Safety comes first, so you’ll want to check out the recommended age range and overall durability of the activity center. Moreover, consider products with educational features or the option to convert into a toy that a toddler can enjoy for longer use. We carefully considered design, assembly, age, height, and weight recommendations, value, and material when reviewing products. Here are the best baby activity centers to choose from. The colors are modern, and it has wood accents that set it apart from other all-plastic models. The height can be adjusted to four different positions, and the whole thing is lightweight, so you can easily move it from room to room. Price at time of publication: $113 The seat spins around 360 degrees so they can take it all in, and it can be adjusted to three different heights so they can keep moving as they grow. It’s great for exercise, stimulating their senses and, above all, for having fun. Price at time of publication: $120 It holds kids up to 25 pounds and/or 32 inches. As baby jumps, they activate a ton of fun noises and lights, making them want to jump even more. Price at time of publication: N/A It adjusts to three different heights, and the seat pad comes off for easy cleaning. Some of the toys come off as well, so they can be played with on the floor or on the go. Price at time of publication: $198 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $120 It still offers plenty of entertainment for your baby, with 25 activities, a moving toy, and a light-up piano to play. The bottom is adjustable, so you can set it to just the right height, and the seat spins around in a full circle so your baby moves to explore it all. As your baby grows, the toy can be transformed into a toddler table, which is great for coloring, playing games, and other activities. Price at time of publication: $142 Price at time of publication: $149 Since there’s no seat, there’s no limit on how long they can have fun with this toy. Price at time of publication: $55 Also, look for a product with a secure seat, protection from pinches, a stable base, and age-appropriate activities. Most activity centers are not suitable for babies under six months old, as they typically can’t sit up without support. However, some are designed for ages four months and older. Once you know your baby can safely use an activity center, it’s important to be aware of how much they use it. Limit their time in an activity center to no more than twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Any more than that may lead to problems with hip development.
Educational Features
Activity centers should keep your baby stimulated with features that help their development and engage their attention. Look for toys to grab and move; different textures; knobs to push, pull, and twist; and sounds like rattles and bells. If the center can be modified as your baby grows, make sure the activities continue to progress in developmentally appropriate ways as well.
Longevity
If you want the best value for your money, look for baby activity centers that offer different settings and conversions based on your child’s height, age, and abilities. Some centers convert from a saucer style to a toddler table so you’re able to continue to use them for years to come.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer. She is a mom to a 1- and a 4-year-old and has personal experience in researching and using activity centers with her kids. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include safety features, ease of use, and user reviews.
