When it comes to infant activity centers, we’re usually stuck with the giant plastic monstrosities that take up way too much room and way too much of our ugly quota. We really need a place like IKEA to come up with an affordable yet convenient option, or even a company like Skip Hop to at least design a cute one. But no — we’re forced to spend at least $50 on huge plasticy pieces that we all secretly hate but our babies love. And then what do you do with it after a month or two? Stick it in the attic.
Your best option for short-lived necessities like the exersaucer is to borrow one from a friend or find one second-hand. Hands down. Then when you’re done with it, you can pass it on to the next desperate yet reluctant friend, who will then pass it on — and so forth.
Yet if you’re looking for something that’s a) easier on the eyes and/or b) something you can happily keep and store for future babies, this Go-Pod at Giggle ($55) is collapsable and much more attractive — plus it has loops to attach all of your baby’s favorite toys and rattles, as well as snack and drink holders. And of course since it’s collapsable, you can easily take it to Grandma’s or on vacation, which is next to impossible with the standard activity centers.
So what do you think? Is this the ultimate baby activity center? Or do you prefer the traditionally bright, plastic exersaucers?
13 Comments to Better Baby Products: The Exersaucer
Hilary
August 1, 2011 at 6:15 pm
very cool. I’ve never seen anything like that! would’ve been perfect for my mother and mother-in-law’s house! however… I wish I had only known about it sooner! I feel like it won’t be long now before I won’t need an exersaucer anymore. Maybe for the next baby…
Katie
August 1, 2011 at 6:54 pm
My friend got this one for traveling and swears by one. I’ve been wanting one so bad. Hope I get it!
Nicole Winter
August 1, 2011 at 7:11 pm
It was really frustrating sometimes while registering because of things like those plastic bouncy things. It’s so true that on one hand, babies love them, and on the other, having one visible in my home makes me want to puke. This is a wonderful solution to that!!! Now I can have a fun activity place for my girl that’s not an eyesore, and even pack it up and take it along to grandma’s or store it when she’s not playing. Way to go Go-Pod!!!!!
Amanda Wingo
August 1, 2011 at 7:12 pm
I love the way it looks! Very Modern! Would love to get one for my son.
Christina
August 1, 2011 at 7:45 pm
We have it,won it on a blog. Can’t use it yet for my 4 month old because its too big. Seems like it would be good for a older baby.
michellehorton
August 1, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Hmmm, I feel like 4 months is when you’d WANT an exersaucer, right? I might be off. It could be closer to 5 or 6 months. It’s so hard to remember!
Elissa
August 1, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I love this idea. I’m expecting my first and just about died looking at swings in Babies R Us. They are all so freakin SPASTIC! I picked the one that seemed the most neutral…even though it looks like its got a dead giraffe on it. LOL! I love this idea though. I’m gonna book mark this!
rose
August 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm
we own one of these and it by far the best piece of baby gear I own.
We won one on the kid-co facebook page and then bought another one to keep in the car/stroller. Yes it does fit in a stroller basket!
I have three kids and it great to take to the park so the baby can watch what is going on. we also take it when we are visiting friends and family.
We just recently went camping and so many people walking by our site stopped and asked what is was and where do they get one.
nadine
August 2, 2011 at 1:55 am
was it the one that the seat could lift off…i only ask because i got a swing and it had the giraffe thing too, and i was able to get a new cover online for only 10$….hope it helps
nikki @ outnumbered
August 2, 2011 at 2:06 am
no, you’re right michelle! my kids really only used exersaucers from about 3 or 4 months to about 6/7 months. this one looks kind of nifty, but maybe kind of boring for babies? i can’t decide.
nikki @ outnumbered
August 2, 2011 at 2:08 am
no, you’re right michelle. my babies all used their horrible plastic exersaucers from abour 3/4 months to 6/7 months. i kind of like this one, but it looks like maybe it’d be kind of boring for a baby? i can’t tell.
Nell
August 3, 2011 at 6:09 pm
I really REALLY like this and will totally get it for baby number 2!
Thanks, Early Mama
christina
August 4, 2011 at 3:06 pm
I love that its collapsible. I think the concern about it being boring is valid just from looking at the picture, but once you attach toys and things to it I think it would be appropriately stimulating. I feel like the huge exersaucers with dozens of bars and toys and sounds and lights is waaay too stimulating for babies. Of course they respond to that stuff so a lot of parents think its good for them, but I question the effect all of that stuff has on our little babies. It seems to me like a precursor to needing tv and video games to entertain them rather than them being able to play on their own using their imaginations.
Elissa, on the swings, if you’re still looking for one, the design I found the *least* annoying was the Fisher Price Little Lamb Cradle n’ Swing. Its almost all white and I don’t claim this about any other baby item, but this swing is magical. Its absolutely wonderful for newborn to about 4 months for naps. If my babies are fussy and overtired and refuse to sleep anywhere we can put them in the swing and they’re out in 2 seconds, literally. Everyone else I know who has had one says the same thing.