BubbleBum Review: The Inflatable Booster Seat You Need
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is a unique and innovative solution for families on the move. It is a backless booster seat that can be easily inflated and deflated, making it perfect for travel, rental cars, taxis, coach journeys, field trips, or carpooling. The Bubblebum is lightweight, compact, and portable, making it easy to carry in a rucksack or handbag.
One of the most significant advantages of Bubblebum is its size. It is much smaller than traditional car seats and even backless boosters, making it an excellent choice for families needing to save space or having multiple children to transport. Despite its compact size, the Bubblebum is still substantial and safe, providing parents with peace of mind while on the road.
This article will provide a comprehensive review of the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat. We will examine its features, benefits, and drawbacks and compare it to other booster seats on the market. Whether you are a frequent traveler or simply looking for a more convenient booster seat for your child, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat: An Overview
BubbleBum is an innovative, portable, inflatable booster seat designed for children aged between 4 – 11 years. It is an ideal solution for parents who frequently travel with their children, as it is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.
Product Specifications
The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is designed to meet safety standards and is crash-tested to meet and exceed the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 213. It is suitable for children weighing 40-100 lbs and weighing 40-57 inches. The seat requires a lap/shoulder belt and head support up to the child’s eyes.
The seat is inflatable and comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to pack and store. The center is durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for everyday use.
Design and Aesthetics
The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is designed to be lightweight and portable. The seat is available in various colors, making choosing one that matches your child’s personality easy. The seat’s design is straightforward, making it easy to install and use.
The seat’s inflatable design provides additional cushioning and support, making it comfortable for children to sit in for long periods. The seat’s compact size makes it easy to fit in small cars and tight spaces.
Ease of Installation
The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is designed to be easy to install, making it a popular choice for parents who are always on the go. The seat is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and store when not in use.
To install the BubbleBum, inflate the seat and place it on the vehicle seat. The seatbelt should be threaded through the belt guides on the side of the seat, ensuring that the lap belt fits snugly across the child’s lap and the shoulder belt crosses the child’s chest and shoulder.
The BubbleBum also comes with a shoulder belt positioning clip, which helps to keep the shoulder belt in the correct position for added safety. This clip can be easily attached to the seatbelt and adjusted to fit the child’s height and size.
One of the main advantages of the BubbleBum is its ease of installation. Parents can quickly and easily install the seat in any vehicle without the need for complicated instructions or special tools. This makes it an excellent choice for families who frequently travel or need to switch between cars.
Overall, the BubbleBum is an excellent option for parents looking for a booster seat that is safe and easy to install. Its lightweight and compact design makes it an ideal choice for travel, while its simple installation process ensures that parents can quickly and easily secure their child in any vehicle.
Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to traveling with kids, comfort and convenience are key. The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat delivers on both fronts, making it an excellent choice for families on the go.
Inflation and Deflation
One of the standout features of the Bubblebum is its inflatable design. This makes it incredibly easy to pack and transport and means you can inflate it on the spot when you need it. Inflation is quick and easy, taking just a few breaths to grow fully. Deflation is just as easy – open the valve, roll it up, and pack it away.
Seating Comfort
The Bubblebum is designed for kids between 40-100 pounds, and its narrow design means it can fit comfortably in most cars. The seat is made from a soft, comfortable material that won’t irritate your child’s skin, and the lack of armrests means they have plenty of room to move around.
The seatbelt guides are easy to use, and the adjustable strap means you can always get a secure fit. The Bubblebum also comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying, and the compact size means you can easily fit it in a backpack or carry-on luggage.
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an excellent choice for families who value comfort and convenience. Its inflatable design makes it easy to pack and transport, while the comfortable seating and easy-to-use seatbelt guides ensure your child is safe and secure on the road.
Safety Features
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat has several features that ensure the safety of children while riding in a car. The seat is designed to meet and exceed all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and is also approved for use in Canada and the European Union.
One of the most critical safety features of the Bubblebum is its side-impact protection. The seat is designed with a structural integrity feature that helps to distribute the force of a side-impact crash across the entire seat. This helps to reduce the risk of injury to the child’s head, neck, and spine.
Another key safety feature is the seat’s ability to position the vehicle seatbelt on the child properly. The Bubblebum’s unique design ensures that the seatbelt is correctly aligned with the child’s body, which helps to prevent injuries in the event of a crash.
The seat also features a lap belt guide, which helps to keep the lap belt in the proper position across the child’s hips. This helps to prevent the lap belt from riding up onto the child’s abdomen, which can cause serious internal injuries in the event of a crash.
In addition, the Bubblebum is made from high-quality, durable, and comfortable materials. The seat is made from a robust and puncture-resistant material that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The seat also features a comfortable, cushioned design that helps to keep children comfortable during long car rides.
Overall, the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is a safe and reliable option for families looking for a lightweight, portable booster seat that can be used on the go. With its advanced safety features and comfortable design, the Bubblebum is an excellent choice for parents who want to ensure the safety and comfort of their children while traveling in a car.
