If your little one is sitting up and even standing on her own, a baby activity table is the perfect toy to entertain her at this stage. While there are many different kinds of activity tables for babies, most are small table-shaped toys that are the perfect height for a baby in the 9- to 18-month age range.
Some have toys all the way around the table, as well as on the sides, and some just have toys on the top for your baby to play with. When it comes to toys, you can choose one that is battery-powered or one that isn’t, depending on what your baby loves to play with.
These tables will keep your baby entertained, but they can also get her up off the floor. “Look for a table that can transition from the floor to standing easily, typically with removable legs. Initially, they can use it on the ground and then it will encourage standing,” shares Melissa Hyslop, the owner of Munch Mitt and a toy inventor.
Thinking about adding a baby activity table to your baby registry? Take a tip from the team at Gugu Guru, an online personalized baby registry. They suggest putting one on your registry as a “nice to have” item, rather than a “must-have” pick.
A baby activity table does take up space and won’t be used until your baby is 6 to 8 months old, so if you have a small home or little storage at home, you should hold off on registering for one,” suggests the Gugu Guru team. While these activity tables might all look the same, there are a few differences that vary from table to table that you should consider before you buy.
Here are eight baby activity tables to check out:
- ALEX Junior My Busy Town Wooden Activity Cube
This baby activity table from ALEX Toys has fun on the top for stand-up play, as well as activities on all four sides for play when your little one is sitting down or just learning to stand.
- Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table
For homes that are tight on space, this Baby Einstein play table is on the smaller side. It also features activities and songs in three different languages — English, Spanish and French.
- B Kids 3-in-1 Twinkling Table Trolley
Families who are looking for an activity table that will grow with their baby will appreciate the features of this one from B Kids. Start it as a play table that sits on the floor, then transform it into a stand-up table as she grows and eventually into a walking table when she’s on the move!
- Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Puppy and Friends Learning Table
Recommended for babies 6-months-old and up, this table from Fisher-Price has larger buttons and toys than most tables, making it a good option for babies on the younger side of play.
- Kidoozie Sights and Sounds Splash Table
Willing to get wet when you play? Your baby certainly is, and this Kidoozie activity table makes splashing in the water extra fun with toys, lights, sounds and songs that are all water-friendly.
- ALEX Junior Sounds and Play Baby Activity Center
If you’re looking for a wood play table, rather than one made from plastic, this ALEX Toys pick is a great option for your little ones. Recommended for kids 18 months and up, it is full of fun that won’t overstimulate your baby, allowing him to make the noises and sounds himself rather than by pushing a button.
- Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Table
This activity table from Manhattan Toy is quite the show stopper! Designed to look like a tree house, its toys go up and up so that your baby is encouraged to stand and reach those little arms up to grab the highest toys. The top of the table is 22.5 inches tall.
- VTech iDiscover App Activity Toy Table
Babies who are already obsessed with Mom and Dad’s tech devices will be in love with this option from VTech. You can snap your iPad into the hard plastic protective case and attach it to the table itself for countless hours (er, minutes) of fun.
Looking for more baby toy ideas? Read Choosing the Best Baby Play Mat for Your Infant.
Katie Kavulla is a mom of three who has successfully survived the baby toys stage. You can find her on her website, bellingFAM.