Toddlers love to bounce.
They’ll do it on anything, your couch, your table, even your car.
That’s great for them but not so much for your possessions. Fortunately, there are indoor trampolines available that are specifically designed for toddlers.
In this article, we consider the 5 best kids trampolines for toddlers. We’ll also answer your kids trampoline questions in our FAQ section.
Our Reviews Best Kids Trampoline For Toddlers
Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline
Benefits
The Little Tikes 3’ Trampoline has been one of the top selling mini trampolines on the market for a number of years.
It has a large jumping area, supported by a stability bar which attaches to the frame to provide your toddler with that extra stability they need to ensure confidence.
Drawbacks
Even though the stability bar on the Little Tikes 3’ mini tramp is padded, that padding could be thicker to provide greater comfort for tiny hands.
The threads on the feet attachments could also be more secure as some reviewers have complained that they wear out over time.
Extra features
The Little Tikes 3’ Mini trampoline is made of plastic and metal components to deliver a lightweight but very stable, rigid and secure unit.
That super stability is enhanced with no fewer than 5 legs. This is a very safe and secure trampoline for toddlers to gain confidence with bouncing and jumping activities.
The easy to move design and detachable feet means that you can quickly and easily pack the mini tramp up to be stored away when your toddler is done.
The security bar handles are padded for toddler comfort.
Buying advice
The Little Tikes 3’ Mini trampoline is a value priced mini tramp designed for kids in the 3-6 year age group.
It is very safe and secure, with its stability bar and 5 detachable feet. This one easily takes our Number One spot!
Technical specifications
- Size: 36.00''L x 36.00''W x 33.50''H
- Portable: Yes
- Weight Limit: 55 lbs
- Jumping area Size: 26.25”
Fashionsport OUTFITTERS Trampoline with Safety Enclosure
Benefits
The FashionSport Outfitters mini tramp with safety enclosure is a large mini tramp with a five- foot diameter.
It features a full height safety enclosure to keep your youngsters safe and secure within its confines.
Drawbacks
The FashionSport Outfitters mini tramp with safety enclosure has a zipper that is not as high spec as desired.
Some reviewers have complained that the zipper is not stitched on very well, with some of them reporting that it came off within the first few days.
Extra features
The FashionSport Outfitters mini tramp with safety enclosure has a convenient zipper entry to make it easy for kids to enter and exit.
The UV protected screen pad provides protection from the sun when this tramp is used outdoors. The solid frame base makes this a very stable and secure trampoline.
There are six very rigid rust-resistant legs which are covered in protective foam padding. An Oxford pad around the perimeter provides extra safety and protection.
This tramp can be used for both indoors and outdoors. Though it is quite large at five feet in height and five feet in diameter it is not too heavy that it can’t be moved around the yard if it rains.
It can also be easily moved inside. The tramp is easy to put together, coming with all the assembly tools you will need.
Buying advice
The FashionSport Outfitters mini tramp with safety enclosure is an awesome tramp for kids.
However, it may be too large for some indoor settings, especially if you are an apartment dweller.
Technical specifications
- Size: 5 ft x 5 ft
- Portable: No
- Weight Limit: 220 lbs
- Jumping area Size: 5 ft
JumpSport 250 Fitness Trampoline
Benefits
The JumpSport 250 is a durable mini tramp that provides you with 1030 square inches of bouncing surface.
This tramp is suitable for both toddlers and adult exercisers. This is a very high quality mat that lasts for 3 to 4 times longer than competing models.
Drawbacks
The JumpStart 250 features bungees.
These are not as strong as they could be with some reviewers reporting that they become weak and loose after a few months of use.
Extra features
The JumpSport 250 comes with an extremely durable frame, providing a very roomy and safe bouncing environment.
The unit arrives almost fully assembled, with the only thing you need to do is to attach the legs. The feet have a patented no tip arch design to provide greater stability and rigidity.
Patented padded petals cover cords for added safety and provide over 60% more exercise space.This tramp provides you with a virtually noise free bounce, so that your toddler can enjoy themselves in peace and quiet.
The 30 premium EndoroLast 2 cords provide a low-impact, smooth bounce that’s easy on your joints.
