As you emerge from the newborn stage of parenting, you may wonder what to do now that baby seems content to entertain himself for a few moments. Should you shower? Work? Sneak in some self-care?
The options are endless for the parent with a precious few free moments, but how can you be sure your little one is safely occupied? An activity center—an immobile seat with a tray of toys—is a great way to keep your busy baby learning about their world while you take a break.
How to Know if Your Baby is Ready for an Activity Center
Around 4 months old, your little one starts to behave less like a newborn and more like, well, a baby. Most baby activity centers are appropriate for curious babies who can hold their heads up on their own, around 4-6 months. All activity centers will have a weight limit to ensure your baby can play safely as they test their motor functions and cognition by batting at toys, bouncing, and more.
It is worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages too much time in activity centers because they inhibit motor skill development, so you want to be sure you aren’t leaving your baby in a seat all day long or neglecting tummy time. Putting your little one in an activity center so you can shower, check your email, or get something done, however, is unlikely to cause them any permanent harm. Set up the activity center somewhere you can easily supervise your baby and try to limit the time inside the activity center seat to 15 minutes and a couple times a day.
What to Look for in a Baby Activity Center
The AAP presents stationary walkers or baby activity centers as “a better choice” for parents than baby walkers for safety reasons. So, as you peruse activity center options for your little one, keep in mind that stationary play centers are safer than ones with wheels. I know those wheeled walkers were a mainstay of many of our own childhood memories, but for modern-day parents, stick to the stationary versions.
There are several key features to consider as you select the center that best fits your family’s lifestyle:
- Weight limit. Before buying, peek at the weight limit of the activity center. Some popular activity center options have a weight limit of 25lbs, which many babies will hit early. Keep an eye on the weight limit to ensure you get your money’s worth, especially if you have a chunky monkey baby.
- Portability. If your baby travels often between houses, or doesn’t have a designated play space, you may want to consider an activity center that can be easily folded up and stored.
- Convertible. Some activity centers are designed to convert to walkers, tables, or push strollers. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, consider an activity center that can adapt to your baby’s developmental milestones.
- Height adjustments. Babies grow quickly, so many activity centers have options for adjusting the height of their toy trays. The more height adjustments an activity center has, the longer your baby will be able to use it.
- Removable toys. Removable toys can be very handy for encouraging tummy time and bonus: they can also be much easier to clean than toys that are stuck to an activity center’s tray.
Our Picks for the Best Baby Activity Center
Best Non-Convertible Activity Centers
The Fisher Price Roarin’ Rainforest Jumperoo
The Fisher Price Roarin’ Rainforest Jumperoo is an instant classic in the world of stationary baby activity centers. It’s easy to assemble and boasts colorful, textured toys and playful sounds to keep your little one safely engaged. Bear in mind, though, that the 25-pound weight limit means that some babies will grow out of this center faster than others.
With a machine-washable seat cover for the occasional diaper overflow and easy-to-fold mental legs for portability, the Roarin’ Rainforest Jumperoo will definitely meet your baby’s expectations for excitement. It also features:
- Plenty of excitement with lights, sounds, and music
- Three different height adjustments
- Dimensions: 27″ x 27″ x 8″
“My baby has LOVED this since I first put him in it around 3 months old. Now he’s a year old and STILL loves this jumper. It’s a great peace of mind for me if I need to run upstairs, etc. because I know he’s safely in one place (not crawling getting into everything!) and he loves to jump.” –Buy Buy Baby Buyer review
Two considerations to keep in mind with this activity center is that some parents have found it difficult to get baby in and out of and weight a weight limit of 25 pounds, it may not be the best fit for larger babies.
Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper
This beautiful, sea-themed activity center is sure to be a hit for any baby due to the variety of colorful toys. The Neptune Discovery offers plenty of interactivity for baby and even comes with hooks so you can swap out toys to keep things interesting. With a 360-degree rotating seat, baby can make their way around the sea of toys offered by this stationary jumper. This activity center also features a removable Neptune turtle toy that plays music and sounds, which your little one can enjoy on the go or when they outgrow the jumper.
We love the underwater theme of this jumper and the versatility it offers with toys that you can swap out for ones your baby loves best. A few other must-know details:
- Detachable Musical Neptune turtle toy with 3 languages of numbers and colors to encourage motor activity
- Dimensions: 32” x 32” x 33.13”
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
- 4 adjustable height positions
“This has been the best thing we have ever bought our kid. He absolutely loves it, and it keeps him occupied so we can get things done. A complete life saver.”—Amazon buyer review
One possible drawback to the Neptune jumper is that it’s not foldable for easy storage and some buyers have reported limited jumping capability—definitely a consideration if you’re purchasing it solely for its jumping abilities.
Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper
Disney fans may love this bright, engaging activity center, but we can practically guarantee that their babies will love it more. Featuring familiar friends from the beloved Disney/Pixar film, baby will enjoy bouncing and playing even if she hasn’t seen the movie yet. The 360-swivel seat gives the baby plenty of toy options to ensure little ones are safely occupied as they just keep swimming.
Continuing the under-the-sea fun, you just can’t go wrong with Nemo and friends. This activity center also features a convenient 360-degree swivel seat, which trust us—your baby will figure out in astonishingly fast time. A few other key features to note:
- Lights and music
- 360-degree swivel seat
- Dimensions: 30.5” x 34.1” x 24.5”
- Weight Limit: 25 pounds
- 4 adjustable height positions
“My 5-month-old loves all the activities but loves the Squirt turtle the best. She holds Squirt’s fins and loves watching all the lights and music happen.”–– Amazon buyer review
Keep in mind that if you’re using this activity center with younger babies, some of the Items may be hard to reach for smaller babies. The toys can also be overstimulating to some younger babies. And one final drawback? This baby activity center is not collapsible, if you’re going to need storage capabilities.
Best Convertible Activity Centers
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Activity Center
If you’re looking for an activity center that can be customized for your baby’s needs, the Skip Hop Silver Lining Baby Activity Center is an adorable option for your little one’s entertainment. A “Discovery Window” on the tray lets your baby peek at the piano near their feet for some musical fun, and the three stages of adjustment for this center yield learning experiences even when your baby can get around on their own. This center converts to a table with a plastic chalkboard, meaning it will stick with your baby through their toddler years.
This play center really has it all, from a foot tray to interactive toys to a “whole body” play approach that promotes healthy development and encourages motor activity. And it has some gotta-love features:
- Converts to a play table and chalkboard
- Removable foot piano
- Toy attachment clips included for easy customization
- Dimensions: 31” x 31” x 18.50”
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
- Adjustable foot platform
“My favorite thing about it is that the activity toys, with the exception of the piano, can go anywhere there is a flat surface. The toys just hook no suction to the top which means it is very customizable to what your baby likes.”—Amazon buyer review
There’s a lot to love about this baby play center, but it’s also not collapsible for storage and there no springs for bouncing, so active babies may miss out.
Tiny Love 4-In-1- Here I Grow Activity Center
This 4-In-1 Activity Center by Tiny Love has 4 different “modes” baby can play in: swivel, push, bounce, and walk. This adjustable activity center is a great option for parents seeking a toy that can grow with their baby’s development as they start to move and explore. It collapses down for easy storage and the cover can be thrown in the wash in case of a mess. Because this center has wheels, it should be used with supervision via the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation for skipping baby walkers, but the lockable wheels ensure that baby can stay safely immobile while you get some work done.
This baby center is great for growing with your little one, because it has a weight limit of 30 pounds and 28 different activities in all. The seat rotates 360 degrees, folds for easy storage, and has lockable wheels in case you want to use the center as a mobile unit. Other key features include:
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Designed to promote seven developmental skills
- Machine-washable seat pad
- 6 toys
- Dimensions: 28″x 25.4″x 24″
- Weight limit: 30 pounds
- 3 height adjustments
“I love that it has a “brake” so that it is immovable, the height can be adjusted so it grows with your baby, and I love all the different activities to keep baby engaged. This is the walker you’ve been looking for.”–Buy Buy Baby buyer review
Some reviews report that it can be difficult for baby to jump or spin around in, which may be due to those locking wheels, so don’t overlook that feature before buying. Also, the unit itself is on the bulkier side.
Best Budget-Friendly Activity Centers
Evenflo Excersaucer
For parents and caregivers looking for a basic activity center, the Evenflo Exersaucer line offers affordable products that get the job done when it comes to keeping your baby occupied. With a 360-degree swivel seat and a variety of removable toys, the Exersaucer has all the necessities for a round of engaging play. You won’t find music or travel capabilities with these models, but with bright accessories and a space of their own to play, your baby won’t mind.
