Exploring different places and learning new things on the go can be a unique and wholesome experience for a family, especially when there’s a mini traveler along for the ride. With that being said, I’ve found that those long drives and sitting in one place for hours on end can be a challenge for my toddler. That’s where car seat travel trays for toddlers come in handy – these amazing travel products can really help make family road trips much more enjoyable..
As much as I love family road trips, I confess I really don’t like having to constantly reach back to pick up dropped toys, books etc. A toddler car seat travel tray helps avoid this, plus it has a pocket for all those travel toys for the car, snacks, sippy cups etc!
A travel tray for car seats is my answer to those long car rides with toddlers. Not only does it hold all my toddlers road trip essentials, but it also places everything within his grasp, keeping him busy with an activity area of his own.
Being well prepared with activities has always helped when on a road trip with our toddler.
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Best Car Seat Travel Trays for Toddlers
A very popular car seat tray for toddlers, you don't need to look any further than the Lusso Gear! With a large surface for both drawing and snacking, your toddler will be kept well entertained!
You'll also find mesh pockets, a tablet stand and a cup holder on this travel tray for toddlers. The mesh pockets on the side are ideal for small books and crayons.
It has a large dry erase top 16" x 12.5" and some fun patterns to choose from. The table holder is detachable and will stop that tablet from falling over!
For your safety, there's a safety strap & toddler-safe plastic.
PROS
- The tablet holder is extra secure to avoid any shifting during the car ride. The safety strap keeps keeps the tray where it's supposed to be.
- Suitable for use on the plane and in the car. The pockets and cup holder help to keep everything organized.
- Easy to fold up and carry anywhere.
CONS
- Doesn't always fit well over car seats with cup holders.
This toddler car seat activity tray is the perfect accessory for long car trips with toddlers. Whether they're playing, eating, or drawing, it offers an all-in-one solution for keeping toddlers content.
One of the top features of this car tray for toddlers is its mess-free design. With multiple mesh compartments for storage, all the road trip essentials are organized and secure. Additionally, the tray pad is waterproof and easy to clean. Being durable and versatile (fitting car seats and strollers) plus a detachable table holder, you'll get a ton of use out of this toddler car seat travel tray.
PROS
- The detachable tablet holder allows parents to attach it to the headrest, keeping it out of reach.
- Plenty of mesh pockets to keep everything contained.
- Easy to fold up and carry anywhere.
CONS
- Great for road trips but too bulky to carry on airplane.
This Toddler Travel Tray by Tomser is great for inside the car, outside, and even for some extra help at home! Sturdy and attractive, this toddler travel tray is extremely easy to operate. You can set it up as a car seat tray for toddlers, on its own, or hang it in the front seat of the car.
It’s also foldable, compact, and hangable; the perfect trifecta when entertaining your little within the confines of your car.
PROS
- The detachable laptop and tablet holder that comes with a transparent pocket makes keeping toddlers occupied easy.
- The hangable storage support allows you to quickly and easily loop the tray behind the front seat of your car without encroaching on your little one's personal space.
- Worried about all the stains and marks you’ll have to scrub out if your toddler decides to get creative? The erasable waterproof drawing surface on the table makes it so that cleanup is nothing more than a single swipe of a cloth.
- A unique little perk that this multitasking car seat travel tray comes with is an educational drawing set. Drive along as your child entertains themselves with letter trains and word match drawing papers.
CONS
- Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear to the velcro strap that you’ll use to hang the tray. Repairs will likely need to be made from time to time, according to some parents.
Modfamily’s toddler lap tray knows exactly what you’re looking for. It prioritizes easy access with a solid, flat surface to let your little one play, draw, or snack comfortably in the backseat as your journey on.
Super easy to clean, it’s also machine-washable if you feel like giving it a quick spin before a trip.
Think it's only good for cars and planes? Think again! This one's even good for use in the stroller when you take them out to restaurants, parks, or for some sightseeing during your trip.
PROS
- A zipper-protected pocket that keeps everything in place as well as an easy-to-access expandable storage space for notebooks and crayons.
- This car tray for toddlers portable as a backpack or a messenger bag, depending on what is convenient for you. If it’s not too heavy, you can even let your toddler carry it around for a while!
CONS
- This lap tray for your child's car seat focuses on simple pleasures. There’s no holder for electronics, but that might actually be a good thing if you are looking for screen free travel toys! If you really must put something on, you can always place the device directly on the tray area itself.
Boy, do I love a good pattern! There’s nothing as cute as patterned products for toddlers, and this car seat tray is the prettiest one yet. But that's not all. The sturdiness of the reinforced sidewalls will keep your toddler's toys and snacks from spilling all over the car.
It’s also collapsible and comes with a padded carrying strap, allowing you to carry it with you everywhere.
