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Original poster

Trampoline yes or no?

61 replies

SweetPeaPods · 02/08/2020 11:37

DC (ages 7 and 6) have been asking for a trampoline for the garden since Christmas.
Those that have one is it worth the money?
Any recommendations on ones to avoid or to look at? Happy to spend up to £250 if they are going to get the use out of it. TIA

This thread is a little old now so some of the suggestions may be out of date, but if you’ve landed here looking for a trampoline for your garden, we’ve recently updated our best trampolines page with lots of great options, as tried and tested by Mumsnet users and their kids. We hope you find it useful. Flowers
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OP posts:
Thesuzle · 02/08/2020 18:42

No - think of the neighbours

user1487194234 · 02/08/2020 18:43

No from me
Safety issues,neighbours,attracts all the local kids

labyrinthloafer · 02/08/2020 18:43

I know they are fun but the accidents and the pelvic floor damage put me off. I am the trampoline Grinch!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Toys
Hmmph · 02/08/2020 18:46

No. Unless you have a field to put it in. They are instruments of torture for neighbours- screaming, squeaking, thumping and staring over fences...

SansaForTheIronThrone · 02/08/2020 19:01

Absolutely yes! We've just installed our second one as we'd had the first one for 7 years and the safety netting and padding was worn out/broken. Our new one is 12ft x8ft rectangular and my three aged between 4 and 10 love it. Our last one was only a hundred pounds and was the best value toy we ever got. A total godsend during Lockdown for burning off energy. One of my children has really struggled with their emotions and a good bouce on the trampolines helps him calm down. We've not had any accidents here. The one we have now was 249.99 from Smyths and has an integrated net.

goingtotown · 02/08/2020 20:31

In ground trampolines are much safer but more expensive.
Above ground are cheaper but more dangerous especially if kids forget to close the zip.

Noswaithdda · 02/08/2020 20:56

No, save it for an activity post Covid 19.

gamerchick · 02/08/2020 20:59

We've had loads. When they wear out they get replaced, been a godsend this year.

Get an oblong one though if you can. They fit much better than a round one.

BlueLagoona · 02/08/2020 21:05

Absolutely worth the money. Mine are 12, 10 and 3 and all of them are on it at least once every single day. Even in the rain during summer!

We were without one for 9 months year before last as we were in a temporary rental between house moves and the older two were miserable without it.

TeetotalKoala · 02/08/2020 21:08

Definitely get one! We got one last year when the DC were 6 & 8 and it's used daily. I managed to pick one up for free on FB Marketplace as it was one that lived in a grandmother's garden and aged decided she wanted her garden back. It had barely been used so was a steal.
My DH didn't want it, but reluctantly agreed. We have a big enough garden that it's tucked away and doesn't get in the way though. Even he's admitted that it was a good idea to get one.

Agree with all the comments about the safety netting. My DS's throw themselves all over it and regularly bounce off the netting.

In ground trampolines are much safer but more expensive.
Above ground are cheaper but more dangerous especially if kids forget to close the zip.

My old employers hired a mini digger and the husband dug out the hole himself to lay it in the ground.

HollyBen · 02/08/2020 21:13

We love ours! Both my dc know to zip up the net and are sensible about it. My DS fell from a bed at a friends and fractured his wrist. I have never though about getting rid of our beds over safety concerns.

TeetotalKoala · 02/08/2020 21:14

@BogRollBOGOF

DS2 is currently wrestling a space hopper on a 10ft trampoline Grin

Well worth it. It does dominate a small garden, but it's the best energy burner. I'm also partial to a bounce if I'm wearing appropriate undergarments Grin

They like their slide too. Mainly as a lookout tower.

That's what mine use theirs for. We have a TP one with a tent. It's also regularly a Power Ranger Mech.

Space Hopper on a trampoline is an excellent idea. I'm now going to buy one.

Footballs on trampolines are a terrible idea though. If you land on one, you can turn your ankle.

