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Original poster

q for those with enclosed trampolines

21 replies

mad4myboys · 01/05/2009 10:37

am getting a trampoline for ds1 who is 3.cant decide what size to get. im thinking 6 foot but my sis reckons i should get bigger to make it last longer through ages.i dont have masses of space but how many kids can safely fit on a 6 foot? also do you have to allow extra space for the net or is it on the actual trampoline ifswim?

OP posts:
lal123 · 01/05/2009 10:39

I think that manufacturers recommend only one child on a trampoline at any one time, irrespective of the size.

Our net doesn't make the trampoline take up any more space - we've got a 6 ft one which is plenty big enough for DD5 and for DP(39!)

belgo · 01/05/2009 10:40

Yes only one child at a time on a trampoline, regardless of the size. Also the trampoline should not be next to a wall.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 01/05/2009 10:45

oops i always goon with him! why cant it be near a wall? the only place i can put it is next to the fence

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 01/05/2009 10:47

6 feet is tiny. Far too small for any more than 1 IMO. Ours is 14 feet but my children are older, I do allow them on in groups but they have to be more sensible.

Can't be near a wall as you can bounce off and the give in the enclosure could allow you to hit the wall.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 01/05/2009 10:48

also,any recommendations where to buyfrom? was going to get from argos but hasnt got good reviews, saying the net is rubbish...

OP posts:
belgo · 01/05/2009 10:49

My dh was looking at the safety of trampolines and according to what he found they shouldn't be next to a wall or fence, as the child could jump sideways against the wall, they won't be protected by the safety net.

In fact my dh came to the conclusion that trampolines are just dangerous with or without safety net. Then my mother emailed me to tell me about a friend's child who was concussed by catching their foot in the saftey net and falling.

I really want to get a trampoline for my children, but dh is vetoing it, which is unusual for him as he's usually quite outgoing (he's done paragliding, parachuting, bungee jumping etc).

SoupDragon · 01/05/2009 11:02

I got mine from here on a MNer recommendation.

I'm not convinced that a trampoline is more dangerous than many other things children get up to. Obviously it is dangerous and I am well aware of the risks though.

Heated · 01/05/2009 11:29

We got our 10ft one from herewhich comes with net, ladder, cover and had a tie down kit thrown in (though it would have to be a hurricane to make it move) and it is big, so maybe a compromise 8ft one would be better?

The one we chose is octogon shaped which is meant to be better if you have two on at the same time as then they are not propelled into the middle but can bounce separately. In reality though the weight difference between my young dcs is enough that dd would go flying if she bounced at the same time as ds. The safety net has been invaluable, more so for dh than the dcs! But he's a big man and am impressed it takes his weight

belgo · 01/05/2009 12:08

yes that's what I think soupdragon. My dh is perfectly happy to get a climbing frame, but not a trampoline.

lucykate · 01/05/2009 12:15

6ft is small for a trampoline, if you take off a foot all the way round for the padding, springs and net, really only gives about 4ft of bouncing space. if space is a problem, go for an 8ft, still small but would last longer as your ds grows.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 01/05/2009 13:36

wow £280!! being that ds is only 3, how would he get up on it?? Do i get a little stool for him? I thought about digging the legs into the ground to lower it but then you wouldnt be able to bounce would you??

OP posts:
Nemoandthefishes · 01/05/2009 13:42

We have an 8ft trampoline from b+q think it was £90 with enclosure last year.
As for safety dd2[2.3yrs] fractured her thigh on ours 2weeks ago now and even DR examining her said she could have done the same tripping over etc.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 04/05/2009 07:12

ta, anyone got an answer to my 2 Q's? howyou ds get up on it and could i dig the legs partially into the ground (one side) due to slope d garden?

OP posts:
MaryBS · 04/05/2009 07:18

We have a ladder for ours.

I've seen trampolines set in a hole, so long as when they bounce they don't hit the floor, and so long as its stable, you should be fine.

We have a 12ft one

QOD · 04/05/2009 07:44

you have to dig down right across, not bury the legs, but stand the tramp in a hole. or bigger people could damage their ankles/spine hitting the floor

littlerach · 04/05/2009 07:49

Ours is really low ot the ground, and has a tightened surface to allow it to still bounce the same, IYSWIM.

It is 8'.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 04/05/2009 22:06

ok bought an 8 foot but dont know what to do about the slope?? Is it safe to put some wood under the legs on one side? The legs are bars IUSWIM? Not poles like i thought they'd be

OP posts:
MaryBS · 05/05/2009 02:35

How would you fix the wood? It'd need to be secure otherwise the bouncing would make it move/travel.

Original poster
mad4myboys · 05/05/2009 10:14

bugger hadnt thought of thst... i know my sis has a few slabs under hers but our gargen is more sloped

OP posts:
MaryBS · 05/05/2009 13:38

This is what one website suggests:

whatisit.org/using-a-sky-bouncer-trampoline-on-unlevel-ground

gardenfun · 14/07/2010 11:40

Click here for some really helpful safety tips on trampolines. plus hints and tips on choosing the right size for your garden and buying a trampoline.

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