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10 Best Car Seat Toys for Infants – Keep Your Child Safe and Entertained

By Yourcarseat Staff | Last Updated

Responsible parents are aware of the benefits of putting a child in a car seat – infants are not. Some infants might feel restrained and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the seat is comfortable. Also, car rides can be long, tiring and boring. This can result in a child being restless. A restless child increases safety risks. So how can parents ensure that their child remains entertained and occupied? Toys are the answer. This article lists the 10 best car seat toys for infants.

How To Keep Your Child Safe And Happy In A Car Seat?

Most parents have faced this situation – All of a sudden, you need to travel and have been unable to make care arrangements for your child. As a result you need to take your infant with you. Very few infants are likely to enjoy being confined to their car seats. This, in fact, is indicative of their development. However, a restless, bored and confined child is likely to create a ruckus. The longer the trip, the bigger the problem. After all, crying is the primary way for infants to communicate their needs. However, there’s a lot you can do to keep your child safe, comfortable and entertained. Here are a few tips:

  • Choose the right seat for your child. Make sure it meets the age, weight and height recommendations for your infant.
  • Make sure that the child is strapped in tightly. A tightly strapped 5-point harness emulates swaddling and is likely to comfort a child enough to put them to sleep. Also, a tighter fit means that the child is unable to move enough to compromise safety.
  • Choose the right time to travel. Although this may not always be possible, it can make a difference to travel at a time when your child is well fed or when the child is likely to sleep during the ride.
  • Try to regulate the vehicle’s temperature. Ensure that the child is not too hot or cold. Keep in mind that most car seats are designed to keep the child warm to adjust the temperature accordingly.
  • Talk to your child. While an infant may not understand what you say, studies prove that they can recognize their parents’ voices and are comforted by them. You can even sing songs or lullabies.
  • Play soothing music. This is soothing for, both, you and your baby.
  • Keep soft and car-safe toys within your baby’s reach. Bring vibrant, engaging and stimulating toys to keep your child occupied and entertained in the car seat. However, toys can pose some safety risks so follow the safety tips at the end of this article.

10 Best Car Seat Toys for Infants

1. Lamaze Mortimer the Moose

This is an ideal toy to keep your child entertained. It can also be a thoughtful gift for friends and family. It is an extremely soft toy that your baby will love to touch, hold, and snuggle with. It has a squeaky tummy that provides auditory stimulation when squeezed. The antlers can be used as teethers. Mortimer the Moose is a developmental toy that mixes entertainment with learning and development. It has a satin, colorful and knotty legs with multiple textures that engage multiple senses.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Soft – your baby will enjoy touching and hugging it
  • Squeaks when squeezed
  • Tail rings make engaging sounds
  • Vibrant colors and textures
  • Premium feel
  • Audio and Visual Stimulation
  • Antlers double as teethers
  • Satin, colorful and knotty legs
  • Mix entertainment with learning and development
  • Clip-on toy – can be hooked to strollers, carriers and bags
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

2. Manhattan Toys’ Baby Whoozit

The Manhattan Toys’s Baby Whoozit is the recipient of multiple awards and is a favorite for babies throughout the world. It is a soft multi-sensory activity toy that has been entertaining babies since it first launched in 2003. It features vibrant colors and shapes that can help your baby learn. It features a squeaker, crinkle paper, loops, and a hidden and child-safe mirror. It can be easily attached to cribs, car seats, carriers, and strollers and are, therefore, a great toy to travel with.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Recipient of multiple awards
  • Long and proven history – a favorite since 2003
  • Vibrant colors to grab your baby’s attention
  • Multiple shapes, patterns and textures to help your child learn while engaging their attention for longer
  • Squeaks when squeezed
  • Soft materials
  • Child-safe mirror hidden under the toy’s nose
  • Can be attached to cribs, carriers, strollers and car seats
  • Trusted manufacturer
  • Rigorously tested for safety (CPSC, ASTM, EN71 and Health Canada safety standards)
  • A dedicated helpline for customer support
  • Recommended for 3 months and older
  • Note: This toy is not machine washable.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

3. Buckle Toys Buster Square

The Buster Square is a uniquely designed toy that has multiple bright colors to grab your child’s attentions. It has g child-friendly buckles with different clasping styles. It is great for helping toddlers develop their motor and cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition and problem solving skills. Toddlers can learn to snap and click, while also learning about numbers, shapes and animals. The small size allows it to fit easily in small hands. It can be clipped on to strollers, cribs, highchairs, car seats and diaper bags.

It comes with a pouch that can be opened and closed with an easy-glide zipper.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Recommended for 1 to 4 year olds
  • Unique design – meant for versatile utility
  • Bright colors, shapes, numbers and animals to help your child learn
  • 6 child-friendly buckles with different clasping styles
  • Helps your child develop a wide variety of skills – cognitive, motor, and problem solving skills
  • Builds hand eye coordination
  • Provides multiple activities to engage your child for a longer period of time
  • Small size – your baby can handle it with ease
  • Comes with a convenient pouch – can be used to store other toys and snacks
  • Easy glide zipper – your baby can zip and unzip without your help
  • Can be clipped on to strollers, cribs, highchairs, car seats etc.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

4. Infantino Hugh and Tug Musical Giraffe

This toy features a giraffe head accompanied by a range of shapes, colors and patterns that help you child learn and grow. It is incredibly soft, and the shapes make it a great toy to touch, hold and hug. Features two rings that make clacking sounds. It can be pulled down for music and motion, helping your child achieve audio and visual stimulation. It can be used to, both, soothe and entertain your baby. It helps your child develop hand eye coordination as well.

It can also be a very thoughtful gift for new parents.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Features a cute giraffe head and limbs
  • The toy features multiple shapes, colors and patterns that can help your child learn
  • Child-safe mirror to engage your baby’s attention
  • Knotty legs
  • Can be used as a teether as well
  • The shape and material are ideal for touching and snuggling
  • 2 clacker rings
  • Can be pulled down to play music and create motion (music and motion continues for 90 seconds)
  • Good for audio visual sensory development as well as hand-eye coordination
  • Shape makes it easy to carry and pack
  • Made of BPA-free materials
  • Can be attached to cribs, carriers, strollers and highchairs etc.
  • Can also be used for floor play time
  • Note: Some infants and toddlers may find the toy hard to pull down.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

5. HABA Rattling Max Dangling Figure

This toy is surely a classic! The body bends to clack and make a soothing rattling sound. It is a great toy for babies aged 6 months and above. It features a ring that can be used to attach and grab other toys. You can also attach this toy to cribs, carriers, strollers, high chairs and shopping carts with ease. The multiple colors allow your baby to learn about different colors while promoting visual sensory development. They can even be attached to fabric using wooden clips that can be purchased separately. HABA uses beech wood that is sourced sustainably and the colors are water-based and solvent free.