If you’re looking for a basic, no-fuss baby activity center, this Evenflo option offers the ability for quiet play, with no loud music or sound effects. And how cute is that cow print patterned seat? But even with throwing it back to the basics, you’ll still get convenient features like:
- Removable toys for easy cleaning
- 360-swivel seat
- Dimensions: 25 x 30 x 30”
- Weight limit: 26 pounds
- 3 height adjustments
“Was easy to put together. everything just clicks into place. Seems durable and baby seems to enjoy it for the most part.” Wal-Mart review
There is one drawback to this basic center—there’s no padding for baby’s seat and some parents noted that the plastic can be uncomfortable on baby’s feet.
Infantino Sit, Spin & Stand Entertainer 360 Seat and Activity Table
This Sit, Spin, and Stand Entertainer encourages your baby to swivel around in their seat as they interact with fun animal friends. For older babies outside of the weight limit, it converts to a play table and the animal friends come off of the tray for hours of rolling fun. The legs of this activity center fold up for easy storage and portability, and the base is easily removable.
Bright colors, an affordable price, and lots of versatility—what’s not to love with this baby activity center? Your little one will love checking out all the animal friends in this table and with a palm tree toy, you might just be able to pretend you’re relaxing on the beach yourself. Ahhhh….
- Converts to play table
- Plays music
- Detachable roller animals
- Dimensions: 25”x27”x27”
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
- 3 height adjustments
“When researching different options, I wanted one that could transport easily, looked sturdy, and had longevity to grow with our lil one. And the Infantino sit, spin, & stand delivers on all of them! High recommend!”—Buy Buy Baby review
As far as cons go, there is no bounce to the seat and some reviewers report quality issues with the base, so be on the lookout because stability is key.
Best Musical Activity Centers
Fisher Price 4-In-1 Step’n’ Play Piano
Mini musicians will get a head start with this engaging Step’ n Play Piano. Featuring a keyboard mat that is removable for tummy time play, this activity center can change from a swivel seat for baby to a standing table with a keyboard piano. Get ready for many jam sessions, as you can switch between short play and long play modes to accommodate your growing baby’s attention span.
It’s a keyboard! It’s a baby activity center! It’s both! We can promise your baby will love all the musical fun with this center, but don’t worry: you can also turn off the musical features if you’re just not feeling the tunes today. A few other features to note:
- Removable musical keyboard mat
- Comes with several different instruments: drums, microphone, tambourine rattles, and guitar
- Removable and machine-washable seat pad
- Dimensions: 28.35 x 31.50 x 22.44”
- Adjustable seat height
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
“We wanted someplace for our son to be able to sit and play safely to leave us hands free for a bit. This piano activity center has done the job great.”—Amazon review
The musical options of this activity center are a huge plus, but if you plan on moving around a lot with this one, some parents have found this seat to be a bit on the bulky side, so it’s not as easily portable.
Best Travel Activity Centers
KidCo GoPod Portable Activity Seat
For traveling families, outdoor enthusiasts, or parents who have to fold laundry in another room, the KidCo GoPod Portable Activity Seat can keep your baby entertained anywhere. With a carrying bag and easy folding and unfolding, this activity center can keep your baby upright for playtime in any kind of situation. There are no toys included, but there are loops attached so you can hook on your baby’s favorite toys, and it is very lightweight for caregivers to carry around. Bonus: it’s super affordable, so you may be able to buy another center for home too.
This portable activity center is great on its own, but it’s also especially useful outdoors when you need to get some fresh air—maybe you’re a camping family or maybe you just want a place to put the baby when you go to the park, but either way, this pop-up pod is super handy. You’ll also need to know some key details:
- Foldable and portable
- Includes carrying bag
- Has snack and cup holders
- Dimensions: 24″ x 24″ x 19.5″
- Weight limit: 26 pounds
- 4 height positions
“This thing has been awesome and is by FAR the best bang for my buck of any baby item I have purchased. Clip different toys to it, stick things in the cups, fold it up and bring it camping or to grandma’s, bring it out in the yard, set it up in your kitchen and take it down when you don’t need to be tripping over it.”—Amazon review
If you pick this GoPOd up, just remember: there are no toys included in this seat and, some reviewers say their baby sinks down into the seat too much, so this may not be appropriate for small babies.
Summer Infant Pop’n’Jump Portable Activity Center
The Summer Infant Pop’N’Jump Activity center is lightweight and easy to take with you anywhere you go. As its name suggests, you simply pop it open when it’s time to play and let your baby jump to their heart’s content. Like the GoPod, the Summer Infant activity center is another portable option made for families on the go with its foldable design and travel pad. Unlike the GoPod, however, this center comes with toys and bright colors to keep little hands busy.
