Best Travel Toys for Babies & Toddler - March List

Part of Our "Top 10 Things Parents Love Lists About" Series - A Fun (and helpful) Blog Series from Working Moms Realty

As the spring and summer travel season approaches, many of us moms are gearing up for adventures with our little ones. But let's be real, traveling with babies and toddlers can be a bit of a challenge. I know how important it is to keep our little ones entertained and happy while on the go. So, whether you're hitting the road, taking a plane, or going on a train ride, I've got you covered with some tried-and-true toy recommendations to make your travels a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable. Let's make some memories without the meltdowns!

Babies

  • Soft Plush Toys: Compact, squishy plush toys are perfect for cuddling and comforting babies during travel. Choose ones with attached teethers or crinkle sounds for added sensory stimulation.
  • Suction Cup Spinner Toys: Suction cup spinner toys come in various animal shapes and feature jingle bells, making them irresistible to babies and toddlers. Their vibrant colors and playful design effortlessly capture a child's attention, sparking curiosity and encouraging interactive play. With their easy-to-attach suction cups, these toys provide endless entertainment and sensory stimulation for little ones at home or on the go.
  • Indestructible Books: Indestructibles are built for the way babies “read” (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: rip proof, waterproof, portable and safe for baby. Indestructibles are beloved by babies and their parents. And if they get dirty, just wash them off in the sink with soap!
  • Zippee Sensory Activity Toy: Zippee is a silicone pulling toy for older babies. They will have tons of fun while creating developmental learning skills that will stick throughout their growing years. Flexible and soft edges, textured cords and easy to hold grips make our toy perfect for promoting tactile responses and development skills.
  • Fat Brain Toys: Fat Brain Toys brand designs unique toys and games that inspire learning through pure, authentic play. Their classics include the Dimpl baby busy board, textured Dimpl Clutch sensory toy, the adorable Lil' Dimpl squishy teething figure and the always entertaining Mini Spinny. Their toys are bright and colorful, safe for babies while also promoting sensory experiences, cause and effect, and reaching & grasping.

Toddlers

  • Busy Boards: Portable busy boards with various textures, buttons, and knobs are excellent for keeping toddlers entertained during flights or road trips. They provide sensory exploration and fine motor skill development in a compact, travel-friendly format.
  • Water Wow! Books: Mess-free and reusable, Water Wow! books are perfect for mess-free coloring fun on the go. Simply fill the pen with water, and watch as colors magically appear on the pages. Ideal for keeping toddlers entertained during meals or quiet times.
  • LCD Writing Tablets: LCD writing tablets offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper and pen. With a pressure-sensitive LCD screen, these tablets allow kids to write, draw, and doodle with ease using a stylus or their fingers. Convenient, portable, and erasable with the touch of a button they are great for short attention spans.
  • Magnetic Drawing Board: A fully enclosed kids magnetic board with balls and a built-in stylus pen provide hours of imaginative fun without any clean up. The magnets stimulate curiosity and introduce scientific discovery and your child's pencil grasp develops while using the stylus. Lots of learning going on and they don't even realize it. How fun?!
  • Kids Cameras: A kids' camera is not just a toy—it's a passport to adventure! Compact, durable, and easy to use, these pint-sized gadgets provide endless entertainment during travel. From capturing scenic landscapes to documenting memorable moments with family and friends, a kids' camera puts your kid in control of their creativity and exploration, wherever the journey takes them.

PRO TIP: Before embarking on a journey, I always try to keep some toys hidden away or purchase new ones that my kids haven't seen before. This sneaky tactic not only buys me more time but also adds an element of excitement as they discover something new. Whether it's a surprise toy tucked away in the suitcase or a brand-new plaything waiting to be unveiled, the novelty keeps them entertained for longer, making our travels a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

And, when all else fails, my babies and toddlers can always be distracted by SNACKS! All the snacks. This is a packing must when traveling with kids. Always pack more snacks than you think you need.

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