If you’re like me, you may struggle keeping three under three entertained for long periods of time. Just when you think that you have them properly engaged with something, it seems like their attention gets pulled elsewhere. And then to keep EVERYONE entertained at once? Good luck. So, in my case, it seems like I’m constantly having to pull out more and more toys to keep everyone happy.
We were gifted the Oribel PortaPlay Stage-Based Activity Center - Monsterland Adventures + Stools Combo. However, I'm under no obligation to post a positive review, so these are my honest thoughts.
Table Of Contents
First impressions
The box is pretty simple looking, but they make sure that you know you get stools included! Everything is well packed, and there are a lot of small plastic bags. So be sure that you properly dispose of all of those before getting too far. Assembly is a breeze, even a child can do it. No, seriously, my 2 year old helped me to put it together.
The materials
Everything is made of a sturdy and clean plastic, which is easily cleaned with a damp cloth, and snaps into place quickly and easily. To remove any of the toys or plugs, you just squeeze the tabs under the table, and push them through. The height of the center can also be adjusted based on the size of your child with the push of a button on each leg. The seat pad is also machine washable, which is very convenient.
This play center is suitable for children from 5 months to 5 years old, so it is going to last you quite a long time. It comes with eight different toys, all of which snap into place on the table of the play center, and each are appropriate for different stages of growth. It also comes with everything you need to change it to an activity table when they grow out of needing a bouncer, which includes a table top, tray plugs, and stools. All in all, this is the complete set for your growing child(ren).
Arranging it all
All of the toys are well made, and can be arranged as you like on the table. The buttons that make noise (these required two AA batteries, which were not included), a pop-it like toy, and the bell were my kids favorites. But there is also a little snack bowl, a spinning mirror, and so much more to play with! My kids enjoyed testing this product so much!
When your kids outgrow the bouncer and just want a place to color or play, everything can be removed from the table, and the tray plugs and tabletop can be used. This turns it into a flat space where your child can continue playing with it! It can also be easily disassembled for easy transport to the grandparents.
Play time! Putting the centre to work!
It seems straightforward, but there are a lot of ways that you can use this. For us, I started by just putting each of my twins in the seat and letting them discover and play on their own. With the eight different toys to choose from, there is a lot for them to keep themselves entertained with. My twins especially loved the little monster that had a bell inside (aka. the Jiggler), that was their favorite. They also liked to take the Mischief Mirror and spin it around, which I'll admit, kept me thoroughly engaged as well. There is also a little silicone toy called a "Chewy" (for obvious reasons), that they used as the perfect teether toy.
For my two-year-old, she would not only help the twins play with the toys, but she would also learn how to use them herself. She would spin the mirror for the babies, and then she would play with the "pop-it" toy called "Bubbles" herself. When the babies went to bed, I converted it into the flat table, where she took her coloring books and colored for the next hour (which is a long time for her). Then when she was done, it was again easy enough to convert it back for when the twins woke up again for them to play with.
Pros and cons
PROS
CONS
Final thoughts
This has to be one of the most fun toys that my kids have played with, and there is so much for them to do and play with to keep everyone entertained. Definitely worth getting for all families! A solid 5 out of 5 stars from me!
