10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad

15/11/2017

10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad

You are reading: 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad.

I understand the dilemma. When we bring our 21 month old daughter Maeleth Sarah Goh out to eat at a restaurant, she gets fidgety and wants to come out of her Baby Chair after she’s done with her food.

Since we give her home-cooked food before we eat the food that we order, that ends up being a situation whereby she’s done but we’ve not even started eating.

Sometimes, halfway through her meal she gets bored and rejects food.
That’s when we feel tempted to pull out the iPad and let her watch kids programmes on YouTube - they are educational and Mae learned lots of words as well as her alphabets and numbers through the engaging shows.
That’s the easy way out, but Mae likes to pull the screen really close to her and that’s bad for her eyes.

To counter this, we bring along some toys and items for her to play with so that we don’t have to resort to pulling out the iPad.
Let’s face it, when judgmental people see a toddler with eyes glued to the iPad, they tend to condemn the parents whether outrightly or silently in their hearts.
No one enjoys that feeling of being judged right?

In order for the toys to work as a good distraction for a long period of time in a restaurant, I feel that they must fulfill this set of criteria:

A) They must be fun for your toddler.

B) They must be portable and easy to bring out, taking up minimal space in the diaper bag.

C) They must be non-disruptive to other diners at the restaurant.

D) They must be safe, clean and non-toxic especially since it’s your toddler’s meal time.

E) They must be able to be engaging so that your toddler can be distracted for a long time.

F) They must be affordable (Under $25) - To ensure continued interest, they must be able to be set aside as toys that are only to be played while eating out at restaurants - they cannot be played with at home.

G) They must be educational and teach your toddler something new.

Using the criteria above, I compiled a list of toys to keep toddler busy at restaurant without taking out the iPad.
Enjoy it and I hope that some of them work well for your toddler!

1) Nuby 10-Pack Little Squirts Fun Bath Toys, Assorted Characters

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 6 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes! They are perfect for pretend play. Play idea: Make different voices for each character and act out a story.

Are they portable?
Yes, being small in size, they fit easily into your diaper bag.

Are they considerate?
Yes they don't make any mess and are quiet!

Are they safe?
Yes they are BPA free!

Are they engaging?
Yes, their adorable designs and irresistible cuteness are sure to keep your toddler interested for a long time!

Are they affordable?
At $7.89, yes they are!

Are they educational?
Yes, they can be used as a game while feeding your toddler to test and learn animal names recognition.
They can also be used to train color and number recognition, counting and build mathematical skills.

This "Nuby 10-Pack Little Squirts Fun Bath Toys, Assorted Characters" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

2) 3 Bees & Me Bath Toys for Boys and Girls - Magnet Boat Set for Toddlers & Kids - Fun & Educational

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 24 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes, each boat has a magnet that can attach to the next boat to form a line of boats! So cool :)

Are they portable?
Yes, they are small in size and easily fit in your diaper bag.

Are they considerate?
Yes, your toddler can play quietly with these, unless he or she bangs them on the table. But then again, that could happen with the plate, fork, spoon, bowl, etc too.

Are they safe?
Yes they are certified to be BPA free and they don't contain lead or phthalates. They are made to last long!

Are they engaging?
Yes, you can use them to act out a story that teaches your toddler about colors, numbers and maybe how boats work too!

Are they affordable?
Yes, they only cost $14.95 and come with a money-back guarantee!

Are they educational?
Yes, coming in different primary colors and numbers (1 - 4), they are good toys to learn the basic colors and numbers.

This "3 Bees & Me Bath Toys for Boys and Girls - Magnet Boat Set for Toddlers & Kids - Fun & Educational" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

3) AquaDoodle Travel Doodle Mat

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 2 years old and Above.

Is it fun?
Yes, your toddler can choose to doodle in red or blue color, and be free to express his or her creativity and imagination on the mat.

Is it portable?
Yes, you can easily make space to pack the mat along in your diaper bag.

Is it considerate?
Yes, your toddler can sit there doodling quietly and the water won't stain the tables and chairs anyway!

Is it safe?
Yes, it only uses water instead of ink, so it is non-toxic.

Is it engaging?
Yes, if your toddler gets bored of doodling, you can take over and keep him or her engaged with what you are drawing!