The toys are designed and tested to meet strict toy safety protocols.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Bendable body
  • Clacks and rattles to soothe the baby
  • Meant for babies aged 6 months and above
  • Features a ring that can be used to attach other toys
  • Can be attached to cribs, strollers, carriers etc.
  • Multiple bright colors for learning and sensory development
  • Can be attached to fabric using wooden clips (Sold separately)
  • Made of beech wood
  • Sourced with responsibility and from sustainable forestry
  • Colors are water-based and solvent-free
  • Resistant to wear and tear – meant for prolonged use
  • The finished product and the materials used have been tested for safety – tested for impact, falls, tensile resistance, flammability, saliva and sweat resistance etc.
  • Meets or exceeds EU safety requirements
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

6. Infantino Tag Along Travel Pals

The Tag-Along Travel Pals features 3 different toys, ensuring that your baby doesn’t get bored too soon. There are 3 different animals and are easy to grab, hold and play with. Each toy has different features. The elephant toy features 2 click-clack rings and satin accents. The monkey ‘pal’ can also be used as a teether. The teether is BPA free. The giraffe crinkles and rattles to create different engaging sounds.

The toys are colorful and offer the opportunity to learn about different colors and animals. All 3 toys can be attached to car seats, strollers, baby gyms, car seats and more.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Can be used by newborns and older infants
  • Versatile
  • Features 3 different and compact toys that are easy to grab and play with
  • Elephant toy – 2 rings for clacking sounds and soft satin accents
  • Monkey toy – Features a BPA free teether
  • Giraffe toy – Crinkles and rattles to encourage the baby to bat and grab
  • Great for learning about colors and animals
  • Can be attached to car seats, strollers, baby gyms etc.
  • Can be put in a washer and dryer
  • They can also be cleaned with baby-safe soap and hang-dried
  • 3 toys for the price of 1 – great value for money
  • Multiple toys means the novelty won’t wear off easily
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

7. Infantino Spiral Activity Toy

This engaging spiral toy is the perfect gift for baby showers, and other celebratory occasions for new parents. It can be easily wrapped around car seat, stroller and crib bars. The Infantino Spiral Activity Toy features 4 different and delightful toys that are within your baby’s reach. It encourage batting and grabbing, helping you baby develop hand-eye coordination. It helps in the development of motor skills while teaching your child about colors and animals.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Incredible value for money – multiple toys, activities and features in the price of 1
  • Perfect gift for expecting or new parents
  • Features 4 different toys
  • Soft to hold and can engage both hands
  • Features a teether on one of the spirals
  • Features cows, bees etc.
  • Multiple colors and patterns
  • Plush fabrics and soft textures
  • Features a child-safe mirror as well
  • Click-clack rings and crinkly materials for the creation of engaging sounds
  • BPA free teether
  • Helps your baby with hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and learning about colors and animals
  • Suitable for a child aged between 0 and 12 months
  • Easily wraps around cribs, strollers and car seat barsM
  • There are no loose parts
  • Can be cleaned with soap and water or a wet towel
  • Available with multiple themes, colors, patterns and characters.
  • Note: This toy should not be put in a machine or a dryer.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

8. VTech Baby-on-the-Move Activity Bar

The VTech Baby-on-the-move Activity Bar is an animal themed toy which encourages exploration and independent play through the multiple interactive animals. It features a bird, a cow and a lady bug, with each animal have different features and functions.

This ensures a diverse range of activities that ensure that your baby won’t get bored of the toy easily while ensuring that your baby’s audio and visual senses are stimulated. The toy features attachment straps that can be used to attach the toy to any car seat, carrier and crib. The toys requires 2 AAA batteries.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Animal themed toy that encourages exploration, curiosity and independent play
  • Multiple animals with unique features and functions
  • Cow – Pressing the cow’s button will play different phrases, songs and melodies (There are more than 45 sounds, phrases, songs and melodies)
  • Swinging the cow will activate the toy’s motion sensor which will result in more interesting sounds
  • Bird – The bird comes with a textured ring that is easy to grab and helps in the development of motor skills and hand eye coordination
  • Shaking the beads inside the bird will also produce engaging sound effects
  • Ladybug – The ladybug include a baby-safe mirror that improves self-awareness
  • Comes with attachable straps that allow the toy to be attached to car seats, cribs and carriers etc.
  • The straps are highly adjustable
  • Durable and safe construction
  • The toy is meant for prolonged use – it is recommended for babies aged between 0 and 36 months
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

9. Tiny Love Meadow Days Sunny Stroll Stroller Arch

The Tiny Love Meadow Days Sunny Stroller Arch features different animals, colors and plants and has a wide variety of functions and features. It can be attached to anything ranging from a crib or bassinet to a stroller and car seat using a universal attachment clip. It features 8 different activities to help with your baby’s learning and ensure multi-faceted development. It can teach your child about cause and effect.

There are many different toys within your baby’s reach. Each toy features fun and engaging textures that can grab and hold the baby’s attention. It offers great utility whether you’re at home or on the go.

Key Features and Benefits
  • Features many different animals, colors and plants
  • It has a universal clip that can be used to attach the arch to any crib, carrier or car seat
  • There are multiple activities that will entertain your child while ensuring learning and development
  • It teaches your child about cause and effect
  • It builds your baby’s cognitive and motor skills and improves hand eye coordination as well
  • The toys have different textures that keep your baby occupied – some toys are crinkled and can rattle
  • It features a non-toxic teether for your baby as well
  • There is a transparent sun prism
  • You can teach your child about animals, plants and colors
  • Features a child-proof mirror that improves the baby’s self-awareness – the baby can also play peek-a-boo alone
  • The arch is adjustable, allowing you to have control over the toys that the baby has access to – this also means that it is compatible with a growing baby
  • The toys are easy to grab, hold and bat
  • Can be used for newborns and older infants
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

10. ToyVelt Kick and Play Hanging Toy

The ToyVelt Kick and Play Hang is the, essentially, a play mat that you can drive with. It features multiple toys of different colors and shapes. The mat and toys are incredibly soft and ideally placed to encourage the baby to grab and hold. It features a kick and play function – the baby can kick the mat in order to play sounds. This is a great toy for sensory development, and cognitive and motor skills. It features Velcro straps that can be used to attach the hanging toy to the back of the driver or passenger seat,

Or to the front of the back seat – therefore, it can be used for rear facing as well as forward facing car seats.

