Benefits of Trampolines for Toddlers (According to Research)

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We all know kids can’t get enough of jumping up and down, and every parent wants to support their child's healthy development. That's where mini trampolines come in! There are a ton of benefits of trampolines for toddlers. 

It’s obvious that one of the biggest trampoline advantages is your toddler finally having an outlet for all that excessive energy. But also, jumping up and down is good for them in other ways. They can help with both physical and mental development.

Before we go ahead, let me warn you that, in my experience, only mini trampolines can be safe for toddlers. I wouldn’t let a toddler use a big 12-foot outdoor trampoline (trampolines and rebounders are different). Also, you must always supervise your child when they are jumping. 

To start off this article on a positive note, here’s a cute little soul bouncing on a mini trampoline:

Now let’s dive into the details!

Physical benefits of trampolines for toddlers

Enhances motor skills

The benefits of trampoline jumping for toddlers when we talk about motor skills stem from the fact that jumping up and down requires maintaining balance. 

Children have to learn movements and postures so they can deal with those gravitational shifts while jumping on a mini trampoline. This requires the development of motor skills and coordination that can ensure balance. 

In fact, results from a study suggest that trampoline exercises even improve motor skills in children with developmental difficulties.

Strengthens muscles and bones

As firstcry says:

“Jumping, that simple yet exhilarating act, holds profound significance in the developmental journey of children.”

When jumping, kids activate various muscle groups in their bodies which promotes muscle strengthening and bone strengthening.

On this topic, my little two-year-old niece was having some problems building muscle and stability. The therapist recommended that her parents get her a child’s mini trampoline. 

Improves posture

To keep balance and stability while jumping, kids need to have enough awareness of their center of gravity. This means the body makes the muscles, the spine, and the joints work together, as explained by the College of Naturopathic Medicine. 

So, jumping for kids helps them strengthen their core, and as a result, their posture improves. In my experience, the benefits of trampolines for toddlers in particular are that the surface of the mat is easy on the spine and joints, compared to jumping on hard surfaces. 

Improves flexibility

With each bounce, toddlers engage different muscles in their bodies to stretch, and that promotes muscle elasticity and improves overall flexibility. 

Thanks to the surface of the rebounder, the little ones’ joints are protected when landing and so they can move more freely. That way you help them increase their mobility and that also contributes to better body flexibility. 

Encourages active play

Jumping on a mini trampoline naturally sparks active play in toddlers. It’s super fun and exciting for them! What is better, bouncing up and down also challenges their developing motor skills, coordination, and balance as they learn to control their movements on the unstable surface. 

A good idea for parents to attract their toddlers’ attention is to try working out on a fitness rebounder trampoline together with them — rebounding can be beneficial for almost anybody. Just make sure that everyone gets their own trampoline to avoid any injuries.

Counteracts childhood obesity

Everyone knows that being active helps to boost metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. That’s true for toddlers, too. They should move because they can also put on weight like adults. The problem is toddler obesity is a burden for life because children with this condition have a 70-80% chance of becoming obese adults, the CDC says (see video below).

Because jumping on a mini trampoline is an intensive total body exercise, it helps prevent childhood obesity. That's a very important benefit of trampolines for toddlers. In fact, intensive activities like trampoline jumping improve fitness, and this is “shown to reduce the risk for developing overweight or obesity by 10% in 6 years”.

Can help improve balance and coordination

When it comes to small kids, it’s important to help them develop a strong vestibular system. To jump on a mini trampoline, your child has to learn how to coordinate their arms and legs and change their body's position accordingly. In my experience, trampolining can be a good way to do that. 

Although there is limited research on the subject, this study suggests that trampolining can help children with coordination disorders. Adding to that, jumping on a trampoline has successfully been used as therapy for brain-injured children. 

If your kid is having difficulties bouncing by themselves in the beginning, you can help them by holding their hands or just letting them march on the trampoline while holding to the handlebar. I’ve seen kids that just love this! 

Improves sleep quality

A key benefit of trampolines for toddlers is that it makes them feel happy and this reduces stress. That plays a key role in tackling sleep issues and according to a study, trampolining even enhances the sleep cycle period. It also helps kids use their excessive energy which is another requirement for peaceful nights. 

