Activity

These all-in-one, molded-plastic play stations typically resemble traditional walkers but without the wheels, which makes them a less risky way for your baby to have fun and get a little exercise.

You'll want a snug and safe place to put your baby down, and a bouncer seat can be a great choice during the first six months. Some infants will nap in bouncers, but many babies just enjoy hanging out and interacting with the rest of the family from their own comfortable seat.

A baby swing can work wonders, soothing a fussy baby, lulling her to sleep at nap time or occupying her for a few minutes while you get things done nearby or grab a bite to eat.

A doorway jumper, which attaches to the top of a doorframe with a spring-loaded clamp, is too risky for little ones because there's always the chance that the clamp could fail, which could cause injury. A stationary activity jumper is a safer bet.

Play yards—updated versions of playpens—are for more than just playing. They can also provide babies with an enclosed place for napping and some can function as a portable changing table, saving you from having to run to the nursery for every diaper change.