The surface is padded to make it comfortable for toddlers and waterproof to make it easy to clean for parents. Be it a place to enjoy some snacks, a favorite show, or even playtime, this travel tray for toddlers will give your little one their own little corner while on the road.
PROS
- Surprise your toddler with five original printed game kits and colorful markers, a bonus bit of entertainment that is included in the purchase!
- With two cup holders, you can set up their sippy cups and not worry about stopping every time your toddler wants a sip.
- The tray includes additional collapsible storage compartments for travel items and travel toys like coloring books and puzzles.
CONS
- The tablet holder might be a bit too compact for some devices, so that’s something to check for before making your purchase. Then again, you can always place it on the tray area as well, depending on the size of the tablet.
Toddlers are messy and when you are on the go, dealing with spilled juice and food stains can get tiresome. Wouldn’t it be great to have a product that cleans up after itself? While that's just wishful thinking, this travel tray for car seats comes pretty close.
Both spill-proof and stain-resistant, I love that this car travel tray needs nothing more than a good wipe-down with a piece of cloth and it's good as new.
The portable toddler travel tray also provides a versatile fit, and can be trusted to stand on its own, on top of a surface, on the floor, or be secured safely to your toddler’s car seat in the car or on the plane.
PROS
- The clear screen tablet holder is great for protecting your iPad or device from bumps on the road and your little one's prying hands. The strong double zipper makes plugging in your toddler's headphones a breeze.
- The toddler car seat activity tray comes with additional drawing paper and markers which are a cute little add-on for long car rides.
- Worried about loose bits of paper, crayons, and little toys falling down during the drive? The outer piping on this car tray for toddlers keeps things where they should be.
CONS
- Some parents claim that this car seat travel tray is not designed for car seats with cup holders.
- Keep an eye out for signs of excessive use and tears that might occasionally crop up.
Easy on the wallet, adjustable, and with the cutest design, this carseat travel tray checks all the boxes. It’s got side and front pockets to store tiny toys, coloring books, and other bits and bobs that your toddler will need when on the road.
Made with top-quality craftsmanship, car seat table for toddlers withstand all the changes in the environment and the dust, grime, and dirt without you breaking a sweat.
Pick up this useful little car seat travel tray in a vibrant blue or adorable pink and get your family trip started!
PROS
- The "soft flap" design on this car seat table for toddlers guarantees that little crumbs and things don’t fall off and litter your car.
- The design includes firm and flexible bases with long straps that don’t bother your toddler, leaving them with plenty of room to wiggle around. An added pro? The tray remains straight and balanced with the help of a sturdy front buckle strap that secures the toddler car seat travel tray without weighing down your child.
CONS
- While the top does a good job at remaining straight and horizontal without caving in, it is still affected by twists and turns when driving.
This travel tray for car seats and plane rides is pretty budget-friendly, especially when you factor in how long-lasting it is. Store books, crayons, toys, bottles, and even pacifiers in its stretchable mesh pockets. Fold it and carry it around using the strap that’s provided.
I like how versatile this toddler car seat tray is - you can use it at a restaurant, on a high chair, in the car, and everywhere else.
PROS
- If you’re looking for a secure and detachable tablet holder that fits most devices, then this is it.
- The extra waterproof cushioning and dry erase top make clean up easy.
CONS
- The storage facilities are great, but you have to keep an eye out for the number of items you keep here. A car travel tray that is overstuffed might not fold correctly.
Keep the dreaded "I’m bored" announcements at bay with Ecofantasy’s toddler travel tray that makes sure entertainment is at their fingertips. Be it toys, colored pencils, snacks, or their favorite cartoons, you can arrange everything on this car travel tray for toddlers and keep them busy for hours.
Pick either the purple and pink color option or the gray and orange, and you'll get a set of activity sheets and markers as a bonus!
PROS
- The surface of this car tray for toddlers has an educational and interactive world map surface that fuels your child’s curiosity.
- The adjustable security strap makes it easy to reinforce the tray to withstand the car's movements, which is an important features on the best car seat travel trays.
- I love a secure tablet holder, and this one allows your toddler to watch their favorite cartoons with the least interference.
Car Seat Organizers
Now that you've seen some of the best toddler car seat trays, let's go over a few alternatives to the tray if you've got a toddler that doesn't like anything tying them down! You’ll enjoy how resourceful these are too.
If you still like the idea of your toddler having a snack and sippy cup closer, the My Travel Tray is an excellent addition to your road trip essentials!
Back seat organizers are a really smart way to convert an ordinary car seat travel tray for toddlers into a portable bag and organizer. Pack all your child’s playthings into this travel tray, and once done, just zip it up and carry it like a messenger bag; it’s a grab-and-go bag of fun!
PROS
- You’ll love how multipurpose this is. Set it up by leaning it against the front seat or securing it like a tray, so that your toddler can use it as an entire desk.
