When does a baby learn to stand?

Babies develop at their own pace. Typically, babies learn to stand sometime between 8 and 12 months old. Note that learning this skill a bit before or after this range is also considered normal. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, consult your pediatrician.

When can a baby sit up?

This varies from child to child. However, most babies start sitting up between four and seven months. By 8 months, most babies will have mastered sitting on their own without support.

What are the benefits of activity centers?

Activity center toys offer lots of sensory stimulation for your baby. They also provide a safe, engaging activity for your child. Note that the use of these products should be limited to no more than two 10- to 15-minute sessions daily.

The 9 Best Baby Activity Centers

Babies want to move and explore long before they start to walk. The beauty of activity centers is that they give your baby that opportunity, as well as lots of sensory stimulation. Most activity centers have bright colors, various textures, sounds, and sometimes lights and music, too, for your baby to get some energy out.

Safety comes first, so you'll want to check out the recommended age range and overall durability of the activity center. Moreover, consider products with educational features or the option to convert into a toy that a toddler can enjoy for longer use. We carefully considered design, assembly, age, height, and weight recommendations, value, and material when reviewing products.

Here are the best baby activity centers to choose from.

A Note About Safety

While baby activity centers can be a life-saver for parents and caregivers, it's important to know babies shouldn't spend more than 10 to 15 minutes, twice a day, in an activity center. The seats on activity centers can affect a child's hip development because they can stress the hip joint. It's possible for hip dysplasia to develop if a baby uses an activity center too often and for too long.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Evenflo ExerSaucery Jumper at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall Runner-Up:

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

Fisher-Price Jumperoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Jumper:

Evenflo ExerSaucer Jumper Jam Session at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Portable:

Summer Pop N' Jump Portable Activity Center at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Educational:

Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Jumper at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stylish:

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Center at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Upholstered:

Deep Space Baby Activity Chair at Crate & Barrel

Jump to Review

Best Multipurpose:

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family?

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

13 different activities
Four height positions
Lightweight

Cons

Assembly required
Difficult assembly for some

The Evenflo ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper is our top pick because despite its affordable price, it doesn’t skimp on quality. There are 13 activities in all with lights, sounds, and a seat that spins in circles so your baby can see from every angle.

The colors are modern, and it has wood accents that set it apart from other all-plastic models. The height can be adjusted to four different positions, and the whole thing is lightweight, so you can easily move it from room to room.

Price at time of publication: $113

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27 inches x 36 inches x 18 inches | Age Limits: 4 months + | Weight Limits: N/A | Batteries Required: Yes}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Seat spins 360 degrees
Three adjustable heights
Seat pad is machine-washable

Cons

Large
Costly

Everyone will jump for joy when it comes to this toy. The Rainforest Jumperoo by Fisher-Price is packed with fun. Babies can jump, jump, jump the day away while jungle-themed activities, such as a peek-a-boo tiger and a bobble elephant, keep them entertained.

The seat spins around 360 degrees so they can take it all in, and it can be adjusted to three different heights so they can keep moving as they grow. It’s great for exercise, stimulating their senses and, above all, for having fun.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 31 inches x 31 inches x 18.5 inches | Age Limits: 4 months + | Weight Limits: 28 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes}

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo Review

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Perfect for small spaces
Folds nearly flat
Music, sounds, and lights included

Cons

Seat does not rotate
No wheels

If space is tight, you'll want a smaller activity center, like this Jumperoo from Fisher-Price. It's specifically designed for small spaces and folds up nearly flat, so it can be easily stored away when it’s not in use or taken on the go.

It holds kids up to 25 pounds and/or 32 inches. As baby jumps, they activate a ton of fun noises and lights, making them want to jump even more.

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 18 inches x 18 inches x 22.5 inches | Age Limits: 4 to 9 months old | Weight Limits: 25 pounds and/or 32 inches | Batteries Required: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

More than 65 activities
Three height settings
Seat pad is removeable for easy cleaning

Cons

A dozen batteries required
Costly
Large (may not fit through some doors)

To get little legs going, there’s this ExerSaucerJump and Learn Stationary Jumper Jam Session from Evenflo. Up top, there are more than 65 different activities to keep your baby entertained, while a soft bounce base at the bottom provides the perfect cushioning for all that jumping.

It adjusts to three different heights, and the seat pad comes off for easy cleaning. Some of the toys come off as well, so they can be played with on the floor or on the go.

