Toys That Travel: The Best On-the-Go Entertainment for Babies & Toddlers

At Baby Bloomers in Mt. Pleasant, SC, we know family adventures and quick getaways create the best memories—especially when you’re heading to Charleston for the weekend. Whether you’re taking a day trip from Hilton Head or Savannah or embarking on a longer road trip, keeping your baby or toddler entertained in the car is key. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best travel toys and on-the-go entertainment ideas to keep little ones calm, happy, and engaged from start to finish. From road trip essentials to space-saving toy picks, everything you need for smoother travels with kids starts right here.

Why Smart Toy Choices Matter on the Go

Traveling with young children can disrupt routines and quickly lead to boredom or overstimulation. Pediatric experts recommend simple, interactive toys that encourage hands-on play, support developmental milestones, and help reduce fussiness while on the move. These classic options consistently outperform screens and complex gadgets, providing lasting benefits for growing minds and bodies 

Top Travel Toys for Every Stage

Here’s a quick guide for your next packing list:

Safety first: Always choose toys labeled BPA-free, meeting up-to-date safety standards, and designed without small or detachable parts.

Entertaining Toddlers During Travel

• Busy Boards: Buttons, zippers, and toggles build fine-motor skills and keep hands busy.

• Audio Story Buttons: Short stories and music boost language development and nurture imagination. 

• Peek-a-Boo Cloth Squares: Engaging favorites that are easy to clean and great for flights or long drives.

• Sensory focused toys: Keep hands and brains to prevent restless travel. 

If you’re setting out from Hilton Head or Savannah, create a small “adventure pouch” with your child’s chosen entertainments to keep those trips to Charleston smooth and stress-free.

Space-Saving Tips for Toy Packing

• Nesting or stackable cups: Stack, roll, stick, and sip! From car play to bath, there's endless creative play possibilities. Plus, they stack into each other! 

• Collapsible soft balls: Inflate for fun at rest stops or destination play.

• Teething toys: Compact and stimulating for baby.

• Flat sensory toys: Easy to store and keeps baby’s brain engaged. 

All items are small, lightweight, and easy to clean—ideal for busy families on the go.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys After Travel

Keep your children healthy by cleaning toys after each outing and sanitize when necessary following CDC Guidelines:

1. Wash with hot, soapy water and scrub all surfaces.

2. Rinse with clean filtered water.

3. Disinfect by boiling the toy or with a solution of 1 tbsp bleach per 1 gallon water, then air dry thoroughly. 

4. Store clean and used toys separately in resealable bags until you’re home.

Calming Overstimulated Babies During Trips

• Include a soft muslin lovey or swaddle with a parent's scent.

• Pack both visual (high-contrast toys) and gentle auditory toys (soft rattles).

• Schedule breaks for skin-to-skin cuddles. Familiar routines help stabilize and comfort your little one amid new environments.

Baby Bloomers’ Top Picks for On-the-Go

From rest stop wiggles to in-flight fidgets, these trusted travel toys and gear are thoughtfully selected to keep you and your little one happy, safe, and soothed—no matter the journey.

• Pip Squigz by Fat Brain Toys: Bright, bouncy, and full of sensory fun—these silicone suction toys stick to any smooth surface, offering playful pops, gentle rattles, and soothing textures that make on-the-go entertainment a breeze.

• Mesa Travelsafe Travel Bag: Make airport travel stress-free with multiple handles, a sturdy design, and UPPAbaby’s TravelSafe Program that covers your car seat against damage when gate-checked.

• Sophie the Giraffe: Beloved for generations, Sophie is a gentle, all-natural teething toy made of 100% natural rubber that soothes sore gums, encourages sensory development, and delights babies with her soft squeak and easy-to-grip shape.

• Rainbow Discovery Mirror: Soft, colorful, and perfectly portable—the Rainbow Discovery Mirror keeps babies entertained on the go with a baby-safe mirror, textured fabrics, and teething spots that make it ideal for car rides, stroller trips, and travel days.

• Bella Tunno Happy Teether: Easy to grasp and soothing to chew, the Happy Teether features a rounded silicone design with a beaded edge that offers just the right resistance for comforting sore gums during stroller walks or car seat rides.

Preparing for Your Family’s Next Adventure Starts Here

At Baby Bloomers in Mt. Pleasant, SC, we know that preparing for travel with little ones is about more than packing a bag, it’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and ready for every moment. Whether you live in Charleston, or are traveling in from a neighboring town like Hilton Head or Savannah, our Mt. Pleasant store and online shop offers curated travel toys and trusted gear to keep babies and toddlers happy on the go. 

For more parenting tips, product insight, and parenting inspiration, visit our Baby Bloomers Blog. Need assistance? We’re happy to help! Contact us or give us a call at (843) 856-9277.