Is it affordable?
Yes it's only $15.99!

Is it educational?
Yes, draw out objects, shapes, numbers, and alphabets and put your toddler to the test! A great open-ended teaching resource in your hands!

This "AquaDoodle Travel Doodle Mat" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

4) Melissa & Doug Old Macdonald's Farm Sound Puzzle (8 Piece)

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 24 months to 5 years old.

Is it fun?
Yes, your toddler will have fun piecing this beautiful puzzle together!

Is it portable?
Yes, you can easily bring the whole puzzle board along in your diaper bag. It is thin, measuring 8.7" x 0.7" x 11.8".

Is it considerate?
Yes, provided the other diners like listening to the "Old Macdonald Had a Farm" song.

Is it safe?
Yes, the puzzle pieces are relatively big, and have no sharp edges.

Is it engaging?
Yes, as your toddler pieces together this puzzle, the "Old Macdonald Had a Farm" song will play - the farmer starts the song and the animals complete their respective verses!

Is it affordable?
Yes they only cost $12.99.

Is it educational?
Yes, they are great for teaching your toddler the different types of animals, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination and auditory processing skills.

This "Melissa & Doug Old Macdonald's Farm Sound Puzzle (8 Piece)" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

5) Fisher Price "My First Books" Set of 4 Baby Toddler Board Books (ABC Book, Colors Book, Numbers Book, Opposites Book)

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 24 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes, the adorable illustrations and design of the books will delight your toddler!

Are they portable?
Yes, they are small and only 4 x 4 inches in size.

Are they considerate?
Yes, you toddler can look at the pictures and words quietly and you can also read quietly to him or her.

Are they safe?
Yes they are made of board, so you don't have to worry about bits of paper tearing off and accidentally being eaten by your toddler.

Are they engaging?
Yes, with four different books to keep your toddler entertained, he or she will love it when you read them. Especially if you read in an animated, fun way!

Are they affordable?
Yes, it's just $12.95 for the 4 books.

Are they educational?
Yes, your toddler can learn colors, numbers, opposites and alphabets with these books!

This "Fisher Price "My First Books" Set of 4 Baby Toddler Board Books (ABC Book, Colors Book, Numbers Book, Opposites Book)" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

6) WolVol (Set of 3) Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys for Boys - Street Sweeper Truck, Cement Mixer Truck, Harvester Toy Truck (Cars Have Automatic Functions)

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 18 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes these bright and colorful toy vehicles will delight your toddler, especially if he or she loves cars and different vehicles!

Are they portable?
Yes, each car measures roughly 4.5-length x 3 x 3 inches and you can pack one or more into your diaper bag when going out.

Are they considerate?
Yes, your toddler can move the vehicles back and forth on the table, but just keep your toddler in check in case of table banging and loud imitating of car engine sounds.

Are they safe?
Yes, they are of strong and sturdy quality. No batteries required too!

Are they engaging?
Yes, the toy vehicles have cool automatic rotating functions just like their real counterparts!

Are they affordable?
Yes, they are $22.94.

Are they educational?
Yes, you can teach your toddler about different colors and the different types of vehicles and their functions.

This "WolVol (Set of 3) Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys for Boys - Street Sweeper Truck, Cement Mixer Truck, Harvester Toy Truck (Cars Have Automatic Functions)" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

WolVol (Set of 3) Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys for Boys - Street Sweeper Truck, Cement Mixer Truck, Harvester Toy Truck (Cars Have Automatic Functions)

7) Alpha Bugs: A Pop Up Alphabet Book (Bugs in a Box Books)

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 2 - 4 Years Old.

Is it fun?
Yes, this book has flaps, pull tabs, different textures. One page has a scent.

Is it portable?
Yes, you can slot this 9 x 0.8 x 7 inches book into your diaper bag when going out.

Is it considerate?
Yes, your toddler can explore the book on his or her own and have lots of fun interacting with this book. You can also read quietly to him or her if you want to.

Is it safe?
Yes, it's safe for your toddler, but if preservation of the book is a priority, your toddler must be taught to be safe for the book too - the flaps, pull tabs, etc. can be torn by little hands and should be played with gently.

Is it engaging?
Yes, being such a fun and interactive way to learn the alphabet, this book should keep your toddler's attention for a long time.