Your purchase of the JumpSport 250 comes with an exercise DVD.
Buying advice
The JumpSport 250 is a rebounder style mini tramp that can be used by adults for exercise and toddler for bouncy fun.
It is a durable, solid and secure mini tramp but does not come with a stability bar. If you are wanting to use the mini tramp to exercise after your toddler is exhausted from bouncing, this is the one for you.
Technical specifications
- Size: 1030 sq. inches
- Portable: Yes
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs
- Jumping area Size: 485 sq. inches
Lovely Snail Trampoline with Basketball Hoop
Benefits
The Lovely Snail Tramp with basketball hoop is a full safety net enclosed tramp that provides you with a large five-foot diameter jumping area.
You also get a basketball hoop to keep your toddler amused.
Drawbacks
Lovely Snail Tramp with basketball hoop comes with instructions but they are a little confusing making it quite difficult to put the tramp together.
The fabric used to protect the perimeter of the tramp is not as high quality as it could be.
Extra features
The Lovely Snail Tramp with basketball hoop comes with three large metal feet to provide a very secure platform that ensures that the tramp sits very solidly.
High quality zippers on the safety net make it easy for your youngsters to safely enter and exit the mini tramp. Trampoline springs securely attach the tightly woven jumping mat and frame together.
You don’t have to worry about your kids getting their hands or feet caught in the gaps as they are all covered with durable green frame padding.
Even though it is quite large, the Lovely Snail Tramp with basketball hoop is relatively easy to move both indoors and outdoors. The weight limit on this tramp is 220 pounds.
Buying advice
The Lovely Snail Tramp with basketball hoop comes with instructions but they are a little confusing making it quite difficult to put the tramp together.
The fabric used to protect the perimeter of the tramp is not as high quality as it could be.
Technical specifications
- Size: 5 ft x 5 ft
- Portable: No
- Weight Limit: 220 lbs
- Jumping area Size: 5 ft
Gardenature Trampoline
Benefits
The Gardenature mini trampoline is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
This is a lightweight tramp that comes with a stability bar to provide extra confidence for your toddler.
The Gardenature mini trampoline is easy to carry from place to place. It is also very easy to assemble.
There are six durable powder coated detachable feet to provide a very secure footing. The jump pad is made from high quality PP material for extra resilience.
The tramp features 28 springs to provide a safe, quiet and supportive bounce. The safety pad features durable Oxford material that covers the springs to keep your toddler safe and secure.
Drawbacks
The foam covered stability bar on the Gardenature mini trampoline provides your youngster with added security, although the foam could be a little thicker.
Extra features
The Gardenature mini trampoline is a secure mini tramp that comes with a stability bar. It delivers excellent bounciness and stability.
This is a well-priced, reliable mini tramp that looks great and performs well.
Buying advice
The Gardenature mini trampoline features foam gripping on the handles, but this could be thicker.
Technical specifications
- Size: 32” x 36”
- Portable: Yes
- Weight Limit: 55 lbs
- Jumping area Size: 32’ x 36”
Kid Trampolines FAQ
Are indoor trampolines safe for toddlers?
Yes, indoor trampolines can be safe for toddlers, so long as they are specifically designed for use by toddlers.
Toddler trampolines are also called ‘learn to bounce’ tramps.
They are usually 36 inches in diameter and have a safety bar for the toddler to hold onto. However, medical experts have expressed some concerns regarding toddlers and trampolines which are worth being aware of.
The bones of toddlers are more fragile than those in older children and adults. If the force placed upon these bones is excessive, the bones can quite easily become damaged.
Studies have shown that toddlers are seven times more likely to suffer a leg injury than 5-6 year olds. For this reason, toddlers should not use outdoor trampolines. The biggest danger is to the growth plate.
The growth plate forms around the ends of the bones of children. They harden into bone as the child grows. An injury to the growth plate can affect the long term growth of the bone.
As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 5 should not use outdoor trampolines.
However, they do encourage parents to invest in indoor mini tramps in order to help the toddler develop body control.
What is the best age that your kid should start jumping on the trampoline?
A child should be able to walk before using a trampoline. The child’s joints should be strong enough to allow for some minor physical activity.
