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- The Sit ’n Spin is a classic toy that is still a hit with kids today, and my daughter has every bit as much fun as I remember having as a kid.
- Kids as young as 18 months can operate the toy themselves to spin as fast or slow as they want.
- The toy works best for toddlers and preschool-age children and has a weight limit of 42 pounds.
Sometimes the simplest toys are the most enjoyable, and anyone who grew up in the ’70s or later likely remembers the thrill of one of the simplest: the Sit ’n Spin. If I hadn’t been sent an editorial review sample to test, I undoubtedly would have bought one for my daughter.
A toy that is so classic and memorable has a lot to live up to, and I hoped it would stand the test of time. My daughter has water tables, dollhouses that are taller than she is, and access to thousands of movies and TV shows at the click of a button. But in the ’90s, I had a hose and a TV that only got a few channels.
Even with so many things competing for my daughter’s attention, she’s drawn to the Sit ’n Spin. My husband and I gave her a crash course in using it and just like that, it was a hit. Like many kids, my daughter delights in getting as dizzy as possible, so any time she feels the urge, off to the Sit ’n Spin she goes.
How the Sit 'n Spin works
If you've never used or seen a Sit 'n Spin before, the concept is simple: Kids sit on a round platform and use a wheel that juts out of the center to spin themselves. They can go as fast or slow as they want, and can operate the toy completely independently.
I'm well beyond the age of enjoying the feeling of being dizzy, but I remember thinking a Sit 'n Spin was like having my own personal amusement park ride. If you want to take your kids to a carnival or amusement park but aren't sure how they'll handle spinning rides, this is the ultimate trial run.
The Sit 'n Spin isn't just fun, though. This toy is excellent for developing gross motor skills and core strength. It also helps kids work on their balance and coordination.
A few pointers before you buy a Sit 'n Spin
The manufacturer recommends the Sit 'n Spin for kids ages 18 months to 5 ½ years. My daughter was 22 months old when she first tried it, and even though she's within the recommended age range, I wasn't sure if she would be able to operate it. She certainly proved me wrong when she picked it up on her second try.
The Sit 'n Spin is rather small, so I would actually recommend it for kids on the lower end of the recommended age range. My daughter is 2 now and the size is just right for her, but kids closer to 5½ might be too big. Additionally, the weight limit is 42 pounds; some kids might reach this weight before they hit the upper age limit.
I found that the toy works best on harder surfaces — it didn't spin as well when we tried it on carpet. Of course, if you use it on a hard surface, carefully monitor your child in case they lose balance and fall off.
The bottom line
When I watch my daughter spin around freely with squeals of delight, I'm instantly transported back to the '90s, when sticky hands from popsicles were a regular occurrence and my biggest concern was keeping my Tamagotchi alive. So, should you buy a Sit 'n Spin for your child? Absolutely, yes.
There's nothing that compares to the carefree feeling of spinning endlessly, and the joy of passing down a beloved toy and activity from one generation to the next is an added bonus.