Best Exersaucers and Activity Centers for Kids

Having a child is one of the biggest responsibilities ever. You have to feed them, look after them, etc. When your child is just a little baby, you have to have your eyes glued onto them all the time, and sometimes it can get a bit difficult. The whole process of taking care of your child and all is very much and interesting, but there will be times where you would just want to do something else, maybe take a phone call, or send an important email, in such situations you may find handling your baby and doing the task to be a bit impossible. Thus, that is why the scientists have come together and made something called Exersaucer or an activity center.

Now, if you are reading this article, then you are already on the hunt for an exersaucer. You must also be really confused by the multiple different options that are available in the market. So, today we will be providing all the information you require before buying your first exersaucers and activity centers for kids.

An Exersaucer is a stationary play center for your baby, that has a round base and an elevated seat for your child to sit. An exersaucer is similar to a walker but in this case, your baby’s feet do not touch the ground. The main goal of an exersaucer is to let your baby remain upright while playing or during the day in general.

A baby activity center is different from an exersaucer. An activity center is just a table that has various toys attached all over the surface, so children can walk around them and play with them from every angle.

Now, you can either buy an activity center or an activity table depending on your child’s needs. We will be listing the best exersaucers and activity tables that are available in the market.

There are some things that you should keep in mind before purchasing an activity center or an exersaucer. The first and important thing to check is the size. If the exersaucer is a bit big in size it won’t be much of an issue, but if it is small, then your child will not fit in the exersaucer and the product will be of no use. Next, you have to look at the quality of the exersaucer and the activity center and also check the build of the product, if the product is not sturdy enough, then when you place your child in it, there is a high chance the exersaucer or even the table could tip over. Also, try and keep a budget for the exersaucer or the activity center, because the last thing you want to do is buy an overpriced exersaucer or activity center. Other things such as the total weight the exersaucer can carry and the different features it has should all be kept in mind before purchasing one.

Features to consider

• Toys – There are some exersaucers and activity centers that come with a variety of toys, you will have to assess and examine each and every single one of them and find out what type of toys they come with. Some will have musical instruments attached to them, some may have cartoon toys. So check each activity center carefully before buying it.
• Music and Lights – Try to get an activity center or an exersaucer that makes a sound and creates some sort of light, because this will most definitely keep your child entertained for hours and hours, and I can guarantee you that they will never get bored of it.
• Seat Rotation – Most of the activity saucers or chairs feature a seat that can be rotated 360-degrees. This will allow your child to explore different areas of the activity center, and also keep things interesting for them.
• Height Adjustability – Your child grows really fast, and you would want to get the most out of the exersaucer. In that case, get one in which the height can be adjusted, this will allow you to use the exersaucer for a longer period of time.
• Convertibility – Nowadays, most of the exersaucers are convertible, i.e., once your child outgrows the bouncy seat, the exersaucer can be converted into a table.
• Portability – There are some exersaucers that are built for the purpose of taking it along in your travels, but generally also try to find one that is lightweight in case you want to take it to a different room. So, portability and also lightweight is the last feature you need to consider.

Now, since we got all the boring details out of the way, let’s look at the top exersaucers and activity centers available in the market.

List of Best Exersaucers and Activity Centers for Kids

• Skip hop explore and more-3stage activity center
• Fisher-price rainforest jumperoo
• Exersaucer lightweight activity jumper, woodland wonder
• Infantino 2-in-1 seat and activity table
• Oribel portaplay convertible activity center
• Evenflo exersaucer bounce and learn
• Baby einstein neighborhood symphony jumper
• Jolly jumper baby exerciser
• Summer infant pop n jump portable activity jumper
• Bright starts 2-in-1 silly sunburst activity gym and saucer

Best Exersaucers and Activity Centers for Kids Review

Skip Hop Explore and More-3Stage Activity Center

The Skip Hop activity center is a product that is recommended by many parents. The activity center converts into a PlayStation and also as a toddler brand. The activity center will allow your kid to swivel, sway objects, and also the keyboard has an electronic keyboard that lights up and plays songs when they hit it with their hands. The activity center is extremely sturdy and is meant to last a long time. The seating position can be adjusted according to your child’s height. The activity center is suited for kids 4 months to 4 years and has 6 detachable toys. The only downside to this product is the color. Some may find the color to be too bright. If the color of the product is not a major issue for you, you can most definitely go for the Skip Hop activity center.

