Trampoline safety

If you're getting a trampoline, or already own one, it's important to make sure you follow the right safety precautions to keep your kids happy and healthy, and avoid any trips to A&E.

Find out which companies parents rate as the best trampoline brands.

Trampoline safety features

When buying a trampoline, look for:

• safety pads that fully cover the springs, hooks and frame
• safety netting that runs along the inside diameter of the springs and pad, minimising the chance of your child making contact with any hard or sharp material.

Safety tips

In a June 2020 survey of 663 parents with a child under 12 who own a trampoline, 50% told us their child had injured themself while using a trampoline. The most common injuries were bruises, followed by sprains and fractures.

You should never leave your children unsupervised while using the trampoline, but remember that many accidents can still happen under supervision, so keep these other rules in mind as well:

• Only allow one child on the trampoline at a time. We know this may be a bit of a sticking point, as part of the fun for kids is bouncing on the trampoline together, but according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time.
• No bouncing exits. Don't let your little ones launch themselves off the trampoline on to the ground – it seems obvious, but this is a common cause for injury.
• No somersaults. Kids shouldn't attempt somersaults unless they've been taught properly – the chance of landing badly is high.
• Kids under six years old shouldn't use the trampoline unless it's one that's been specifically designed for younger children. Children under the age of six are not yet developed enough to handle the bouncing movement, and are more susceptible to injury.

Injuries children have when playing on the trampoline

• Bruises - 29%
• Strains - 18%
• Cuts - 17%
• Sprains - 14%
• Fractures - 12%
• Dislocations - 12%

_{Figures based on a June 2021 survey of 1194 parents with a child under 12 years old.}

Read through our guide on how to buy the best trampoline to get more expert buying advice.