If you get a foldable rebounder, you can easily take it with you when you travel and assure your kid’s good mood and physical activity, not just at home. 

Enables kids to spend their extra energy

You know how it is. If your kid wants to jump, they will find a million ways to do it. Toddlers jump off sofas, chairs, beds, tables... They jump in puddles and even down stairs!

And even though it looks terrifying to parents every time, it is inevitable. 

But jumping is good for kids because it fully engages their attention and sometimes it’s even hard to make them stop. Better yet, jumping on a mini trampoline (also known as rebounding) can be a big help in spending that endless energy toddlers have because it engages the entire body and it is relatively intense. 

Cognitive benefits of trampolines for toddlers

Enhances learning and concentration

Sports relies on toddlers’ not only physical abilities, but also their cognitive skills. As kids learn how to keep balance and concentration while trampolining, their cognitive functions are also boosted. This helps improve their learning abilities, including mastering different types of jumps, learning how to control their coordination while jumping, studying their bodies’ abilities, or simply learning to follow directions. 

Boosts spatial awareness

Simply put, spatial awareness is to know your body and how it fits in space. I mentioned before that one of the benefits of trampolines for toddlers is that it helps develop their motor skills and coordination. Those are directly connected to spatial awareness. The more your kid jumps (on a mini trampoline), the more they will learn the boundaries and abilities of their body.

It’s important to note, the experts at Theracare say, that spatial awareness is key to many things we do as adults:

“Kids have to have good spatial awareness skills in order to navigate the stairs, walk around furniture in the house, sit down on a chair, jump over toys, etc. Aside from movement, spatial awareness is crucial in the less obvious activities such as handwriting, eating, drawing, navigating a school setting or a neighborhood, using a pair of scissors to cut paper, and so on.”

Encourages exploration

Toddlers are like little explorers, always curious and eager to try new things.

There is no right or wrong way to jump on a children’s mini trampoline, so they can just explore. As they bounce, they start to test their limits, seeing how high they can go, how many jumps they can do in a row, and so on.  

It's not just about the bouncing itself, it's about discovering what their bodies can do and how to move in different ways. This playful exploration helps them learn, grow, and become more confident in their abilities. It's like a mini adventure, right in your living room!

Emotional and social benefits of trampolines for toddlers

Builds confidence and self-esteem

“Through sport, young athletes learn valuable life skills, such as emotional control, the value of teamwork, and the ability to show initiative, and these skills transfer to academics, family life, and eventually the work environment.”

— the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)

Building confidence in a child is a key factor for their success later in life. And sports is a good way to do that. I was a shy kid and I can tell you that sports does improve their self-esteem. 

Although jumping on a mini trampoline is not a professional sport, it can be a great way to help your child learn more about their body. It boosts both their physical and mental health and that way their confidence improves. So, one of the benefits of trampolines for toddlers is they learn more about jumping and cover new development milestones.

Enhances mood and reduces stress

In today’s overwhelming world, it’s crucial to pay attention to mental health from a young age. To ensure your child’s mental well-being, you should include physical activity in their daily routine. A study conducted by the National Health Institute shows that continuous inactivity might unlock anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders even in younger children. 

Good news is, there are plenty of exercises your toddler can do on a kid’s trampoline. That way they won’t get bored that easily and they enjoy the small wins.

Safety and precautions

Every parent is scared of seeing their kid get hurt. It’s natural to be worried if mini trampolines are good for children. But the truth is, there is no environment that is 100% safe. Some would even argue that is not even good for the little ones, but let's not go down that rabbit hole. 

There are risks associated with trampolines for toddlers as there are risks associated with many other toys. For example, a friend of mine is a parent of a little boy who hit his head on a mini trampoline. He was fine but they got scared and took away the mini trampoline. Then he broke his arm jumping off the bed. I know this is a horror story, but it just comes to illustrate that, unfortunately, there are endless ways children can hurt themselves. And you can’t predict or prevent at least half of those. Of course, if you are too worried about getting a toddler trampoline, you should just avoid it. 

If you do decide to buy a mini trampoline for your kid, read on. Once you choose the right product, all you have to do to enjoy the benefits of trampolines for toddlers is to make sure someone is supervising the little one while they are jumping. 

Here is a toddler happily jumping on a Little Tikes mini trampoline: 

And here is my review of all variations of the Little Tikes 3” mini trampoline.

