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Driving with kids can be fun when it’s filled with singalongs and laughter. But when they get bored, the drive can become a hassle. The solution is a car seat travel tray. It is a child’s personal play and study center and keeps them occupied during long drives and road trips. This guide covers some of the best car seat travel trays for babies, toddlers, and small kids.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Kenley Kids Travel Tray
- Best Value: Lusso Gear Active Toddlers Travel Tray
- Most Colorful: ecoZen Lifestyle Car Seat Tray
- Best Universal Fit: Becko Children’s Travel Toy Tray
- Honorable Mention: My Specialty Kids Shop Kids Backseat Travel Tray
Types of Car Seat Travel Trays
Lap Desk Travel Trays
Lap trays don’t have attachments at the back to secure them to seats and are usually placed on the lap. They are more suitable for older kids who can sit still as they play or watch a movie. Some lap trays have a strap and buckle that fasten behind the body or the seat. Lap trays are also suitable for air travel.
Secured Travel Trays
A secured travel tray is what you need if you want to keep your young one occupied and in one place. It has a strap that firmly secures it to the car seat, stroller, or child’s back. It is one of the best kids’ car travel trays, as your child doesn’t have to stay put for it to stay balanced.
Hybrid Travel Trays
Hybrid travel trays are the best activity trays. They are collapsible and have stable surfaces where kids can play and learn. They serve as travel trays and organizers and can be zipped up and carried as backpacks. They usually attach to the front seat, creating a safe distance for watching screens.
Best Car Seat Travel Trays: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Kenley Kids Travel Tray
Best Value
Lusso Gear Active Toddlers Travel Tray
Most Colorful
ecoZen Lifestyle Car Seat Tray
Best Universal Fit
Becko Children’s Travel Toy Tray
Honorable Mention
My Specialty Kids Shop Kids Backseat Travel Tray
Our Verdict on the Best Car Seat Travel Trays
If you want a travel tray that will last, get the Kenley Kids Travel Tray. It is solidly built and is made with waterproof material. We also love the Kids E-Z Travel Lap Desk Tray by Modfamily for its multiple storage options.
Benefits of a Car Seat Travel Tray
- Use them as a feeding table. You can keep your car mess-free by making the travel tray a feeding table. The cup holders can hold sippy cups and water bottles.
- Turn it into an entertainment center. The best car seat travel trays have a tablet holder or a small sleeve for a phone. They can help your child stay entertained.
- Organize your kid’s stuff. If you thought Lego pieces are a pain, you haven’t spent much time picking up toys, crayons, and coloring books from a car floor. Kids travel trays are great organizers, as they have numerous mesh pockets, side pockets, and sleeves.
- Store various items. Car seat travel trays that transform into backpacks are great. They keep all your kid’s stuff in one place, which is very convenient when you’re traveling.
Car Seat Travel Tray Pricing
- $10-$20: These travel trays for car seats are an affordable addition to your travel gear. A travel tray in this price range typically features a sturdy surface for activities, such as coloring, writing, and drawing.
- $20-$30: You will find most car seat travel trays for toddlers and older kids at this price point. As you go higher on the scale, you’ll find travel trays with more storage. Most trays in this category convert into backpacks kids will love.
- $30-$50: Here, you will find kids car travel trays that have much better construction and more attachment options. These trays are comfortable, functional, and fashionable.
Key Features
Seat Compatibility
The best car seat travel tray is compatible with every car seat. However, since car seat travel trays are made with different specifications, compatibility is not always guaranteed. Some trays are compatible with both strollers and infant car seats. Make sure you buy the right one for your kid.
Storage Options
Feeding kids and keeping them occupied takes plenty of toys and snacks. You need storage for all the items to ensure they are easily accessible. Most travel lap desks for car seats have mesh pockets and side pockets for stationery, snacks, and media players.
Practicality
Most travel trays can hold tablets, toys, and books. But how effective are they out of the car? Some travel trays for car seats easily convert into a backpack. That way, your child can carry it wherever he or she goes and use it outside the car.
Other Considerations
- Maintenance: Anything designed to keep a child busy will get dirty. Get a car seat travel tray that is made from a material that doesn’t stain easily. The material should be machine washable, easy to clean, and waterproof.
- Sidewalls: The side walls are a key determinant of the stability of a travel tray. High, sturdy sidewalls keep all your kid’s playthings in one spot and save you the extra work of picking up tiny pieces from the car floor.
Tips
- While checking the travel tray’s compatibility with your car seats is important, it is also vital to check whether the straps are adjustable. Flexible straps make sure your little one stays comfortable.
- The first thing you should do after your car seat travel tray is delivered is air it out. Many trays come with a strong smell. If you’re planning to use it on a trip, buy it in advance so the odor can dissipate.
- Regularly wipe down the travel tray. Clean up any spills as soon as your child is done eating. When you get home, wash it. This keeps it ready for any drive or road trip.
- The best car seat travel tray for your child is the one that aligns with their favorite activities. Some travel trays even come with coloring books.
FAQs
A: Car seat travel trays are tested and adhere to health, quality, and safety standards. Each tray has to pass a quality assurance test to be deemed child-friendly.
A: Car seat travel trays are designed differently and are not compatible with every car seat. However, some car seat travel trays have a universal fit and can even be used in planes.
A: The best travel tray for toddler car seats merges comfort, ease of use, and adaptability. Features such as attachments, the height of the walls, and the storage options determine the quality of a travel tray.
