Packing a travel busy bag is tricky business. Pack too little and you’ll be trying to turn napkins into toys. Pack too much, and your backpack will be so heavy that you are sorry you ever left home. Last week I posted a picture of our most recent travel busy bag, and now I want to share my thoughts on how to build your own. After four-plus years of experimenting, here are my best tips for packing an airline busy bag.

What makes a good airplane toy?

Some stores would have you believe that the perfect travel toy is expensive and intricately designed. Instead, I find that a selection of simple, well designed toys works best. The ideal toy is:

• Quiet
• Compact
• Small pieces are easy to contain so that they don’t end up on the floor, and losing a piece doesn’t destroy the play value of the entire toy
• Not so precious that you would mind losing it
• Not fragile
• Preferably no batteries (or if there are batteries, make sure they are fresh)
• Engaging. Self contained crafts are especially great, but be wary of crafts that might make a mess or contain smelly glues or paints.
• Can be played with independently or with a parent

Read the full article on Delicious Baby (photo courtesy of Debbie Dubrow).

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