As a parent who travels a lot, I know how hard it can be to keep our little ones amused for the entire duration of the trip.
On top of that, they get hungry, snack, drink water, and at the end of the day, I end up cleaning the mess my little angel left behind.
I first heard about a car seat travel tray from my friend, and I immediately ordered one. My impressions? Honestly, a life changer!
Today, I decided to pass on the hints and share with you my list of the best car seat travel tray.
Table of Contents
- Best Car Seat Travel Trays on the Market: My Top 11 Choices
- #1. Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray - Top Seller
- #2. Kenley Kids Travel Tray - Amazing Durability
- #3. DMoose Kids Travel Tray - The Most Attractive Design
- #4. ZEAZU Kids Travel Tray - All-Inclusive Model
- #5. ecoZen LIFESTYLE CarSeat Tray - Best Content and Stability
- #6. ECOFANTASY World Map Kids Car Seat Travel Tray - Best Functionality & Activity Options
- #7. Beloved Belongings Kids Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat - Best for All Travel Types
- #8. Lamela Kids Travel Tray - The Best New Release
- #9. Coolmum Kids Travel Tray - Best Convenience and Portability
- #10. TOMSER Upgraded Kids Travel Tray - The Best Lap Desk for Kids
- #11. Modfamily Travel Tray for Kids - Sturdier Design
- Buying Guide for Car Seat Travel Tray
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Best Car Seat Travel Trays on the Market: My Top 11 Choices
The best car seat travel tray comes from Lusso Gear, and it's a best-seller on Amazon that parents went crazy for.
In fact, this tray was designed by parents who genuinely understand their kids' needs and whims that make long trips adventurous endeavors.
These parents designed a tray that allows your kid to eat conveniently and draw, snack, watch cartoons, and have all their favorite toys at hand.
The Lusso Gear tray is, in fact, a dry-erase board, a perfect canvas for every little artist who loves expressing creativity on unconventional surfaces and keeping themselves busy during long trips.
However, the board can easily become a mess-containing eating tray once your little one gets hungry from all the driving.
If they get bored of drawing, you can play their favorite cartoon on a tablet safely secured in a detachable viewing stand that folds flat for a space-saving effect.
This is way more secure and comfortable than letting them hold a tablet in their hands or securing it between the seats.
One large mesh pocket and lots of side and back pockets offer more than enough space for their artistic props, snacks, and toys, while a detachable cup holder allows your kids to have their refreshments at hand.
Once they are done eating or drawing, take a wet cloth and wipe the board clean, as simple as that. It saves effort, time, and nerves, trust me.
- Easy to clean
- Tablet holder
- Eating tray
- Dry-erase board
- Many pockets
- Space-saving
- Straps are hard to loosen/harden
Next off, I'd like to recommend one high-quality travel tray from Kenley, very durable, well-built, and functional.
It has a reinforced design that guarantees many years of use, countless compartments for your child's pencils, crayons, drawings, etc., and a compact design.
I have been concerned about whether these trays compromise the safety of my child in a car seat.
This model has been lab-tested to exceed CPSIA standards and crash tested to ensure it doesn't impede your child's safety.
It's made of 600D polyester; therefore, the padded waterproof surface is extremely easy to clean and very convenient for use.
What is more, the reinforced 4" walls keep the crayons, food, drawings on the tray and prevent the mess from spreading around your car.
What amazes me about this Kenley tray is the compact, functional design.
It includes a tablet pouch, two cup holders, a removable storage compartment, and countless additional side mesh pockets.
But the best thing about it is the fact that you can fold this entire tray up and carry it like a bag, using the long, adjustable shoulder strap.
This seat organizer or a road trip tray includes a strap and buckle system, with heavy-duty, large buckles that keep everything in place, so it's very easy to use.
On top of everything, you get a lifetime warranty from Kenley, so you can rest assured you chose the right car tray.
- Crash-tested
- Secure
- Many compartments
- Countless side pockets
- Easy to clean
- Foldable
- One size doesn’t fit all car seats comfortably
Here we have one super-cute travel lap tray with an adorable board design that will make traveling more bearable for your little one.
This activity tray features a durable, sturdier design that's not flimsy or deteriorates quickly. On the contrary, it lasts long and stays just as firm as when you buy it due to thick padding.
This activity tray has a soft wool-padded base with reinforced walls that prevent crayons, food, or toys from rolling away.
On top of the board, the tray includes a TPU coating that repels water and spillage.
And what I find super-convenient is the fact that you can remove the board with a single click of the buckle for easy cleaning.
Just like the previous models, this DMoose tray also includes a tablet holder, cup holder, and snack holder, and a bunch of side pockets to help your kid stay organized.
