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- Introduction
- Play Mats and Gyms{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Seated Activity Centers{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
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Baby Activity Centers links
Seated play centers and play mats provide entertainment and developmental activities for children up to 2 years of age. While play mats are typically designed for babies up to 1 year old, seated play stations are recommended for tots from 4 to 6 months old or until babies are able to stand or walk on their own. Upper age limits tend to be a bit murky due in part to the wide variation in ages when children learn to walk. For safety purposes many manufacturers place weight and height restrictions on their products, generally 30 pounds and 30 to 32 inches.
A special section on walking can be found at BabyCenter.com, which outlines the process a child goes through when learning to walk and at what age parents can expect different developmental milestones to be reached.
Activity centers can aid in the development of gross and fine motor skills.
A detailed article on SolveYourProblem.com, "A Proud Parent's Guide
to Your Newborn Baby's First Year," provides thorough information
about this topic.
The Parents.com article "Tummy Time" discusses the importance of placing a child on his belly to promote healthy development, something play mats can be useful for.
BabyGizmo.com provides a comprehensive buyer's guide to activity centers, including a breakdown of the most important features and what to look for.
A thread on CafeMom.com's Daily Buzz blog discusses exersaucers and stationary activity centers, including the assertion by some experts that activity centers are bad for a baby's posture. Readers also comment on whether their baby enjoyed a seated play center.
Manufacturers generally don't place an upper age limit on stationary entertainers. Instead, they say these products shouldn't be used once a child is able to stand or walk. The BabyCenter.com article "Baby Milestones" includes charts for various age ranges that can help parents determine typical ages at which different skills are accomplished.
BabyCenter.com also has a forum thread related to baby activity centers and jumperoos.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against using baby walkers and recommends safer alternatives, including stationary activity centers.
TheToyZone.com posts an article describing the features of activity centers and offering tips for safety.
ConsumerGuide.com offers buying advice in their article "Baby Activity Center, Swing and Play Yard Buying Guide."
Manufacturers' websites can also be a useful source for finding specific product details:
Learning Curve (Lamaze)
