For me, my child is the apple of my eye. Every moment I create and spend with them is precious and cherishable for years to come. However, at the same time, I find that they can be difficult to engage.
Therefore, my wife and I began hunting for tools that can keep our child engaged and attentive. One such tool that I found quite helpful in keeping our baby occupied at a stretch is an activity table. Activity tables are designed in a way wherein they provide numerous activities that can stimulate endless hours of learning.
However, I found that the search for the best baby activity table is an exhaustive and daunting task. With quite a few options to select, the entire process can get quite confusing and difficult to find the right fit for your child.
Therefore, I have gathered all the information you’ll ever need to find the best activity table for your child. Below are some of the top competitors in the market, as well as a few important factors to keep an eye out for when shopping for the best baby play table.
7 Fun Baby Activity Tables
1. Costzon Kids Table and 2 Chair Set
Topping the list as the best baby activity table is the Costzon Kids Table and 2 Chair set available in a beautiful mint green shade. This kids’ activity set includes a durable table and two rigid chairs, making it a perfect tool for tea parties, etc.
When I explored this activity set for my child, I found that the table has four unique storage boxes located underneath the table. You can use these storage boxes to store toys, stationery, snacks, or whatever your kid wishes to keep on their personalized activity table.
In terms of weight, the table weighs roughly around 176 pounds, ensuring your kids a safe and happy playtime.Furthermore, when purchasing the best baby activity table, it is essential to consider the table’s material. This table consists of a non-toxic and durable plastic material that is safe for your children to use.
One thing that I loved about this particular activity set is the handles present on the chairs. They are easy to use and hold. With the inclusion of the lift handle on the chairs, I can quickly and conveniently relocate the chairs as per the situation.
Overall, this is the perfect activity table for creating a study environment for your child or a fun and exciting game station.
2. LeapFrog Learn And Groove Musical Table
The next best activity table is the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical table available in the green shade. If you are on the hunt for a gift for your little one, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Designed to be an interactive and fun musical toy, this will keep your child entertained for long hours. Also, at the same time, it will help to boost their fine motor skills and give them an insight into the phenomenon of cause and effect.
The thing that caught my eye was the overall design and appearance of the activity kit. When I saw the kit, I was pleased with the inclusion of vibrant colors and lights, which would help boost the overall experience for my child.
Plus, it also includes peppy numbers to get your child grooving. Amongst such classics are nursery rhymes like The ABC Song, Old McDonald Had A Farm, and my personal favorite, Pop Goes the Weasel. All you have to do is push, pull, spin, or slide the required lever to access the entire collection of sounds.
The whole body is composed of a robust, durable plastic that can handle anything and everything. If you were to take a closer look at the construction of the activity set, you would find that the table comes with four legs that you can attach to accommodate your child’s height.
However, the only negative I have with this particular activity table is that the table’s legs are quite flimsy. Even though the entire unit is durable, I felt that legs are weak, but they are not a problem if your child doesn’t know how to walk. However, once they learn to walk, the table may trip over if they collide with it.
Overall, I find this activity table to be interactive, versatile, adaptable, and very easy to use for both your child and parents.
3. Bright Starts Having A Ball Get Rollin’ Activity Table
When hunting for the best learning table, you should include the Bright Starts Having A Ball Get Rollin’ activity table on your shopping list. Extolled for its various languages and modes, this can engage your child and keep them entertained for hours.
The unique feature about this particular table is that it includes a distinct ball game in it. When your child places balls into the center of the table, they tend to drop down through the ramps.
Apart from the ball games, this particular activity table incorporates spinning toys, lights, and buttons that you can use to activate a plethora of sounds and music.
The thing I found helpful is that you can operate the toy in four different languages. This makes it extremely useful for those children whose first language is not English. This toy is an excellent tool for children whose native language is French, German, English, and even Spanish.
Due to this nature, it is a perfect addition to bilingual homes. In addition, you can use it to teach your child a different language at a very young age.
However, like a coin has two sides, this particular activity table does have a few flaws, which can hinder the final decision.
Firstly, there are not a lot of motor activities included within the toy. This can reduce your child’s ability to boost their motor skills.
Plus, the balls may tend to get lost, which may add to additional costs for the constant purchase of the toy balls.
In a nutshell, if you are on the colossal journey to find the best activity table for a one-year-old, then you should check this one out the next time you go shopping.
4. Dahuniu Baby Toys 6 – 12 Months
My eyes couldn’t get enough of looking, and so in my quest to satisfy my urge for baby tables, I came across the Dahuniu Baby Toy 6 to 12 Months Activity Table.
The Dahuniu Baby Activity Center has colorful lights with classic music and other activities that will encourage your baby to play for hours. It also contains educational fun features for your baby to help your kid learn about numbers, shapes, and colors.
