Most modern trampolines like Springfree, come with nets to prevent falls and pads to cover the springs. These do help reduce injuries but they’re no guarantee of total safety. Our guide will help you choose a good trampoline and use it safely, so the kids – and maybe you too! – can bounce to their hearts’ content.

What to look for when buying a Trampoline

1| Space

First, do you actually have the right space for a trampoline? It should be placed on a level surface that’s free of hazards such as furniture, and the area around the trampoline should be covered in soft, impact-absorbing material. Lawn, pine bark, wood chips or sand are good. Not paving or concrete – there’s too much risk of injury from falling onto a hard surface. Fall injuries commonly occur when mounting and dismounting. You need two metres’ clearance on all sides and five metres overhead.

2| Safety padding

The metal frame and springs should be padded to avoid injuries should a child fall and hit them. The safety pads should be a contrasting color to the mat of the trampoline – this helps define the edge of the mat more clearly. In addition, check the trampoline’s warranty to make sure it will last long and won’t have any extra costs.

3| Netting

A netted enclosure helps prevent falls from the trampoline and we strongly recommend you only use trampolines that have one. It shouldn’t be suspended from unpadded rigid or stiff poles, as this introduces another hard object that could pose a risk to a child. Ideally, the safety netting should be fitted on the inside of the padding as that reduces the chance of hitting the trampoline edges in the case of a fall.

4| Ladder

A ladder or steps to help kids climb onto the trampoline isn’t necessarily a good idea. If a child is unable to get up there alone, they may not be at the right developmental stage to use trampolines at all. So, we recommend limiting access to a ladder. A ladder can be used to help kids get on and off a trampoline safely, but it should be removed when it is not in use.

5| Instructions

Instructions need to be clear, comprehensive and complete with good text and pictures. They should specify how to assemble the trampoline, maintain it and use it safely.