Parents and caregivers of little ones, we hear you: it can be next to impossible to find even a minute or two where your hands are free. Once babies start to become more mobile, it becomes even more tricky. The solution? A baby activity center. Meant to encourage independent play for youngsters beginning typically around 6 months, activity centers provide a safe space for Baby to sit and play for a short period of time. In recent years, wheeled activity centers have become a no-no, but that shouldn't stop you from checking out stationary ones. We've sorted through the options on the market and found the best ones available. Have a look below. Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo Jumpin' Fun Providing endless hours of jumping fun, this activity center is safe and engaging. Best OverallFind on Amazon Keeping safety in mind, this activity center has no wheels, a solid base that won’t tip, and three different height adjustments to allow for your baby’s growth. Overhead arches keep it interesting with dangling toys, and multiple bobbing toys that are attached to help engage and encourage hand-eye coordination. The seat itself bounces, plays music, and has a light and sound show that helps to keep your little one happy. Pros: Includes 2 take-along toys Adorable frog-shaped teether attachment may help to ease fussy babies Seat pad is removable for easy washing Cons: Assembly is a bit of a hassle The seat doesn’t rotate easily Skip Hop Baby Activity Center From Seat to Table Transforming from seat to table, this activity center provides years of use. Longest UsageFind on Amazon Appropriate for energetic babies 4 months on, this activity center is a godsend for parents and caregivers who just need a free minute or two. The best part? The engagement doesn’t end with babyhood. As your little one grows and begins standing and walking on their own, this activity center converts to a play table with a plastic chalkboard surface. Removable toys, a 360-degree rotating seat, and over 25 developmental activities round out this multi-functional activity center. Pros: Foot support for activity center converts to chalkboard table Suction cups on bottoms of toys Safe for the dishwasher and washing machine Cons: Not the most compact for storage Owl attachment can pinch Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper Educational Fun This seat offers educational fun for your bright little one. Most EducationalFind on Amazon Want to provide a little educational fun for your busy kiddo? Plop them in this jumper. With a swiveling seat, an array of adorable toys, and all kinds of bouncing fun, this discovery jumper will keep your little one enthralled. We love that it’s fully adjustable for 4 different height positions, making this model one that’ll stay in your baby’s life for more than just a month or two. When your little one is done, the fabric seat cover easily comes out for a toss in the wash. Pros: May help to develop language skills, including English, French, and Spanish Multiple themes available Bouncer includes extra loops to add your own toys Cons: For children with sensitivities to an abundance of sensory input, this center has a lot going on Only for children 6 – 12 months of age Summer Infant Pop ‘n Jump Portable Activity Center On-the-Go FunWhether out in the yard or across town, this travel-friendly center is a must.Best for Travel Find on Amazon Whether you’re headed to Grandma’s house or just out to the garden, this portable activity center has you covered. Providing endless entertainment for your little one, this seat comes with multiple toys, 3 levels of height adjustments, and a UV protective canopy for sunny days. When it’s time to head home, this entire contraption folds in on itself, revealing a compact, travel-friendly design. Pros: Lightweight and portable Includes travel bag with shoulder strap Breathable UV protective canopy Cons: Cannot remove rattle toys It can be tricky to get the hang of folding into the travel bag Bright Starts Around We Go 2-in-1 Activity Center & Table 2-in-1 FunWith a walk-around seat and an activity center table, this is a super fun option. Best 2-part System Find on Amazon Featuring a removable walk-around seat, this activity center offers a ton of fun for babies in a wide range of developmental stages. Not only that, but older siblings can join in on the fun, too. How does this all work? Well, the walk-around seat has wheels and a comfortable chair for your tiny tot to hang out in; meanwhile, the older child can stand and play on the other side of the activity center. The attached toys, spinners, and teethers all help to keep Baby engaged. The music and lights also help keep your little one enthralled. Pros: Includes a light-up drum set for cause-and-effect play Bright, fun, engaging colors and sounds Cons: This is a bulky activity center Limited amount of music and light options Frequently Asked Questions Are activity centers safe? As long as the activity center doesn’t have wheels, it should be perfectly safe, provided the children are under strict supervision. For the safest usage, you should limit the time your baby spends in an activity center to once a day for no more than 20 minutes, or twice a day at 10 minutes per time. If you do have a seat with wheels, it’s best to use them with direct supervision and never near stairs or on surfaces. However, any toy that allows a child to sit up when they cannot do so independently will come with inherent risks. Your best bet is to educate yourself and find the best option out there for you and your family’s needs. What age range is appropriate? Baby activity centers are safe typically starting around six months. This is when the average baby is beginning to be a bit more sturdy and can hold their head up. Activity centers continue to be useful up to around the 1-year mark. There are a number of activity centers that are specifically designed to work beyond babyhood and well into toddlerhood, as well. Related posts: The Best Toys For Active Dogs The 5 Best Puppy Toys For Play The Best Interactive Pet Toys