Another wonderful feature is that your baby can use the toy in two ways. You remove the activity center table legs, and your baby can use the top piece as a floor play toy.
The dimensions are perfect, making it a wonderful piece for 6 to 12 months babies. The table is made of non-toxic sturdy ABS plastic, making it durable and safe for the baby.
5. VTech Sit-To-Stand Learn and Discover Table
As I checked around for a table that will provide maximum fun to a baby, I came across this pink-legged gem with a white top play area. The features got me excited, and I had to take a deeper look.
Although this baby table is similar in appearance to the Dahuniu Baby Activity Centre, it allows for better interaction. One of the similar features is that you can remove the table legs and have a floor toy for your baby.
The distinguishing features are that the Vtech has light-up piano keys and an interactive book. There is an attached phone on which the baby can pretend to be talking while pressing the piano keys. The sound effects and light-up patterns will get your child curious and lead them to discover more.
The learn and discover table will introduce your baby to letters, numbers, shapes, colors, greetings, and time concepts that will help refine motor skills.
6. Mellisa & Doug Jungle Activity Table
Slippery leaves, cracking branches, and the smooth feeling of the bamboo would describe the jungle feeling. But you cant take a baby to a real jungle not unless they were born there.
Thus, the Mellisa & Doug Jungle Activity Table has a jungle theme design that will keep your baby entertained. At the same time, it has features that will help build on important developmental skills like motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The activity table is a sturdy wooden toy that ensures stability, safety, and durability. The features are made of high-quality materials.
The kids get inspired by the bright colors, bold patterns, and fancy design. The table has beautifully designed imaginative features that can turn, roll, spin, flip, and slide.
Thus, with eight different hands-on activities, your child’s happiness is guaranteed, and hence it is a product to look out for. NBC News has described it as “ The gold standard in early childhood play.”
7. Lamaze 3-in-1 Airtivity Centre
Innovation is key to development as it brings about new products or improves the existing ones. The Lamaze 3-in-1 Airtivity Centre is one unique product that has already bagged an award from JPMA.
It is a 3-in-1 toy that can be a floor play toy for babies learning to sit and a learning toy to help babies stand and walk. It also features a unique design with air-powered play hence the name ‘Airtivity.’
Be sure that your child’s visual development, tactile processing, fine and gross motor skills, together with problem-solving skills, are well-taken care of.
Other features include a fun fishtail flip, spinning starfish, and floating sea creatures.
Be on the lookout for this distinctive baby table as it will provide your kid with all the happiness.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing The Best Baby Activity Table
Finding the best baby activity table is not an easy task. With an array of options to choose from, finding the right one for you can be quite difficult.
Therefore, below are a few important factors to think about when hunting for the best learning tables.
1. Age
The first and foremost factor to ponder upon is the age of your child. Parents should note that baby learning tables are manufactured based on their child’s age. Each activity and toy is designed to meet certain milestones of children.
Therefore, you can choose that activity table that allows you to adapt to the growing requirements of your child.
2. Design
Another important factor to think about is the design of the activity table. A helpful tip would be to purchase a colorful and child-friendly activity table. I found a trapezoidal design quite helpful for my child.
The main advantage of this design is that it guarantees individuals stability and endurance.
Another important element to think about is the aesthetic appearance of the activity table. You would want to purchase that table that uses a lot of patterns, animals, cartoons, textures to create a multi-sensory experience for your child.
3. Materialistic Composition
When purchasing the best baby activity table, it is important to consider the materialistic composition for the table.
Try looking for that model that makes use of non-toxic, superior quality plastic. This can ensure that the product is safe to be used by your baby and guarantee parents durability and rigidity.
4. Safety
For any parent, the safety of their child is their top priority. Hence, I felt it is important to think about the safety of the activity table when shopping for the best baby play table.
An important rule to follow is to choose that activity table that is tested and satisfies all the required safety standards. As a parent, you need to ensure that the product doesn’t have any sharp edges, as they could cause injuries to your baby.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is important to look for non-toxic materials. For easier and effective shopping, you can keep an eye out for various symbols, trademarks, certifications, etc.
5. Fun-Filled Activities
The main objective of an activity table should be to instill fun and excitement in your child. One way you can achieve this is to include several fun-filled activities. These activities will help boost your child’s cognitive and mental skills.
Furthermore, it should be designed wherein these activities will contribute to the development of your child’s motor skills.
6. Light And Sound Features
Although this is not a primary feature, the addition of light and sound can boost the overall experience for your child obtained from the toy. Therefore, as a parent, you must ensure that you regularly check the light and sound features of the activity table.
