The Best Train Table Sets for Toddlers

There are many choices for consumers when looking for train table sets. Some are just a hard surface on which to play trains that lays flat on the floor. At the other end are vast cityscapes with flyovers, bridges, construction sets, and municipal buildings.

1. Recommended Age

Paying attention to the ages recommended by the manufacturer is important. You don’t have to agree with the recommendation, however. Most of the train set providers set the bottom of the age limit to 2 or 3 years. The recommendation might be fine for you but may not be. If your 2-year-old is in the middle of a molar eruption and puts everything into his mouth and chews, it might be best to wait a bit longer. Also, they throw things a lot when they’re cranky. On the other hand, there is no upper age limit. You might find a new hobby.

2. Accessories

The sets run the gamut, from no accessories to more than 100. The accessories are usually wood or plastic in the same set. There might be the bare basics, or a set might contain other vehicles like ambulances, planes, and cars. There is nothing like knowing your kiddo. Some dig right in and have a ball with a big set of accessories. Other children will feel overwhelmed and want to run a train around the table.

One important thing to remember when purchasing any set for children: yes, the choking hazard. It might be wise to assemble the collection when your children aren’t around. You can take each accessory piece and run it through an inexpensive Choke Hazard Detector or just an empty toilet paper roll. If a toy can pass through the opening, it’s important to keep it away from kids less than three years old. You can always put the accessory away for the future.

3. Storage

If your child has a lot of accessories and train-track pieces, storage may play an important part in your decision about a play table. There are options for bins, large drawers, and even racks to hand train cars. It’s a good idea to anticipate the storage problems your first choice demands and then plan where you’ll put the umpteen dozen people, trees, cars, and unicorns.

4. Double-sided Tables

These tables are handy for anyone. One side is a graphic-laden expanse of train world. Flip it over, and you might have more train stuff or maybe just a regular play table. You can use that second side for art projects, clay molding, or games. There’s one thing to watch for, however. Be sure that you can flip the table over easily by yourself.

5. Table Dimensions

Size might not seem such a big deal when you’re picking out a train table, but it might be one of the most crucial factors. Some of these choices are very large in the context of the normal bedroom or playroom. If you have a big basement rec room, no worries. If your little one has an 8’ x 10’ bedroom, you need to be careful. It might be a good idea, once you’ve settled on a table set, to take a tape measure and check the planned space to be sure.

6. Weight

Can you lift this table? That’s the big question, isn’t it? I admit I’ve been slacking on my poses and planking lately. I’m not certain I could heft a 50-pound table hither and yon. It may not be an issue for you, but if you’re six months pregnant or just had knee surgery, you either want to get a table you won’t be expected to move around or something you can handle alone.