February 2006 and my daughter, Olivia, makes her first bid for freedom by pulling herself up against the sofa. Overcome with parental joy we decided that the ideal first birthday present for her would be something that encouraged these first attempts. So when Mr Historywitch made his next trip back to the UK with the car in April, he was under instructions to bring back a push along car or similar. He did, but he also brought back this little surprise as well. We set it up immediately (I have never been very good at keeping presents back!) and it was there to surprise my daughter the next morning.

How did it arrive?

It arrived in pieces in a box measuring about 75cms long, by 25 cms wide and deep. There were four sections to support the trampoline bit, two pieces to make the handrail and the springy bit and cover.


What was the construction like?

Well, I consider myself pretty handy with the screwdriver and these sort of tasks are usually designated as mine, but I quickly realised that this was a two person and lots of swearing job. The four base pieces are very hard to put together to maintain the tension in the trampoline and the handle bit kept hitting us on the head as we tried to screw it together. It took us about 40 minutes to put it together using the instructions (although Mr Historywitch insists it would have been easier if we hadnt used the instructions at all).

Once erected its dimensions (taken from the ELC website as Mr Historywitch has taken the tape measure to work with him again) are:
Height: 59 cm
Width: 70 cm
Depth: 70 cm

What does it look like?

A pale blue metal frame supports the green trampoline bit, which is attached to the frame using pale purple fabric loops. The rubber handle is a similar pale purple and has letters and numbers moulded into it to make it easier to grasp. The cover is removable (and I assume washable, although I have never had the need) and has a padded yellow circle around the top and a blue apron around the legs.

How much was it?

It cost £30.

How heavy is it? Is it easy to move around?

It weighs about 5/6 kg and is relatively easy to tote around using the handle. It is an awkward shape though and will hit you repeatedly in the legs if you arent careful.

What age range is it suitable for?

Olivia was using it from about 10 months (she needed help getting on and off until she was 12 months) and it has a sticker saying maximum weight 20kgs. ELC say it should suit 1-3 years and I would generally agree with that.

What is it supposed to develop?

ELC say that:
This toy helps your child develop coordination, balance and strength.

This toy helps your child feel secure and happy, and enjoy good self-esteem.

Overall I would agree, it has certainly made Olivia very happy and she spent more time on her feet without me needing to help her so much.

Accidents?

One or two. When she was about 13 months she got her foot caught in the padded apron and hit her head, and we have had a couple of similar accidents with it. Parental supervision required until they are confident getting on and off.

Positives?

She loves bouncing on it, she spends at least an hour a day on it and has done since we bought it. I look after a little Swiss boy who thinks it is absolutely brilliant as well and they always have little scuffles about whose turn it is next. Its very sturdy and its colours are appealing, its also easy (ish) to move around the house as necessary. It is also small enough to keep as an inside trampoline, enabling children to burn off energy when it is cold outside. The apron stops little feet getting caught in between the trampoline and the frame and the handle is easy to grasp and at a good height for all ages.


Negatives?

The cover has become marked a little over time. I leave the trampoline outside on a covered and glassed-in balcony 90% of the time and the damp has affected the apron somewhat. The handle has also suffered from sticky fingers and I have found it quite hard to remove the marks because of the moulded shapes. When Olivia bounces enthusiastically the trampoline bounces with her, the back end thwacking off the floor which can be noisy and annoying for any neighbours (we live in a flat at the moment). I usually stand next to her and put my foot on the back to limit the noise...which doesnt increase my free time!!

Can I use it outside?

I would say that this is more of an indoor trampoline and I would not feel confident leaving this outside or in a shed etc all the time. However taking it out for the child to bounce in the summer shouldnt be a problem. If you want a proper garden trampoline ELC do another version- the Junior Trampoline which is the same price (£30) and is for the same age range.

Where can I get it?

Early Learning Centre are the main stockists.

Would you buy it again?

Probably yes, it really helped Livi build her confidence when she was learning to walk and the bouncing strengthened her muscles. It was one of the few things she could do completely on her own without my help and I think this really built her confidence. She also uses it as a handy seat to sit and read or take a few select toys. It has proved popular with other visiting children and we have got plenty of use out of it. It is best for the lower end of the age range I think and if you are thinking of buying for a child of 2+, I would look more towards the ELC Junior Trampoline.