- If you want to make more room in the car, fold it flat, mount it onto the back of the front seat and insert your tablet into the clear pouch on the side for some relaxed entertainment.
CONS
- It’s not the most sturdy as a flat surface. Although I do wish that it could be used as a table for longer periods of time, for the best results, you can alternate this with a front seat-mounted setup and give your toddler some time with their favorite shows.
Do you think your little traveler will end up needing a lot more than what a travel tray for car seats can hold for a comfortable trip? Why not give this multipurpose backseat organizer a go?
It offers more than enough storage space and includes a tablet holder that doesn’t have to be buckled around your child’s car seat.
You just set it up behind the front seat and forget all about it. No worrying about placing and removing it during the ride or checking to see if it's still buckled in place!
PROS
- The adjustable viewing angle tablet pocket allows you to shift it to whatever position your child finds the most comfortable.
- It comes with 11 storage pockets, so you can only imagine the amount of stuff you can fit in here. Toys, notebooks, sippy cups, snacks, you name it! There’s even an XL expandable pocket for larger items.
- I like that this is a product your toddler won't grow out of. You can leave this handy organizer in your car for years to come.
CONS
- There is no surface or desk-like space for toddler to draw or paint on, but considering all the pros and the fact that it gives toddlers the space to stretch around and sit freely, this is not a deal-breaker.
This mini entertainment zone for toddlers offers tough competition to even the best car seat trays in the business. The layout makes it a great space saver with enough storage for sippy cups, wipes, snacks, toys, and much more. It’s perfect for energetic little ones who might feel restricted by a tray table that attaches to their seat.
PROS
- I'm always looking for snug pockets that can withstand every turn and bump on the road, and this organizer’s sag-proof sturdy pockets provide just that. Made with BPA-free oxford fabric, they hold toys and items tight, making bending down to search for things under your seat a thing of the past!
- With its scratch-resistant and waterproof technology, you don’t have to deal with the fuss of dirt and dust on the road. One wipe and you’re done.
- Just set it up and forget about buckling or unbuckling it during the trip! Two adjustable heavy-duty quick-release buckles ensure that it’s the best fit for any car seat, and the installation is super easy.
CONS
- While perfect for car travel, you’ll want to consider other options for air travel, as the organizer is not ideal to take off and carry around.
What to Look for in a Toddler Travel Tray for Car Seats
When I look for a toddler travel tray for the car seat, my biggest considerations are how portable it is, how much storage it offers, whether it offers the functions my toddler will want and if it has a universal fit. The best travel tray for toddlers should keep everything in place, keep the tablet from falling down and more importantly fit snugly so it’s not falling to the floor.
The best car seat tray for toddlers will also have a cup holder and even some pockets for storage!
Use and Types
The first thing I look for when buying a car seat tray is its use. You’ll find many in the market that are good for either airplanes or cars. If you’re looking for something that’ll fit both, then you’ll probably want a toddler car seat tray that’s more portable and operates like a table.
Mounted organizers are best for car travel as they come with ample storage space for all your toddler’s travel essentials while providing sufficient room for your kid to move about. You just have to put them up and let them be for the entirety of your trip.
With air travel or at stopovers at hotels and restaurants, a car seat travel tray will be more ideal. It’s portable, so you can carry it around and open it up for your kid, or use it as a surface to place their food and feed them with the least fuss.
Universal Fit
An important feature when you’re on the go is the fit. You’ll want a car seat travel tray that is adjustable and secure. Car seats, airplane seats, and high chairs are all of different dimensions.
While it can be a challenge to find something that’ll be an exact fit, you can always look for car seat travel trays that have adjustable straps. Keeping efficiency as well as your child’s safety in mind, it’s always best if you can find something that buckles quickly, yet securely.
Portability
It’s always convenient when your toddler’s essentials are easy to carry around, because you never know when you’ll need them. Most car seat travel trays are portable for easy use. Some are foldable, while some come in the shape of a backpack that you can pack up and carry around.
Storage
With products for toddlers, I’m constantly looking for storage, storage, and more storage. With so much to carry, you want a place to store it and keep it organized.
It’s easy to find a toddler car seat tray that comes with in-built storage for pouches for crayons, pencils, and other odds and ends. Some even have cup holders for your toddler’s sippy cup. With a toddler car seat tray with adequate storage, there’s no more scrambling to find your kids’ toys in the middle of a journey because it’s all in one place.
Ease of Cleaning
A feature I always look for in a car seat travel tray is the ease of cleaning. If your toddler is anything like mine, then you know toddlers do make a bit of a mess! I prefer a waterproof top to make clean up of the kids travel tray easier. One wipe does the job; no spills or stains stick around!
Other Toddler Travel Gear
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.