Your main motive should be that the activity table can produce cheerful, happy sounds, soothing tunes, classical melodies, and phrases.
In addition, the lighting feature should be boosted by the sound effects. These features will aid in stimulating your child’s senses and will attract their attention.
7. Sturdy Legs
Apart from the design of the activity table, it would help if you also thought about the legs of the table. You need to ensure that they are sturdy and durable and can withstand anything and everything.
Benefits Of Activity Tables For Babies
Activity tables are a great asset to your home! Not only are they easy to use and fun, but also, they tend to provide immense benefits for both you and your little one.
Below are some of the benefits of activity tables for babies.
1. Cognitive Development
Firstly, activity tables aid in the cognitive development of the child. With the help of activity tables, babies can gain a perspective over a range of topics.
These include language development, colors, shapes, letters, numbers, problem-solving, general knowledge, and comprehension.
Below are some ways a baby can have an advantage in their cognitive development through activity or learning tables.
Cause And Effect
The first thing they will learn is the relationship between cause and effect. Your child can understand that when they do or perform any action, they will get a reaction.
For example, if a light starts flashing at the push of a button, it probably won’t take that long for your child to realize and have an understanding that they can push that button whenever they wish to see the light.
Music
Did you know that classical music has a significant impact on our cognitive development? No wonder young children seem to respond positively to this soothing harmony of tunes.
Moreover, music is highly regarded for the benefit of stimulating the body and the mind. With the help of sounds and rhythms, individuals can involve both their mind and body.
Numbers And Letters
Activity tables often include a feature wherein children can hear sounds that state a particular number or letter at the push of a button.
Even though some tables don’t or produce any lights or sounds at the push of a button, they have these letters and numbers printed on the table itself. This way, the child can point out each letter or number and say it aloud.
Colors
My favorite part about the best learning tables for babies is the inclusion of colors. Many children love vibrant colors, which are often featured on activity tables.
Besides, some battery-powered activity tables teach children the names of various colors by saying that color’s name at the push of the button.
2. Physical Development
In addition to improving their cognitive skills, babies can also improve their physical skills through activity tables. In other words, they can boost their motor skills.
Motor skills, in their primary sense, are physical movements that demand strength and coordination. They can further be classified into gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Gross Motor Skills
The first category of motor skills is gross motor skills. These are physical movements that ask your child to coordinate their larger muscle groups in their body. Some gross motor skills include walking, dancing, standing, clapping hands, or even sitting.
Fine Motor Skills
On the other hand, we have fine motor skills. These are designed to cover the more intricate actions.
These actions demand your child to use both their hands and fingers to boost their hand-to-eye coordination.
Some fine motor skills include pinching, pushing buttons, grasping, or even turning a thing over in their hands.
Not only do babies grow cognitively through the integration of activity tables, but there are numerous benefits in visual perception, self-awareness, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills.
Activity tables help stimulate movement, which helps improve and strengthen specific muscles in your child’s body.
3. Creating A Fun Environment
The last but not the least benefit of using activity tables for your baby is that they help create a fun and exciting environment for your child. The primary purpose of activity tables is to provide a happy educational experience that is fun and proactive.
Therefore, activity tables help encourage your child’s development in all spheres and keep them engaged for long hours to come.
Overall, an activity table is the best way to grasp and hold your baby’s attention while they are playing and learning. This way, you can attend to other personal tasks, such as completing household chores, etc.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is pretty apparent that a baby activity table is an excellent tool for enhancing your child’s growth and development.
Therefore, when searching for the best baby activity table, it is vital to think about a few aspects that will guide you in your final decision.
These include the age of your child, the design of the activity table itself, the materialistic composition, the safety of the table, as well as the inclusion of additional features, such as lights, sounds, and colors.
To help you find the right activity table for you and your child, I would sincerely recommend you try some of the models mentioned above of tables as they are the best out of the entire lot when shopping for the best learning table for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Best Activity Table For A Baby?
One of the commonly asked questions amongst newborn parents is what are some of the best learning tables for babies. If you are on the hunt to find the best learning table, you can try some of the models mentioned above.
In addition to that, you can also try the Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table, Little Tikes 3-in-1 Switcharoo activity table, or even the Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity center.
2. Are Activity Tables Good For Babies?
Another grappling question for newborn parents is whether activity tables do any good to their child’s growth and development. Well, the answer to that is yes. Activity tables have numerous benefits for babies.
Firstly, they are a great way to stimulate their needs and enhance their cognitive and physical skills.
Plus, they can help keep your baby engaged for long hours while you catch up on other work such as chores without having to worry about your child constantly.
3. What Age Is An Activity Table For?
Ideally, an activity table is best for children from 5 to 12 months to 5 years. After that, children can look for other toys that help them reach milestones required for that age.
