When on a journey with kids, it is not unusual to have them constantly call for your attention from their seats. So, as a parent – especially of toddlers and young kids, you know the importance of keeping them entertained and occupied during the trip to help you keep your focus on the road.
One of the ways to achieve this (and maintain your sanity) is by using a car seat tray.
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What Is A Car Seat Tray
A car seat tray can be described as a child’s own personal activity area that engages them on a road trip. It can be used to hold food and a drink and also serves as a tablet for kids or adults.
It can simply be put as a kid’s play and study center that makes them occupied during road trips and long drives.
Car seat trays come in different shapes and sizes with each having its uniqueness. Some of the things that should be considered aside from the structure of the car travel trays are listed below.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Car Seat Travel Tray
Safety
The first and most important factor to check out in any car seat travel is its safety aspects. A good car seat tray should sit across the sides or arms of your child’s seat and it should not interfere with the safety aspects of that seat. It must be easy to move or remove when you need to hurriedly carry your child from the seat.
Attachment
Your choice of car seat tray should be attached across the arms of your child’s car seat and have an adjustable strap with a buckle that goes around your child to keep him or her in a place while you are driving.
This type of attachment might not be best for older children so you can consider a folding tray that can be attached to the rear of the seat in front of your child’s seat, which then opens into a tray they can use. This type of tray must be adjustable to suit the space between the rear and front seats and also be able to meet the height requirements of your child.
Base
It is advisable to choose a travel tray with a strong base otherwise if the base begins to slack, it will become difficult and uncomfortable for your child to use. It is also likely to cause spillages and make objects roll off the tray.
Also, avoid trays that have a base with built-in cup holders because the weight can cause the base to slack quickly and also become uncomfortable for your kid.
Walls
A car seat without walls will be a disaster because the slightest movement, can result in the sliding off of snacks, toys, and other items placed on the tray.
Opt for strong fabric walls on at least three sides of the tray but if you have a tray with the four sides enclosed, then one side must be removable or lower than the other three sides to allow your kids to reach out to items easily and play comfortably.
Materials
Choose a tray that is made up of waterproof, durable, and washable materials. It should also be lightweight so that undue weight and pressure are not added to a child’s legs. Nylon is a common fabric that can be used because it meets all the requirements.
Pockets
Pockets attached to a car seat tray will help your child to store additional items without having to display everything on the tray. So a child can bring out what she or he needs per time without having to disturb you.
The pockets should have a section for a sippy cup or a drink bottle where it can be accessed easily.
Best Car Seat Trays
For your car seat tray, you have some of the top suggestions here.
Star Kids Snack & Play Travel Tray
The waterproof tray is made up of nylon and is very easy to clean. The waterproof prevents spills from soiling your child’s body. It has two mesh pockets designed to safely hold a drink bottle. Its reinforced sides will help to keep items on the tray secured. It is easy to use and makes your little one engaged and comfortable all through the journey.
Features
- Made up of waterproof and nylon
- Has two mesh pockets, straps, and a click lock
- Reinforced sides
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Keeps a child secured
- It is strong and durable
Cons
- It has weak edges.
My Specialty Kids Shop Kids Backseat Organizer
Looking for a seat tray for an older child? then this Kids Backseat Organizer might be what you need. Instead of strapping it around your child or his or her car seat, the tray will just hang on the seat in front to face your little one and it can zip up into a convenient carry case. You can adjust it to suit your child or any other position you may desire.
Features
- Made from durable fabric
- Reinforced handles and straps.
- Adjustable
- Has a strong surface and base
- Internal pockets
Pros
- It can be carried around conveniently
- It is durable and last long
- Suitable for tablets,
Cons
None
ModFamily Kids E-Z Travel Lap Desk Tray
The Kids E-Z Travel Desk Tray provides a large flat surface to secure all your kids’ items and activities. It has a plastic tray insert that creates a solid surface, with the foam insert to make the tray comfortable.
The tray is easy to clean, while a washing machine can be used to wash the material parts if necessary. It can also be folded into a backpack for easy transportation and it contains zipper-protected pockets.
