Your toddler isn’t as interested in the scenic views you are driving past as you are. Without anything to keep their senses occupied, toddlers tend to get bored quickly when travelling, making her restless and cranky. Things can get worse if you are driving through an area with lots of noisy traffic. It can easily overwhelm their senses and lead to crying outbursts.
Fortunately, it does not take a lot to keep their attention focused on something. A simple toy with funny sounds and colours is enough to keep them calm when on the go while still helping them develop their senses and motor skills.
We know how frustrating it can be to keep a toddler calm and quiet, especially if you are in a plane or a train where there are other people around. So we went out to search for the best travel toys for toddlers we could find. We ended up with a list of 8. The first 4 are for one year olds while the other 4 are designed to be used by two year olds.
To make these selections, we considered a variety of factors including safety, level of engagement, durability, portability, battery life (for those that are powered) and development benefits.
Travel toys for 1 year old
1. LeapFrog My Talking LapPup (Scout)
Scout is a very talkative frog, perfect for introducing colours, shapes and numbers to toddlers. He can even sing and comes with lights to keep your toddler’s attention focused on him. By opening and closing the lid, your little one can enjoy a game of peek-a-boo with Scout.
The toy frog uses a pair of AA batteries. If you are going for an extra-long trip, consider carrying an extra set or two with you.
Why we love it:
- Very realistic sounds and movements for toddlers.
- Comes with a handle that toddlers can hold and carry Scout around with.
- Plenty of activities and sounds to keep a toddler occupied.
2. VTech Multi-coloured Baby’s Laptop
Just the splash of colours alone is enough to capture your toddler’s attention. This plastic toy laptop offers much more.
It has three areas of play and learning: music, shapes and animals. The music includes twenty melodies and three sing along songs. There is even a movable mouse which adds a fun role playing aspect to the toy.
Why we love it:
- A wide variety of activities and music to keep your toddler entertained.
- Comes with an easy-carry handle.
- Comes with a volume button for when you need some quiet as your child keeps playing.
3. Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle, Grasping Toy and Teether
A teether is perhaps the most important toy starting at around 6 months of age. It can be especially helpful when you are travelling with a toddler in the throes of itching and pain brought about by teething.
The wooden Manhattan Toy is a rattle, a grasping toy and a teether, all in one. There are rattling beads that move along the dowels and a wood-based teether with a safe water finish.
Why we love it:
- 3-in-one toy: rattle, grasping toy and teether.
- Made from wood, making it safe and long lasting.
- No batteries needed.
4. BUCKLE TOY “Blizzard” Penguin
It is always surprising how much simple items can capture a toddler’s attention. In this case it is a set of coloured buckles on a toy penguin. There are five plastic buckles that your kid can keep opening and closing.
This may seem simple but it is immensely beneficial for them. Not only does it keep theme entertained, it develops their hand-eye coordination and their motor skills. At the back there is a zippered pocket they can hide their stuff in or just keep opening and closing it.
Why we love it:
- Great for motor skill development.
- No batteries required.
- Small and light, perfect for toddlers.
Travel toys for 2 year old
5. Leapfrog My Own Leaptop Scout
It takes a little bit more to keep two year olds entertained. Their learning needs are also growing. That’s why the Leaptop scout, with its numerous activities, is perfect for your rapidly deveoping toddler.
The laptop is quite realistic with a large screen (not coloured) on which fun animations are displayed. With the full alphabet displayed on the keys, toddlers will have a fun time learning different letters and even spelling out their name. There is also music, animals and other activities.
Why we love it:
- Plenty of challenging and fun activities ideal for a 2-year old’s development.
- Small and lightweight with an easy-carry handle.
- Highly engaging.
6. BBLIKE Toddler Keyboard Piano
This toy piano encourages your toddler to explore different types of sounds from animal sounds to fun melodies. It also includes colour recognition as well as activities aimed at developing their motor skills. The colourful attention-grabbing design comes in handy if your baby gets cranky when travelling.
Why we love it:
- Comes with a volume button which comes in handy when you are in a public place or you need some quiet.
- Hardy design that can withstand falls.
- Wide variety of learning and fun activities.
7. VTech Baby Musical Rhymes Book
If your toddler loves sign-alongs, get this rhymes book for them. It consists of plastic pages accompanied by colourful pictures, words and six popular rhymes. It’s not just for entertainment, it also helps in developing sound and reading skills.
Why we love it:
- Easy-to-clean and durable plastic pages.
- Colourful pictures and words to capture their attention.
- Safety tested.
8. BBLIKE 16 Pictures Colouring Board and Drawing Supplies
So much colouring fun with no mess or stains at all. Perfect for keeping toddlers busy during a long car ride. There are 16 pictures to colour and a water pen to colour with. The best part is that they can keep colouring over and over again. This is because the pictures fade as the water dries.
The boards also act as an 8-piece puzzle, great for younger toddlers.
Why we love it:
- It develops an understanding of colours, shapes and animals. It also enhances motor skills.
- Reusable pictures.
- No-mess colouring pen. It doesn’t leave marks or stains on clothes or upholstery.