The entire tray is very lightweight; it folds down to a convenient carrying case with a shoulder strap, so you can bring it with you everywhere you go.
You install it on a car seat, airplane seat, strollers, or small desks, and it is available in four colors.
The reason why I especially love this patented play tray is the well-balanced design and non-toxic, PVC-free materials that make it safe.
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean
- Mesh pockets
- Adorable design
- Removable board
- Foldable
- A bit tricky to fold up
This car seat travel tray comes from ZEAZU, a brand founded by parents who created this product solely based on the needs of their kids and their needs as parents when traveling with their kids.
And yes, this makes a big difference.
Keeping this in mind, they have gone through several stages of samples, and have added various upgrades, storage compartments, and quality upgrades to ensure what kids are getting is a premium quality product.
They know who their customers are and what they're looking for.
Now, this ZEAZU tray for the car resembles our top pick a lot.
It includes a dry-erase drawing board that transforms into an eating tray, water-repellent, and effortless to clean.
On top of that, it includes a transparent tablet holder, a cup holder, a storage pocket, side mesh pockets for art supplies and snacks, a carrying bag, and a coloring set.
If you don't have the time to go and buy art supplies separately, order this offer and get everything you need to keep your little one amused. I'd call this a travel play tray indeed!
The ZEAZU travel tray is completely compatible with any North American car seat, and will most definitely secure the travel tray even if your toddler is on a car seat.
You can attach it with a securing strap or rest it on your child's lap, but it does not stand on its own.
The ZEAZU travel tray is covered by a 1-year warranty and are packaged in a very neat and professional color box.
Each package contains a free added on travel bag which the travel tray can fit inside of to make traveling easier.
Kids can effortlessly fold the tray, put it into the bag and put it over their shoulders to carry, which is especially important and useful during the check-in process at the airport to the aircraft.
In addition to the silver variant and blue, ZEAZU will soon add in pink, and black colors.
- All-inclusive
- Includes markers
- Includes a carrying bag
- Many side pockets
- Great for road trips
- Little choice of color
If you want absolutely the best car seat travel tray, you should definitely go for the ecoZen model.
The tray is made of 100% nylon material.
Therefore, it will last longer, providing more robust use. In addition, it won't break or tear so quickly and will provide enough space for your kiddos.
I like it since it offers more storage options aside from the considerable surface area for snacks, drinks, eating, playing, etc. So, you can place everything literally inside the pockets.
Of course, the unit also includes a massive cup holder for drinks, so your kids can keep them close.
Moreover, I find it helpful and valuable for its design.
Namely, the tray has an advanced yet straightforward SoftFlap system, preventing things from falling off the tray. So, there won't be a mess whatever your little ones do.
In addition, the front buckle straps keep the tray in level, and they don't lean it downward like regular and similar traditional travel trays do.
Moreover, you can easily remove the buckles and put them away when you don't need them anymore.
Finally, the tray has flexible yet firm walls and base, with super long straps to ensure comfort and stability.
Due to the universal fit, the tray has been tested and proven to be an ideal match for multiple car seats, boosters, strollers, buggies, pushchairs, and other kid gear and equipment.
And, due to nylon content, the tray is waterproof and easy to clean.
- For traveling
- Quick cleaning
- Durable
- Not for all car seat models
The following tray will be interesting for your kids, as it provides a unique design.
Unlike all other trays, this one has an educational world map for innovative activities and a younger learning process.
Furthermore, you'll love it since it fits plane seats, dinner tables, desks, high chairs, strollers, car seats, etc.
So, you'll find it versatile and easily adjustable, matching all vehicles and suitable for all kinds of fun.
Of course, if you place a tablet on a vast flat surface, it will protect it with a see-through cover. Moreover, the unit will prevent spills and sticky little fingers.
And, side and large pockets will provide enough room for all your necessities and valuables to keep your baby occupied wherever you go.
You can also place drinks and snacks inside to feed them on longer distances.
Another great benefit is that the tray offers bonus markers and activity sheets so that your baby can learn and play as much as they want.
But, you can scan the code and get additional twenty more sheets for endless fun on the road.
Regarding content, the tray has non-toxic, BPA-free elements with no harmful chemicals, so it's more advanced than regular trays.
And, it's foldable to keep your little one occupied on a plane or in a car.
Finally, the tray is ideal for its lifetime warranty. So, it provides risk-free purchases. And, if you have questions, you can contact customer support or get your money back.
- Durable
- For traveling
- Easy to clean
- /
Next off, our Beloved Belongings tray is perfect for long-distance car trips, keeping your children occupied and active while running errands or traveling by plane.
Its durable and sturdy construction sets up in just a few seconds, and the tall sidewalls provide a reinforced front bumper, keeping kids' items and food stable and secure from falling off the tray.
