Tips and Tricks for Using a Baby Activity Center Properly

As a parent, you know that caring for your little one can be exhausting! One way to provide some quality playtime for your baby is by introducing them to an activity center. Whether you’re in the market for an activity center or already have one at home, it’s important to master its use properly so that your child receives the maximum benefit from playtime.

Today I'm going to provide you with some tips and tricks on how best to utilize a baby activity center, plus, lots of guidelines about when and how long babies should use it. 

What Is a Baby Activity Center?

An activity center is a baby table that has a sling in the center. You can set your baby into the sling and they can play and stand. They have toys and other fun things to engage them and keep them entertained.

These are typically made for babies who are not yet standing. Babies are usually ready to use them around 6-7 months once they are sitting independently.

There is a lot of misinformation about how to use these products intentionally and responsibly to help you and your sanity as a parent. But it is so important to make sure you’re using it safely and in the most appropriate way to help your baby.

While there are many baby activity centers out there, I specifically love the Skip Hop because of how it is set up. This is the one I recommend to my clients. 

Boundaries with Activity Centers

There are several boundaries I like parents to consider when using baby activity centers. 

First, babies should only spend 20-30 minutes a day in an activity center. This can vary from baby to baby depending on many factors like reflux, but in general, 20-30 minutes is a good rule of thumb.

When a baby spends an excessive amount of time in an activity center, I typically start to see issues. 

Be sure to use the play centers intentionally when you need a few minutes to put your baby down so you can do things like empty the dishwasher or take a shower. Also, when using a play center you should try to double down on playtime on the floor and make the best decisions for you and your baby.

Things to Keep In Mind When Using Activity Centers

When using a baby activity center, the first thing I tell parents to do is throw out the instruction manual! Yes, you heard me right!

Why? These manuals typically tell you to set the heights of the center so your baby is on their tippy toes. However, you will never find a physical therapist that will want babies positioned in an activity center up on their toes. 

Make sure your baby has a flat foot stance. The SkipHop has an adjustable platform that can be easily moved according to your baby’s height. Make sure when they are in the sling they are standing with flat feet. If you have a different play center and they can’t reach the ground, you can put books, a basket, or a box under them to achieve this

Next, I do not like the bouncing option that comes with many play centers. So if your activity center has this option do not use it.

Finally, be sure to wait until your baby is 6-7 months or sitting independently before using an activity center. If they are not this advanced yet it will limit their skeletal and developmental alignment. 

Any time you put your baby into a sling it tucks their pelvis back. This is not how we sit or stand properly. Any time you put your baby into a sling it will encourage this position. For this reason, you should limit the amount of time you use the activity center.

Signs Your Baby is Spending Too Much Time in the Activity Center

There are several things you can look for to indicate your baby is spending too much time in the activity center. 

First, when you stand your baby up, which support, if they are popping up on their tippy toes that is an indication they are in the sling too much. Hopefully having a flat foot stance will prevent this, but we want to do our best to avoid putting our baby in this position.

Also, when you place your baby into a standing position if they try to slink to the floor and bounce this is another sign. If babies are having a hard time standing unsupported it means they have become too reliant on the idea of a sling.

They are used to having the sling support their booty and it will translate into issues when it comes to other developmental milestones like crawling and standing.