by Kids2
Growing babies seem to be in constant motion, and evermore curious about the world around them. If it was up to your baby, they would be constantly exploring and discovering—preferably the farthest reaches of your house. For moms, this means not only keeping up with baby, but also keeping them entertained. That can be a tall order when there is still a list of things that you need to get done! And, as much fun as the two of you have together, there are many benefits to some solo time for both of you.
5 things to think about in your hunt for the perfect entertainer:
1. Do you need something compact?
If you have a small space or want an entertainer that is easy to travel with, a door jumper is a classic for good reason. With all the fun elements your baby craves and the portability you’ll appreciate, it’s a great pick.
2. Do you want an entertainer that can be used in any room?
Before making a final selection, be sure to take a look around your home. In some cases, there simply isn’t a door that works—but you can always rely on a stand-alone entertainer!
3. Would you like options for the newborn stage?
Jumpers and entertainers themselves are meant for sitting babies six months and up. But with detachable toys on many options, you can introduce the fun, engaging elements to your baby during tummy time, too.
4. Do you want interactive discovery features?
Hoping to get a jumpstart on your little one’s education? Some entertainers go above and beyond with interactive toys and prompts that can introduce your baby to new languages—while still serving the No. 1 job by entertaining them, too.
5. Would you prefer a jumper or saucer?
The market is dominated by jumping-style entertainers for good reason: Babies love working those little leg muscles by bouncing! But if you’d rather have a swiveling seat to develop some fancy footwork, saucer-style options are a great bet.
3 types of entertainers: Walkers, Activity Centers & Jumpers
All walkers, activity centers and jumpers let active babies move and be entertained. Which option you go with depends on your baby's personality, as well as your lifestyle, and even the amount of space you have.
Walkers
1. Walkers: for babies with places to go.
Your busy baby has places to go! Choose a walker that’s decked out with activities for your pre-walking baby, or one with multiple modes of play that grows with baby or can allow more than one child to play at a time. Better yet – look for a removable activity or toy station that you can use for floor play before your baby is ready to walk (also great for younger siblings). The possibilities are endless—the trick is finding the best one (or two!) for you and your family.
The Baby Einstein Caterpillar & Friends Discovery Walker is designed to grow with your baby, with three adjustable height positions and a removable toy station. A high seat back lends extra comfort and support, while its frame provides a sturdy platform for pre-walking little ones. The bright and fun toy station includes a number of toys, and it plays music — numbered piano keys let baby activate lights and sounds.
Parents of pre-walking and walking babies can rest can rest assured knowing all walkers must adhere to stringent U.S. and global safety standards. All are designed with a sturdy frame and rubber brakes, which will keep the walker from crossing uneven surfaces like stairs. As for the fun factor, the smiles and giggles will speak for themselves.
Activity Jumpers & Door Jumpers
2. Activity Jumpers (also called Activity Centers): for keeping baby busy.
When your baby is ready to exercise their legs through some serious jumping or wants to study some fascinating lights, toys, and music, an activity jumper will be their new favorite hang-out. There are a number of products that fall into this category that help babies engage with their environment, be active, and even entertain themselves a bit – and to do so safely.
Activity jumpers will keep your baby busy while keeping her in one place (shopping tip: the one exception here would be a model that has wheels or is designed to roll, like a rolling activity center or walker). There are plenty of engaging ways to captivate your curious baby—some models come with flash cards, some play music, some light up. They're basically a baby entertainment center! Many are packed with engaging features like take-along toys, music, lights, and interactive activities, in addition to bouncy seats that can rotate for a full 360-degree view of their surroundings.
They can also be a great way to introduce new concepts like shapes, colors, animal names and more. Look for one with multiple height adjustments if you want it to grow with baby. If the one you love doesn't, hold onto it even after your baby one has outgrown it, so a future little brother or sister can get in on the fun, too.
3. Door Jumpers: for babies that bounce.
Door jumpers are a great stationary choice for parents with limited space or who are wary of a wandering baby. Your baby can still expend energy by bouncing those happy legs while playing in a space-saving design that makes it an ideal solution for smaller spaces. If you’re heading out of town, these typically have a lightweight frame so transport is easy.
Kids2 provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.