Key Features and Benefits
  • It features a child-safe mirror that can help the baby’s self-awareness
  • It can also be used as a temporary play mat
  • There are multiple toys of different shapes and colors
  • It encourages the baby to use their hands and feet
  • The baby can kick the toy to play different sounds and music
  • This is a great toy for multi-sensory development
  • It can build the baby’s cognitive and motor skills as it encourages movement
  • It can be attached to the vehicle’s seats using Velcro straps
  • Ideal for rear and forward facing car seats
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

Toys – Safety Concerns and Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that travelling with a baby can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. But careful planning and management can make a difference. It is very important for you (parents) to stay calm and remember that the first priority is your baby’s safety. Deciding what toy to buy can depend on your budget, your preferences and your baby’s likes and dislikes. Regardless of what toy you choose to buy, it is important to ensure that the toy is safe to travel with. It is important to remember that, while driving, you will be unable to pay adequate attention to how a child handles a toys. So here are a few safety tips:

  • Check the toy label or packaging for age recommendations, usage instructions and the materials used in the making of the toy. Ensure that the materials are not flammable and are non-toxic.
  • Do not pack the toys in a plastic bag. Instead, use the car seat’s storage compartment (if applicable) or your own purse or bag.
  • In case of an accident, a toy is likely to act as a projectile – increasing the risk of injury for your baby. Therefore, you should try using toys that are soft or are secured in a way that they cannot injure your child.
  • Since your attention will be on driving, ensure that the toy does not pose a choking or strangulation risk.
  • Avoid toys with sharp and rigid edges.
  • If applicable, secure toy batteries in a way that they are inaccessible to the child.
  • Throwaway or repair broken toys.
  • Keep toys clean and germ-free. You should know if a toy can be machine washed or put in a dryer, or if it needs to be spot cleaned etc.
  • Avoid any toys that can distract the driver. For instance, toys that produce loud sounds can startle the drivers and increase safety risks.

10 Best Baby Car Seat Covers – Choosing The Best One For Your Toddler

By Yourcarseat Staff | Last Updated

Statistics from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicate that car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in children, and that using the right car seat can significantly lower the risks of serious injuries. Different types of car seats can be used at the different stages of a child’s growth – rear facing, front facing and booster seats. Seats may also be convertible or all-in-one that can be used in multiple modes. You can also buy accessories such as cup holders, car seat covers and carry bags to make life even easier for you and safer for your child. This list includes the 10 best baby car seat covers available in the market.

Popular Car Seat Features and Accessories

Car seats are, primarily, meant to keep your child safe. However, there are plenty of features and accessories available in the market that can make travelling in a car seat more comfortable and enjoyable for your toddler. They can even add an element of convenience while improving your piece of mind.

  1. Car seats are often available in a range of different colors, designs and sizes. There are plenty of gender neutral and gender specific options to choose from.
  2. You can protect your child further and ensure greater comfort by using car seat covers and canopies.
  3. Some car seats come with integrated cup holders while others allow you to use cup holders that can be bought separately. They’re not just good for keeping snacks and drinks within the reach of your child, but can also be used to hold toys that will keep your toddler occupied for longer.
  4. Some car seats come with pouches and pockets to keep instruction manuals and toys close by.
  5. You can buy specialized bags that protect the car seat during travels (when the seat is not in use).

Reasons For Using Car Seat Covers

Using a car seat cover can have numerous advantages for your child. Here are the primary reasons why they should be considered a must-have addition to your baby gear:

  1. Temperature Control – Car seat covers can help keep your child warm in the winter, and the right seat cover can even help keep the heat out in the summer. Having a seat cover made of warm but breathable materials can help achieve both.
  2. Protection from the Elements – They can help keep out the sun, dust and wind. For seats that can be carried beyond the car, they can provide some degree of protection from rain as well.
  3. Cleanliness – As car seat covers are barriers between your child and the outside world, they can keep out dust and germs.
  4. Comfort and Sleep Support – They can help keep out loud sounds, regulate temperatures and make it easier for your baby to sleep.

1. Kids N’ Such Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Cover

This car seat canopy protects your child from wind, dust and extreme temperatures. It can help keep out bugs, germs and loud noises. It provides the child with an environment that is safe as well as comfortable. By helping the child sleep peacefully, you can also achieve peace of mind as you travel or take the seat with you to the restaurant or the mall.

Kids N’ Such Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Keeps out germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Snaps around the handle to provide a firm grip
  • Provides breastfeeding mothers the cover needed to breastfeed in public – converts into a nursing blanket
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Does not need to be folded or snapped when not in use
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Available in multiple colors
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

2. Acrabos Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover

Whether its winter or summer, this car seat cover helps protect your baby from extreme temperatures. It has an elegant and fun design and comes with stretchable mesh that rolls down with ease and provides great ventilation. It is wind proof and comes with 100% polyester (minky) lining that retains heat and keeps the baby warm and comfortable.

Acrabos Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Protects your child from extreme temperatures
  • Elegant and fun design
  • Keeps out germs, bugs and loud noise
  • Minky lining to help retain heat
  • Stretchable mesh that rolls down from the head flap pouch
  • 4 snaps for a firm and secure fit
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • 2 zippers for opening and closing with ease
  • Large zippable opening
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Can be used as a nursing cover, high chair cover, cloak and baby pillow
  • Hanging loop that makes it easy to carry
  • Can be folded back into the head flap pouch when not in use
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Herringbone grey color
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

3. Yoofoss Baby Car Seat and Nursing Cover

It can be used as a car seat cover, nursing cover, shopping cart cover and a baby high chair cover. It can protect your baby from the elements. The cover features an elastic bottom that helps it stay in place while keeping it easy to attach or remove. It is very affordable, lightweight, durable and versatile. It provides a universal fit.

Yoofoss Baby Car Seat and Nursing Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Protect your child from the elements
  • Can be used as a seat cover, nursing cover, shopping cart cover and a baby high chair cover
  • Keeps out germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Features an elastic bottom that makes it easy to attach, remove or stay in place
  • Affordable, lightweight and durable
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Give you (when nursing) and your child complete privacy
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Breathable materials
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Gender neutral design
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

4. Jomolly Baby Car Seat Canopy

This Jomolly cover ensures high breathability, and has a design your baby will enjoy. It is made of 100% muslin cotton and is designed to fit any infant car seat. It can be attached to the seat using 2 adjustable fasteners that loop over the handle, allowing you to carry the seat around safely and comfortably. It also works well as a blanket for newborns.

Jomolly Baby Car Seat Canopy
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Made of 100% muslin cotton – very high breathability
  • Very soft material
  • Can be attached to the seat with 2 adjustable fasteners
  • Keeps our germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Loops over the handle for safe and easy carriage
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Can be used as a blanket for newborns
  • Can be stored easily in a diaper bag or stroller
  • Comes with a storage pouch
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Available in multiple colors
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

5. Penelope Honeysuckle Chevy Infant Car Seat Cover

The Chevy protects your baby from insects, germs and extreme temperature and weather conditions. It is a lightweight cover that provides plenty of ventilation. It muffles noises and keeps out light to help your child sleep better and give them privacy. It is a stylish cover that has gender neutral design. It is made of 100% cotton on the outside and has a polyester minky interior that helps retain heat.