Understand the risks

Kid’s safety is priority number one for every parent, but still, there is no physical activity without risks for injuries. What you can do is reduce those chances of injuries to the minimum. Also, always stick to the manufacturer’s instructions for using the trampoline. 

Here are some of the most common risky situations:

• Bumping into another kid on the trampoline. Never allow more than one child on a trampoline at a time.
• Landing bad when jumping and hurting the head, neck or spine. Always supervise children and teach them how to jump safely. This includes showing them how to land on both feet and avoid risky maneuvers that could lead to injuries.
• Falling or jumping off the mini trampoline. Teach your kid to hold onto the safety handrail. Surround your mini trampoline with thick, high-density safety mats, crash pads, or even a foam carpet. Just make sure the trampoline itself is stable on the ground and doesn’t move when your kid is jumping. 
• Falling on the trampoline springs or frame. Teach your kid to hold onto the safety handrail. Ensure the safety padding is intact.

Let’s talk more about preventing injuries. 

Safety rules for using a toddler trampoline

Once you have purchased the right trampoline and you have read its guidelines, it’s time to set some safety rules and make sure your kids are following them when jumping. Let’s cross off some main things to stick to to ensure safe play according to ER specialists. 

One jumper at a time

One of the most common injuries happens when more than one child plays on the rebounder at the same time and collides with each other. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), nearly 75% of trampoline accidents happen because of that. To avoid such a risk, it’s good to set the rule for “one jumper at a time” and make kids take turns or follow time limits, for example.

Inspect the trampoline regularly

As with every piece of equipment, trampolines also require regular checks from you to keep all the features in good condition. Also, it’s important to look for a trampoline with replaceable parts. But! The tricky thing is that some brands’ replaceable parts are either very difficult to find or cost too much to purchase, so consider this before buying one. Make sure you can find what needs to be replaced without trouble. 

Teach your kid to jump safely

Set clear boundaries, such as no flips or somersaults. Teach the child to jump low to maintain control and to land with knees slightly bent. Help them create a habit of holding to the handrail at all times. Finally, encourage your kid to explore and learn. Let them start with small, controlled jumps and gradually increase as they become more confident and aware of their abilities.

Here is a nice video about teaching toddlers to jump from a pediatric physical therapist:

Supervise your child

Even though most trampolines go with safety pads, you should always keep an eye on your child while they are playing. This means a smaller chance for injuries and, plus, it’s even a bit of me-time for you because your toddler will be occupied and burning energy! Also, don't forget to look out for kid biting off the safety padding. That happens more often than many people think. 

Establish a safe jumping zone

It’s a good idea to place the trampoline on a soft but flat ground. Another thing is the height of the toy — the closer it is to the ground, the less chance for serious falls there are. Also, make sure to remove all kinds of items around the trampoline. If it's at home, move away stray toys your kid can fall onto. If it's in the backyard, put it away from trees, fences, or pools. 

How to choose the right trampoline for toddlers

It’s never a mistake to invest in a good-quality rebounder to ensure you can rest easy while your kid enjoys safe play and enjoy the benefits of trampolines for toddlers. 

Size and Space Considerations

• Choose a size that fits your available indoor or outdoor space, considering both floor space and ceiling height.
• Smaller toddler trampolines around 3 ft are popular as they provide enough jumping surface while fitting into most rooms.
• If space is limited, look for foldable models like the Little Tikes 3 ft trampoline with folding handle that can be easily stored when not in use.

Safety Features

• Ensure the trampoline has a sturdy, non-slip frame and high-quality springs or elastic cords.
• If you’re still afraid of your child jumping or falling off the mini trampoline and you have a bit more space, look for one with a safety net like this 55” Toddler Trampoline, which has all the safety features you can think of. 
• Look for safety padding that covers the frame, springs/cords, and enclosure poles to prevent injuries.
• An enclosure net gives you more safety points but be careful not to get a trampoline where the net is too close to the poles because kids can still hit themselves on those.
• Padded handrails can provide extra stability but should be well-padded to prevent head injuries.

Durability and Quality

• Choose a trampoline made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand regular use.
• Look for trampolines designed specifically for toddlers, with features like a low profile and soft jumping surface.

