What Is The Best Kind of Jump Rope For Kids?
Everyone knows that jumping rope is a fun and timeless activity and exercise for kids. There are tons of health benefits too including improved cardiovascular fitness, burning calories, improving bone mass and muscle tone. Another great advantage is that it's inexpensive too and there are lots of different games you can play!
Buying a good jump rope for you child is important. A good jump rope will make it easier for your child to learn to jump rope. You want the jump rope to have the correct size rope for your child's height. It also makes sense that the handles are made of a material that will be comfortable for them to use. The rope should also be of a good material that doesn't hurt if it hits the back of the child's legs while jumping.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers when buying a jump rope for kids.
Buying a good jump rope for you child is important. A good jump rope will make it easier for your child to learn to jump rope. You want the jump rope to have the correct size rope for your child's height. It also makes sense that the handles are made of a material that will be comfortable for them to use. The rope should also be of a good material that doesn't hurt if it hits the back of the child's legs while jumping.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers when buying a jump rope for kids.
What's the Best Material for a Kids Jump Rope
There are several types of rope availabe used for jumping. They all have their advantages and disadvantage. Here are some options.
Beaded jump rope - a beaded jump rope is made of a thin nylon cord but it is covered with plastic segments. The advantage of these is that you can hear them hit the floor so can be good when learning to jump rope and you can hear the rhythm of the rope and which can help you develop a jumping pattern know when to jump. They are also more difficult to tangle up which is good. They are durable, headwearing and longlasting. They are also great for group routines However, they can hurt if you miss and accidentally hurt yourself which is inevitable at some point when jumping rope.
Cloth Jump Rope - these are normally made of braided cotton or nylon. They are a lot softer so won't really hurt if you accidently hit yourself with the rope. They tend to be the easiest type of rope to control and provide a good arc which is great for beginners. They slide along the floor rather than bounce like other ropes which is a great advantage if you are using them in a competition or for training. On the downside they can get dirty if used outdoors
Speed / Cord ropes - speed ropes are made of vinyl cord. They are lightweight so easy and fast to turn and stable too. They are inexpensive and easy to adjust (see below). They can be easier to jump as the thiner cord spins easily and is less likely to get caught.
Beaded jump rope - a beaded jump rope is made of a thin nylon cord but it is covered with plastic segments. The advantage of these is that you can hear them hit the floor so can be good when learning to jump rope and you can hear the rhythm of the rope and which can help you develop a jumping pattern know when to jump. They are also more difficult to tangle up which is good. They are durable, headwearing and longlasting. They are also great for group routines However, they can hurt if you miss and accidentally hurt yourself which is inevitable at some point when jumping rope.
Cloth Jump Rope - these are normally made of braided cotton or nylon. They are a lot softer so won't really hurt if you accidently hit yourself with the rope. They tend to be the easiest type of rope to control and provide a good arc which is great for beginners. They slide along the floor rather than bounce like other ropes which is a great advantage if you are using them in a competition or for training. On the downside they can get dirty if used outdoors
Speed / Cord ropes - speed ropes are made of vinyl cord. They are lightweight so easy and fast to turn and stable too. They are inexpensive and easy to adjust (see below). They can be easier to jump as the thiner cord spins easily and is less likely to get caught.
Can You Adjust Jump Ropes for Kids?
When buying the best jump rope for your kid try and make sure you get an adjustable one.
Many are adjustable. Some cloth ropes allow you to put the excess rope in the handles. This is great because you can lengthen the rope as your child grows. Other cloth ropes may need to be cut down to the size you require by taking off the handle, cutting the rope and then attaching the handle again.
If you have a cloth rope without handles then you can just tie a knot in the rope so that you can find the correct size for your child.
There are also plastic beaded ropes which can be adjusted but they tend to be more difficult to adjust.
Vinyl speed ropes are easy to adjust. Just tie a knot in the cord. This makes them a great choice for adults and children to both use as they can be adjusted easily and quickly.
Many are adjustable. Some cloth ropes allow you to put the excess rope in the handles. This is great because you can lengthen the rope as your child grows. Other cloth ropes may need to be cut down to the size you require by taking off the handle, cutting the rope and then attaching the handle again.
If you have a cloth rope without handles then you can just tie a knot in the rope so that you can find the correct size for your child.
There are also plastic beaded ropes which can be adjusted but they tend to be more difficult to adjust.
Vinyl speed ropes are easy to adjust. Just tie a knot in the cord. This makes them a great choice for adults and children to both use as they can be adjusted easily and quickly.
What Size Jump Ropes Are Best For Children?
The size of the jump rope you want will depend on the height of the child. Jump ropes for kids come in lengths of about 6 feet, 7 feet or 8 or 9 feet. A 6 foot rope is best for youngest children. 7 foot rope is ideal for kids up from about age 5 upwards until they are about 4 feet 10 inches tall. 8 foot is best for children up to 5 feet 3 inches tall and a 9 foot for kids who are up to 5 feet 10 inches tall.
When sizing the jump rope stand in the middle and pull the rope straight so that the rope is short. For beginners the tops of the jump rope should reach the shoulders. This website gives excellent information and pictures on how to size a jump rope correctly.
When sizing the jump rope stand in the middle and pull the rope straight so that the rope is short. For beginners the tops of the jump rope should reach the shoulders. This website gives excellent information and pictures on how to size a jump rope correctly.
What Handles Should the Jump Rope Have?
Handles generally make it easier for kids to hold and turn a jump rope. Although jump ropes without handles can be easier to adjust in size by just tying knots at the end. Sometimes it comes down to personal preference whether or not handles are better on a jump rope.
Handles should be lightweight if possible and not too big for your child's hands as this will make the rope difficult to hold and control.
Read on for some great jump rope suggestions
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Handles should be lightweight if possible and not too big for your child's hands as this will make the rope difficult to hold and control.
Read on for some great jump rope suggestions
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Green Toys Jump Rope
  