Penelope Honeysuckle Chevy Infant Car Seat Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Protects your child from bugs, germs, dust, extreme temperatures and weather conditions such as wind and rain
  • Muffles sounds and keeps out light to help your baby sleep
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • 100% cotton exterior provides breathability
  • 100% polyester minky interior retains warmth
  • Easy to attach and remove
  • Comes with 2 hook and loop straps that can be used to attach the cover to the seat
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Stylish and gender neutral appearance
  • 30 day money back guarantee
  • Penelope Honeysuckle also provides a 5 piece set for your child’s safety and comfort
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

6. Metplus Car Seat and Carrier Cover

This cover comes in a variety of printing patterns to suit different tastes. The materials used ensure there’s not fading or any pungent smells. It is designed for a university fit. It can be folded easily for storage and carriage inside a diaper bag, stroller or the car’s glove compartment. It is made of 100% muslin cotton that makes it soft and breathable.

Metplus Car Seat and Carrier Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Protects the child from temperatures that are too high or too low for comfort
  • Keeps out germs, bugs and loud noises
  • 100% muslin cotton – cover is extremely soft and breathable
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Easy access to handle
  • No fading or pungent smells
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Easily foldable for compact storage
  • 360 degree coverage
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Extra-large size for a universal fit
  • Available in multiple colors and patterns
  • Lifetime replacement guarantee for defects
  • 90 day money back guarantee
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

7. Lansian Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Cover

The Lansian seat cover is made of soft and breathable cotton and polyester that helps retain heat. It also works well as a nursing cover for mothers in public. It can also be used as a blanket. The mid-section is made of Velcro and opens easily to provide more air.

Lansian Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Keeps out dust, germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Provides adequate privacy for mother and child when breastfeeding
  • Can also be used as a blanket
  • Cotton and polyester combine to provide breathability and heat retention
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Velcro opening in the middle for more air
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Does not need to be folded or snapped when not in use
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Floral pink pattern
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

8. Kids N’ Such Herringbone Grey Canopy and Nursing Cover

This seat and nursing cover protects the child from wind, dust, germs and insects. It keeps out light and loud noises and helps the child sleep better. It provides complete privacy for emergency nursing. It has a stylish appearance is made of premium materials.

Kids N’ Such Herringbone Grey Canopy and Nursing Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Keeps out dust germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Snaps around the handle to provide a firm grip
  • Provides breastfeeding mothers the cover needed to breastfeed in public – converts into a nursing blanket
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Does not need to be folded or snapped when not in use
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Herringbone Grey color
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

9. My Little Baby Bug Car Seat Canopy and Carrier Cover

This cover is the result of extensive research and testing. It provides a protective layer against the elements. It keeps bugs, dust, rain, light and loud noises away from your baby. It is light in weight and is extremely easy to pack and store. It can also be used as a nursing cover and as a high chair cover. It is made of 100% cotton on the outside while the interior is made of 100% polyester.

My Little Baby Bug Car Seat Canopy and Carrier Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • It has gone through extensive research and testing
  • Easy to pack and store
  • Can be used as a nursing cover, shopping cart cover, carrier cover and high chair cover as well
  • 100% cotton outside
  • 100% polyester inside
  • Keeps out dust germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Pink and Gray Chevron – Designed for baby girls
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

10. JLIKA Car Seat Cover

It is the ideal car seat cover for protecting your child from rain, wind and harmful UV rays. It can keep out bugs, dust and loud noises. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep in. It is made of luxuriously soft and breathable materials. It comes with a money back guarantee.

JLIKA Car Seat Cover
Reasons For Buying
  • Keeps your child warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Keeps out germs, bugs and loud noises
  • Can be used as a carrier and shopping cart cover as well
  • Provides your child a dark and cozy environment to sleep in
  • Protects your child from the rain as you carry the seat around
  • Opens and closes with ease
  • Machine washable and can be air dried and dry cleaned
  • Non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
  • Gender neutral colors and pattern
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Choosing the Right Cover

Car seat covers are available in a range of designs, colors and have numerous features and benefits. Therefore, choosing the right cover for your baby may not be an easy task. Here’s a list of tips to follow when making a decision:

  • The cover needs to be made of the best quality of materials. The materials should be durable, hypoallergenic, lightweight, environmentally friends and breathable. They should also be soft to ensure maximum comfort. A great decision would be to buy a cover with some degree of elasticity to ensure a universal fit.
  • All covers on this list provide protection from dust, allergens, insects etc. They also provide protect from wind, rain and harmful UV rays. An ideal cover also provides ventilation along with temperature regulation. There should be no compromise on your child’s safety and comfort.
  • Make sure that the cover you choose is versatile. Most covers on this list can be used as nursing covers, high chair covers, shopping cart covers, carrier covers, and blankets etc.
  • Some covers may be season-specifics. Make sure the cover you choose suits the weather and climate.
  • Make sure that the car seat cover you choose allows easy placement and removal of your child for emergencies. Wide and conveniently placed openings ensure easy access to your child and can be used to provide your child with extra air as well.

Bubblebum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat Review

By Yourcarseat Staff | Last Updated

As the world becomes increasingly connected, travelling has become increasingly easier. More and more parents have to travel frequently for work. These travels may be local, national or even international. For parents that constantly have to travel for work, or those that travel frequently for leisure or social obligations, car seats that are easy to travel with are very important aspects of their child’s safety. Parents need different types of seats for the different stages of their child’s growth. The Bubblebum is an inflatable backless booster seat that that is suitable for a child that has outgrown the forward facing car seat stage but are too young or small to rely on the vehicle’s seat belt system alone for safety.

Inflatable Backless Booster Seats

Backless booster seats are usually the last type of car seat a child will need before the child is old or large enough to rely on the car’s seat belt for safety. They are used to prop-up the child so that the seat belt can be used to provide optimal safety. They help to position the child accurately in order to keep the child safe and comfortable. While the laws may vary at state or regional level, backless booster seats are a legal requirement.

Companies are constantly seeking new ways to leave their competitors behind. Innovation in products and services has become a necessity for survive. Companies are brands are constantly trying to find ways to provide more value and convenience to their customers. This has led to the development of inflatable car seats. Inflatable backless booster seats, as the name applies, are backless booster seats that can be inflated for use and deflated for transport or storage. As a result booster seats such as the Bubblebum inflatable backless booster seat are incredibly light and compact. This has proven to be a revolutionary idea.

However, some parents still prefer traditional backless booster seats over inflatable ones. Some parents may not wish to buy backless booster seats at all and prefer to go for the highback versions. They’re not right or wrong – this choice is a matter of preference, features of the seat and the age, height and weight of the child. Backless booster seats, including inflatable ones, have a large number of benefits:

  • Backless booster car seats are cheaper than other types
  • Inflatable ones may be even cheaper
  • They’re more suitable for older and bigger children
  • They’re smaller in size. Therefore, easier to travel with and store.