Is it affordable?
Yes, there's not many copies of this book, but there are used ones with "Like New" and "Very Good" condition that sell for less than $15.

Are they educational?
Yes, you can use the book to teach your toddler about colors and the alphabet.

This "Alpha Bugs: A Pop Up Alphabet Book (Bugs in a Box Books)" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

8) Camkey Magnetic Blocks Toys Building Tiles Stack Set Educational Stacking Toys - 40 pcs

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 3 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes, they are magnetic and can stick together to make all sorts of creations. Your toddler will have fun building original designs!

Are they portable?
Yes, the blocks magnetically-stick together and you can put a whole bunch in your diaper bag.

Are they considerate?
Yes, your toddler will probably be quietly engrossed in building new creations.

Are they safe?
Yes, the rounded-edge blocks are made of food-grade ABS, and the magnets are completely encased in strong plastic components so there's no way they'll fall out.

Are they engaging?
Yes, this toy gives your toddler a good opportunity for creative, open-ended play that's fun and fresh with every new session of play.

Are they affordable?
Yes, they cost $19.99.

Are they educational?
Yes, these blocks can help your toddler with shape recognition, color recognition, finger flexibility, hand-eye coordination and parent-child communication.
They can also assist to build teamwork spirit, concentration, independence, imagination and creativity.

This "Camkey Magnetic Blocks Toys Building Tiles Stack Set Educational Stacking Toys - 40 pcs" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

9) Boley 40 pc Big Bucket of Dinosaurs - Tub of educational dinosaur toy playset with T-rex, Velociraptor and more!

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 12 Months and Above.

Are they fun?
Yes, with so many different species of dinosaurs to play with and even trees & rocks for immersive pretend play, your toddler will love them - especially so for a dino-lover!

Are they portable?
Yes, the dinosaurs are only approximately 3-4" tall. Pack some of them in your diaper bag when going out!

Are they considerate?
Yes, they don't make any loud noises when dropped. Playing with them will be quiet unless your toddler suddenly decides to roar like a T-Rex :)

Are they safe?
Yes, they are made of high-quality plastic and have passed through extreme, rigorous testing to ensure that they are safe and can withstand even hours of rough play.

Are they engaging?
Yes! Your toddler can pit the dinosaurs together in a battle to the end, or make the vegetarian dinosaurs graze in an imaginary field and eat from the plastic trees. The sky is the limit with this imaginative play set.

Are they affordable?
Yes it's only $13.99 for 40 pieces in this set.

Are they educational?
Yes, you can use them to teach your toddler counting, colors and also the different names of the dinosaurs.

This "Boley 40 pc Big Bucket of Dinosaurs - Tub of educational dinosaur toy playset with T-rex, Velociraptor and more!" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

10) LeapFrog Scout's Learning Lights Remote

Opinions about Product and Reasons to Buy:

Manufacturer's Recommended Age Range: 6 Months - 3 Years Old.

Is it fun?
Yes Mae loves this toy - she likes to identify the different shapes that light up and also sway along with the music!

Is it portable?
Yes! We bring it out in our diaper bag wherever we go.

Is it considerate?
Yes, it has 2 volume levels, and for a quieter playing experience, the volume can be adjusted to just level 1.

Is it safe?
Yes, it is compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) restrictions.

Is it engaging?
Yes, Mae loves to imitate what we do, and using the remote control is one of them. This toy allows her to use a remote control freely, and it helps that it has more than 65 tunes, songs and learning responses to keep toddlers engaged!

Is it affordable?
Yes it's only $10.99!

Is it educational?
Yes, your toddler can learning about counting, numbers, shapes, develop music appreciation, etc.

This "LeapFrog Scout's Learning Lights Remote" is definitely one of the 10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad!

Maeleth loves to play with her LeapFrog Scout's Learning Lights Remote. We bring it out with us in the diaper bag - portable and great for a quick distraction :)

I hope you enjoyed reading my post on "10 Toys to Keep Toddler Busy at Restaurant without Taking Out the iPad".

How do you keep your toddler engaged and seated at the table while eating out at a restaurant?
When you were a kid, what was your favorite toy that you had to bring everytime you went out?
Share your answers with me by leaving a comment below.

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Many Blessings,
Milton Goh

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