PROS:

• Comes with 6 fun toys
• Long-lasting

CONS:

• The color of the product can be off-putting

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

The Fisher-Price brand is a favorite among many parents, the brand is known for its quality and built of the products. The Rainforest jumperoo has a seat that can rotate 360-degree.  The activity center has toys at five different spots. The activity center also has a toy that is placed above your kid’s head, this will encourage them to grab and reach. The seat has soft spring covers which offer maximum comfort and also the fabric can be removed and washed in a machine. The jumperoo can be used until your kid is 25 pounds. The activity center can be folded, so storing it won’t be much of an issue.  However, this activity center does not have as many toys as it should for the price you are paying, but Fisher-price is a well-loved and well-known brand, so they do have the right to charge a small premium.

PROS:

• Fisher-Price is a well-known brand
• Quality is assured
• The built quality of the product is great
• Can be stored easily
• The seat is soft and comfortable

CONS:

• Price

ExerSaucer Zoo Friends Bouncing Activity Saucer

The only negative of the Fisher-Price exersaucer was that it was a bit too pricey. And it is totally understandable if parents do not want to spend a lot of money on an exersaucer because your child will anyways outgrow it. In those cases, the ExerSaucer Zoo Friends Bouncing Activity Saucer is the perfect choice for you. The product is extremely inexpensive compared to the rest and also it offers almost similar features as the rest. The activity center has 13 activities, which your child will thoroughly enjoy. The activity center has lights, sounds, and a seat that spins in circles. The height of the activity center can be adjusted to four different positions, Another great feature of this product is that it is extremely lightweight, so you can easily carry it with you to different rooms. The only negative reviews about this product are that it can be a bit hard to assemble and also the product isn’t that long-lasting.

PROS:

• Inexpensive
• Has 13 activities
• Lightweight

CONS:

• Hard to assemble
• Not long-lasting

Infantino 3-in-1 Activity Table

The Infantino 3-in-1 Activity Table is suitable for kids aged between 4 months and 5 years. The table is loaded with features. The exersaucer comes with 6 different toys, including ones with musical effects and light-up buttons. The toys are equally distributed on the table and offer ample space for your child. The seat of the activity center can be spun around, allowing your baby access to all the toys. Once your child gets a bit old, the exersaucer can be transformed to a table, multipurpose. The only issue with this exersaucer/activity is that the color will rub off your little one’s feet, but that can be washed off and will not cause any damage to their skin, the color according to many parents can be easily washed off, but is quite disturbing to look at.

PROS:

• Height adjustable to accommodate your child as he-she grows
• Can be transformed to table mode
• Foldable for easy storage

CONS:

• Color rubs off on feet

Oribel Portaplay Convertible Activity Center

The Oribel Portaplay convertible activity center is similar to the Skip Hop activity center. The Oribel activity center has plenty of toys that are sure to grab your child’s attention. The activity center can also be used as a table when your child grows. The oribel activity center is really compact and won’t take up much space, moreover, the legs can be folded, so the activity center can be stored easily in a cupboard. The activity center is suitable for kids aged between 5 to 12 months and the play table can be used by kids up to 5 years of age. The product is a bit pricey and also many parents mentioned that the built quality isn’t the greatest.  However, that would largely depend on how you use it, if you take care of it, then the quality is guaranteed. 

PROS:

• Can be converted to a table
• Can be folded
• Plenty of toys to grab your child’s attention

CONS:

• Many parents complained about the built quality
• It is a bit pricey

Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn

The Evenflo exersaucer has a really cool animal theme and is sure to attract any kid. The activity center has toy critters that bobble and rattle. The activity center can be adjusted to three different heights depending on your kid, The seat is made out of an extremely soft material, thus providing maximum comfort to your child, and also the seat can be removed and washed using a machine The only downside to this activity center is that it only comes with one toy, therefore there is a high chance your child can get bored of it, but you can always give your child new toys.

PROS:

• The height can be adjusted
• Comes with a really cool toy
• The seat is incredibly soft and comfortable
• Animal theme

CONS:

• Comes with only one toy

Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony Jumper

The Baby Einstein Symphony Jumper is suitable for kids aged between 6 to 12 months. The exersaucer features music-themed toys. It includes a guitar, tambourine, drums, and a piano. All the instruments are removable, so in case your child does not enjoy any one instrument, then you can easily remove it. The activity center can hold up to 24 pounds. The activity center is extremely sturdy and also very comfortable to sit on, but it cannot be folded, thus storing it away will be hard, and also the Baby Einstein jumper does not offer as much bounce as some of the other exersaucers offer.

