Small child in an activity center

Baby activity centers buying guide

These all-in-one, molded-plastic play stations typically resemble traditional walkers but without the wheels, which makes them a less risky way for your baby to have fun and get a little exercise.

Shopping tips

Do your in-store research

Look for a sturdy frame, no accessible sharp edges or hardware underneath or on top, comfortable soft fabric edging on the sides and legs of the seat cushions, and well-designed, well-secured toys for little hands. The seat should swivel smoothly without any hitches, and there should be no gaps in the rim between the edge of the swivel mechanism and the tray. Such gaps could capture small fingers. If the activity center's bottom is a saucer, its flip-down braces, which prevent it from rocking, should be sturdy.

Look for an activity center that folds if you want to take it along when you travel or if you need the extra room. We know of at least four that do, all from Evenflo: the ExerSaucer SmartSteps Active Learning Center (a tested model), the ExerSaucer Mega Active Learning Center, the ExerSaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center, and the ExerSaucer 1-2-3 Tea for Me Active Learning Center. Practice collapsing display models in the store, if possible, to make sure that the folding mechanism works well.

More isn't always better

Most activity centers offer activities that attract a baby's attention and promote her developing motor skills, including electronic toys, lights, sounds, songs, and a rotating seat. One of the most-fully loaded we found, the Baby Sit & Step 2-in-1 Activity Center by Kolcraft ($100; www.kolcraft.com), includes 20 activities and 9 toys, lights, music, and whimsical sounds, and a springy seat that also spins and rocks. One with fewer gadgets and toys, the Bright Starts Bounce Bounce Baby Activity Zone ($39.99; www.brightstarts.com), has only five toys, plus an electronic piano with lights and six melodies. Depending on the baby, that might be enough to keep her busy.

You'll pay more for a high-octane model, but more isn't always better. Although many babies enjoy a wide range of options, some find all that motion, sound, and light too stimulating. So go with an activity center with fewer bells and whistles—in other words, at the lower end of the price spectrum—if you suspect that your baby doesn't have a multitasking temperament.

 
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