9 Ways to Use Busy Baby Mat for Easier Travel With Baby

We’ve all done it.

Packed a million and one toys and snacks to occupy our kiddos during the long road trip to Grandma. Only for them to chuck every toy onto the floor after 30 seconds of enjoyment.

Traveling with baby can be a real juggling act. You have to be prepared for everything from diaper explosions to teething meltdowns, and that means traveling light isn't an option.

But, sometimes less is more. And we’ve come up with a way for you to skip the overpacking and keep your little one entertained.

Our Busy Baby Mat weighs less than half a pound and can fit in almost any bag you plan to bring on your trip. 

But more importantly, it’s versatile and can be used with your existing baby toys and travel systems–a genuine one and done purchase, no strings attached…unless you count the tethers that come with each mat. But who’s counting?

Well, …we are! But we’re not counting tethers (that would be silly). Instead, we’re counting time.

As a busy parent, with an even busier baby, you don’t have time to add another contraption to your travel plans. So, we’re proud to say our mat takes just a few seconds to place on or around your preferred surface and seconds to put away.

You can attach the placemat to your car seat or stroller to occupy your kiddo during long drives, lines, or layovers. The handy suction cups on the back of each mat also allow you to stick it nearly anywhere there’s a flat surface. You can also wrap it around most handles and it sticks right to itself!

We’ve come up with some creative ways for you to use it while you’re on the go.

If you’re going on a road trip with your baby, include a restaurant pitstop into your route. You can use the mat on any smooth tabletop and give your baby a little playtime. 

Our mat is also 100% FDA-approved food-grade silicone, so they can enjoy eating their food right off the mat.

If your baby is too young to sit up at the table, you can wrap the mat around your infant carrier handle and attach toys to keep your little one visually stimulated. 

With your baby occupied, this is also a great time to relax while you eat your meal, pump gas, or take a break before getting back on the road.

Look for a flat and smooth surface during your downtime. Any surface that is completely smooth and clean will do the trick! Tables, windows, and mirrors are all great surfaces to attach the mat to. 

Any surface area with lumps, bumps, cracks, dust, or debris may prevent the suctions from sticking as well as they should.

Depending on what company you’re traveling with – most airlines, bus lines, and train lines have a handy tray on the back of each seat. 

Any tray that has a smooth and flat surface can be used to attach your mat to. Trays that are textured may prevent the mat from sticking. But, we’ve got a solution for that!

Try utilizing the mats tethers to attach it to the tray and keep it from sliding. Either way, this is a simple way to keep your baby entertained on long or short trips.

Okay…so “childproof-less” is not an actual word. But with a busy baby on your hands, we’re sure you know exactly what it means.

Heading home to visit family brings joy to our hearts. But it can also be challenging while visiting Grandma and her fine china collection. 

Providing a space for your baby to enjoy is one way to keep them occupied and away from areas that aren’t 100% childproof. Try sticking the mat to surfaces like a patio door window or the side of a refrigerator to keep them in one place as they play.

Speaking of “childproof-less” destinations...if you're planning to stay in a hotel or a chic AirBnB, your busy baby will want to play and explore their new surroundings. But hotels and vacation rentals aren’t always baby friendly. 

By bringing the mat along, you’ll create a play space that diverts their attention and keeps them from roaming off to other areas.

Our placemat is great for toys and food, but when working with short attention spans, you’ve got to have more options available. Pack a few washable markers, along with your mat, to add another activity for your little one to try. Older siblings can also join in on the artistic fun.

And since the mat is 100% washable, you can use wipes or wet napkins to quickly clean up their masterpiece.

Since the Busy Baby Mat is great for flat and smooth surfaces, try grabbing a window seat! Windows are an ideal surface to place the mat on and can fit in most car, bus, train, and plane windows.

While traveling you may find yourself in situations where you can’t use the mat on a flat surface. But we don’t want this to stop you from keeping your baby entertained on the road.

Use the tethers independently from the mat by looping them around stroller and car seat straps or handles. Babies love to teeth on them and they are stretchy and fun to play with. Not to mention, no toys get tossed!.

Depending on how the mat is used, you can wipe it down with warm soap and water in your nearest restroom. Or you can use wipes for quick cleaning and keep it moving to your next destination.

Once you get back home from your trip, toss the mat in with your dishes— it’s 100% dishwasher safe!

For those staying home, the Busy Baby Mat is great too! 

Many parents love using the mat on their baby’s high chair tray and attaching toys for fun.

You can use it on practically any smooth surface in your home to keep your baby occupied in one spot. So, try a sliding glass door, window, or even the washer and dryer while you’re folding laundry.

You can even try it on the side of your refrigerator while you’re preparing dinner. Then, bring it to your family table so you and your baby can enjoy a memorable holiday meal.

These are just a few ways to use your Busy Baby Mat while you’re away, or staying home for the holiday season. But the mat is so versatile, we’re certain you’ll find even more creative ways to use it no matter where you are with your new baby in tow.

Have a new idea on ways to use your mat ? We want to see your busy baby in action! Share your pictures and videos on social media and tag us at @busybabymat!