PROS:

• 4 height settings
• Includes 15 activities
• Sturdy and comfortable

CONS:

• Not foldable
• Less bounce compared to other exersaucers

Jolly Jumper Baby Exerciser

The Jolly Jumper baby exersaucer is made for babies that are super active. It helps in developing rhythm and coordination, and also helps in strengthening their muscles. The exersaucer is easy to assemble and can stand without support. The exersaucer can be used indoors and outdoors, however, if using indoors, then you would require large amounts of space since the height of the jumper is 6 feet tall. The negatives of this jumper are that it does not come with any toys and also getting your baby out of the exersaucer or the exerciser can be a bit hard.

PROS:

• Doesn’t need clamps
• Adjustable height
• Great lumbar support

CONS:

• Does not come with toys
• Getting your baby out of the seat can be a bit difficult

Summer Infant Pop n Jump Portable Activity Jumper

The Summer Infant Pop N Jump Portable Activity Jumper is made for those parents who love to travel. The activity jumper weighs only 13 pounds and is one of the lightest exersaucer or activity center’s you will ever find. The frame folds down easily, which makes it extremely easy for transportation and storage. The activity center comes with interactive toys, that include a teether, spinner ball, mirror book, and rattle. The activity jumper comes with a canary bag, thus making it extremely easy to carry around with you in your travels. However, this jumper is not ideal for tall babies, and also the base does not have the best grip, thus it can slip a bit, but if you always have an eye on your child, then it won’t be a big issue.

PROS:

• Comes with a carry bag
• Extremely lightweight
• Can be carried around

CONS:

• Not ideal for tall babies
• The base is a bit slippery

Bright Starts 2-in-1 Silly Sunburst Activity Gym and Saucer

The Bright exersaucer is not just a regular exersaucer it is an exersaucer-cum-gym, which is sure to keep your child entertained. The Silly Sunburst offers value from money and is designed to grow with your baby. The Silly Sunburst as mentioned has an activity gym and an exersaucer. The exersaucer has a toy bar that has many toys connected to it and the activity gym also has separate toys, to keep your little one’s hands busy. The exersaucer also offers a light show. The only negative feature of this product is that it does not bounce.

PROS:

• Three height adjustments
• Can accommodate up to 25 pounds

CONS:

• Does not bounce

Now since you know all the ins and outs of a good exersaucer, it is time to get your child one and watch how much fun they have. Also, while your kid is having the best time of their life, you too can get some important work done, a win-win situation for everyone!

FAQs

Are there different types of baby activity centers?

Yes, there are three types of baby activity centers:

Baby activity tables – these are like regular tables and do not have a seat. they have various toys attached all over their surface, so children can walk around them and play from every angle.

Baby activity saucers and jumpers – in the baby activity saucer or exersaucer, the baby gets placed in them. they can spin around to explore all the attached toys. they seats are designed to help them bounce up and down.

Baby activity chairs – the baby activity chairs do not have the bouncing feature. the rest is the same as the exersaucer.

These are the three different types of baby activity centers, and if you are wondering which one to buy, it all depends on your child. if your child can stand and walk around, then probably an activity table is best for him or her, as they can walk around and stand next to the table and enjoy the toys, but if your child is still in the crawling stage then an activity saucer or an activity chair is best suited for them. it will allow them to sit comfortably and enjoy all the toys that are available to them. so depending on your child, choose the correct activity center.

At what age can you use an exersaucer?
Wait until your child can sit independently without using their arms for balance, that will be around 6 or 7 months. that is the best age to use an exersaucer.

Are there are safety tips while using an exersaucer?
Avoid using an exersaucer until your baby is naturally pulling themselves up to stand. their tiny bones, muscles, and ligaments of their feet and legs are not ready to bear weight until they are standing on their own. also, make sure your baby’s feet touch the ground, do not let them dangle from the seat, as this could damage their hips. lastly do not leave your child unattended, but this comes with everything and as a parent you should be well aware of it. these are some of the things you should keep in mind in regards to safety. if you follow the instructions properly and stick with the rules, then an exersaucer will be beneficial to your child and can help them in many ways. but make sure you follow the instructions and take all the necessary precautions.