About Stand & Learn Activity Tables for Babies

Babies need stimulation for their emerging fine and gross motor skills and toys that are beneficial to their development. Stand-and-learn activity tables offer many types of activities for a baby, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. The right stand-and-learn table can help your baby develop and keep him entertained.

The Facts

Activity tables are small tables often made of plastic that feature interesting activities and attached manipulatives for a baby. Stand-and-learn activity tables are created to make babies more active and knowledgeable. Through interaction with an activity table, babies are encouraged to learn new things and develop new skills through play.

Types

A majority of activity tables have battery-powered functions included. These activity tables may be loud or distracting, so you'll want to sound-check the tables before purchasing one. Electronic activity tables also run the risk of running out of batteries or breaking, causing frustration for the baby, who's used to all the bells and whistles. Tables that aren't battery-powered offer similar manipulatives and activities and are likely to keep babies just as entertained.

Size

The size of an activity table is another factor in the selection process. Many tables have adjustable seats or legs that allow the table to grow with the baby, which is beneficial. Other activity tables come with wheels. Check the measurements to ensure that wheeled activity tables will navigate the area where the table is going to be used.

Features

According to Educational Toy Guide, a stand-and-learn activity table is ranked No. 6 among great toys for babies 0 to 24 months old. Brightly colored objects, mirrors, movable manipulatives--such as items that spin or shake--along with numbers, letters and shapes typically are included in activity tables.

Warning

While stand-and-learn activity tables offer stimulation for skills and are entertaining, they shouldn't be considered baby sitters. The amount of time a baby sits at an activity table should be closely monitored if she isn't old enough to move away from it on her own.