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Original poster

Buy a bouncy castle for a two year old

31 replies

Dinoswearunderpants · 21/03/2023 10:09

Sorry not sure where to post this but looking at buying one of those mini bouncy castles for my DS 2nd birthday.

Will it get used or simply stuck in the shed?

We already have a trampoline but I'd happily get rid of that although DH seems to believe a trampoline would be used more than a bouncy castle.

Looking at one like this: www.amazon.co.uk/COSTWAY-Inflatable-Bouncer-Carrying-Children/dp/B09XCMKWYJ/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=Bouncy+Castles+for+Children&qid=1679393310&refinements=p_36%3A10000-17500&rnid=389075011&sr=8-20

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/COSTWAY-Inflatable-Bouncer-Carrying-Children/dp/B09XCMKWYJ/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=Bouncy%20Castles%20for%20Children&qid=1679393310&refinements=p_36%3A10000-17500&rnid=389075011&sr=8-20&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-4767909-buy-a-bouncy-castle-for-a-two-year-old

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LeeScottBouncy · 05/02/2025 16:27

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WhyIsBogdanSexy · 22/03/2023 10:17

We have a bouncy castle and it is one of the best things we've ever bought. Hours of entertainment.

Ours is mid-sized with a slide so for ages 4-10 but my parents have a small one for 1-5y and it get used loads as well. Not a fad at all. We have it up all summer, we bring it in at night but it goes up pretty much every day that's dry and not too windy.

We have a trampoline too (both a small toddler one and a big one for older kids) and they get used a bit but not as much as the bouncy castle.

I'm surprised at people saying it's a fad, ours has been a huge success. Mine were not even remotely interested in balance bikes, scooters or their wobble board so guess it just varies between kids.

Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 22/03/2023 10:06

Thanks for the suggestions. Little man has an amazing indoor play area with slide, ball pit.

It's so hard to know what to buy.

OP posts:
SnuggleBuggleBoo · 21/03/2023 22:02

If you have room to store it, how about a ball pool and slide? I have a folding slide and use an inflatable 'family size' paddling pool and 2 huge sacks of soft ball pool balls. It's brilliant. I only get it out in really torrential weather (or if a friend is round to play) so it stays special. They can spend 2 hours with that easily, and it wears them out beautifully. Plus with an electric pump set up only takes about 4 minutes!

This is the slide I've got for 2 year old:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolu-Big-Slide-H104-L165/dp/B07PPX5VW9/ref=sr_1_40?crid=2ZLUMRBAO64A1&keywords=folding+slide&qid=1679435913&sprefix=foldig+slide%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-40

You can also have it going into the paddling pool in the summer, but I'd personally wait til they're at least 3 for that and then only use under very close supervision.

Dolu – Big Water Slide – 2 in 1 Large Blue Ladder and Red Slope Freestanding Slide for Kids Indoor & Outdoor (H104 x L165.5 x W77.5 cm) : Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games

Dolu – Big Water Slide – 2 in 1 Large Blue Ladder and Red Slope Freestanding Slide for Kids Indoor & Outdoor (H104 x L165.5 x W77.5 cm) : Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolu-Big-Slide-H104-L165/dp/B07PPX5VW9/ref=sr_1_40?crid=2ZLUMRBAO64A1&keywords=folding%20slide&qid=1679435913&sprefix=foldig%20slide%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-40&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-4767909-buy-a-bouncy-castle-for-a-two-year-old

MumOf2workOptions · 21/03/2023 21:49

@Dinoswearunderpants
You could always hire a bouncy castle for the day?

LysHastighed · 21/03/2023 11:16

If he’s good with the balance bike, get him a 12 inch pedal bike. Both my kids could ride one at two abd switched from the balance bike fairly easily.

Nevermind31 · 21/03/2023 11:13

Dinoswearunderpants · 21/03/2023 10:17

Very good point however he is always supervised.

Looks like the bouncy castle will be a fad.

Any other suggestions on what to buy? I might just get a few little toys and put some money in his JISA. I hate buying for the sake of it.