Silvercatowner · 02/08/2020 21:41

Close friend is a doctor working in A&E. His kids haven't got one and never will. He's seen some horrific, life changing accidents.

iamtheoneandonlyyy · 02/08/2020 21:42

I'm a neighbour. I live near others and have ears.
Please get the trampoline, i don't think kids should be deprived of loads of fun during the day because of local tutters

gamerchick · 02/08/2020 21:44

Agree with all the comments about the safety netting. My DS's throw themselves all over it and regularly bounce off the netting

I'd really discourage that. That's not what the nettings for.

You do have to put the work in so it's used safely with rules. They get used to it.

gamerchick · 02/08/2020 21:46

@Silvercatowner

Close friend is a doctor working in A&E. His kids haven't got one and never will. He's seen some horrific, life changing accidents.
Someone always pops up on this thread about knowing a doctor or nurse and horrifying injuries as a reason not to get one. Regular as clockwork.

They're fine if used sensibly. That's where teaching them comes in rather than just letting them crack on.

gamerchick · 02/08/2020 21:46

*these threads

ShowOfHands · 02/08/2020 22:40

I'm one of the fun sponges too. Because I'm related to a trampoline coach and have two friends who are a paediatric radiographer and surgeon respectively and all three are absolutely adamant that while all activities involve risk, a significant proportion of life changing injuries they see in primary age children, are trampoline related and sometimes nothing to do with lack of safety measures. Sometimes just landing awkwardly. I'm not just "turning up" on a thread like an unwanted dementor. It's worth considering the options with all the information. If somebody asks, presumably they want to know. Making an informed decision is part of managing risk. Fine not to agree with me or other posters but no need to be dismissive.

I don't let my dc on bouncy castles either though so you probably think I'm completely miserable.

I don't think they're toys.

Don't worry about my children's bones though, funnily enough there are other forms of exercise out there.

TeetotalKoala · 02/08/2020 23:19

@gamerchick

Agree with all the comments about the safety netting. My DS's throw themselves all over it and regularly bounce off the netting

I'd really discourage that. That's not what the nettings for.

You do have to put the work in so it's used safely with rules. They get used to it.

Damn. You caught me. I'm a completely slack parent who puts no effort into teaching her children about safety Hmm
TheNoodlesIncident · 02/08/2020 23:29

@Silvercatowner

Close friend is a doctor working in A&E. His kids haven't got one and never will. He's seen some horrific, life changing accidents.
He only sees the prats that mess around and don't stick to safety rules. Stands to reason your pal doesn't see the many thousands of people who don't have accidents on them because they are being sensible!

Above ground are cheaper but more dangerous especially if kids forget to close the zip. Our Rebo one can be zipped from the inside or outside, so if the bouncing person forgets, it can just be done by a person on the ground.

Keeping the springs covered up and the nets up and in good condition, following safety rules like ONLY EVER ONE PERSON AT A TIME and NO JUMPING ON FROM A SHED ROOF YOU PRAT and you're unlikely to get much trouble.

They are good for increasing stamina and improving co-ordination as well as a great place to read like a hammock

stayathomer · 02/08/2020 23:29

12 yo broke his arm last year on it but up until then it was amazing and I do miss it now (it was approaching the end of its shelf life, had had it 5 years so we took it as a sign). I'd agree with net as must, bigger the better and lay down the rules before they step on it, oh and bolt it to the ground (I've seen a trampoline from another garden be lifted up by a storm, it's scary!) Enjoy op

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 03/08/2020 00:21

Ditto to the ‘no screaming’ rule.

Trampolines can be a nightmare for neighbours - speaking from experience here, though the screamers have moved, thank God.

labyrinthloafer · 03/08/2020 07:37

He only sees the prats that mess around and don't stick to safety rules. Stands to reason your pal doesn't see the many thousands of people who don't have accidents on them because they are being sensible!

This is a comforting thing to tell oneself but unfortunately it is not correct, I also have a relative in A&E who wouldn't allow them precisely because accidents (limb breakages usually) do happen when used as instructed.

Didyousaynutella · 03/08/2020 07:43

I resisted for ages as I used to work in x-ray and zig zag arm was a regular thing. But relented in lockdown and don’t regret it. I got one with nets. 10ft. We have a small garden but the kids are out in it more than they ever were before so getting more use of the garden.

brightbluegentian · 03/08/2020 07:44

Go for one where the netting is sewn in to the jumping surface. It stops anyone connecting with the springs.

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