Bubblebum Portable Inflatable Backless Booster Seat

Overview

If you’re a frequent traveler and don’t always have the space to take a heavier booster seat along, you may be faced with this dilemma – pay extra for more space and add more weight to your travel bag or compromise on your child’s safety and travel without a car seat? The BubbleBum may provide you with the perfect solution. The BubbleBum booster seat is, essentially, an inflatable cushion that gives the child the boost needed to maximize safety when travelling in a vehicle. It ensures that the seatbelt fits the child perfectly for a safer fit. It is the perfect seat for families that travel frequently as it is incredibly small. It can even be carried by the child in a school bag. This means that it can be carried and stored with incredible ease, and is the ideal booster seat to travel with – and it does all this without compromising on the safety of your child.

The BubbleBum is the first inflatable seat ever and was, initially, conceived as an idea by Grainne Kelly – a concerned parent of two. She became wary of adding the weight of two seats for her kids to her commutes and travels. Her need for a seat that would not require much space when stored yet one that would be ready for use in an instance resulted in the creation of the BubbleBum.

While some parents may have issues with the materials used in the seat, it rates very highly in terms of portability. It is also designed to meet the highest safety standards. It has even passed crash tests when deflated. It has been approved under the UN ECE Regulation R44/04 for children aged 3 to 11. It also meets the US federal regulation FMVSS213. A lot of people may not know this but the Bubblebum is not empty on the inside. It has an inch of memory foam inside that helps maintain its shape and structure and comes with webbing that is used to anchor the seat belt guides. It is so easy on the pocket and is so compact that it can even be used as a secondary seat that you can use to travel with when you’re short on luggage space.

Quick Facts

  • Backless booster seat
  • Inflatable
  • 1 inch of memory foam inside the seat
  • Recommended age range: 4 to 11 years
  • Recommended weight range: 40 to 100 pounds
  • Recommended height range: 40 to 57 inches
  • Seating depth: 12 inches
  • Seating width: 12 inches
  • Requires a lap/shoulder seatbelt system
  • Requires head support
  • Ultra compact and portable when deflated
  • Small and light enough to fit in purses and schoolbags
  • Fits 3 across simultaneously
  • Can be easily cleaned and air dried
  • Winner of IIHS ‘Best Bet’ rating
  • Product dimensions: 11 x 4.5 x 11
  • 3 point harness
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • 1 year limited warranty
  • Comes with a carrying bag
  • Available in multiple colors and designs
  • Lifespan – 4 years from date of purchase
  • Should be replaced after a crash
Pros
  • Made of heavy-duty plastic and foam – much like a life jacket.
  • Will not deflate easily.
  • It is incredibly lightweight – weighs only 1.2 pounds.
  • Compact enough to fit anywhere including schoolbags and purses. Comes with a carrying bag.
  • Fits anywhere in the vehicle including places not suitable for larger booster seats.
  • Fits 3-across.
  • Rated as a ‘Best Bet’ for its fit-to child ratio.
  • Does well with children of different ages, weights and heights. Provides a good belt fit.
  • Comes with shoulder and lap belt guides.
  • While the belt guides of older models have been reported as complicated, the newer BubbleBum versions have fixed this issue. They are designed well and allow the belt to slide through more easily.
  • Extremely easy to inflate. Merely opening the valve starts the process.
  • Easy to deflate as well – open the valve and press the seat.
  • Cover can be wiped clean and air dried.
  • It is easily one of the most inexpensive backless booster seats in the market.
  • Very easy for children to use on their own.
  • One of the narrowest seats in the market. This means there’s more room in the backseat for other passengers.
  • The product comes with a limited 1 year replacement and repair warranty.
  • Available in multiple colors and designs.
  • Approved under UN ECE Regulation R44/04.
  • Meets US federal regulation FMCSS213.
  • It has passed crash tests even when deflated.
Cons
  • The small size can make it feel tippy.
  • It does not provide great leg support for taller kids.
  • Cover is not removable.
  • Cover should not be machine washed.
  • Comparatively smaller lifespan – 4 years from date of purchase.
  • Needs head support for maximum safety.
  • Not made of the best quality of materials.
  • The cushion may leak and therefore, pose a safety risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inflatable Booster Seats

Q: Are they safe?
A: They have been extensively crash tested. The BubbleBum has even passed crash tests in a deflated state. They are subjected to the same regulations and safety standards as other backless booster seats.

Q: When should inflatable booster seats take preference over other types of booster seats?
A: All types of car seats have their advantages and limitations. The biggest advantages of inflatable booster seats are their portability and storability. They’re the ideal choice for situations where size and weight are deciding factors.

Q: Are they okay for use in the long run?
A: They, like all booster seats, have an expiration date. They tend to have a shorter lifespan. However, with proper care, the BubbleBum can last for 4 years from the date of purchase.

Q: Do you need a pump to inflate the BubbleBum booster seat?
A: No. You can do it in a few breaths. Just twist open the valve and blow until it is fully inflated.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, a lot of parents might have apprehensions about using an inflatable car seat. This review hopes to change that perception. Inflatable car seats are as safe as other types of backless booster seats that they have to meet the same regulations and standards. In fact, for a lot of parents they can offer a cheaper alternative to traditional backless booster seats – not just in terms of the initial price, but also in terms of weight-related costs such as during air travel. One overlooked advantage of their small size is that they can be kept on you in a purse or a bag and are, therefore, instantly accessible when needed. BubbleBum inflatable booster seats are an innovative option designed for safety and convenience.

Hifold – A Foldable Highback Booster Car Seat To Travel With

By Yourcarseat Staff | Last Updated

A booster seat is used to cushion and elevate a child while ensuring that they are safely strapped in. CDC data shows that using car seats can reduce the risk of injury in car crashed by 71-82% in comparison to just using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Booster seats can reduce this risk by up to 45% for children aged between 4 and 8. Therefore, laws exist in most US states and territories requiring the use of car seats. Booster seats can be standalone seats or usage modes in convertible or all-in-one seats. They come in 3 types; backless booster, high back booster and combination booster seats. Mifold’s Hifold is a highback booster that is easy to fold and compact enough to travel with.

Most booster seats are designed for children that fall between 4 and 12 years of age or are between 40 and 59 inches in height. US laws require children to travel in a booster seat once they are too big to travel in a forward facing seat and until they are over 9 years in age or 57 inches in height. Booster seats are, usually, the last type of car seat your child will need before your child is old enough or big enough to rely on just the seat belt for safety.

Introduction to Highback Booster Seats – Pros and Cons

When a child is too big for a harnessed seat, a booster seat becomes an essential aspect of vehicular safety. While all types of booster seats have their merits, some parents prefer using highback booster seats. They are more chair-like in appearance and use the vehicle’s seat belts for safety.