Show quote history

A balance bike

TheClash2023 · 21/03/2023 10:47

I've got a ball pit and foam shapes that go round it for my grandkids. They love that

thatsmyumbrellaellla · 21/03/2023 10:43

We got a bouncy castle during covid when we couldn't get a trampoline. The bouncy castle stills gets used (we also have a trampoline now) however I would say we did get a bigger bouncy castle that the one you have shown so we get much more use out of it and their cousins are always asking to get it out when they come over

Shylo · 21/03/2023 10:43

We had both - the castle came out quite a lot over the years but it was quite hard, certainly not as bouncy as a big bouncy castle and honestly it was a total ball ache deflating it . The kids however loved it and would still get it out on and off until they were too big for it

the trampoline on the other hand was used endlessly , in almost all weathers and I only got rid of it last year by which time my kids were 12 and 14

Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 21/03/2023 10:42

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of digging the trampoline into the ground so I think we'll (hubby) will do that.

He already has a balance bike. Need to look at a wobble board but not sure he'd use it. He has a big play frame indoors so looking for things to use in the garden mainly.

OP posts:
PinkSyCo · 21/03/2023 10:38

lazycats · 21/03/2023 10:18

Really hoping ours doesn't ever want a trampoline. They always make gardens look crap and the novelty wears off really fast.

I my kids got years of fun out of their trampoline actually. Great exercise and not one hospital visit needed in the 10+ years they used it too.

LarryStylinson · 21/03/2023 10:36

He won't be bouncy castle sized for as long as he will be using a trampoline.
Wobble board or balance bike are good

Sortyourlifeout · 21/03/2023 10:34

Littlebutload · 21/03/2023 10:33

We got one for our then 3 year old and he did/does use it occasionally and like it, the only issue is he finds it a bit boring on his own!

I'll second this! It's great for playdates/parties!

Littlebutload · 21/03/2023 10:33

We got one for our then 3 year old and he did/does use it occasionally and like it, the only issue is he finds it a bit boring on his own!

Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 21/03/2023 10:30

titchy · 21/03/2023 10:29

Unless you have magic rays in your eyes that prevent bone breakages simply by looking at someone, being supervised won't stop the inevitable broken leg/arm/collar bone. Really silly frankly to have a trampoline for such a little child.

You can pop along to another thread with your judgement thanks.

He barely uses the trampoline and doesn't even jump, more running around but I hope your children have fun in their bubble wrap.

OP posts:
Sortyourlifeout · 21/03/2023 10:29

Firsttimecaller · 21/03/2023 10:27

From a neighbour's point of view bouncy castles (the air compressors) are unbearably noisy so I hope you've got a really big garden.

Those small ones are for indoor use. And it would only be 'on' when in use, which I'm sure would only be half hour here and there.

titchy · 21/03/2023 10:29

Unless you have magic rays in your eyes that prevent bone breakages simply by looking at someone, being supervised won't stop the inevitable broken leg/arm/collar bone. Really silly frankly to have a trampoline for such a little child.

Firsttimecaller · 21/03/2023 10:27

From a neighbour's point of view bouncy castles (the air compressors) are unbearably noisy so I hope you've got a really big garden.

Sortyourlifeout · 21/03/2023 10:25

We had that very same castle and it got alot of use!

Jamieleecurtain · 21/03/2023 10:21

r.e. Suggestions- my kids love their rocky board!

PuttingDownRoots · 21/03/2023 10:20

Balance bikes are good at two.
Or how about a paddling pool?

Jamieleecurtain · 21/03/2023 10:20

Just a word of warning about a trampoline- they are not recommended for children under 4. Even if they have used them a lot in the past with no issues they still haven’t learned how to fall properly so one awkward landing could result in a broken limb.

I have mentioned this on MN before and was berated for suggesting that people wrap their children in cotton wool but if it stops one other parent from spending their summer holidays with a 3 year old who has their arm in plaster and cannot join in any of the fun activities we had planned then I will be happy.

lazycats · 21/03/2023 10:18

Really hoping ours doesn't ever want a trampoline. They always make gardens look crap and the novelty wears off really fast.

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