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The Green toys jump rope is a 7 foot adjustable 100% cotton rope and recycled plastic handles.
You can adjust the rope by opening the top of the handle to modify the length. The rope is aimed at kids between aged 5 and 9. It is lightweight too. |
Jump rope with wooden handles
  
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This jump rope measures 8.5 feet and can be adjusted to your desired length. As it's longer than the green toys jump rope, it works better for older kids.
To adjust the rope, pull the knot out of the handle (The knot is located at the wider end of the handle.). Then continue to pull the rope which will shorten the rope length between the handles. Once the rope length between the handles is the desired length, tie a new knot in the rope between the handle & the original knot. Pull the new knot back into the handle to check that you have the correct length for the jump rope. |
It features high quality cotton rope and the handles have a round design to protect kids hands.
It comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation.
It comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation.
Adjustable Cord Jump Rope with Non-Slip Handles
  
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This rope is made of flexible cord and can be easily adjusted in 3 easy steps.
It has soft, foam handles which provide a comfortable grip. The jump rope come with lots of bonus gifts including a skipping song book which has 83 songs, a foldable flying disk, a free ebook and a free video tutorial to teach kids to learn how to skip. |
2 skipping ropes with foam handles
  
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Easily adjustable from 9 feet down to your desired length in a matter of minutes. Open the cap on the handle to adjust.
As there are two of these jump ropes, it makes a good choice if you're buying for siblings. As the jump ropes are 9 foot, smaller adults will also be able to use them without adjusting too. The jump ropes are lightweight so easily portable and the foam handles are comfortable to use. |
Beaded playground jump rope
  
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Kids will love the colorful beads on this rope.
It comes in different sizes but you can cut down the size of the jump rope if you buy if it turns out to be too big. It's easy to shorten. Untie the knot inside the handle, slip the desired number of beads off, and retie the knot. It features lightweight handles which are easy to jump with and are comfortable in your hands. |
16' Jump rope
  