They should be developing balance. So, the toddler age of between 18 months and 3 years of age is appropriate to get your child started on a mini tramp.
From the age of four, the child can begin spending a little time on the outdoor trampoline. This is the age at which a child will begin to develop an appreciation for physical activity.
Even though a mini trampoline is designed for toddlers, you should not leave your toddler unattended when they are jumping on the mini trampoline.
Is a mini trampoline the same thing as a rebounder?
No, the mini trampoline and the rebounder are two separate categories. Mini trampolines are designed for toddlers.
They are exclusively an indoor product.
The frames of mini tramps are located very low to the ground. The max weight on most mini tramps is 150 pounds or less.
In contrast, rebounders are designed to be used by adults. They are made for low impact exercise. The weight limit on rebounders is higher than mini tramps, often going up to 400 pounds.
Whereas mini tramps are designed for fun, rebounders are an exercise training aid.
What should I look for when buying a mini trampoline?
Some mini trampolines make use of bungee cords instead of springs. These are intended to provide just the right level of resistance.
If you do buy a tramp with springs rather than a bungee cord, you will probably find that the springs are covered with some padding for safety. Provided that you follow all of the manufacturer guidelines, using a spring-loaded mini trampoline will be perfectly fine.
However, you should not let two or more children use the spring-loaded mini tramp at one time.
How to teach your kid to trampoline?
You can help your toddler learn to jump on a mini trampoline.
This will help her to develop balance and other gross motor skills. Even though jumping seems like a simple skill to us, it involves improving strength and power in the toddler’s legs, landing with proper control, as well as activating the muscles with the correct timing and sequencing.
Start with the child standing in the middle of the trampoline. Use the following song to help the child remember the steps and to make the whole process more fun . . .
Cows in the meadow eating buttercups,
We bend our knees and we all jump up!
Sing the song while tapping the child’s belly. The belly tap will encourage the child to keep a tight core. Make the inflection in your voice lower when you get ‘bend our knees’ causing the child to bend down.
The inflection should also change ‘up’, so that the child gets the hint to push up with their legs.
At the start, you should help the child to elevate on the jump.
Should I buy a mini tramp with springs?
Some mini trampolines make use of bungee cords instead of springs. These are intended to provide just the right level of resistance.
If you do buy a tramp with springs rather than a bungee cord, you will probably find that the springs are covered with some padding for safety.
What’s the story with parent/child mini ramps?
Some manufacturers market parent/child mini ramps.
But most mini tramps that are designed for more than one person are actually intended for two toddlers to use. As a result, they will probably not have a high enough weight rating to support an adult and child.
These are designed for the parent to be on the tramp at the same time as their toddler. If you are considering buying a parent/child mini trampoline, you should look out for the following three key considerations:
Weight Limit – The weight limit on the trampoline needs to exceed that of both you and the child. Yet, many mini tramps do not have a very high weight limit, maxing out at 150 pounds. Yet the average age of an American adult female is 176 pounds. If your toddler weighs 50 pounds, then you need at least a minimum weight of 225 pounds.
Size – The mini tramp needs to be big enough for both parent and child to comfortably fit on it. It should also not be so low to the ground that you will bottom out on it.
Spring Tolerance – If the trampoline has metal springs, it is almost inevitable that the side that you will spend your time on will wear out faster than the side that your toddler will be on.
What are some optional extras that you can get with mini trampolines for toddler?
Tramps can in all shapes and sizes. Some will include extra entertainment features like a basketball hoop (such as the Lovely Snail Trampoline reviewed above).
You can also get mini tramps with removable legs for ease of storage. However removable legs may actually weaken the frame structure of the tramp.
Some mini tramps come with a support bar for your toddler to grab onto as she is balancing on the tramp. Others have a foldable frame so that you can completely fold the tramp away when it is not in use.
Some tramps will also feature attachment points where various trampoline games are added.
Conclusion
The best trampoline for toddlers is the Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline.
Our runner up best kids safe trampoline is the Fashionsport OUTFITTERS Trampoline with Safety Enclosure.
Rounding out our top 3 trampolines for 3 year olds and younger is the JumpSport 250 | Fitness Trampoline.
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