Pros
  • Side impact, head and neck protection
  • Wings provide good sleep support
  • Keeps shoulder belt in place
  • Keeps the head, neck and body in a safer position
  • Some can be converted to backless booster seats
  • Some highback booster seats have lower weight minimums in comparison to backless seats
Cons
  • May have lower weight and age limits than other types of booster seats
  • Head support may feel restrictive for a restless child
  • While they are usually reasonably priced, they tend to be more expensive than backless models

About Mifold

Jon Sumroy, an English father or 3 children, got the inspiration to develop a new car seat from his own life juggling between work, travel and raising his kids. The endless carpooling resulted in the creation of Mifold in 2002. He raised nearly $2 million through Indiegogo and started working on a seat that combined a child’s safety with travel convenience. Today, Mifold produces a range of car seats such as the Comfort, Original, Hifold, and Sport car seat lines and variation. They also produce accessories such as carry bags and cups for car seat cup holders. Mifold products have been manufactured by CarFoldio Ltd since 2017. While Mifold is a US based company, their products are available all over the world and are known for their innovation, safety and reliability.

Mifold customers have easy access to support and the company can be reached through their website, their email and telephone number. Instruction manuals and videos can also be accessed through their website. They also offer the option to register the purchased seat on their website, so that customers can be informed incase a product or model needs to be recalled. They also offer a 30 day money-back guarantee for US residents as well as a replacement and repair warranty for defective products.

Hifold

The Hifold Fit-and-fold is a highback booster seat that is mean for a child that outgrows a forward facing car seat. It is a lightweight seat and, therefore, is easy to carry. It comes with a strap that makes it even easier to travel with. You can even buy one of Mifold’s carry bags. When it folds, it is compact enough to fit in most backpacks and even under an airplane seat. While airplane seats are not compatible with booster seats, it is still prudent to travel with one. It is highly adjustable and can fit children of different weights and heights with equal ease. The Hifold is one of the best and most compact booster seats in the market and is certified for use in the US, Canada, the European Union and many other countries of the world. For international travelers, this means that you don’t have to buy a new seat in order to meet different international standards.

Despite its many merits, it is the duty of responsible parents to thoroughly research products that can affect the safety of their child. The following segments contact everything you need to know about this foldable highback booster seat.

Quickfacts

  • Height range: 46 to 59 inches
  • Weight range (US and EU): 33 to 100 pounds (Expect some variations at state (US) or country (EU) level)
  • Weight range (Canada): 40 to 100 pounds
  • High back booster seat use only
  • Needs to be used with the vehicle’s headrest
  • Manufacturer does not recommend a minimum age (Research state or federal laws for guidance)
  • Cup holders can be used (Need to be purchased separately)
  • Should not be used with inflatable seatbelts
  • Should be replaced after a crash
  • Fabric cover is machine washable and line dryable
  • Limited 1 year warranty from date of purchase
  • Lifespan: 7 years from date of manufacture
  • Seat pan depth: 11 inches
  • Seat weight: 9.9 pounds
  • Additional Features:
  • Adjustable headrest (Lever)
  • Side impact protection
  • Wings
  • Lap belt guide
  • Shoulder belt guide
  • Storage space for instruction manual (Under the seat base cover)

Installation Guide

  1. Read the instruction manual and seek expert guidance.
  2. Unfold headrest by rotating it until it locks.
  3. Then unfold the seat by rotating it until it locks into position.
  4. Rotate the wings/side protection until they are locked into position.
  5. Use the levers and to adjust the position.
  6. Use the belt guides to move the belt through the recommended path.
  7. For more information such as seat adjustment and guidance on how to fold or unfold the seat, follow the steps provided in the instruction manual.

(There is a significant risk of pinching in multiple steps)

Pros
  • The Hifold is one of the smallest booster seats in the market – and it folds to become even smaller. It can fit in a schoolbag or even the car’s glove compartment.
  • It is available in multiple colors.
  • It is light so can be carried with ease. The integrated carry strap makes portability one of its key advantages.
  • It offers incredible versatility. It can be used for a child aged between 4 and 12 years, weighs between 33 and 100 pounds, and is between 46 and 59 inches in height. (These numbers may vary in different states and countries)
  • Offers great side impact protection as well as head and neck support.
  • It has a highly adjustable headrest. There are 9 headrest positions. The lever makes this an easy task.
  • Low weight minimum.
  • Supports cup holders.
  • Storage space for instruction manual.
  • Integrated lap and shoulder belt guides.
  • The fabrics covers can be machine washed and line dried.
  • It has a 30-day money back guarantee for US customers.
  • The seat has a 1 year repair and replacement warranty.
  • It has a long lifespan of 7 years from the date of manufacture.
  • Has been tested to meet all relevant safety standards and approvals.
  • Is certified for use in the USA, Canada and the EU.
Cons
  • Cup holders need to be purchased separately.
  • Unlike convertible seats, it cannot be used as a harnessed car seat.
  • It also cannot be converted into a backless seat.
  • There’s a slight pinch risk.
  • The installation process gets easier with practice. However, it can be confusing the first few times the seat is set up.
  • Like all booster seats, it cannot be used in airplanes or vehicles that only have lap belts.
  • It is built to be compact. Therefore, some children may find it to be too small and restrictive.
  • Not compatible with inflatable seat belts.
  • It needs the support of the vehicle’s headrest.

Should You Buy?

As with all car seats, the Hifold booster seat isn’t perfect. There are a few flaws. However, many of these flaws are common to all booster seats. The pros greatly outweigh the cons. We always recommend parents to decide what seat to buy based on the needs of the child as well their own preferences. If your child meets the Hifold highback booster seat’s age, height and weight requirements, this seat is definitely worth considering. It comes highly recommended for parents that travel frequently. It is safe, legal for use in most parts of the world and doesn’t require much storage space. This makes it an ideal companion for international travel as well. It is also highly recommended for older children that are, relatively, smaller in size. It is an innovative product that offers incredibly portability, convenience and comfort without compromising on safety.

Graco Turbo GO Booster Car Seat – A Complete Review

By Yourcarseat Staff | Last Updated

A quality car seat should be considered an essential purchase for the safety of your child. Parenting never stops being a challenge, and researching and buying the right seat for your child is not only important, it is challenging as well. This is because a child has different needs at different stages of life, depending on factors such as age, weight and height. A booster seat is, generally, considered the last type of seat a child will need before the child is old enough to be secured using only the car’s seat belt system. This article provides a complete review Graco’s Turbo GO backless booster seat to help you decide if it is the right seat for your child.

Backless Booster Seats – What Do You Need to Know?

A booster seat is an important stepping stone between using a harness seat and relying solely on the car’s seat belt system for your child’s safety. It helps position your seat and child in a way that your vehicle’s seat belt follows a given path for optimal safety while ensuring the safest and most comfortable fit across the child’s shoulders, chest and hips.

