Ah, the joys of flying, sailing, or roadtripping! The thrill of takeoff, the stunning views around, above, and below, the blissful escape from daily life— it sounds like a dream… until you hear that familiar, dreaded wail. Yes, we’re talking about traveling with kids. But fear not, travel-loving parents! With a bit of preparation and the right arsenal of travel toys and activities, you can turn that potentially turbulent flight or cruise into smooth sailing.
When we started traveling, Little A was a mere 4-month old, and we haven’t ever looked back. She’s grown, we’ve grown with her, and so have her travel toys. After about 24 months of intermittent traveling, we are here to share all our secrets and tried-and-tested methods to keep our bub happy, giggling, and most importantly, engaged.
Let’s dive into the magical world of travel toys and other entertainment for your young adventurers, divided by age groups to make your packing easier and your trip much more enjoyable. Read on!
Infants: Keep It Simple and Sensory
We have scoured the internet and our own experiences to come up with the best shortlist of travel toys you can explore for your little bubbies!
1. Soft and Snuggly Toys
For the tiniest travelers, comfort is key. Bring along one or more soft, cuddly travel toys that doubles as a sensory object. Look for toys with different textures to keep those little fingers busy.
Here are some links for you to snuggle up with the cutest travel buddy ever!
2. Crinkly Books
Crinkly cloth books are a fantastic way to engage infants. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and the crinkling sound is endlessly fascinating for babies.
Grab a crinkly book—it’s like a symphony for your baby’s ears!
3. Teething Toys
Teething babies need something to chew on, especially during takeoff and landing, or at all times like our Little A between 4-6 months old. Choose soothing teething travel toys that are easy to clean and safe for little mouths. The gel-filled ones are real lifesavers for keeping the moods sunny and bright.
Say goodbye to grumpy gums with this must-have teething toy!
4. Sensory Balls
Soft, textured balls can provide endless entertainment and help with sensory development. These travel toys are inexpensive and come with a gamut of options. Opt for ones that squeak or have varied surfaces to explore.
Roll into fun with these sensory balls—tiny hands will thank you!
5. Baby Noise-Canceling Headphones
Protect those delicate ears from the roar of the engines. Noise-canceling headphones designed for infants can help soothe them and even assist in getting some shut-eye. Yes, they’re not really travel toys, but nonetheless quite the travel buddy you would like to be in company with!
Block out the noise, and drift into dreamland with these baby headphones!
Toddlers: Little Explorers, Big Adventures
It’s time to up your game for your not-so-little explorer! As we are growing along with our little bub, our experience is growing too. We’re sharing the tried and tested goodies that we use for our trips, and trust us, they’re fool-proof to keep your kiddo happy and engaged!
1. Sticker Books
Stickers are a toddler’s best friend. They’re mess-free, portable, and can keep little ones entertained for ages. Choose reusable sticker books as the perfect travel toys for endless fun.
Stick it to boredom with these fantastic sticker books which take the little ones into a unique adventure everytime!
2. Magnetic Drawing Boards
A magnetic drawing board is a great way to let your toddler express their creativity without the mess of crayons and paper. Plus, it’s easy to erase and start over.
Draw, erase, repeat—artistic fun on the fly with this magnetic board!
3. Busy Boards
Busy boards with zippers, buttons, and laces can keep tiny hands busy and help develop fine motor skills. They’re compact and perfect for travel. We HIGHLY recommend to have this in your list of travel toys. It saved us from hours of cranky wails!
Keep those little hands busy and brains buzzing with this awesome busy board!
4. Spinner Suction Toys
The fun and bright colored spinner toys are perfect for keeping toddlers engaged. They come with the suction hold that grip to any surface, from aircraft window to restaurant dining table, and the little elements can help develop cognitive skills and keep the little gems entertained.
Turn heads with this hands-on adventure buddies for your little ones!
5. Picture Books
We saved the OG for the last… Toddlers just start to learn phonics, alphabets, numbers, and shapes. Travel-sized books that feature animals, fruits, or other items in the alphabetical order are of great interests for the little geniuses. The small size is perfect for fitting into the diaper bag! The books are travel toys which even we read when we were kids, and they simply remain a classic without any surprise!
Reading time just got a lot more fun with these toddler-friendly picture books!
BONUS: Extra Tips for a Smooth Journey with your Kiddo
- Plan for Variety: Pack a mix of activities to switch things up if your child loses interest.
- Rotate Toys: Introduce toys one at a time to keep the novelty factor high.
- Pack Snacks: Healthy, easy-to-eat snacks can be a great distraction and keep kids happy.
- Stay Calm: Your child will pick up on your stress, so try to stay relaxed and go with the flow.
- Involve Them in the Packing: Let your child choose some of the toys and books to bring along, giving them a sense of control and excitement about the trip.
Travel Toys for the Win!
With the world moving to a nomadic lifestyle, it’s normal to travel with young kids nowadays. The best part is that the creative minds are putting their heads together to come up with interesting, interactive, and engaging educational toys, all focused on upholding and developing the child’s cognitive and motor skills.
At this day and age, traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With the right preparation and a bit of creativity, you can turn your flight, cruise, or road trip into a fun and engaging adventure for the whole family.
So pack those bags, grab your travel essentials, and get ready to make some amazing memories with your little ones. If you want to know more about travel essentials, head to our blog on The Ultimate Checklist for 2024. Happy travels! 🙂
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