If you are looking for a way to let your child consume some excess energy, then the mini trampoline may be your best choice. Not only do they exhaust your child and give you a break, but they also help increase core and leg strength, balance and coordination.

When choosing a mini trampoline for your child, you should pay attention to several features. They should be low from the ground and have a stabilizer bar to grab when jumping. It is best to use elastic or other materials instead of springs to provide rebound. Some models, such as Skywalker Trampolines Mini Trampoline, are even equipped with a net cover to eliminate the chance of children falling.

Traditionally, trampolines used to use springs, and most large outdoor trampolines still do. However, many indoor models nowadays use elastic bands or other elastic materials. Some even rely solely on the elasticity of the jumping mat itself. Both adults and children can benefit from using these alternative methods to provide rebound trampolines because they are quieter than metal springs and do not cause the same squeezing potential. However, these other methods sometimes fail to provide the same level of rebound or lose rebound strength faster.

There are no hard and fast rules to determine what is considered a mini trampoline and what is considered a full size. There are also differences between indoor and outdoor models. For example, to be considered a mini, we believe that the diameter of an indoor trampoline should not exceed 3 feet. However, the outdoor model can be considered a 6-foot mini model. You must determine for yourself what size is best for your needs.

Most mini trampolines are round, but you can also find some oval, rectangular, square, and hexagonal shapes. Generally speaking, slender shapes such as oval and rectangle are more suitable for trampolines used by many people. This is because square, hexagonal, and circular trampolines tend to move the jumper to the center.

The net cover helps prevent children from falling off the trampoline after a particularly violent bounce. This is especially important for outdoor models that usually have a high rebound rate, but can also be found on some indoor models. The net will have an entrance, which should be completely and properly closed before the child is allowed to start jumping.

The stabilizer bar provides children with something to grasp when they bounce. When choosing a model, make sure that the stabilizer bar has good padding so that the child will not hurt himself when he collides with it during the jump. If your child is old enough that they no longer need a stabilizer bar, you may want to consider removing it before it becomes dangerous.

Except for the stabilizer bars, any other parts of the frame that children may touch when jumping should be covered with padding. If there are metal springs, they should also have some kind of covering or filling.

All mini trampolines have a maximum load capacity that must be observed. Allowing children whose weight exceeds the prescribed capacity to use the trampoline will only damage the trampoline at best, and at worst will cause harm to the child.

Children may be very picky about their items, which is why it is so important to buy them a trampoline that appeals to them aesthetically. This may be just by choosing their favorite colors or models with themed designs.

Small indoor trampolines for children start at about US$40 and can go up to US$100. The price of a mini outdoor trampoline starts at about US$60 and can go up to US$150.

A. Trampolines come in many different sizes and different rebound amounts. Large spring trampolines are usually only recommended for children who are at least 6 years old. However, there are many models specifically designed for toddlers. These do not have a strong backlash, but they are still interesting and help build coordination and core strength. Each manufacturer will specify a suitable minimum age for their trampoline, which should be observed.

A. Like any activity, trampolines do bring some safety issues. In fact, many children have sprained or broken bones from using trampolines in the emergency room. In other words, these hazards can be mitigated through proper use and safety features (such as stabilizer bars and housing). You can further reduce the chance of injury by only allowing trampolines to be used under the close supervision of adults.

Skywalker Trampoline Mini Trampoline: Available on Amazon

Our view: This versatile option is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It has a complete mesh cover to ensure the safety of your children.

What we like: It is available in three sizes and colors, all of which have padded 360-degree stabilizer bars. In addition, it has a fun animal-themed jumping mat.

What we don’t like: The net is not very durable and tears easily.

Little Tikes 3'trampoline: available on Amazon

Our view: The size of this trampoline is just right for children from 3 to 6 years old, and there are plenty of padding in all suitable places.

What we like: It uses elastic bands instead of springs, so it won't be pinched, and there is almost no noise during use. In addition, the stabilizer bar is large enough that children can grab it no matter how off-center their bounce is.

What we don’t like: It has a basic design, and children may find it boring.

Galt Nursery Trampoline: Available on Amazon

Our view: Due to its interesting turtle theme and smart safety features, Galt Nursery Trampoline is one of the best choices for young children.

What we like: It is easy to disassemble for easy storage, and wide feet provide extra stability. Parents will also appreciate that it provides enough bounce for children to consume extra energy, but not so much that they may lose control.

What we don’t like: When a child approaches the upper limit of its maximum weight-bearing capacity, it can’t support it well.

Brett Dvoretz is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.