They are recommended for use when your child has exceeded the maximum age, weight and height restrictions for using a forward facing car seat and can be used until they exceed the restrictions for a booster seat. These restrictions may be different depending on the seat model and manufacturer. There are two types of booster seats: Backless booster seats and high-back booster seats.

Studies done between 2005 and 2009 showed that high-back booster car seats tend to be safer than backless booster seats. However, this may not always be the case. The studies failed to account for the fact that a backless booster seat may actually be safer depending on your child’s physical characteristics and the vehicle’s safety features. Also, technological advancements in the last decade or so have ensured that most seats today surpass the safety standards of those made a decade ago with ease. However, here are some factors you can take into consideration:

  • Backless booster car seats are the cheaper choice
  • They have a higher weight minimum, so more suitable for older, healthier or taller children
  • High back booster seats are more capable of providing head, neck and back support for a younger or smaller child
  • Booster seats are available as standalone products or as part of All-in-one or some convertible seats
  • Booster seats should only be used when the child meets the age and size recommendations of the manufacturer
  • Backless booster seats should be used for a child that is unable to or cannot be relied on to sit with his back pressed against the vehicle’s back seat
  • Booster seats should be used if the vehicle’s seat belt system does not fit the child as accurately as it would fit an adult.

Pros and Cons of Using a Backless Booster Seat

Pros
  • They can be used in a variety of vehicles with relative ease. This is an important factor to consider if you own multiple vehicles or are constantly changing cars when driving your child around.
  • They are easy on the budget.
  • They can hold a larger and/or taller child than a high back booster seat.
  • They are ideal for restless older and/or larger children.
  • They are lighter and smaller. This makes them easy to store when not in use and easier to carry between vehicles.
  • They are ideal for school-going children who don’t want to be seen as a baby in a high back booster seat.
Cons
  • Relative lack of protection around the head, neck and shoulders.
  • Higher minimum weight requirement.

Graco Turbo Go

Measurements and Specifications

  • Age recommendation – 4 to 10 years
  • Weight recommendation – 40 to 100 lbs
  • Height recommendation – 43 to 57 inches
  • Lifespan – 10 years
  • Seat width (at widest point) – 15.25 inches
  • Seat depth – 12.5 inches
  • Seating area width (at widest point) – 13.5 inches
  • Seat weight – 3.5 pounds
  • Size when folded – 5×14 inches

Notable Features

  • The fabric is machine washable
  • Convenient self-positioning belt guide
  • Belt guide is steel reinforced
  • Extremely compact (especially when folded)
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to set up
  • Very easy to carry
  • Easy to store
  • Consistent and comfortable belt fit
  • Big seating area

About Graco

Graco is an American company based in North Carolina. It was established in 1942 in Philadelphia and is currently owned and operated by Newell Brands. Graco is a manufacturer of baby products and their first baby product was an automatic baby swing, Swyngomatic, which was the world’s first wind-up automatic baby swing. The company now manufactures and sells car seats, strollers, household products and gear such as highchairs, nursery items, swings and jumpers etc.

Graco acquired Century, a car seat manufacturer, in 1998. It introduced the SnugRide car seat which has, since, become one of America’s best-selling car seat product line. Graco’s Turbo Booster line launched in 2002 which helped keep the child safe and secure in a car seat for longer. Graco car seats have approvals from NHTSA, FAA and other relevant authorities. The Turbo product line has a proven safety record. Graco owns and operates its own crash testing facility, and its products meet or exceed the US safety standard guidelines FMVSS 213. Graco car seats are tested for front, rear and side impact safety, rollover accidents, and extreme car temperatures.  Graco products have been recipients of numerous rewards and accolades for their safety, comfort and diverse range of features.

Graco is an American brand. Their products measure up to or exceed the highest American safety standards. The company offers easy access to support through email, live chat and its helpline. It also offers thorough warranty policies which is a reflection of their confidence in their products.

What’s So Special about the Graco Turbo Go?

Some parents may be concerned that, like other backless booster car seats, the Graco Turbo Go does not have any head, neck and back support, does not have any padding, and there are no additional features such as cup holders. It does, on the other hand, offer a safe and comfortable place to sit and ensures that the arms align the seat belt and the child. The Graco Turbo Go isn’t any ordinary backless booster seat. Not only is it incredibly lightweight and portable, but it folds and unfolds easily to make it easier to store and transport.

 It can even fit easily in a backpack! Your child can carry the Graco Turbo GO with them and use them in a friend’s car or when driving around with grandma!

It is extremely easy to use and set up, and positions and aligns your child to maximize safety while travelling in a vehicle. In fact, it is so easy to use that, with proper initial guidance, a child can learn to buckle up without any adult assistance. There are no complicated levers, adjustments or triggers.

Manufacturer’s Usage Recommendations

Booster seats are recommended once forward facing harness seats are no longer a viable option. The manufacturer recommends that the Turbo GO should be used for a child weighing between 40 and 100 pounds and is between 43 and 57 inches in height. While, on average, a child hits falls between this ranges at an age of 5 to 6 and above, the manufacturer recommends that it can be used for a child aged between 4 and 10 years. However, while age is important, the seat should not be used until the child meets the minimum height and weight criteria nor should it be used once these limits are exceeded, regardless of age. Also, the manufacturer recommends that the seat should be retired after 10 years of use.Top of Form

Installation

The Graco Turbo GO is incredibly easy to install and it takes no time at all. Here is a brief installation guide:

  1. Prepare for the installation process by making room in the back seat and going through the instruction manual. It is also important to be familiar with the safe features of the vehicle, so consider reading the vehicle’s manual and familiarizing yourself with the seat belt system
  2. The back of the seat is foldable to increase portability. The first step is to unfold and flip it into the right direction. Doing so automatically releasing the belt positioning system.
  3. Place the seat in the forward facing direction.
  4. Place the child properly in the booster seat. Ensure that the child is not too big or too small for the seat (read the manufacturer’s recommendations).
  5. The seat belt can then be threaded easily through the car seat’s belt positioning system. At this point you should ensure that the belt centered and evenly placed against the belt positioners for a secure and comfortable fit. The shoulder belt positioner should be used to ensure a proper fit over the child’s shoulders as well.

Important tips:

  • Never place a booster seat in the front passenger seat of a car.
  • Check and recheck the positioning of the seat before each use.
  • Conduct proper research about the type of seat, manufacturer and model.
  • Check the seat’s safety record.
  • Get the seat checked by experts.
  • The lap section of the belt should be low and pressed tightly across the child’s hips.
  • The shoulder section of the belt should fit snugly on the shoulder while staying clear of the neck and face.
  • Ensure that the belt is not twisted. This can have a negative impact on the belt’s integrity.

