Toddler activity stations have become favorite investments
among parents and daycare centers. This
may come in the form of a toddler-size table, an activity cube, or an activity
wall. These items are compact and
portable where children can spend more time enjoying and developing and
discovering their mental and psychomotor skills.
Activity Tables
Generally made of plastic, activity tables usually feature
either a removable top or detachable legs that give babies a chance to enjoy
playthings on the floor even before they are able to stand.
While all activity tables aid in the development of motor
skills, some are aimed more toward play-like simple stacking of blocks and
shapes or page turning-while others offer a complete kindergarten program.
Pros: Anything
that encourages a toddler to stay busy in one place for a few more minutes than
usual is considered a good buy for any parent.
Cons: Not all
activity tables are created equal. Our aunt or uncle may have bought our kids a
flimsy version with ugly music that we still remember even in our nightmares.
Activity Cubes
Activity cubes are favorite items in lounges
everywhere. Activity cubes are big,
hollow, and sturdy boxes that feature five sides of fun. This is a classic item
that offers the old-fashioned awe of wooden mazes, wacky bead roller coasters,
and all styles of things that can be skidded, spun, and slapped. Children love
no-frills fun, however activity cubes are weighty and hard to move, which can
also be particularly rough on kids' heads.
Pros: The colored
wire roller coaster is a sure favorite every time.
Cons:
Unfortunately, even with the appealing look, activity cubes can pose some
danger. Some may have sharp corners, while other models have been recalled for
major safety issues such as poisonous lead paint and small choking hazards.
Activity Walls
Activity walls are the king of activity toys. These are
basically large, freestanding, molded plastic constructions that offer their
embedded amusement vertically. While
these are primarily designed for early walkers, most designs have activities
that crawling babies can reach as well. Activity walls are mammoth-sized
structures with and mammoth sized fun.
However, what stands up could fall down. It is important to choose an
activity wall with a broad, solid base that won't easily be toppled by jerky
toddlers.
Pros: Toys with
more than two years life span is worth the investment.
Cons: They take up
a lot of space also for a long, long time.
© 2012 Athena Goodlight
