Whether heading out on a road trip or cruising to the supermarket, car seat toys can help make the ride more fun for the kid and the driver. A good car toy gives them something to interact and play with; picking the right toy might avoid a crying fit, leaving whoever‘s driving to focus on the road.
To help you pick the best one, we‘ve picked out 13 options with the strongest reviews from real parents and grown-ups who‘ve road tested them. None of our toys have fake reviews, so you can be confident that every one of them has passed the parental test.
1. Infantino Sparkle Topsy Turtle Mirror Pal (Best Budget Option
This is one of the best car seat toys because it connects to the car seat and uses vibrant colors to help keep a kid’s attention. Plus, the belly of the turtle has a peek-a-boo mirror to help keep them entertained.
What We Like:
- Feet make a rattling noise when grabbing or batting the turtle
- Attaches to other baby accessories, like a stroller or diaper bag
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- It could be attached to the ring tighter.
2. Buckle Toy – Bizzy Square (Best Quality Option)
This buckle toy is designed to help develop toddlers’ cognitive and fine motor skills. It has six child-friendly buckles of different clasp styles that can assist toddlers in developing several developmental skills.
What We Like:
- Pleasing to the eyes and uses a variety of vibrant colors
- The main part of the toy is made of soft, plush.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- Buckles have the potential to pinch
3. NeatoTek Baby Hanging Rattle Toys Soft Baby Music Plush Activity Crib Stroller Toys Rabbit (Best Eco-Friendly Option)
These rattles are designed to tie onto most car seat handles and strollers. The plush and fabric used for these rattles are designed to be non-toxic and safe and also have embroidered features for safety and security.
What We Like:
- Designed to help develop a baby’s tactile senses and hand-eye coordination
- Made from eco-friendly natural cotton
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- It makes a strange high-pitched noise
4. Infantino Spiral Activity Toy, Blue
This spiral toy is designed to wrap around a car seat’s handle and features several dangling toys to help keep babies and toddlers entertained while on the go. Plus, these toys are designed to help with various sensory interaction skills.
What We Like:
- It has four different sensory hanging toys.
- The material is soft and made from non-toxic material
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The spiral can be difficult to wrap and unwrap from the handle.
5. Nuby 100% Silicone Teether Ring with Silicone Beaded String and Clip
This teether ring is made from non-toxic silicone, and it has a clip that allows you to connect it directly to the child’s car seat to keep it from getting lost. Each one is made from various colors, and washing thoroughly before the first use is recommended.
What We Like:
- The silicone material is soft and gentle on a baby’s gums
- The clip is nice and secure to keep the teether from being lost
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The colors of the teethers vary and can’t be chosen.
6. Bright Starts Take Along Musical Carrier Activity Toy Bar
This toy bar is designed to connect to both sides of a car seat handle, with three toys dangling down over the baby to give them something to entertain them when traveling or just accompanying you on errands.
What We Like:
- Includes three unique toys
- Each toy helps to develop a different sensory skill
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The batteries can be difficult to replace
7. Manhattan Toy Links-to-Go Car Seat and Stroller Travel Accessory Set
This toy set is made up of different colored rings that connect. Each has different textures and an “S” hook connecting the toy links to the car seat.
What We Like:
- Each of these toys includes 13 different links
- Links are different colors to promote visual stimulation
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The “S” hook can slip off because it doesn’t fully close
8. B. toys – FunKeys Car Keys and Red remote with Light and Sounds
Every child loves playing with keys; with this toy, they can have their own set. Each toy comes with different keys with brightly colored designs, and they are connected to an interactive red remote to stimulate the senses.
What We Like:
- Made from non-toxic, high-quality material
- It makes different types of noises with flashing lights.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- It requires two AAA batteries, but it only includes demo batteries.
9. VTech BC8211 Myla The Monkey Baby Sleep Soother with a White Noise Sound Machine
This baby soother is designed to provide white noise to help babies sleep. Plus, it provides a soft-glow night light and will play 5 calming melodies. Finally, it has a hook that can easily hook against a car seat or other baby areas.
What We Like:
- It uses rechargeable batteries to ensure it keeps running.
- It has an auto-off timer that can be set.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The volume control can be a little tricky to set
10. My First Words Ring Flash Cards
This ring is designed to help kids learn some of their first words. The ring is full of colorful illustrations of easy-to-read words. It includes a total of 26 cards, and the ring can connect to most car seats with ease.
What We Like:
- Each card contains two words, which makes 52 words in total
- The ring is very durable
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The ring can be challenging to open and close.
11. Steering Wheel Toy “My Little Driver” with Motion Sensors
Babies can play in the car or at home with this steering wheel. It provides a fun and educational learning experience through music and touch. It lights up and plays sounds and has motion sensors for various features.
What We Like:
- Made from soft and durable material
- It has a velcro strap for easy attachment.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- Due to the velcro attachment, kids can pull the toy loose from the car seat.
12. Baby Einstein Musical Toy, Driving Tunes
This small steering wheel toy is designed to provide kids with a musical escape and is excellent for traveling. It is designed to help kids develop multiple sensory skills, and it has a small design that makes it excellent for use in a car seat.
What We Like:
- It has different lights and musical tunes to keep babies entertained.
- Designed to be easy to grasp
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- It is not easy to switch between the three languages.
13. Taf Toys Koala in-Car Play Center
With this travel companion, babies can enjoy having an activity center to take with them on long trips. It is designed to help relax babies while riding in a car, and it has a small mirror to help with other sensory development.
What We Like:
- Easy to adjust and attach to car seats
- It makes a soft rattling noise.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The mirror that comes with it can be challenging to install
What to look for in a car seat toy?
When buying a car seat toy, consider the following:
- Safety: Choose toys that meet safety standards, have no small parts, and are free of choking hazards.
- Attachment: Ensure the toy has a secure attachment method, such as hooks, clips, or Velcro straps.
- Compatibility: Check if the toy matches your specific car seat model.
- Age Appropriateness: Select toys suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Entertainment Value: Use engaging toys with bright colors, textures, and interactive features.
- Size and Design: Choose compact toys that won’t obstruct your child’s view or movement.
- Durability and Maintenance: Opt for toys made of durable materials that are easy to clean.
- Noise Level: Consider adjustable volume settings or silent mode options for toys with sound.
- Portability: Select lightweight toys that can be easily attached to different car seats.
Considering these factors, you can choose a safe and entertaining car seat toy for your child.
FAQ
Q: What age can you use car seat toys?
Car seat toys are suitable for infants and toddlers between 3 months and 2 to 3 years old, as they start developing better control and interest in interacting with toys. However, always follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations for specific toys to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Q: How do I entertain my 3 month old in a car seat?
To entertain your 3-month-old in a car seat, attach soft toys with different textures and colors, and engage with them by talking, singing, and providing gentle sensory stimulation such as stroking their hands or feet. Ensure their comfort and safety in the car seat throughout the journey.