The Advantages of Using the Graco Turbo GO

  1. Lightweight, Compact and Foldable – Weighing just over 3 pounds, this is one of the lightest seats available in the market. When you add that to the compact size, this is easily one of the most convenient seats to carry, store and travel with. 3 of these seats can be used simultaneously in most cars. One of the major selling points of this seat is that it can be folded easily, which adds to its compactness. When folded, it is small enough to fit inside a child’s backpack.
  2. Can be Moved Between and Used in Different Vehicles – The Graco Turbo Go seat’s size and weight along with the ability to fold it allows you to easily move the seat between different vehicles. This means that you no longer have to buy multiple booster seats.
  3. Easily Removable Machine Washable Fabric – Keeping a seat clean for a child is a major concern. The seats fabric can be removed easily in a single motion and washed in a machine. This makes it incredibly easy to maintain the seats hygiene.
  4. Belt Guide – The seat comes with a belt guide that leaves no room for inaccuracy. The belt path is self-positioning and steel reinforced to add to your child’s safety.
  5. Seat Belt Fitting – The seat is designed to ensure that installation results in a consistent and comfortable fit if all the steps have been followed accurately.
  6. Affordable – The seat provides a great deal of safety without a hefty price tag. This is especially useful for parents with tighter budgets. This also ensures that you can buy multiple seats easily if you have multiple children that fall between the age, weight and height limits.
  7. Big Seating Area and Higher Boost – The seat is big enough to ensure extended use, in order to keep your child safer for longer. The seat also provides a greater boost than most competitors.
  8. Ease of Installation – The seat positions and aligns your child with the seat belt with incredible ease. The lack of complicated levers, adjustments, switches and triggers means that, with a little bit of initial guidance, your children can buckle themselves up.
  9. Choice – The booster seat comes in multiple colors to choose from. These are bright pink, grass green, slate blue and plain black. However the belt positioners are only available in red and the base is only available in dark grey regardless of fabric colors.
  10. Storage Pouch – Store instruction manuals on the pouch underneath the seat. It is important to keep the manual nearby for guidance.
  11. Designed and Engineered for US Safety Standards – Graco is a USA based company and is subjected to the highest standards and safety regulations. (More on this later)

Issues

  1. No handle – While this seat offers ease of carriage because of its weight and size, it lacks a handle that would make carriage even easier.
  2. Padding – As this is a backless booster seat, it offers very little padding for protection.

Safety Information and Recommendations

  • The instruction manual comes with detailed guidelines, warnings and information that help you maximize the safety of your child.
  • All types of car seats should be replaced after crashes and other safety incidents.
  • Most experts, including the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommend using harnessed seats for as long as possible. Booster seats should only be used once the child has exceeded the age, height and weight limits set by the manufacturer.
  • Be sure to check state laws addressing car seats and purchase and use seats accordingly.
  • Seek advice from reputable experts and check recommendations from recognized institutions such as the AAP and the NHTSA.
  • Keep the instruction manual close by. Storing it in the Turbo Go’s pocket (can be found underneath the seat) for easy access to guidance.
  • All Graco seats meet or exceed federal safety requirements. Being based in the USA, they are subjected to the highest standards and are designed for US roads and traffic (however, they are available in other countries as well). They have a proven safety record, and are engineered and tested for the US standard FMVSS 213.
  • Some Graco seats, like the Turbo Booster has received prestigious awards such as from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Other Considerations

  1. While there are no laws requiring the use of car seats on airplanes, they are highly recommended. Booster seats, however, are not suitable for air travel.
  2. Parents should read and check all labels and stickers for important information. One example if the date of manufacture. This is important as the manufacturer recommends retiring the seat 10 years after the date of manufacture.

Comparisons with Other Car Seats

Graco Turbo GO vs Bubblebum Booster Seat

Bubble bum has a few advantages over the Graco Turbo Seat. It weighs less than the Graco Turbo Go especial when deflated – weighs around 1 pound. It’s smaller as well and therefore, even easier to carry with more room to spare. However, the bigger size and greater width means that the Turbo GO is more spacious. This makes it more suitable for older and bigger kids. The seat and the base are also considerably more stable. Making a choice would depend on your child’s characteristics as well as your preferences.

Graco Turbo GO vs Graco Turbo Booster TakeAlong

While both are Graco products and share numerous features, there are some differences as well. The Turbo Booster TakeAlong is a booster seat that has two modes of use – high back booster seat and a backless booster seat.  While both are highly portable, the Turbo GO weighs less and is, therefore, easier to carry. Both models provide a great degree of consistency in terms of the vehicle’s seatbelt fitting. Also, both seats have the same size limits.

Graco Turbo GO vs Graco RightGuide

The Graco RightGuide is one of the narrowest booster seats available in the market. It can fit, both, smaller and larger kids with equal safety and has some lateral flexibility. It weighs less than the Turbo Go booster seat. However, the Graco Turbo Go is likely to accommodate larger kids in comparison to RightGuide and it gives the child a higher boost (especially useful for shorter kids).

Graco Turbo GO vs Mifold Booster

Both booster seats are meant for similar age, weight and height ranges. However, the Turbo GO stands out because of its belt consistency and the fact that the child can buckle up with needing adult supervision. The Mifold’s belt path and guide, on the other hand, can be difficult to thread through.

Graco Turbo GO vs Chicco GoFit

The Turbo GO and GoFit are similar in terms of their height and weight restrictions. The GoFit has a carry handle – a useful feature missing in the Turbo GO. The GoFit offers cupholders and more padding. However, the Turbo Go is foldable, which gives it an edge in terms of storability and ease of transport. While, the Turbo Go can fit in a back pack with room to spare, the GoFit needs a bit more space. Also, the TurboGO weighs considerably less. The Chicco GoFit is more suitable for smaller kids, whereas the Turbo GO has clearly been designed for larger kids.

Final Thoughts

One of the first things that most parents are likely to notice is the absence of bells and whistles such as cup holders and extra padding. However, the Turbo GO booster seat does do the job it is meant for – it works. It provides a great deal of security and comfort while going easy on the parent’s pocket. It is small enough to fit 3-across in the back seat and can be carried easily by parents and children. It does lack some useful features of other seats such as a carry handle, but it makes up for it with the fact that is can be folded easily. In its folded state, it takes up far less space than most competitors. The two most important questions that need to be asked when choosing a car seat for your child are:

Q 1) Does it have the ability to keep the child safe?

A 1) It does. It meets all safety standards and is designed to keep your child safe.

Q 2) Is it the best seat in the market?

A 2) Ultimately, deciding which seat is ‘the best’ for your child depends on the child’s physical and, even, psychological needs. A seat may have all the features in the world but if it is too big or too small for your child, it fails to do its job. Additionally, other factors such as budget, type, and size of vehicle and personal preferences also play a part.