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Travel Tips, Packing

15 Travel Toys for Babies You Will Thank Yourself for Packing

on our flight to Israel!
on our flight to Israel!

As a mom who’s been traveling with my two kids since my oldest was just 16 weeks old, I’ve experienced the challenge of keeping them entertained on long trips. Over the years, I’ve tested countless travel toys for babies, learning which ones truly engage and which ones just take up space. Trust me, not all toys are worth the extra luggage.

Here are the top travel toys for babies that have made a difference for us, whether we’re on a road trip, flight, or cruise. Based on my own experiences, these picks are guaranteed to make your next trip with a baby easier and more enjoyable.

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport

15 Travel Toys for Babies You Will Thank Yourself for Packing

Traveling with a baby is totally doable. At this stage, their routine is pretty simple—eat, sleep, diaper change, PLAY, and repeat. Over the years, we’ve found a handful of travel toys for babies that have made all the difference on both long road trips and international flights.

I always keep 3–5 new toys in my carry-on to keep my little one entertained without relying on screens. It buys me a few quiet minutes to enjoy my coffee and take a little break.

Z on her flight to Paris
Z on her flight to Paris

Here’s our go-to list of tried and loved travel toys for babies 0-12 months old.

  1. Car Key Toy (check on Amazon or Walmart )
  2. Taggies Lovey Soft Toy ( check on Amazon or Walmart)
  3. Suction cup Fidget Spinners (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  4. Buckle Toy (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  5. Sophie the Giraffe ( of course) (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  6. Indestructibles: Things That Go! Chew Proof, Rip Proof, Nontoxic & 100% Washable Baby book (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  7. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy with 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks (check on Amazon or Walmart) ​​
  8. Mess Free Fingerprint Painting Activity Set (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  9. Set of Montessori Toys for babies (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  10. Soft Activity Crinkle Book & Fold Out Pat Mat for Baby (check on Amazon or Walmart).
  11. Toy Straps (so the toys don’t end up on the floor). ​ (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  12. Indestructibles: Hello, Farm!: Chew Proof, Rip Proof, Nontoxic, 100% Washable baby book (check on Amazon or Walmart)
  13. ​​Suction Cup Giraffe Toy (check on Amazon or Walmart) ​
  14. Lift-the-Flap Playtown Airport book (check on Amazon or Walmart) ​​
  15. Mary Meyer WubbaNub Infant Pacifier (check on Amazon or Walmart)

Obviously you don’t need every single toy on the list, pick 3-4 new ones to add to your diaper bag and what you already have and you’ll be well prepared. =)

Related: Is Slumberpod Worth It? Honest Slumberpod Review ✈️

8 Amazing Travel Toys for Babies in the Car

After MANY road trips all around the states as well as in France, Israel, and Greece, here are a few of our favorites.

  1. Baby Teether & Rattle (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  2. Kick and Play Activity Center (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  3. Melissa & Doug Children’s Book – Poke-a-Dot (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  4. Montessori Activity Book (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  5. Suction cup Fidget Spinners (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  6. Teething Sticks for Babies 0-36 Months (check on Amazon and Walmart)
  7. Melissa & Doug: My First Activity Soft Book (amazing) (check on Amazon and Walmart)
paw patrol on our portable DVD player

8. Itzy Ritzy Spiral Car Seat & Stroller Activity Toy (check on Amazon and Walmart)

As a bonus… I have to include a screen option since we did use it on our 14+ hr drive with our baby and it helped. Portable DVD players we loved (check on Amazon and Walmart).

Thanks for reading! Hope your next trip with your little one goes great.

My Top Resources for Traveling Like a Pro

As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning. 

1. Best deals for Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars: Expedia. 

2. Excursions and Activities: Viator.

3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.

Amazon Storefront for All Things Travel

Don’t forget to visit my Amazon storefront, where you’ll find thoughtfully curated selections of travel essentials. 

1. Traveling with a Toddler

2. Travel Essentials

3. Airport Outfit Ideas

On the Blog

Traveling with Toddlers? You might also enjoy these posts.

1. 3 Best Toddler Travel Bed Options to Use After Pack and Play 😴

2. Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller Review and Pros/Cons

3. Is Slumberpod Worth It? Honest Slumberpod Review ✈️

4. 10 Proven and Effective Ways to Pop Your Toddlers Ears on a Plane 👂 

5. Top 3 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport 🌴

Written by: Melanie Suggs

Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers and kiddos on countless international and domestic flights.

With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.

Keep Up with Mel

Posted In: Travel Tips, Packing

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