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This jump rope is long, so perfect for a 3 kid jumping game (two hold the handles and one is jumping).
It has no handles, so is a good choice if you prefer that option. There are knots at the end. As it's made of rope and not plastic beads you don't need to worry about it hurting if it hits your legs. |
It's could also be used for other games such as tug ofwar or as a finish lane for a race.
If you prefer it to be shorter, you can cut down to the size you want. You would cut it down and heat the cutted edge to seal it.
If you prefer it to be shorter, you can cut down to the size you want. You would cut it down and heat the cutted edge to seal it.
What are the Health Benefits of Jumping Rope?
Jump rope has so many benefits for kids. Here are some :
Burns calories: - With obesity being a major problem for many children today - participating in an activity such as jump rope will help prevent kids becoming overweight.
Good for the heart :- Jumping rope with raises children's heart rate which help strengthen their heart muscle and their circulatory system.
Bone mass:- Can help develop bone mass at the hip and lower back which will help ward off problems in these areas when they're older.
Great for hand / eye co-ordination:- It takes focus, concentration and will help improve hand and eye co-ordination.
Burns calories: - With obesity being a major problem for many children today - participating in an activity such as jump rope will help prevent kids becoming overweight.
Good for the heart :- Jumping rope with raises children's heart rate which help strengthen their heart muscle and their circulatory system.
Bone mass:- Can help develop bone mass at the hip and lower back which will help ward off problems in these areas when they're older.
Great for hand / eye co-ordination:- It takes focus, concentration and will help improve hand and eye co-ordination.
How To Teach a Child To Jump Rope?
It can be a difficult skill so here are some tips to help your child learn.
Make it Fun - Make sure it's always fun. If they're not getting it - just take a break.
Start with a challenge - Make a challenge that kids will love. Lay the rope of the floor and jump backwards and forwards over it.
Show them how its done - Get them to watch you do it first. Do it slowly so they can see what you're doing.
Practice arm movements - Get them to put the handles in their hands - move the rope from behind them to in front of them.Do this a few times so they can practice the arm and hand movements involved.
Start slowly - After you've practiced the arm movements, ask them to jump over the rope when it falls in front of their feet.
Practice, practice, practice - Use lots of praise and practice lots. Sing rhymes, make it fun and enjoyable. Invite their friends round to have a go!
Make it Fun - Make sure it's always fun. If they're not getting it - just take a break.
Start with a challenge - Make a challenge that kids will love. Lay the rope of the floor and jump backwards and forwards over it.
Show them how its done - Get them to watch you do it first. Do it slowly so they can see what you're doing.
Practice arm movements - Get them to put the handles in their hands - move the rope from behind them to in front of them.Do this a few times so they can practice the arm and hand movements involved.
Start slowly - After you've practiced the arm movements, ask them to jump over the rope when it falls in front of their feet.
Practice, practice, practice - Use lots of praise and practice lots. Sing rhymes, make it fun and enjoyable. Invite their friends round to have a go!
other benefits of jump rope
As well as all the health benefits, jump rope activities can help develop social skills and learning in children. For example:
Taking turns - if kids have to share a jump rope or if there are playing in a 3 with 2 turning the handles and one jumping, it becomes a good game for learning how to take turns and making the game as fair as possible for everybody.
Rhymes and games - there are lots of educational games you can play with jump rope. For example, give your child a math equation such as 2+5 and ask them to jump the answer. Jump rope rhymes can also be great learning opportunities.
Taking turns - if kids have to share a jump rope or if there are playing in a 3 with 2 turning the handles and one jumping, it becomes a good game for learning how to take turns and making the game as fair as possible for everybody.
Rhymes and games - there are lots of educational games you can play with jump rope. For example, give your child a math equation such as 2+5 and ask them to jump the answer. Jump rope rhymes can also be great learning opportunities.
