Trampolines
Whether you allow home trampolines and under what rules, such as nets, one jumper at a time, and supervision.
Are trampolines safe for children?
In short: Parents choose between 3 main approaches: None (AAP); With rules (net, one jumper, supervision); Unrestricted. Evidence: experts disagree. Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh. Best settled: preschool.
- Evidence
- Experts disagree
- Best settled
- Preschool
- Part of
- Raising the child
Trampolines: what are the options?
Parents usually land on one of these 3 approaches.
1. None (AAP)
You do not have or use a home trampoline, as US pediatricians advise.
2. With rules (net, one jumper, supervision)
Trampolines are allowed with a net, one child at a time and an adult watching.
3. Unrestricted
Children may use trampolines freely.
Trampolines: what does the evidence say?
Experts disagree. Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh.
AAP strongly discourages home trampolines; a risky-play lens would accept managed risk
Sources
What else is worth knowing?
Trampolines cause many childhood injuries, most often when several children jump together. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against home trampolines. Families who allow them usually set rules.
Questions to ask each other
- How do we feel about a trampoline in our yard or at friends' houses?
- What rules would we need?
- Where would we draw the line?
More in Safety, risk and independence
First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.