Handy Car Travel Products To Keep Your Tots Safe & Comfy

Game On Mom received complimentary product for testing purposes.  All opinions are my own.

Spring is officially here, and for many families, that means road trips.  There are Easter visits to the grandparents’ house, Spring Break vacations, and of course the ubiquitous road trips of Summer, which will be here before you know it.

If you’ve ever traveled with a child in the car, you know how tricky those road trips can be.  It’s easy for anyone to be uncomfortable in the car, but it’s especially easy for kids to get uncomfortable and antsy.  How do you deal with that without putting them in unsafe positions?  Easy!  There are plenty of ways to increase your child’s comfort without compromising on safety, and there are three in particular that I love: BubbleBum, MyBuckleMate, and Cardiff.

Before I share them, let’s talk about safety for a minute.  Kids are always ready to grow up, and that can make them hate their booster seats, but we can’t give in to the urge to let them “outgrow” their booster seat too fast.  Car accidents are the #1 cause of death among children, and it’s been proven that kids using booster seats have about half the injury risk of those using seatbelts alone.  Many states have passed laws that require children 4+ to use a booster seat until they meet the proper height and weight.  All this is to say:  make absolutely sure your child uses a booster seat until they’re truly big enough to move on to seatbelts.

Now that we’ve talked about booster seats, have a look at the BubbleBum:

The BubbleBum is an award-winning inflatable booster seat, founded by Safekids USA Certified CPST Grainne Kelly.  It has twice won the “Best Bet” award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s booster seat evaluation report.  Everyone loves the BubbleBum:  it has enough “cool factor” that older kids don’t mind using it, and parents love its convenience.

The BubbleBum weighs less than 1 lb., and it easily inflates by mouth in less than 20 seconds.  It’s perfect to keep in your own car, but since it deflates and inflates so easily, you can pack it for vacations where you might rent a car, or even for your morning carpool.  At just $29.99, it’s a cost-efficient and convenient way to keep your kids comfortable, happy, and safe!  You can purchase the BubbleBum on BubbleBum.com or at Walmart stores.  (Connect with BubbleBum on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram).

Next up, check out MyBuckleMate:

You know how buckle bases in the back seat tend to flop around?  That makes buckling up more of a chore than necessary, and it’s also hard for little hands to manage.  MyBuckleMate is travel innovation that makes buckling up a cinch for everyone on a road trip with just one hand.  It’s simple to use: it fits securely in the tightest of spaces, supporting buckle bases so they remain in an upright position, just like in the front seats.

MyBuckleMate is mom-invented, and was named a 2014 National Parenting Awards (NAPPA) Silver winner.  It’s designed especially for kids in booster seats, and it fits securely enough that seats can still be folded down without removing it.  It’s also great for carpooling (no more chaos as three kids try to buckle up in the backseat).  As with most things, the earlier your child picks up a good habit, the more likely they are to keep it; MyBuckleMate makes buckling up so easy, kids will be more inclined to use it and get in the habit of buckling up at a young age.  This product is proudly made in the USA and is available in black, gray, tan, or beige for just $13.99, and you can purchase it on MyBuckleMate.com.  (Connect with MyBuckleMate on Facebook and Twitter).

Another great product for traveling with kids is the Cardiff Travel Headrest:

If your kids’ heads bobble and wobble when they fall asleep in the car, you definitely need the Cardiff!  This headrest’s intuitive design installs in minutes, and will prevent “noodleneck” and keep your passengers’ heads from bobbing back and forth.  The “arms” of the headrest are soft, padded fabric sleeves that are removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.

The Cardiff Travel Headrest attaches easily to your vehicle’s existing headrests with a simple universal mount.  It provides lateral support to keep kids upright as they sleep, which prevents their heads from bumping into windows or leaning too far, and keeps them steady in their booster seats.  The Cardiff has 14 adjustable settings to meet the height and comfort needs of users of all sizes.  If you’ve ever dreaded a car ride with a sleepy child, you can breathe easy knowing their little heads will be supported and they’ll stay soundly asleep and comfortable.  You can purchase the Cardiff on CardiffProducts.com for $49.99.  (Connect with Cardiff on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest).

So what do you think?  I think I’m ready for a road trip!  The BubbleBum, MyBuckleMate, and Cardiff all ensure that your kids remain safe while increasing their comfort level.  That makes for a more enjoyable car ride for everyone, which takes away a huge chunk of travel stress.  Sounds like a win-win to me!