Price at time of publication: $198

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: N/A | Age Limits: 4 months to walking | Weight Limits: 24 pounds | Batteries Required: N/A}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Sun canopy
Travel bag included
Foldable

Cons

Carrying case has ripped easily for some

For fun in the sun (but with shade, of course), parents rave about this portable activity center from Summer Infant. It’s lightweight and folds up easily, so you can take it to the beach, park, or just out in your own backyard. It also has a UV canopy over the top to keep the baby protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The middle contains a jumper seat surrounded by toys, including a spinner ball, rattle, and mirror book. It also comes with a convenient travel bag.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 32 inches x 37 inches x 38-43 inches (depending on height setting) | Age Limits: Able to hold head/unassisted to walking | Weight Limits: 25 pounds/32 inches tall | Batteries Required: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Bouncy seat swivels 360 degrees
Four height positions
English, Spanish, and French included

Cons

Bulky
Not foldable

With a host of ocean-themed activities for the development of gross motor skills, this jumper from Baby Einstein helps little ones jump into learning! In addition to teaching important skills like numbers and colors, it does so in Spanish, French, and English. The electronic turtle play station can be removed for flexible playing options, and the jumper can be moved between four height positions so it grows with your baby.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 9.4 inches x 9.7 inches x 31.3 inches | Age Limits: 6 to 12 months | Weight Limits: 25 pounds | Batteries Required: No}

Courtesy of Target

Pros

Discovery window (so babies can watch their feet on the piano)
Converts to play table with chalkboard surface
25 activities

Cons

Can only be cleaned with a dry cloth
Batteries required

As much as you love your baby, sometimes all that baby gear can put a serious cramp on your style. This is why parents love this sleek baby activity center from Skip Hop. While it’s still baby-friendly, it’s got a bit more of an understated style than other brighter models.

It still offers plenty of entertainment for your baby, with 25 activities, a moving toy, and a light-up piano to play. The bottom is adjustable, so you can set it to just the right height, and the seat spins around in a full circle so your baby moves to explore it all. As your baby grows, the toy can be transformed into a toddler table, which is great for coloring, playing games, and other activities.

Price at time of publication: $142

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 25.5 inches x 25.5 inches x 20 inches | Age Limits: 4 to 11 months | Weight Limits: 28 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes}

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Pros

Harness included
Unique and comfortable design
Removable tray

Cons

Costly
Spot clean only

While most baby activity centers are plastic, this one from Crate & Kids is soft and covered in cotton fabric. The harness keeps the baby in place, while a removable tray has embroidered space-themed images and stimulating activities. This includes a squeaker, crinkle maker, mirror, and more. It’s designed for kids ages three to nine months and is for use on the floor only.

Price at time of publication: $149

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 30 inches x 30 inches x 24 inches | Age Limits: 6 to 12 months | Weight Limits: 25 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Four ways to play
Budget-friendly
Keyboard is removable

Cons

May be too small for some babies

While many activity centers are designed to be used for just a few short months of a baby’s life, this activity center offers more longevity. It can be used from birth with the baby lying on it and kicking the piano keys or for tummy time fun. As they grow older, they can sit and play, learning colors, shapes, numbers, and other important skills along the way.

Since there’s no seat, there’s no limit on how long they can have fun with this toy.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 28 inches x 25 inches x 36 inches | Age Limits: 6 months + | Weight Limits: 25 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes}

Final Verdict

While a baby would love any of these activity centers, the Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center (view at Amazon) ranks high for its stylish look, three different conversion options, and overall longevity.

What to Look for in a Baby Activity Center

Safety

Make sure the activity center you get has clear guidelines on age, size, and weight limits. Follow these guidelines to prevent injuries. Even if your little one is within the recommended age range, ensure that they also meet the weight limit.

Also, look for a product with a secure seat, protection from pinches, a stable base, and age-appropriate activities. Most activity centers are not suitable for babies under six months old, as they typically can't sit up without support. However, some are designed for ages four months and older.

Once you know your baby can safely use an activity center, it's important to be aware of how much they use it. Limit their time in an activity center to no more than twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Any more than that may lead to problems with hip development.

Educational Features

Activity centers should keep your baby stimulated with features that help their development and engage their attention. Look for toys to grab and move; different textures; knobs to push, pull, and twist; and sounds like rattles and bells. If the center can be modified as your baby grows, make sure the activities continue to progress in developmentally appropriate ways as well.

Longevity

If you want the best value for your money, look for baby activity centers that offer different settings and conversions based on your child's height, age, and abilities. Some centers convert from a saucer style to a toddler table so you're able to continue to use them for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a baby learn to stand?

Babies develop at their own pace. Typically, babies learn to stand sometime between 8 and 12 months old. Note that learning this skill a bit before or after this range is also considered normal. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, consult your pediatrician.
When can a baby sit up?

This varies from child to child. However, most babies start sitting up between four and seven months. By 8 months, most babies will have mastered sitting on their own without support.
What are the benefits of activity centers?

Activity center toys offer lots of sensory stimulation for your baby. They also provide a safe, engaging activity for your child. Note that the use of these products should be limited to no more than two 10- to 15-minute sessions daily.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer. She is a mom to a 1- and a 4-year-old and has personal experience in researching and using activity centers with her kids. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include safety features, ease of use, and user reviews.

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Best Overall

Evenflo ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper, Woodland Wonder

Best Overall Runner-Up

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Best for Small Spaces

Fisher-Price Jumperoo: Woodland Friends SpaceSaver

Best Jumper

Evenflo ExerSaucerJump and Learn Stationary Jumper Jam Session

Best Portable

Summer Infant Pop N' Jump Portable Activity Center

Best Educational

Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Jumper

Best Stylish

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Center

Best Upholstered

Deep Space Baby Activity Chair

Best Multipurpose

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym