Activity tables for babies are usually at the top of new parents’ list of things to buy.
They are a popular item because they provide your baby with many different activities to learn all in one toy.
The problem is…there are so many to choose from!
How do you know which one is best for your baby?
I recently went on this journey myself.
I did not buy an activity table for my first child but we had an exersaucer given to us by a friend that she had used with her little ones.
Although I was grateful for the toy, my son didn’t really like it and it took up a lot of space.
It was also pretty loud and a bit overstimulating.
My daughter is almost 5 months old and I thought it would be helpful to have a safe place for her to be when I needed to attend to my son or get something done quickly.
So I decided to go on a hunt to see if there was a better option for us…and there was!
In this post, I will cover EVERYTHING you need to know about baby activity play centers.
From my work in early childhood (I worked as a birth to 3 Early Intervention Teacher for 6 years prior to becoming a SAHM) and as a mom you will get a unique perspective when it comes to baby activity table reviews that should help you find the one!
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What Kind of Baby Activity Tables Toys Are Out There?
There are so many options for activity tables it can get overwhelming.
As an early childhood teacher who worked mainly with babies, I may have a different opinion than some.
It seems as though the baby toy industry has gone wild with trying to make ones that talk, sing, speak different languages, and have lots of flashing lights.
To an untrained eye…these seem like great options!
I mean they have to be fun right?
In an early educator’s opinion, I think they have it all wrong.
Babies don’t learn from flash and loud annoying sounds (trust me…you don’t want these things in your house for your own sanity!)
My number one tip would be to get one that is simple and grows with your child.
This is what will aid in their learning and not overstimulate them.
Keep reading or scroll down to see the top ones I recommend.
Don’t forget to add it to your baby registry if you are expecting….you can start one HERE.
What Are the Different Types of Toddler Activity Tables?
Activity tables come in a few different forms, so let’s take a look at the different types.
Exersaucer
This common baby toy is a contraption in which a baby sits in a seat with a platform below its feet so that the baby can switch from a bouncing/seated position.
Interactive toys surround the outside of the tray which is usually 360 degrees around the baby.
They often play music or have sound effects as well when the child moves.
Baby Standing Activity Table
This generally means a short table that a baby can stand next to and play with.
Usually, there are lots of different buttons and switches to help with fine motor development.
This table is generally made for babies that are starting to stand or learning to walk.
They are motivated to be in that position by the toys on the table and can get some support from it as well.
Little ones will usually practice their “cruising” skills on this type of table.
Baby Activity Centers
Sometimes some toys combine multiple ways for babies to play in different positions such as seated, standing, or bouncing.
They come with different attachable toys to keep your baby entertained and develop new skills.
Baby activity centers usually can be used for a variety of positions and may have a few different functions.
What are the Benefits of Having an Activity Table for Infants?
Activity tables can be a great option for parents because if you select the right one…they are a toy that will grow with your baby into the toddler years.
If you can find toys that provide your child with a few different ways to play instead of just one that can save you space and money.
Sounds great right?!
Activity tables provide a lot of different options to help encourage baby skills and can be a lot of fun.
How to Pick Out the Best Activity Table for Your Baby
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping for the best infant activity table for you and your baby.
Know Your Price When Choosing an Activity Center for Infants
Don’t buy something outside of your budget.
Stick to it! Just because something costs more DOES NOT make it better.
If you can’t afford one then check around with family and friends to see if there is one that you could borrow and return when your baby has grown out of it.
Babies Learn Best From Simple Toys
As I mentioned above, flashing lights do not teach babies…you do!
Pick something simple that they can explore on their own. (Click here for more examples of simple infant toys.)
When looking at tables don’t buy ones that will be overstimulating.
Choose one with a few good toys that provide your baby with fine motor practice, intrigue the mind, and culture curiosity.
Purchase Toys That Have Multiple Functions
Pick an activity center that grows with your child.
Babies and toddlers change in a blink of an eye. It is better to have a few good toys than to have a bunch that your child grows out of quickly.
Look for quality items that have multiple functions.
Be Mindful of the Space in Your House
One baby toy should not take up half of your living room.
If you are working with smaller spaces then pick something that fits in well.
Don’t overcrowd your space with toys that are too large.
The activity table that I chose for my baby folds up which is one of the reasons I bought it (you can check it out here).
Having an easy storage option can be very helpful when looking for stationary play centers.
How Do Babies Learn From Activity Tables?
Activity tables will encourage infant development in a few different areas including:
- Fine Motor
- Gross Motor
- Cognition
- Language
Let’s take a look at each of these areas and find out what baby milestones may develop from playing with this type of toy.
