As parents, we want nothing but the best for our little ones. We want to provide them with opportunities to grow, learn and thrive in the comfort of their own home. That’s why activity tables are such a brilliant idea for young children. These tables are designed specifically for children as young as one year old, and provide them with a safe and stimulating environment to play and learn.
But activity tables aren’t just about playtime and enjoyment – they serve a much greater purpose. They not only help children learn specific skills and develop their creativity, intelligence and curiosity, but they also exercise their psycho motor skills. In the crucial first few years of life, children learn with every step they take, and educational games are essential for them to absorb information while having fun. Activity tables are specifically designed to meet these objectives.
With a dynamic activity table, the youngest members of your household will learn numbers, a variety of vocabulary, music, and even languages. Consisting of a board with legs, these tables feature a variety of activities that help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, encourage movement and balance, and stimulate intellectual abilities through songs, letters, and numbers.
Best Activity Tables For Babies and Toddlers in UK 2023 – Reviews
burgkidz Kids 5-in-1 Multi Activity Table Set
The burgkidz Kids 5-in-1 Multi Activity Table Set is a versatile and stimulating toy for children that promotes imaginative play and learning. The 5-in-1 design includes a building blocks-compatible activity table, removable cover, 1 chair, 4 storage boxes, and 128 pcs big DIY building blocks. This set offers endless possibilities for children to mix and match with their existing brick collection.
The tabletop surface is made of Double Sided Playboard, providing a large surface for building blocks and other creative activities such as drawing, reading, writing, and craft. The removable cover also allows for conversion to a sand and water play table.
The table and chair legs are designed with a stable triangular structure and anti-slip pads for added stability and safety. The backrest of the chair is also designed with an arc shape to promote better posture and comfort for children.
I was able to assemble the burgkidz Kids 5-in-1 Multi Activity Table Set quickly and easily by hand in few minutes. The set does not require any metal screws or additional tools, making it simple to put together without the need for a screwdriver. Not only is it easy for me to assemble, but my 4 year child is also able to do it on his own. This table set is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Overall, the burgkidz Kids 5-in-1 Multi Activity Table Set is a durable, versatile, and fun option for children. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged while promoting their creativity, imagination, and learning ability. It could be a great investment for your child’s development.
Liberty Children’s 6-in-1 Play Multi-purpose Red and White Activity Table
The Liberty Children’s 6-in-1 Play Multi-purpose Red and White Activity Table is a sturdy and colorful table that is perfect for your little one to grow into over the months. Built to last and packed with exciting features, this table is a great addition to your child’s play space. The red cover doubles as a smooth surface for eating, reading, learning, and playing. Inside the table, there is a dual-surfaced tabletop, one side is a whiteboard and the other is a blackboard, both of which are easy to clean with just a damp cloth.
The tray for water and sand is a great addition, while the table is also suitable for reading and playing with Duplo. This table has so many components and each one can be used for different activities such as water play, chalkboard, whiteboard, ordinary table and chairs for meal time, craft activities (sticking, painting, drawing, play doh etc) and also for storage.
The 6-in-1 play table and 2 chairs set has hours of fun rolled into one. The smooth tabletop is ideal for writing, drawing, and eating, but it also doubles as a table cover. The reversible tabletop has one side as a dry-wipe board and the other as a chalkboard. The play table can hold sand and water to create hours of fun. The deep base of the table is perfect for storage but can also be used for sand and water play. It is ideal for indoor or outdoor play.
Additionally, the deep base of the table can be used for sand and water play and comes with a handy plug for easy draining and cleaning. When not in use, the base can also be used for storage. The table also includes two chairs for quick and easy set up.
Clementoni 17300 Baby Park Activity Table for Toddlers
The Clementoni 17300 Baby Park Activity Table is an interactive and stimulating electronic activity table for children aged 12 months and up. Its theme park design is packed with a variety of activities including shapes, lights, sounds, cogs, characters, and buttons. The table also features a fun route that balls can roll down from the top to the bottom of the table’s feet, providing endless entertainment for your little one.
Playing with this activity table will help your child develop their manual skills, visual perception, and cause-and-effect recognition. It is simple to assemble and set up, making it a great choice for busy parents. The many different mechanical activities support the development of manual skills, such as turning the carousel with real cogs.
The shape-sorter area includes a host of lights, sounds, melodies, and animal noises, helping children to recognize shapes and animals as they play, while developing their visual and auditory perception. Pressing the buttons on the front of the table will make the dog and cat jump and play with the ball.
The marble track includes slides and rotating elements that end with the table legs, promoting understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. The end of the run also includes a container, so the marble cannot get lost around the house and play can continue uninterrupted.
Made of materials of excellent quality, design, and finish, the Clementoni 17300 Baby Park Activity Table is an excellent choice for parents who want to provide their children with an interactive and stimulating playtime experience.
Baby Einstein, Curiosity Table Activity Station
The Baby Einstein Curiosity Table Activity Station is a versatile and engaging learning tool for young children. With two-sided art and science modes, it features a variety of activities that will keep your child entertained and curious for hours. The table includes removable spinning gears, flashing lights, and color-discovery circuits. It also has 65 melodies and sounds, and removable legs that allow it to be used in different play modes.
