# Trampolines

**Are trampolines safe for children?**

Whether you allow home trampolines and under what rules, such as nets, one jumper at a time, and supervision.

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.

- Area: Safety, risk and independence
- Evidence: Experts disagree
- Best settled: Preschool
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/safety-risk-and-independence--trampolines

## Trampolines: what are the options?

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:

- [AAP](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/4/774/30158/Trampoline-Safety-in-Childhood-and-Adolescence)

## 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?

---

General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=safety-risk-and-independence&topic=safety-risk-and-independence--trampolines