activity table?

[tlw]

My DS is 6 months old and I'm looking to buy an activity table. However, he doesn't really like toys that light up and make noise--I think they scare him! Any recommendations/alternatives for him?

Thanks!

[Tondi G]

how about something like this

http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=H+3+9012X&Cat=

http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=H+3+9014X&Cat=

[o_mom]

I have three activity tables. The one I like best and that seems to get the most play time is this one (FP Brilliant Basics Musical Pop-tivity Table):

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/db/97/pr-Toys-Brilliant_Basics_Musical_Pop-tivity_Table-resized200.jpg

It has one big button that makes the balls pop in the center and plays a short non-annoying tune. Everything else is just powered by the kid. I'm not sure if it is even made any more, though. You might look at a resale shop. (Good idea for any of these, since they always seem to have at least one or two.)

We also have the Pooh Tree:

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/92/54/pr-Toys-Fisher-Price_Winnie_the_Pooh_1-2-3_Exploring_Tree-resized200.jpg


It does have some sounds, but I put tape over the speaker and it is not too annoying. It has quite a few activities and stuff at several levels.

I would not recommend the Fisher-Price Learning Table:

http://www.fisher-price.com/img/product_shots/C5522_b_1.jpg

It has way too much noise - every single thing on it makes noise, and it interrupts every time they push another button.

[MarieBunny]

We had the Leapfrog learning table which was a big hit. They also have a bigger version. We have both! My DS almost 2 still plays with them occasionally. Both make noise and light up but there are 2 volume settings and the lower one is not bad. It also has an off switch but you would lose some functionality of the table. Good luck! It's hard to find toys these days that don't make noise!

[ssjarrett]

We had this Chicco one and it does not have a lot of noise and no lights--just a train in the center. The top flips over and becomes a lego-type building area with blocks. My son really liked this toy and it had a long life for us.

http://www.kidsurplus.com/chc67120.html

-Sarah

[Canna]

Yes, I bought this exact same Chicco table for DD because I wanted an activity table that was less crazy and noisy than the Leap Frog variety. DD enjoys it. She is 17 months and we have it flipped to the big lego side, which she is able to stack and then claps for herself.

Target carries this Chicco table. For a while it was on clearance at my target (several months ago) for about $15, so it was a bargain. Now I've noticed that Target is carrying it again. Not sure about the price, though.

[tlw]

Thanks for all the great recommendations! The Chicco table is in my price range, but I also love the ones from Sensational Beginnings.

[jacdo]

We have the Leapfrog activity table and my 10 m.o. son loves it. It has a switch to turn off the sound.

[hillview]

DS loves his LeapFrog Learning Playground and Table (he has both) ... the learning playground is nicer as he likes to drop the ball down the shoot! But one is at grandma's and one is at our place so that is nice.
HTH
/hillary