What Do I Need to Know About Trampolines - Before I Buy?

Trampolines can be a great way for children to get exercise, improve balance and coordination, and have fun. However, before you make the decision to buy one for your family, it's important to consider several factors to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Before buying a trampoline, consider safety guidelines such as choosing the right location, investing in safety equipment, and supervising jumpers. Maintenance tips include checking for damage, keeping it clean, and protecting it from the elements.

Usage guidelines include warm-ups, starting slowly, and following weight limits.

 

Summary Table - What You Need to Know About Trampolines

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Trampoline Consideration	Safety Guidelines	Maintenance Tips	Usage Guidelines
Location	Trampolines should be placed on a flat, level surface with plenty of clearance around them. The area should be free of any obstacles such as trees, fences, or walls.	Check the trampoline regularly for damage. Keep the trampoline clean. Protect the trampoline from the elements.	Warm up before jumping. Start slowly. Take breaks. Avoid overcrowding. Follow weight limits. Store the trampoline properly. Consider professional installation.
Safety Equipment	Trampolines should have a safety net and padding or covers for the springs and frame.
Supervision	Trampolines should only be used under adult supervision, and no more than one person should be jumping at a time.
Safe Jumping Techniques	Jumpers should jump in the center of the trampoline, away from the springs and frame. They should also land with their feet first. Avoid flips and somersaults.
Age and Size of Jumpers	Young children and those under 6 years old should not use trampolines. Trampolines have weight limits.
Damage Inspection	Before each use, inspect the trampoline for damage to the frame, springs, and safety net.
Debris Removal	Regularly remove debris such as leaves and twigs from the trampoline mat and frame.
Element Protection	Store the trampoline indoors during inclement weather such as rain or snow.

 

In this guide, we'll discuss what you need to know about trampolines before you make a purchase, including safety considerations, maintenance, and usage guidelines.

Safety Considerations

Before you purchase a trampoline, consider the following safety guidelines:

1. Choose the right location

Trampolines should be placed on a flat, level surface with plenty of clearance around them. The area should be free of any obstacles such as trees, fences, or walls, which could pose a danger to jumpers. Ideally, trampolines should be set up on a soft surface such as grass, sand, or wood chips, which can help absorb the impact of falls.

2. Invest in safety equipment

At a minimum, a trampoline should have a safety net, which can help prevent falls off the trampoline and onto the ground. Some trampolines also come with padding or covers for the springs and frame, which can prevent jumpers from getting pinched or scraped.

3. Supervise jumpers at all times

Trampolines should only be used under adult supervision, and no more than one person should be jumping at a time. Jumpers should be instructed to avoid flips and somersaults, as these can result in serious injuries such as head and neck injuries.

4. Teach safe jumping techniques

Jumpers should be instructed to jump in the center of the trampoline, away from the springs and frame. They should also be taught to land with their feet first, rather than diving or jumping onto their stomachs.

5. Consider the age and size of jumpers

Young children and those under 6 years old should not use trampolines, according to the AAP. Additionally, trampolines have weight limits, so be sure to check the maximum weight capacity before purchasing one.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of a trampoline can help ensure its longevity and safety. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Check the trampoline regularly for damage

Before each use, inspect the trampoline for damage to the frame, springs, and safety net. If any part of the trampoline is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced before use.

2. Keep the trampoline clean

Regularly remove debris such as leaves and twigs from the trampoline mat and frame. This can help prevent damage to the trampoline and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Protect the trampoline from the elements

If possible, store the trampoline indoors during inclement weather such as rain or snow. Exposure to the elements can cause damage to the trampoline and reduce its lifespan.

Usage Guidelines

To get the most out of your trampoline while minimizing the risk of injury, it's important to follow usage guidelines:

1. Warm up before jumping

Jumping on a trampoline can be a strenuous activity, so it's important to warm up before getting started. Stretching and light cardio exercises such as jumping jacks can help prepare the body for jumping.

2. Start slowly

Jumpers should start with small jumps and gradually work their way up to higher jumps. This can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of overexertion.

3. Take breaks

Jumping on a trampoline can be a lot of fun, but it's important to take breaks to avoid fatigue and prevent injuries. Jumpers should take breaks every 10-15 minutes to rest and hydrate.

4. Avoid overcrowding

Trampolines should only be used by one person at a time to prevent collisions and injuries. Additionally, jumpers should avoid jumping near the safety net or springs, as these areas can be dangerous.

5. Follow weight limits

Each trampoline has a maximum weight capacity, which should not be exceeded. Jumpers who exceed the weight limit are at a greater risk of injury and can damage the trampoline.

6. Store the trampoline properly

When not in use, the trampoline should be covered or stored indoors to protect it from the elements. Additionally, it's important to disassemble the trampoline properly if you need to move it or store it long-term.

7. Consider professional installation

If you're unsure how to install your trampoline safely, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. A professional can ensure that the trampoline is set up correctly and in a safe location.