April 2007
Features to consider Stationary activity centers
Motion. Some activity centers offer merely a stationary seat. Others feature a seat that swivels 360 degrees, with springs that allow the unit to bounce when baby moves and create a rocking motion, which active babies may enjoy.
Stabilizers. These anchor the frame in a stationary position. They're a must to keep a rocking activity center from becoming too turbulent or if you want to feed your baby in her activity center. The stabilizers should seem sturdy. On one model we tested, the Graco Baby Einstein Discover and Play ($80), the stabilizers could release during use. The model otherwise rated highly, however. (See our Ratings, available to .)
Adjustable height. Many models offer legs that adjust to three heights, so the activity center can grow as your baby grows. The height of the play tray is the key. When the tray is at the proper height, your baby's feet will touch the floor, and her legs will be straight when she's seated. If your baby is on her tippy toes when she's seated, the tray is too high. If her knees are bent when she's seated, it's too low. You may have to adjust the legs (without your baby in it) every month or so, just to keep pace with your baby's growth.
Seat. More expensive models have cushy seat padding. Seat pads are often removable for machine washing, which is a plus. You might have to air-dry them, though. Check the care and maintenance requirements on the label or in the instruction manual.
Toys. All activity centers feature a play tray with attached interactive toys, such as a clicking or fun house mirror, a spinning stoplight, picture books, and bead toys along with lights, songs, sounds, and sometimes bilingual voices. To make these gizmos work, you'll need three AA or C batteries (not included), depending on the model. In general, more expensive models are loaded with exciting options and have lots of ways to bounce and rock so your baby feels like she's on the go. One activity center, the Intellitainer by Fisher-Price, which retails for $70, has a seat that slides back and forth and rotates 360 degrees. Babies can slide, spin, and turn the attached toys to activate a talking book, a singing school bus, a piano riff, and a trumpet solo, and learn letters, numbers, and colors.
Cup holder. A cup holder is part of the deal on many models, But during these early years, unlike during the soccer years or dance classes that may be ahead of you, your baby probably won't need to stay hydrated because of activity. Still, a little sippy cup action adds to the fun. But watch drinks around music and other buttons. If you've ever spilled a cup of coffee on your computer keyboard, you know liquids don't mix with electronics--even battery-powered ones.
Motion. Some activity centers offer merely a stationary seat. Others feature a seat that swivels 360 degrees, with springs that allow the unit to bounce when baby moves and create a rocking motion, which active babies may enjoy.
Stabilizers. These anchor the frame in a stationary position. They're a must to keep a rocking activity center from becoming too turbulent or if you want to feed your baby in her activity center. The stabilizers should seem sturdy. On one model we tested, the Graco Baby Einstein Discover and Play ($80), the stabilizers could release during use. The model otherwise rated highly, however. (See our Ratings, available to .)
Adjustable height. Many models offer legs that adjust to three heights, so the activity center can grow as your baby grows. The height of the play tray is the key. When the tray is at the proper height, your baby's feet will touch the floor, and her legs will be straight when she's seated. If your baby is on her tippy toes when she's seated, the tray is too high. If her knees are bent when she's seated, it's too low. You may have to adjust the legs (without your baby in it) every month or so, just to keep pace with your baby's growth.
Seat. More expensive models have cushy seat padding. Seat pads are often removable for machine washing, which is a plus. You might have to air-dry them, though. Check the care and maintenance requirements on the label or in the instruction manual.
Toys. All activity centers feature a play tray with attached interactive toys, such as a clicking or fun house mirror, a spinning stoplight, picture books, and bead toys along with lights, songs, sounds, and sometimes bilingual voices. To make these gizmos work, you'll need three AA or C batteries (not included), depending on the model. In general, more expensive models are loaded with exciting options and have lots of ways to bounce and rock so your baby feels like she's on the go. One activity center, the Intellitainer by Fisher-Price, which retails for $70, has a seat that slides back and forth and rotates 360 degrees. Babies can slide, spin, and turn the attached toys to activate a talking book, a singing school bus, a piano riff, and a trumpet solo, and learn letters, numbers, and colors.
Cup holder. A cup holder is part of the deal on many models, But during these early years, unlike during the soccer years or dance classes that may be ahead of you, your baby probably won't need to stay hydrated because of activity. Still, a little sippy cup action adds to the fun. But watch drinks around music and other buttons. If you've ever spilled a cup of coffee on your computer keyboard, you know liquids don't mix with electronics--even battery-powered ones.
