Before becoming a parent, I knew babies were a lot of work, but no one really warns you about the post-worm phase. You know — the period of time when they start to hold themselves up and even sit on their own, but can’t do much else. These wiggly non-worms need to be occupied all day long, which makes it extra difficult to get anything done without a little one in your arms (even going to the bathroom or grabbing a package from the porch). One trick that might help save your sanity while stuck in these specific trenches? An activity center, like this pick from Baby Einstein.
Complete with a clear spinning ball, a bead maze, a starfish mirror and a turtle that lights up while playing tunes, this bouncing, 360-degree swivel seat will hold your baby’s attention for at least a few minutes. They can jump around, play with the toys, maybe even watch you cook or clean, giving them a little independence. . . until they inevitably wail, wanting to be picked up again.
That little bit of parent-free playtime — along with the $100 sale price — is probably why the Baby Einstein activity center is going viral. Prices are increasing across many sites, clearly signaling that this seat is a must-have. As someone who owns it, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype.
Get the Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Activity Jumper for $100 (originally $120) at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate on the date of publication but are subject to change.
Although I was a bit wary of activity centers at first, my baby has a lot of fun tinkering with the toys and moving around. He’ll also be able to use it until he’s 25 lbs, and afterward, parts like the turtle can be removed, turning it into a separate toy. For those worried about the impact a seat like this might have on a baby’s development, Dr. Amanda Furr, Chief Medical Officer at Zarminali Pediatrics, told me that as long as a little one isn’t confined for long periods, activity centers are perfectly fine to use.
“These toys can be a source of brief entertainment for the child,” she said via email. “They can also free parents’ hands for a short period, allowing them to finish a chore like washing the dishes or keep a child safely away from a dangerous situation like a broken glass on the floor.”
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Some important things to note are to stay away from seats with wheels (the Baby Einstein pick stays in place!), and that they’re only appropriate for those six months and older, who “have strong head and body control, meaning they can sit up with little to no support.” Furr adds that your infant’s feet should be “able to touch the floor flatly when using the toy,” and that you shouldn’t leave them unattended or in the seat for an extended period of time.
“Generally, infants should not be using them more than 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day,” Dr. Furr recommended, noting that more than that can “result in abnormal muscle tightness, hip pressure and delay in motor skills like crawling and walking.”
One pain point I will mention is that batteries aren’t included, so you’ll want to make sure you’re fully stocked with AA batteries before you put it together. It’s also easy to clean — just wipe down the surface and, if needed, throw the seat pad in the washing machine.
If you’re struggling to find a minute or two to get something — anything! — done, scoop up a Baby Einstein bouncer, ASAP. The deal is pretty sweet, and once you realize how quickly it’ll improve your and your little one’s lives? It’s truly priceless!
Get the Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Activity Jumper for $100 (originally $120) at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate on the date of publication but are subject to change.
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