One step ahead of the GoPod, this Summer Infant activity center is perfect for outdoor fun and includes an extra step for summer safety with a UV-protective sun canopy. Plus, it’s sturdy enough and has plenty of colorful entertainment and toys to use both indoors and out. The details:
- Easy fold/unfold setup
- UV canopy
- Travel bag included
- Dimensions: 9.4” x 9.7” x 31.3”
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
- 3 height adjustments
“Awesome product, especially for the price. It is sturdy and very easy to adjust as they grow.”—Amazon review
While convenient, one con to keep in mind is that some parents have found that the mat can be slippery and difficult for their babies to stand on.
Best Minimalist Activity Center
Oribel PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center
If you’ve grown weary of baby toys with flashing lights and music that gets stuck in your head a, the award-winning Oribel Portaplay Activity Center will give you some peace and your baby some quality playtime. This center was designed to create meaningful play while saving space—it easily folds up for storage and portability. Every toy included with this activity center has an educational purpose and its stylish design is less flashy and more modern-looking than other activity centers.
Truly Mama editor and mom of five Chaunie Brusie swears by this beloved baby activity center for her youngest child. “It’s the perfect combination of engaging toys and simple design so it doesn’t overpower our space,” she says. “My baby is 17 months and still using the center as a play table!”
Some key features of the table Brusie loves are:
- Converts to play table
- Foldable
- Removable toys
- Machine-washable snap-on seat
- Simple, engaging toys
- Includes bowl for snack-holding
- Dimensions: 26.77 x 26.77 x 18.11 inches
- Weight limit: 25 pounds
- 4 height adjustments
- Allows freedom for baby to bounce on floor
“This activity center is very well constructed and the toys are educational as well as entertaining.”—Amazon review
There aren’t any flashy toys or glitzy gadgets with this seat, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a lot of technology-enhanced entertainment for your baby.
Smart Activity Center Pick
Baby Einstein 2-in-1 Lights & Sea Activity Gym and Saucer
This Baby Einstein 2-in-1 activity center converts to a baby play gym and a true activity center with a removable toy bar! The toy bar features a mirror that can also connect to your smartphone so your baby can watch a video or look at pictures as well as play with the colorful toys included. This convertible activity center offers engaging ways to help parents meet AAP’s guidelines for tummy time as they balance out their little one’s saucer playtime.
With one activity center, you’ll get two ways to entertain your baby: choose a baby play gym on the floor or an activity center your baby can sit in. There’s plenty of fun, with light-up toy bars and three different language capabilities. You can also add your own toys with 4 spare link loops. Here’s what else you need to know:
- Connects to Baby Einstein video content
- Removable toy bar for activity mat or saucer play
- Music and flashing lights
- Dimensions: 30”x 28.5”x 32”
- Weight Limit: 30 pounds
- 3 height adjustments
“He is only 3 months old but he loves it! We can even put the Einstein videos on the phone and put them on for him using the aux cord!!”—Amazon review
While a unique seat, some parents have noted that the plastic seat is very hard and other reviewers have reported that the toys break easily.
Luxury Activity Center Pick
Crate and Barrel Deep Space Baby Activity Chair
Crate and Barrel’s beautifully designed Deep Space Baby Activity Center offers a soft and engaging play tray for your future astronaut. The deep navy color brings an accent to any room and the embroidered, labeled planets create a learning opportunity for babies. Although the chair offers little in terms of portability and adjustments, its comfortable seat and well-crafted appearance is sure to appease your space explorer.
Move aside boring plastic activity centers, this activity chair is in a whole new dimension. Inspired by space, you will be able to launch your little one’s imagination with embroidered planets and toys and plenty of fun, all while they stay comfortable. What you’ll get:
- Comfortable chair
- Embroidered planets and toys
- Removable tray
- Dimensions: 22″Wx13″H
- Recommended for 3-9 months
- No height adjustments
“My little one loves it and keeps him occupied with all the different textures & sounds the planets make when he touches them.”—Crate and Barrel review
Along with not being adjustable for height, this activity chair is spot clean only, so throwing the seat in the washing machine won’t be an option with this center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are activity centers good for babies?
Activity centers can be a great way to introduce babies to new skills like motor control, cause and effect, and more. But be sure to practice moderation and watch if your baby gets overstimulated by too many toys, lights, and sounds.
Are activity jumpers bad for babies?
The AAP discourages too much time in activity centers because they inhibit motor skill development, so don’t leave your baby in one for an extended period of time. You may want to consider a wide range of different ways to entertain your baby, like using a baby carrier or baby swing instead.