Thus, you can place markers, snacks, drinks, toys, and other valuables on and inside the tray's pockets and keep them close and secure while driving.
Besides, the tray benefits from a see-through tablet cover to keep it in place and away from damage and spills.
So, your kids will have endless fun on the road, and you can be confident there won't be a mess or harm.
Additionally, the tray contains a spill-proof design and materials, so you can wipe it clean and wash the cover to keep it fresh and clean for subsequent use.
The flat surface is BPA-free, non-toxic, chemical-free, user-friendly, and safe. But, your car interior will also be thankful.
However, the most significant benefit is its stability.
Namely, the tray has anti-sag walls and thick zippers. You know that kids can be messy when traveling long distances.
So, the three-inch tall reinforced walls offer a sturdy and flexible design for stability and safety in car accidents.
Finally, the foldable design meets all car seat types, motor vehicles, places, and other means of transport. So, it's a perfect travel companion.
- Durable
- Easy to install and use
- For traveling
- Negligible design issues
Yeah, colorful, fun designs can be cool, but what really matters is the quality.
With that in mind, we included one simple, high-quality travel tray for kids and toddlers from Lamela.
Although a new release, this tray is already crashing Amazon with high ratings and almost a thousand satisfied customers.
What makes this travel tray unique on the market is the outstanding craftsmanship that guarantees fantastic durability and high performance.
It is made of waterproof materials and thick padding in sidewalls and the front barrier.
The Lamela tray comes in black color and includes a drawing board where your child can draw, eat, or play.
With a transparent 10-inch tablet holder, little ones can watch cartoons and listen to music safely without the constant risk of dropping your expensive device.
A cup holder keeps the refreshments close, while countless different pockets help you organize the crayons, pencils, papers, and color books.
The attachment system includes two safety buckles, one on each side, so you can safely install them on almost every car seat model, stroller, pushchair, or booster.
Young children will love this Lamela travel tray because it is extraordinarily lightweight and portable. Sidewalls are foldable, and a padded shoulder strap enables convenient carrying.
Every time you decide to car travel, make sure to bring this tray, for it will keep your kids amused and satisfied the entire trip.
- High-quality design
- Padded front barrier
- Many pockets
- Waterproof
- Two safety buckles
- Plain design
And, why should you go for the Coolmum tray?
Firstly, the unit is unique since it offers multiple activities for your kids who like to play and earn a lot.
Thus, it will engage them in eating, playing, drawing, coloring, etc., while on the road or on a plane. And, the flat surface will keep all the items in the right place.
You know how much I like storing benefits, so the tray doesn't let me down.
It offers multiple side pockets, smaller and massive ones, for all baby gear, your valuables, and other items necessary for endless fun on the road.
You can also place your smartphone or tablet on the surface, and the cover will keep it stable and secure from spills and sticky little hands.
But, kids can also eat and drink without any issues since they will have space to do so.
Of course, if your children are messy and spill their snacks and drinks around, you don't have to bother at all.
Namely, the surface is water-resistant, so you can simply wipe it clean, and it will be ready for subsequent use.
Due to the design, the tray will be an ideal unit for both boys and girls.
And, the infant car travel tray is also effortless to attach to your strollers and create a more comfortable strolling atmosphere.
And, the compact and portable design adds more comfort and convenience for all travel types.
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- For traveling
- Not for all car seat brands
Another brand known for its high-quality travel trays for kids is Tomser.
In their offer, you can find the best toddler car seat trays, for they are beautifully colorful and functional.
You can use this product as an eating tray, car activity tray, or lap desk for older children, and its use is not limited at all; you can even bring it outdoors and set it up for your child to play/draw/eat.
One thing I know parents care for is safety.
Luckily, these trays have been rigorously tested, and they incorporate environmentally-friendly PVC that provenly won't harm your child or Mother Nature.
The tray includes a dry-erase artboard that is waterproof and can be drawn directly with the pen that Tomser provides.
Your child can draw on both sides, and it's so easy to clean that you'll need only a wet towel.
There is a transparent pocket to make sure your tablet is safe and visible, a cup holder for tasty refreshments, mesh pockets, and side pockets to hold all the gadgets, pencils, and toys young children need.
I especially like this TOMSER tray because it is environmentally friendly.
It requires no paper waste and has non-toxic materials. You can find it in two colorful designs, a space theme, and a pink alphabet theme.
- Environmentally-friendly
- It can be used inside and outside
- Functional
- No paper waste
- Many pockets
- Sidewalls are not sturdy enough
The last car seat activity tray I recommend is this amazing model from Modfamily.
This travel tray is a bit different from the previous products for it features a more traditional design yet sturdier structure.
Long car rides can be a struggle with kids, yet is giving them a tablet a solution?
