When you think of trampolines for fun and play, you might just think of large, elevated apparatuses that sit in the backyard, and you’re quite right to assume these may not be suitable for your youngest.
However, for children aged two seven, there are plenty of safe, affordable options that provide hours of entertainment, even indoors. Here are some of the top benefits of getting your tot a trampoline, and which buys might be best for your needs.
The Benefits of Bouncing
Any discussion about children and trampolines is sure to focus on safety features and ways to avoid injury. These are essential indeed, but frequently excluded from the conversation are all of the impressive reasons that supervised, safe trampoline play is a great idea.
Even though your little one has mastered the skill of walking, they’re still developing balance and coordination by the minute. Trampolines are an effective tool for acquiring a better center of gravity, body awareness, and agility that will serve them for a lifetime.
Their sense of body awareness and coordination are supplemented by the more direct physical benefits of bouncing. Off the trampoline, your child will be more steady on their feet thanks to increased flexibility and improved muscle tone.
Not to mention, even young kids get that post-exercise rush of endorphins that so many of us chase. Kids who get enough exercise will be in a better mood, and enjoy higher quality sleep.
Miniature Trampolines: Top Picks
Trampolines for little kids are lower to the ground, smaller in circumference, and usually have more padding and smoother edges. And as you’ll find, there are some real winners among the safest mini trampolines for kids.
For instance, the Pure Fun Kids 36” Preschool Jumper is a sturdy little trampoline that’s well-padded and small enough to go from place to place. It includes a bar kids can grip as they bounce – which is also padded – although there are safety concerns associated with bars, like head bumps. This means that it’s best for small kids who bounce solo, and are always accompanied by an adult as they do so.
If you love the idea of a safety net, but still want to be able to use the trampoline indoors, the Sportspower My First Trampoline is a great buy. For kids older than three, the substantial weight and padding prove useful, while the safety netting creates a little tent-like fortress kids will love to spend time in.
Kids three to seven will definitely approve of the 48-inch Skywalker with safety enclosure. This indoor-outdoor model has no springs, eliminating one safety concern altogether. Furthermore, it offers a padded safety bar all the way around the netting, so a helping hand is always within reach. Although it’s big enough for two small kids to fit inside and play, it’s still best for one-at-a-time bouncing.
It’s doesn’t matter if your child has all of the makings of a future athlete; little kids love to jump and bounce. Let your little one develop better strength and confidence in their abilities with a trampoline. With special features designed for their specific age group, safety and joy are at the forefront.
