Traveling with a 1-year-old may seem like a scary thought at first. You may be concerned about how you will entertain them for an extended period of time in such a small space. To help, we share the best travel toys for a 1-year-old that can be used on a plane or in the car.
One-year-olds are usually mobile (either crawling or walking) and curious, although a little too young to be able to carry on a conversation. For these reasons, I thought that the most difficult age to travel with a child was between 12 and 18 months. However, I still highly encourage you to take that trip! These baby and toddler travel tips will help you prepare and feel safe!
These great travel toys for a 1 year old will keep your little one entertained and happy, allowing them to stay calm and confident. But don’t forget the power of a snack, random things in your bag, the tray table, music, and more! There are so many new and exciting things that your child will love to explore if you introduce them to him.
If you’re looking for more travel tips, we’ve got it! Like, how the hell do you travel with a stroller? What to expect on a first flight with a baby or how to take your baby/toddler on a hike.
We have traveled almost full time with our now 2 1/2 year old daughter since she was 6 weeks old. She’s been on short flights, long-haul flights, and cross-country road trips, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. So let’s get into it! Here are our best tried-and-true travel toys for a 1-year-old.
How many travel toys do you need for a 1 year old?
You need less than you think! I’m guilty of packing too much for my son, but the truth is, they need a lot less than we think they do. For shorter trips, 2-3 toys will suffice. For long distance trips pack 4 to 6 toys.
Don’t forget that there are many things that can be used as toys even if they weren’t purchased as toys! Your 1 year old will love opening and closing the window or tray. They’ll love going through your bag or stacking plastic cups.
Spend time looking out the window, listening to music, singing songs, and telling stories. Also, snacks are amazing entertainment on the go. If you’re looking for a great snack cup for travel, we love this snack cup because it’s also a toy!
Once you get to your destination, you won’t need many toys. You will be our explorer most days and that will keep your 1 year old busy. The world is his playground!
What makes a great travel toy for a 1 year old
When you’re deciding which travel toys you want to pack for your 1-year-old, there are a few key factors you’ll want to keep in mind. Make sure your travel toys are compact, lightweight, quiet, multi-use, no mess, and don’t require charging.
Compact
First, make sure your travel toys are compact. They shouldn’t take up a lot of space in your hand luggage. You most likely won’t have much free space anyway! Pack some small, compact toys and keep them easily accessible while you’re on the go.
Light
The heavier your bags are, the more difficult they will be to load. Also, lighter toys will be easier for your 1-year-old to handle independently.
Don’t worry
Make sure your travel toys for your 1-year-old are quiet. Whether you’re traveling by plane or by car, a loud and obnoxious repeating toy is no fun for you or anyone around you.
multipurpose
Think outside the box and ask yourself if two toys can be used together or if your toy can include snacks. These toys get bonus points!
clutter free
Skip the clay, markers, and glitter. Only pack toys that do not require cleanup afterwards. That’s the last thing you want to deal with on your trip.
no charging required
Choose travel toys for a 1-year-old that don’t require batteries or charging so you don’t risk having your favorite toy die mid-flight or on a road trip!
The best travel toys for 1-year-olds
busy board
Busy Boards are full of activities that will keep your 1-year-old well… busy. There’s a ton available on Amazon. Most have similar activities, but they come in many different colors and designs, so find one that you think your 1-year-old will enjoy.
Rotating Suction Toy
These toys are great to stick on the window or tray table and let your child spin them around. These also have a pop it on the ends which is an added fun activity for them. Plus, when you get to your destination, these make great bath toys!
rope activity toy
This activity toy has lots to explore. Each rope has a different texture and shape and your 1-year-old can use his imagination as he pulls them back and forth. They will hear different noises and feel different vibrations that will keep them interested in seeing what they can create next.
Buckle Pillow
The buckled pillow has many puzzle games that will keep your 1 year old busy. They can combine the 6 colored buckles to work on hand-eye coordination, as well as using the zippers and side buttons.
Peek-a-boo book
You can use this book to read to your child, or you can let your 1-year-old explore it independently. They will enjoy lifting the many flaps of the book and discovering what is underneath.
Tissue box
The tissue box is a fun and exciting travel toy for a 1 year old. This toy continues to amaze your child as he takes new things out of the box. The items included are of different textures and have different images for your child to explore. Or you can add your own fun surprises in the box.
Busy LED board
This is a great compact travel toy for a 1 year old. They can push buttons, turn knobs, and flip switches to see what happens. Cause and effect toys are great for keeping little minds busy.
Cars, Trucks and Playmat
These small, compact cars will allow your 1-year-old to use his imagination. They can make a parking lot, race them, crash them and more. The extra storage bag and small size make them super easy to pack.
Farm animals
If your 1 year old loves farm animals, these are so cute and fun! They can continually put them together and separate them. You can practice animal noises with them or even share a snack with the animals.
lock and keys
What 1-year-old doesn’t feel great about his own set of keys? They can use the keys to open individual car locks, which is an exciting cause and effect toy. The carriages can be played individually, connected as a train, or all locked together. Lastly, they’re labeled by number, so it’s a great way to introduce and start practicing numbers.
quiet felt book
This soft felt book encourages independent play as your 1-year-old explores books and completes simple tasks. The small size and light weight make it easy to pack for your trip.
Fubbles
All children love bubbles! They’re magical. These are great because they’re small and don’t make a mess. While these may be frowned upon on a plane, I would definitely take them out in the terminal while you wait to board. They are also great in the car or at your final destination.
Enjoy your trip with your 1 year old!
We hope you found some fun travel toys for your 1-year-old. If you’re traveling with a toddler, we also have a post on the best travel toys for toddlers! Have a wonderful trip with your son! You are about to create some amazing memories!
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