncing surface to the trampoline’s frame in many toddler trampolines (and fitness rebounders) offered today. Metal springs are no longer required, which reduces the chance of being pinched.
The frames are composed of sturdy steel, making sure that children of all sizes can use them safely. In addition, most small trampolines come with a safety handrail that helps children establish balance and confidence when they are initially learning how to use their trampoline or while they are trying new skills on it. The handrail can be adjusted to a variety of heights, allowing it to grow alongside your child over time.
Designed for the age group
Children’s trampolines are available in a variety of sizes and weight capacities. The majority are meant for toddlers weighing less than 60 pounds who are between the ages of three and six.
Because there are many sorts of mini-trampolines based on these suggestions, it’s crucial to pick one that’s right for your child’s age and weight.
With all the options available, you might want to take into account your child’s future weight and age if you want them to be able to use their trampoline for years to come.
What are some common trampoline injuries?
It should come as no surprise that injuries might happen when playing on a trampoline. Even though the risks are lower on a mini trampoline, they can still happen.
Here are some of the most common trampoline injuries:
- Bruises
- Sprain
- Strain
- Fracture
- Cuts
- Dislocation
- Concussion
To learn more, check out this research article.
Common causes of trampoline injuries
Many of the injuries that come with playing on a trampoline can be narrowed down to the following causes:
- Too many people on one trampoline
- Falling off the trampoline
- Attempting “stunts” such as somersaults
- Forceful contact with metal parts such as rails
I can understand that as a parent, we want to provide a safe environment for our child to play and learn, but does it mean that we completely take away the activity?
I personally don’t think this should apply to all situations, and when it comes to playing on the trampoline, there are a few prevention tips that can help you out.
Supervise
This should be a no-brainer. Adult supervision is the first thing to implement when letting our children go on a trampoline. This also means that we have to be disciplined enough to discourage them from trying out crazy stunts!
Only one person at a time
With a mini trampoline, it will be difficult to fit two or more children, but does it stop them? Kids do the craziest things which mean we need to set ground rules about its usage.
Pre-activity checks
We should not overlook the importance of checking the equipment before letting our child play with it. Trampolines will encounter wear and tear over time and parts might come loose or become damaged. Always check through before letting your child on.
Use safety nets and padding
Safety nets are more relevant if your older child is trying to play on a regular trampoline. With mini trampolines, you can make it safer by spreading out padding around the trampoline to break any potential falls.
Keep it at ground level
We might get careless sometimes and possibly place a mini trampoline above ground level, for example on a deck. This increases the chance of serious injuries should your child fall off. Take note also to position it away from potential hazards.
No jumping off
Kids love to imitate and take unnecessary risks, which is why we are there. It may seem cool to attempt a bouncing exit, but this means they are at risk of slipping when landing and potentially spraining their ankles, or even worse. Again, set ground rules for the usage.
Age limit
Children below the age of 6 should not be using the trampoline. Most of the time, they have not developed the right muscles to be able to engage in such an activity. Of course, you have the final discretion and some light bouncing with hand-holding should be harmless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mini trampolines safe for 2-year-olds?
Children under the age of two should not be allowed near a trampoline, according to the American Association of Pediatrics. Their muscles and bones aren’t particularly developed, so it is highly unlikely they can even bounce on a trampoline. As a fun playtime activity, you can hold them by their armpits and help them bounce.
Are mini trampolines safe for 3,4 and 5-year-olds?
Again, supervision must be present at all times. That also includes an adult being around to hold the child when he or she is bouncing on a trampoline.
At what age can a child go on a trampoline?
According to most experts, no child below 6 should go on a trampoline. In my opinion, there can be some exceptions made if, and only if, there are certain safeguards in place such as the ones mentioned above.
Can toddlers use adult trampolines?
It is not advisable for toddlers to use adult trampolines, which can stretch across up to 40 feet. There is too much room for errors.
Are trampoline parks safe for toddlers?
Because there are so many kids using it at once, trampoline parks are the most dangerous for toddlers. An adult’s supervision is lacking. The trampoline park may be raised more than 20 inches off the ground and may include a ladder, making it more dangerous. You should go with the indoor mini-trampoline, where you can keep an eye on your child and only have one toddler at a time.
