Taking or bringing the right baby or kids toys on a plane is important, as they can provide a source of entertainment for your child, especially on a long flight, but can you take baby toys on a plane? And are battery operated toys allowed in flight?
You can take regular baby toys on a plane as long as they do not resemble a weapon-like shape, contain flammable ingredients, or include banned chemicals. However, you may be asked to remove any electronic toys from your bag to be screened separately at the security checkpoint.
This post breaks everything down and gives you answers about taking baby and kids toys on planes and some of the best toys to take along with you.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring baby and kids toys on a plane in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Don’t pack toys that look like weapons (toy guns, swords, grenades), these types will not accepted in carry-on.
- You can bring electronic toys, but you may need to remove them for separate screening.
- Pack toys with lithium batteries in carry-on, not checked baggage.
- Liquid or gel-style toys need to follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml rule in carry-on.
- Plush toys, rattles, stuffed animals, and most non-electronic toys are always allowed.
- Wrap toy gifts lightly or don’t wrap them, as TSA may need to inspect them.
- Bring a variety of toys to keep kids entertained, and consider keeping essentials in your carry-on in case of delays or lost luggage.
The TSA And Baby Toys
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) doesn’t specify any rules about kids’ toys on its website, but generally, any type of regular and safe baby toy can go on a plane in either carry-on or checked baggage.
Toy guns are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage but have special instructions.
For safety purposes, there is a good chance the TSA agent will prohibit your toy if it resembles a real weapon, such as squirt guns, Nerf guns, toy swords, or hand grenades.
So most of the time, you will be required to transport them in your checked baggage.
If you are taking a toy present for your little one, it is better not to fully wrap it before placing it inside your suitcase. The security officer may want to know what is inside the box, and sometimes that may even include opening the box.
Please note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed or not is made by the TSA officer searching your bags at the security checkpoint. If they consider an item a threat or dangerous, there is a greater chance they will not allow it on the airplane.
Important
Can You Take Toys With Batteries In Checked Baggage?
Checked bags are the paradise of baby toy transport.
Battery-operated toys are allowed in both checked baggage and carry-on luggage, but toys with removable batteries are likely to contain lithium-ion batteries, and those must go only in your carry-on baggage.
It is preferred to take toys with batteries in the cabin rather than in checked baggage they will be safer and more accessible for your baby.
If you want to take extra toys, it is better to bring many options so you can figure out what will keep your baby or child entertained during the flight.
Related: Can I Take Lithium Batteries On a Plane?
Taking Other Baby Toys In Checked Baggage
Toys are permitted in checked baggage on almost any airline.
Just make sure that your toys are packed neatly, safely, and protected in a way that they can withstand the handling and transit process.
If you bring gift toys, it is a good idea to take them onboard the airplane.
You never know what you will need to keep your kids entertained during the flight, and delays or lost luggage can happen.
| Toy Type | Carry-On | Checked Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plush toys | Approved | Approved | Easiest toys to fly with |
| Plastic rattles | Approved | Approved | No restrictions |
| Stuffed Animals | Approved | Approved | No restrictions |
| Teething rings (liquid) | Allowed If 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less | Approved | Put in liquids bag |
| Musical/light-up toys | Approved | Approved | May require separate screening |
| Tablets/learning toys | Approved | Allowed (battery removed) | Lithium batteries stay in carry-on |
| Gel sensory toys | Allowed If 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less | Approved | Over-limit must be checked |
| Water toys | Allowed If 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less | Approved | Same liquid rules |
| Toy cars | Allowed | Approved | Metal is okay |
| Toy guns | Not allowed | Approved | Can still be questioned if realistic |
| Toy swords | Not allowed | Approved | Even foam swords banned in carry-on |
| Toy grenades | Not allowed | Approved | TSA hates grenade shapes |
| Slime | Allowed If 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less | Approved | Same liquid rules |
How Do You Keep Kids Busy On A Plane?
Playing games and bringing toys can keep your kids busy on a plane. However, sometimes you want to try something different, especially on long flights.
One of the best games I like to play with my kids is chess if you want to engage with them, it’s one of the most fun and stimulating activities out there.
It is possible to get bored, but chess will help strengthen your kids’ brains and thinking ability.
In addition to toys and games, colorful books can keep them busy too.
Books with activities that require more time to solve can also be entertaining.
How To Take Your Child Toys?
Traveling with a large number of toys requires some prior planning, and we’ve found that using a toy travel bag like the Creative QT Slide Away On-The-Go Mini Toy Bag will keep all the toys in one place.
In addition, your infant will be able to play with whatever they want.
When you want to leave the plane, you don’t need to worry about where to put your baby’s toys.
A travel bag will hold more than enough toys for your baby to enjoy during the flight.
You can also use a small infant backpack they’re cute and can hold toys, food, or any other items.
Final Thoughts: Can you Take Baby Toys On A Plane?
Play is a necessary part of your child’s development, and nothing inspires creativity like new experiences and toys.
As long as there are no restrictions on traveling with toys, be sure to select the best baby travel toys for your child’s age and bring them with you on your next flight.
You can also refer to this article on choosing safe toys for toddlers and preschoolers (by KidsHealth.org) for guidelines to help you pick the right toys for your child.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
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