The whiteboard surface encourages artistic expression, while the gears, buttons and other moveable items on the table will help develop fine motor skills. Suitable for multiple ages, it can be used by multiple kids at once. However, it is worth noting that the gears are removable, so little ones may pull them off and lose them easily.
VTech Play & Learn Baby Activity Table
The VTech Play & Learn Activity Table is the ultimate toy for your little one. With features that are designed to grow with your child, this activity table is perfect for babies as young as 6 months and adaptable for toddlers up to 3 years. It introduces numbers, colours, animals, musical notes, daily routines and more, with light-up buttons and lots of manipulative features that will keep your child engaged and learning. The role-play phone and interactive clock encourage imitative and independent play, while the piano keys play cheerful music and the balloon button plays cute sing-along songs.
The table has removable legs for easy storage and sit-down play and has 8 fun melodies and 5 sing-along songs that will keep your child entertained. The table also has an automatic power down feature that preserves battery life, it will automatically power down after approximately 60 seconds without input, it can be turned on again by pressing any button. This activity table is perfect for encouraging imaginative play and independent learning in your child.
Janod Wooden Activity Table Baby Forest
The Janod Wooden Activity Table Baby Forest is a compact and adorable activity table that is perfect for little ones as young as 12 months. It is designed to capture the imagination of children and help them develop their dexterity, coordination, shape and color recognition, concentration, and motor skills through a variety of fun small games.
The table comes with five pieces including 3 stacking animals, a maze, a unit with 4 cogs, 5 building blocks, and an abacus. Each piece is designed to fit into the holes on the table, and the table also comes with an integrated bag to keep the pieces from falling on the floor. The table is made of durable wooden material, and the bright colors and cute designs will encourage children to play and learn. It’s perfect height for little ones and easy to store.
Factors to consider before buying an activity table
When it comes to finding the best activity table for your child, it’s important to remember that what works for one family may not work for another. With that in mind, it’s crucial to consider the core features that will be most beneficial for your child.
Personally, I am a big fan of activity tables that are designed to grow with your child. These tables come with a wide range of activities that allow your little one to constantly discover new things as they play, ensuring that the table remains engaging and enjoyable for them as they develop. Here are few things you should keep in mind when buying activity table for kids.
Up to what age your kids will use?
It is recommended that parents introduce their child to an activity table around the age of six months, as this is when they are typically ready to transition from a playmat on the floor. The child should continue to enjoy the activity table for several months, at least until they are ready to begin walking.
One design feature to consider when purchasing an activity table is the presence of removable legs. This allows the table to double as both an activity center and a play table, providing extended use for older babies and toddlers. This not only provides added value for the money spent, but also allows for continued engagement and stimulation as the child grows and develops.
An additional tip to consider, as suggested by a physical therapist, is to remove two legs of the table and prop it up, allowing the baby to engage in “baby cobra” position and build core strength during tummy time. This is a great way to maximize the use of the activity table and provide additional developmental benefits for your child.
Is the activity table age-appropriate?
When considering the purchase of an activity table, it is crucial to ensure that the table is age-appropriate for your child. This will ensure that your baby is playing at a level that is safe and developmentally appropriate for their age.
Most activity tables are designed for children ages 6 months and up, however, it is important to verify the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the table is appropriate for your child’s specific developmental stage. This will help to ensure that your baby is getting the most out of their playtime and that their safety is not compromised.
Comfortable seat
Many table sets come with chairs or stools, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your child’s age, height, and preferences. For young children who are used to sitting in high chairs, make sure to choose chairs with backs to reduce the risk of them slipping off or falling backwards. Stools are suitable for older children who are comfortable sitting in regular chairs and give them more flexibility to easily turn, twist, and move around their seats.
Durable
Children who enjoy spending extended periods of time at the table need a surface that is both soft and durable. While plush furniture may be tempting due to its softness, it may not be as durable as materials like plywood. Plywood is able to withstand wear and tear while still providing a comfortable surface for your child to sit on.
Materials
it’s important to think about the materials it’s made of. Both wood and plastic tables are popular options, each with their own pros and cons. Plastic tables are typically more affordable and may come with battery-powered activities, but it’s crucial to ensure that the plastic used is non-toxic and safe for babies. Wooden tables are more expensive, but offer the assurance that the material is non-toxic and can last for many years. Additionally, wooden tables may have fewer features compared to plastic tables. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh your options and choose the one that best fits your child’s needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Activity tables are a great tool for promoting independent play and cognitive development in young children. They come in a wide range of options, making it difficult to choose the perfect one for your family. However, by considering your child’s needs and preferences, you can narrow down your options and make a decision. This list can be a useful starting point for identifying the features you want in an activity table.
My name is Maria. I am a fitness instructor by morning/evening, & an avid reader & fitness coach when I can fit it in. I write about being a new mom, a fitness instructor, a wife, and a lover of life!