How to Choose an Indoor Trampoline for Kids

How to Choose an Indoor Trampoline for Kids

Trampolines are fantastic toys for kids to have. They help them to get active in a fun way and burn off energy whenever they need to. It's important to keep safety in mind when you buy a trampoline, but they can be safe toys if you're careful. Many parents start off looking for an outdoor trampoline for their kids. They can be large and have all the necessary safety features for a fun time. However, you might feel that you don't want to have a trampoline outside your house. But before purchasing one, you need to know how to choose an indoor trampoline for kids.

There are several reasons you might be wary of an outdoor trampoline. Firstly, it will take up a lot of space. Even smaller trampolines will cover a substantial area. That's not great if you only have a small outdoor space. If you put your trampoline on your lawn, you will have to keep moving it so that it doesn't kill the grass underneath. This could leave your yard looking patchy if you're not careful. Outdoor trampolines also aren't suitable for using on rainy days. You might also be concerned about rusting or other hazards.

An indoor trampoline is a better choice for some. If you have space inside, perhaps in a playroom, you can set up a smaller trampoline. They can have all the same safety features as an outdoor trampoline but take up less room. Some of them can even fold up, so you can store them away when you're not using them. An indoor trampoline can be used on a rainy day, which is perfect for when the kids are cooped up and feeling restless.

Choosing your trampoline can be hard if you don't know what to look for. Before you make your decision, read this guide to choosing the best one for your family.

Requirements for an Indoor Trampoline

You need to understand what makes an indoor trampoline different before you decide which one to buy. If you want an indoor trampoline, you'll be looking at ones that are much smaller than outdoor ones. Some outdoor trampolines can be 17 feet wide or even larger. Whereas, an indoor trampoline is likely to be more like 6 or 7 feet. You will also see indoor trampolines that are even smaller. Some measure only a couple of feet across.

Some smaller indoor trampolines have handles. These are for your child to hold onto while they bounce. Larger ones will often have safety nets, like an outdoor trampoline. You also need to look at other safety aspects. These include a sturdy frame, safety springs, and protection pads.

Size

The first thing you need to consider when you choose an indoor trampoline is its size. If you want an indoor trampoline, it won't be anywhere near as big as many outdoor trampolines. However, within the range of indoor trampolines you can find, you will see lots of sizes. You can get them as small as 3ft across, which are suitable for one child to jump on at a time. For example, the Little Tikes 3Ft Trampoline is compact and sturdy.

You can also get them as large as 7ft in diameter, which will take up more space but provides more room to play. If you have a whole playroom to use, you might want to select a larger trampoline. For example, there's the Upper Bounce 7Ft Indoor/Outdoor Classic. You will also discover sizes in between, such as the Pure Fun 55" (4.5ft) trampoline.

Folding for Storage

If you're short on space, you might prefer to look for a trampoline that can fold away. This can be convenient as it means the trampoline won't take up a permanent spot in any room. If you choose a folding trampoline, it's essential to keep safety in mind. The trampoline needs to lock into place when it's unfolded so that it's safe to use. Smaller indoor trampolines are more likely to be foldable than larger ones. As well as locking into place when set up, it's handy and safer if they lock up when they're folder too. Then you can store it away wherever is convenient for you. If you choose a folding trampoline, make sure you always get it out and put it away for your children.

Handles

Smaller indoor trampolines for kids (and for adults) often have handles. A handle offers extra stability when there is a smaller surface area to bounce on. It means that your child can bounce in place for safer fun. Smaller trampolines are unlikely to have safety nets, so the handle will stop them going off the side. However, there are also disadvantages to consider if you select a trampoline with a bar. For example, there is a risk that your child could hit their head or another body part on the bar. If you decide to buy an indoor trampoline with a bar, it should be padded. You should also supervise your child while they use the trampoline.

Safety Netting

Many medium and larger sized indoor trampolines have safety netting, just like an outdoor trampoline. This can help to give you greater peace of mind when your child is bouncing. You won't have to watch them as carefully because there is no risk of them bouncing off. The enclosure is also often around the main surface of the trampoline, so the springs are on the outside. This can make the trampoline safer, especially with padding over the springs. When you're selecting a trampoline, look at the height of the safety net. It's important both for safety and to ensure you can fit it inside. For example, the Best Choice Products 54" trampoline is 73" tall (6ft). Make sure the netting won't be so tall that it barely fits into the room. The net can also extend over the base of the trampoline and close over the entrance.

Construction

It's important to look at the overall construction of the trampoline. It's necessary both for safety and to protect your home. Apart from needing to be robust and safe, you don't want the trampoline to damage your floors. So you might wish to look for a trampoline with rubber feet, which will ensure a good grip on the floor. This makes it safer and avoids any marks on your floors. You could also choose a trampoline that has more contact points on the floor. This helps to keep it in place. Sturdy construction will ensure the frame doesn't shift. Look for durability when you choose your indoor trampoline, including a warranty in case anything breaks.

Adult Use

Another thing you might want to consider is whether the trampoline can be used by adults. Many small trampolines are appropriate for both adults and children. You can use it as a fitness rebounder for cardio training. The most important thing when selecting a trampoline for both adults and children is the weight limit. If the trampoline can take an adult's weight, which they often can, you can make use of it too. It's even better if the maximum weight it can hold allows both you and your child to use it at the same time. That allows you to spend time with them, so they're not just having fun on their own.

Outdoor Use

When you're choosing an indoor trampoline, you have the choice to get one you can use outdoors too. These trampolines can be excellent choices because your kids can get out in the fresh air on a beautiful day too. If you choose one of these trampolines, you obviously want one that's easy to move around. You don't want to spend ages taking it apart and putting it together whenever you want to move it. The Upper Bounce 7Ft Indoor/Outdoor Classic is suitable for using inside and outside. It has a large surface area so you can put it in a playroom or on your lawn. You might also consider My First Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline Combo. It's designed for younger children, which appeals to many parents.

Setting Up a Trampoline

One last thing to consider is the assembly of the trampoline you buy. Due to their size, trampolines are usually delivered in parts. At the very least, you will have to screw on the legs. Some smaller trampolines will only come with a base and legs so that you can put them together in a couple of minutes. However, others have slightly more complicated assembly. You don't want to have to spend hours putting it together. Your kids will want to get on it as soon as possible. Plus, you want to feel assured that your self-assembly will result in a safe structure. The idea of putting it together wrong and making it unsafe won't appeal. The best way to find out about how easy trampolines are to construct is to read some reviews. Previous purchasers will tell you if the assembly was simple or too complicated.

There are many factors to take into account when you choose a kids' indoor trampoline. Think about what you want and need from it before making your decision.

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