Features
- Has a large activity tray measures
- Made up of a solid plastic surface
- Foam insert
- Has storage pockets
- Straps and buckle
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- Machine washable
- It is comfortable to be used.
- It can be folded for easy carriage.
Cons
- The pockets stays attached when things are put in them
BABYSEATER Play Tray Kids Travel Tray
This travel tray is strong, waterproof, and has a built-in dry erase board.
It comes with pens that your child needs, so you can have everything needed for your journey.
Its adjustable straps make it suitable for kids of all ages.
Features
- Has a built-in dry erase board with suitable pens
- Strong and waterproof
- Has tall sides
- Mesh pockets
- Adjustable straps and buckles
Pros
- Secures items
- It is suitable for all ages
Cons
- It may not have a surface
DMoose Toddler Car Seat Travel Tray
This toddler car seat travel tray is more stable and durable compared to several other traveling trays. It is made up of nylon with a strong reinforced base and built-in elastic straps on the walls that keep items secured.
The extra soft pearl wool cushioning and TPU coating makes cleaning easier and acts as additional cushioning for every child. The stretchable mesh pockets allow you to store snacks, toys, and other items for your journey.
Features
- Waterproof and nylon construction
- Has two mesh pockets
- Reinforced tray and sides
- Has extra padding and elastic to hold the straps
Pros
- It is durable and last long
- Suitable for most car seats
- Very comfortable and easy to use
- Very easy to clean
Cons
- No color options
- It can be too heavy for toddlers
- The straps hard to loosen and tighten
The Kids Travel Play Tray
This lovely car seat tray has a waterproof surface designed with printed animal characters to entertain kids, and it is foldable for easy carriage.
The tray has a mesh pencil holder and tablet holder for easy access for your child, so you can concentrate on your driving.
Features
- A sturdy tray
- Has removable side walls and Velcro attachments
- Has mesh pencil holders with tablet strap
- It is foldable for easy transit
Pros
- It is properly designed to accommodate all that a child needs for a journey.
- It is easy to move around
- It keeps kids engaged throughout the journey.
Cons
- Tray doesn’t come with a bag to carry it.
- When tray is hooked to the headrest, it doesn’t zip up
Kenley Kids Travel Tray
This tray was designed with the thought of kids’ activities. It is suitable for most cars and comes in a variety of colors. It is one of the best trays with high quality that keeps children engaged all through your journey.
Features
- It made of polyester
- Padded waterproof surface
- Two large zippered pockets
- Reinforced with four sidewalls
Pros
- Portable and easy to store
- It is foldable
- Has good storage capacity
Con
- It may not be machine washable
Hear What A Parent Has To Say About Car Seat Tray
Kenley Kids Travel Tray
This is what Luka Juretiic – SEO Specialist @ BuzzLogic says;
“I have a kid, who is still quite young, just recently turned 8, and during his earlier years, I always used the Kenley Kids Travel Tray which can be bought on Amazon.
It has remarkable storage for toys, as well as great reinforced walls.
I had been using it for at least 2 years, before giving it to friends whose kids still use it to this day”.
FAQs
What Is A Car Seat Tray?
A car seat tray has a tray with raised sides and sits across a child while on their car seat to keep them engaged while in transit.
Are These Trays Suitable For All Car Seats?
Car seat travel trays are designed to fit into any car seat however, you can check the size of your seat before purchasing a tray for your little one
What Are The Parts Of A Car Seat Tray
The basic parts of a standard car seat tray include;
- A car seat shell that can be metal or plastic.
- Universal Anchorage System (UAS) connectors also known as LATCH
- Tether strap
- Locking clip.
Final Thoughts
It is fun to take a drive with your kids, but the trip can become frustrating (for you and them) when the kids get bored. The solution to this is a car seat tray that keeps your child active and makes them have fun on a journey.
Most of these trays have multiple storage areas to contain kids’ favorite things, which minimizes the chances of boredom.
Do you want to enjoy your next ride along with your children? Go ahead and get the best car seat tray now.
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