Additional Features

• Consider trampolines with fun, colorful designs and interactive elements to keep toddlers engaged.

My Top Toddler Trampolines

Here is an overview of my top toddler trampolines:

What should you do in case of an emergency?

In case of an injury, the first thing to do is to tell your child to immediately stop jumping. Second, have a look at the injury and judge whether it’s a minor one or something more serious. Small injuries are the ones that heal within a few days and don't affect your child’s everyday routine. Such are small cuts, burns, or bruises. However, if they don’t heal, if the child keeps feeling persistent or increasing pain or has difficulty moving the injured area, you must go see a doctor. You should get immediate emergency help if you notice some of the following symptoms: 

1. dizziness
2. confusion or strange behavior
3. loss of consciousness
4. exposed bone

You can get more tips in the Healthline article on trampoline safety that was medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN. 

FAQ

What is the ideal age for a toddler to start using a trampoline?

There is no definitive consensus on the ideal age for a toddler to start using a mini trampoline, as it depends on the child's coordination, balance, and supervision. 

Children generally start to show an interest in jumping at about 18 months. For some, it may be around 20-24 months because every child is different. Around two years old, some toddlers may be able to use a mini trampoline with close supervision and guidance.

Perhaps the best answer to this question is “whenever your child has developed enough balance, coordination, and confidence to jump freely on the ground with two feet”. Around 2-3 years old, many toddlers develop the motor skills and balance to use a mini trampoline more independently, though supervision is still crucial.

How long should a toddler spend on a trampoline each day?

This depends on the age of your kid and their physical condition. A good option is to get it started with shorter sessions and have a time limit to prevent overexertion and potential injuries. 

Can trampolining help with a toddler's development delays?

Trampolining requires maintaining balance. That's why one of the benefits of trampolines for toddlers is that bouncing builds core strength and improves the vestibular system. Studies give hope that it also aids in sensory and motor development.

However, it’s not a good idea to experiment with that. If your child has developmental concerns or you suspect they might have those, please contact a pediatrician for help.

How can trampoline activities help in managing anxiety, autism, and sensory issues in children?

Children facing anxiety, autism, and sensory issues experience a positive effect from trampolining because it improves coordination, concentration, and impulse control. Trampolining can be used as a therapy in such situations because the rhythmic bouncing stimulates the child’s senses and has a soothing effect on them. This research study on autism and trampoline therapy, for example, suggests that “a minimum 20-week trampoline training may be a viable therapeutic option for training children with ASD to improve their motor proficiency.”

Conclusion

The benefits of trampolines for toddlers extend beyond fun! This simple activity gives kids the feeling of adventure. Like little explorers, they learn more about how their bodies work, how to use their muscles, and very importantly, they burn all that extra energy.

Jumping on a toddler trampoline is great for kids’ physical and mental health. To get the best out of it, though, you should focus on all the safety advice and precautions. Keep a close eye on your child and make sure there is a healthy and safe playing environment. This will ensure your own peace of mind while your little one is enjoying the freedom and fulfillment of free jumping.

References & Further Reading

• All Little Tikes 3 ft Toddler Trampolines Compared
• Larrinaga-Undabarrena, A., Río, X., Sáez, I., Angulo-Garay, G., Aguirre-Betolaza, A. M., Albisua, N., Martínez de Lahidalga Aguirre, G., Sánchez Isla, J. R., García, N., Urbano, M., Guerra-Balic, M., Fernández, J. R., & Coca, A. (2023). Physical Activity Levels and Sleep in Schoolchildren (6-17) with and without School Sport
• 6 Moves That Show Off Your Toddler's Developing Gross Motor Skills, Parents
• Maryam Sulaiman et. al (2022), Effects of Trampoline Exercises in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
• Lourenço, Carla & Esteves, Dulce. (2021). Inclusion Strategies: A Trampoline Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Children Gain More Than Confidence When They Play Sport, PlayBook
• Wen, X., Zhang, Y., Gao, Z., Zhao, W., Jie, J., & Bao, L. (2018). Effect of Mini-Trampoline Physical Activity on Executive Functions in Preschool Children
• Beerse M, Wu J. Coordination dynamics of hopping on a mini-trampoline in adults and children
• Erichsen H, Böttcher H., Trampoline therapy with brain-injured children and adolescents