Bouncy castle buying guide

Along with trampolines, swing sets, climbing framesand sandpits, bouncy castles feature among the most classic garden play equipment. Fun and colourful, their soft structure is perfect for having fun and bouncing around safely. When purchasing a bouncy castle, it can be tricky to find the right model and size. These structures also come in all colours to match all tastes.

Parents often opt for princess castles for girls and pirate ships for boys but you don't have to follow the crowd! It is very important, however, to consider the number of people who will be playing on the bouncy castle. In general, experts advise allowing around one square metre per child.

The outer walls of the inflatable structure must be higher than the height of users. It is strongly recommended to choose a bouncy castle with a roof for outdoor use. This will help to protect children from the sun and perhaps the rain, too. As a result, your children will be able to enjoy the bouncy castle for longer and in all weather conditions.

There are only a few features to look out for when buying a children's bouncy castle. However, some key features should be considered for the well-being and safety of children:

• materials: usually PVC and nylon (choose a higher density for crash mats);

• the seams: should feature reinforced stitching (often quadrupled);

• the noise level of the blower : choose a quiet blower (especially if must be attached at all times);

• the height of the crash mat: for shock absorption as children jump;

• recommended children's age range (minimum and maximum);

• children's weight (maximum);

• children's height (to determine the height of the inflatable structure, for example);

• the number of children allowed on the structure;

• toys and accessories supplied such as a slide, balls, etc.; ;

• compliance with standards (CE 2009/48/CE on the safety of toys, BS standards ; RoHS, EMC, LVD);

• designed for swimming pool use (usually categorised as inflatable pool toys).

It is very important to evaluate the area where the bouncy castle will be set up upon purchase. In general, the dimensions of your inflatable structure will be provided by the manufacturer and can be found in the product description.

• You must leave a space of approximately 1.5 metres around the castle.

• If the structure is installed indoors, it is important to check the height of the ceiling and to choose a model with suitable dimensions. In fact, when jumping, children are at risk of hitting the ceiling and hurting themselves.

• If your surface is sloping, it is still possible to set up a bouncy castle. However, you must ensure that the slope does not exceed 5%. The structure should be positioned to account for this. If the slope exceeds the recommended limit, it is strongly advised that you choose another location.

• Basic safety instructions must be followed in order to fully enjoy the bouncy castle without risk of injury.

• It must be set up in a clean and flat location..

• The structure must be set up in a clear area so that it does not wear out too quickly due to repeated friction with other objects.

• A tarpaulin should be placed under the structure to protect it from pebbles or rubbing with any object that could lead to damage.

• The bouncy castle must not be used outdoors with winds over 10 mph. This corresponds to level 4 on the Beaufort scale (raises dust and loose paper). These conditions can be very dangerous for children as a gust of wind could lift the inflatable structure up and flip it over.

• No parts of the bouncy castle should be placed under tree branches, electric cables or under any structure that may come into contact with users or the inflatable structure.

Once the bouncy castle has been set up, at least one adult must be present at all times to monitor the children using the equipment to avoid the risk of accidents (which can occur at any time).

• Even if the surrounding ground is soft, children are still at risk of crashing into each other or falling badly.

• All users should be asked to remove their shoes, watches, glasses or any other object that could increase the risk of injury.

• Eating snacks and chewing gum are strictly forbidden when on the bouncy castle.

• We also suggest that you remind younger children not to try and climb the walls of the bouncy castle.

To sum up, child safety must be considered the priority when choosing a bouncy castle. This factor will help you pick the most suitable model and give you peace of mind that everyone, young and old, can enjoy the bouncy castle together! Remember to kit yourself out with an air pump if your inflatable structure is not supplied with one.More informationFor more information on outdoor play equipment, check out these guides on related topics:

• Outdoor play equipment buying guide

• Slide buying guide

• Children's playhouse buying guide

• Outdoor playset buying guide

• Trampoline safety pad buying guide

• Pool toys buying guide