I am not against electronics, but I do think it is better to have them draw something, read their favorite fairytale, or paint something.
This traditional tray does not include a tablet pouch, but it has a wider surface area for more drawing material.
Unlike flimsy travel trays, this Modfamily model has a heavy-duty, sturdy base made of foam and plastic so that your child can lay the artistic material conveniently.
Sidewalls are taller and prevent the pencils and crayons from rolling away, as well as crumbles from falling off and making a mess.
It includes an expandable storage pocket, and a zipper-protected mesh pocket for snacks, and all the necessary props.
The design is very straightforward, and you can effortlessly attach it to any car seat model with a strap and buckle system.
I'd recommend this Modfamily car seat tray for older children as well; it's perfect for a long road trip or even a picnic as it can be carried as a backpack.
It even comes with a cup holder to help you keep everything at your child's reach.
- Simple design
- Wider surface
- Sturdier
- A toddler car seat tray + older kids
- No tablet pocket
Buying Guide for Car Seat Travel Tray
If you haven't bought a car seat travel tray for toddlers and young kids before, you probably don't have a clue how to choose a high-quality one.
As someone who's been in the same position, today I'll share my tips and tricks with you.
1. Safety
The first feature I check when I'm buying a car seat travel tray is safety.
People are predominantly unaware of the fact that these car seat additions also need to be crush-tested and federally approved.
I always make sure that the car seat travel tray exceeds CPSIA standards.
2. Materials
Next off, I care about the materials.
If the tray is composed of cheap, soft materials, it will be flimsy and won't serve its purpose.
Car seat travel trays should include waterproof, non-toxic materials that are durable and heavy-duty.
I prefer natural materials padded with foam for additional firmness or polyester.
3. Cleaning
Another very important segment is cleaning.
The whole point of you buying a travel tray is to prevent your kids from making a mess in the car.
However, if you end up spending just as much time cleaning the tray as you would cleaning the car, you made a totally useless investment.
With that in mind, choose a kids' travel tray that includes a dry-erase board or a plastified board that can be cleaned with a wet towel.
4. Mesh Pockets
The final feature that I care for is the mesh pockets.
Trust me; you cannot imagine how easier countless mesh pockets make your life. You'll have a compartment for tissues, snacks, pencils, crayons, drawings, a tablet, etc.
Besides this, you need a cup holder, so that your child can enjoy his/her meal conveniently.
All in all, the main thing you should care for when buying the best kids' travel tray is the quality of materials and stability of the construction. If the tray is safe, non-toxic, and durable, you will be using it over and over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are car seat travel trays safe?
A car seat travel tray should by no means impede the safety of your child in a vehicle.
The best car seat travel trays are crash-tested, and they comply with certain standards that ensure they won't put your child at risk when installed.
One such product is the Kenley Kids Travel Tray that meets all safety standards.
What is a travel tray used for?
It's used to occupy your active child while on the road.
They can play, study, watch cartoons, play, draw, and color, eat and drink, and keep their valuable items close to them.
And, they won't make a mess to distract you.
Are hanging car seat toys safe?
No, they are not. You should never attach a toy to the straps of the child's car seat.
You know that car seats meet and exceed numerous safety standards and pass multiple crash tests.
But, there are no such tests for hanging objects - toys included. So, don't do that.
Do lap trays work in the car?
No, they don't, as they don't have the attachment points for the car seat. Therefore, it is more convenient to use them outside the car.
How to attach a car seat travel tray to a car seat?
Car seat travel trays usually include a strap and buckle system.
To install it, you should release the buckle, place the tray on your child's lap, take the strap and guide it around the seat and buckle it up on the other side of the tray.
Here is a video representation that may help you visualize the process better. There is also a type of travel car seat trays that you can attach to the seat in front.
You guide the belt around the front seat and buckle it up; the tray stands independently of your child like a small table in front of them.
However, I think it is better to lay the tray on your child's lap because there's always the risk of your child hitting his head in the tray if you stop the car suddenly or not being able to reach something if it's attached to the front seat.
What is the best car seat travel tray?
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray is the most popular model in the current market for it is the best for toddlers and young children.
It is effortless to clean and has many mesh pockets to keep everything organized.
Final Thoughts
That was all for today!
I hope this article about the best car seat travel tray helped you choose the best car seat tray for your little one, and the next time you travel, he/she will be happy and busy in the car.
I saw on the Internet that some parents make their own DIY car seat travel tray, but I wouldn't recommend it.
As I already explained, car seat trays also need to comply with certain regulations and meet federal standards.
If you decide to make a tray on your own, you can never be sure it is completely safe.
Once again, I'd like to remind you of the market's best pick - Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray. It's highly functional, safe, and effortless to clean, so you'll love it!
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