The Best Learning Table for Babies Will Enhance Fine Motor Development
Most activity tables come with a variety of toys that will encourage fine motor development such as:
- Pushing Buttons
- Opening and Closing Doors
- Moving Beads
- Spinning Toys
All of these toy types require your baby to use hand-eye coordination to maneuver the toys and get the effect.
Stand Up Toys for Babies Encourage Gross Motor Skills
Most activity tables are meant to encourage your baby to gain the skills needed for standing and walking.
They entertain your baby while in the standing position.
Make sure that your baby is strong enough to stand in or next to a toy activity table and you should be close by to provide them with any support that they may need.
Sharpen Cognitive Skills in an Infant Activity Seat
Problem-solving and cause and cause-and-effect toys are great for encouraging intellectual development. Here are a few toys that do just that:
- Opening and closing doors
- Pushing buttons
- Toys in a range of colors
- Pushing and Pulling Toys
- Mirrors
The Best Activity Centers Encourage Language Skills
Most people wouldn’t think of an infant activity table as something that encourages language development…but it certainly can!
Once again…I would shy away from baby toys that make a lot of electronic sounds or say words.
Here is why:
Your baby needs to hear words from people and see them being said in order to learn them.
Activity tables provide you with lots of ways to talk to your baby and engage with them while they play.
Electronic words and songs do not have the same effect.
They just tend to be overstimulating.
Any toy can provide a child with a learning experience…but the adult that presents it to them can enrich it.
Top 3 Infant Toddler Activity Tables That Will Encourage Baby Learning
Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Activity Center
Hands down…this one is at the top of my list!
I purchased this one for my daughter and it was a big hit.
At first glance, it looks pretty simple which is what you want when selecting a great toy that will help your baby play and learn.
This toy grows with your child and allows for height adjustments so you can make sure it is the right size for your little one.
Your baby can use it with the seat, stand, and play, and use it as a drawing table once they are older.
This table folds down into a pretty compact size which is great when it comes time to store it (check out how small this thing gets!)
This activity center allows your baby to work on gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive skills in a safe and simple way.
It has removable toys which makes it a versatile high quality play table.
Which is EXACTLY what you want when purchasing a toy for your baby.
I saw this as the best activity center to get the most bang for my buck!
You can check it out HERE.
Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center
This is another great option for little ones for a variety of reasons.
This toy does make a few sounds with piano keys that light up and a hooting owl.
The toys are removable so you can pick and choose what is available for your child each time.
Why is this such a great feature?
Babies get bored with the same thing every time.
Put the toys in different places or just give them one at a time to focus on and switch to a new one once they lose interest.
It provides endless options.
The age range of this baby learning center is wonderful as well.
The manufacturer states that the recommended age range starts at 4 months.
Now you may not be able to tell from the picture above…but this is actually a 3 stage learning center.
You can place your baby in a seated position, or standing position, and then you can use it as an actual table once your child is old enough. (Click here to see what I mean!)
Another fun feature is there is a little window on the tray to that your baby can see their feet while they kick at the piano!
There is a nice foot platform where the baby can put their feet on which will help them to be in a good position.
ALEX Jr. Sound and Play Busy Table
This baby activity table wooden set is recommended for little ones 18 months and up.
It has wonderful options for fine motor play and lots of fun cause-and-effect toys for intellectual development.
This table is made from wood which is a huge perk in my eyes.
Wooden toys tend to be more durable and last a long time.
I love that it will last through multiple little ones and you will most likely be able to pass it along to another family in need when you are done with it.
One of the best features about this table is that if you have little friends over, there is room for them to play too.
You can take a closer look at it HERE.
Risks and Warnings
Activity tables can be a great way to keep your baby entertained because you need to get something done quickly.
However, your baby should spend the majority of their day playing with you on the floor or in other positions where they have the opportunity to move freely to explore positions and also do tummy time.
Whichever activity table you choose make sure to limit your baby’s time when inside of a baby jumpers, exersaucers, or activity seats.
Read more information about infant physical activity guidelines HERE.
Thinking about going with a baby walker? It is best to skip baby walkers altogether.
You can read Mayo Clinic’s recommendations on them HERE.
Drawbacks of Activity Tables
SOME activity tables can take up a lot of room.
You will want to pass on those and get one that is smaller or easy to store.
They can hinder development when used inappropriately. Don’t set your baby in one for long periods of time.
They are meant for short supervised play, they are not a baby sitter.
Baby Activity Center Age Recommendations
There is no general age recommendation for all baby activity centers.
Each infant activity center will have an age recommendation from the manufacturer.
Make sure to read the instructions that come with your baby activity table carefully to make sure your baby meets the correct height, weight, and age recommendations for the specific product.
I hope that you found this guide helpful and are able to find just what you are looking for!
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
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The Benefits of Baby Sign Language
The Best Social-Emotional Activities for Infants
Complete Guide to Infant Development 0-6 Months
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.