Portability and Storage
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is designed for families on the move. It is exceptionally lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and store when not in use. The seat can be inflated and deflated quickly, allowing parents to set it up and pack it away in minutes.
When deflated, the Bubblebum booster seat is small enough to fit in a backpack or carry-on luggage, making it ideal for travel. The seat weighs only 1.2 pounds, significantly lighter than traditional booster seats, making it easy for children to carry it around.
The Bubblebum booster seat is also perfect for carpooling or when children need to carry their booster seat. The seat’s compact size means it can fit comfortably in the backseat of most cars, even when there are multiple passengers.
Bubblebum recommends keeping the seat in a cool, dry place when not in use to ensure that it is appropriately stored. The seat should be deflated and rolled up tightly before being placed in its storage bag. The storage bag is included with the seat and can be easily attached to a backpack or luggage for easy transport.
Overall, the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an excellent option for families on the go. Its portability and compact size makes it easy to carry around and store while providing children with a safe and comfortable seat.
Price and Value
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is priced at around $30, making it a very affordable option compared to other booster seats on the market. It is an excellent value for parents looking for a lightweight, portable booster seat for travel or everyday use.
One of the key advantages of the Bubblebum booster seat is its compact design, which makes it easy to store and transport. It can be deflated and folded when unused, and it takes up very little space in a suitcase or backpack. This makes it ideal for families who frequently travel or have limited storage space at home.
Another advantage of the Bubblebum booster seat is its versatility. It is suitable for children between 40 and 100 pounds, which means it can be used for several years as your child grows. It is also designed to fit most car seats, making it a convenient option for families with multiple vehicles.
Overall, the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat offers excellent value for its price. It is a safe, lightweight, and portable option, perfect for families on the go.
Pros and Cons
Regarding the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat, several pros and cons exist. Here are some of the most notable:
Pros
- Portability: One of the most significant advantages of the Bubblebum booster seat is its portability. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to take. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, the Bubblebum can be easily packed away in a backpack or suitcase.
- Easy to Inflate: The Bubblebum is incredibly easy to inflate. It has a simple valve lets you quickly raise the seat in just a few seconds. You can soon deflate and pack it away when you’re done using it.
- Comfortable: Despite its small size, the Bubblebum is surprisingly comfortable. It’s made with soft, durable materials that provide a comfortable seating experience for your child. Plus, the seat is designed to be ergonomically correct, providing proper support for your child’s back and hips.
- Affordable: Compared to traditional booster seats, the Bubblebum is relatively cheap. It’s an excellent option for families on a budget who still want to ensure their child’s safety while traveling.
Cons
- Limited Use: The Bubblebum is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 11 who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. This means that it’s not suitable for infants or toddlers and may not be appropriate for more extensive or taller children.
- No Back Support: Unlike traditional booster seats, the Bubblebum does not provide any back support for your child. This means it may be less comfortable for long car rides and unsuitable for children needing extra help.
- Inflatable: While the inflatable design of the Bubblebum is one of its most significant advantages, it’s also a potential drawback. Because it’s inflatable, there’s a risk that it could puncture or leak air, compromising its safety and effectiveness.
Overall, the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an excellent option for families who need a portable, affordable booster seat for their children. While it may not be appropriate for all children, it provides a comfortable and safe seating experience for most kids between the ages of 4 and 11.
Comparison with Other Booster Seats
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is a unique product that offers a lightweight and compact solution for families on the go. Here, we will compare it to some of the other popular booster seats on the market in terms of weight, size, safety, and ease of use.
Bubblebum vs. Traditional Booster Seats
Traditional booster seats are typically bulkier and heavier than the Bubblebum. For example, the Cosco Rise LX is a popular conventional booster seat that weighs 8.2 pounds, while the Bubblebum weighs only 1.2 pounds. However, traditional booster seats often have higher weight limits and can accommodate larger children. The Graco RightGuide, for example, can hold children up to 120 pounds, while the Bubblebum has a weight limit of 100 pounds.
Bubblebum vs. Harness Booster Seats
Harness booster seats, like the Evenflo Maestro Sport and the Graco Tranzitions, have a five-point harness system that secures the child in the middle. This offers extra protection and can be more comfortable for children not yet ready for a regular seatbelt. However, harness booster seats tend to be bulkier and heavier than the Bubblebum and may need to be more convenient for travel.
Bubblebum vs. Backless Booster Seats
Backless booster seats, like the Graco TurboBooster and the Chicco GoFit, are similar in size and weight to the Bubblebum. However, the Bubblebum offers the added convenience of being inflatable, which makes it easy to pack and store. Backless booster seats also tend to be less expensive than the Bubblebum but may provide a different level of comfort and support.
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat offers a unique solution for families who value portability and convenience. However, there may be better choices for families with larger children or those who prefer the added safety of a harness system.
Final Verdict
After thorough research and testing, it is clear that the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is an excellent option for parents looking for a lightweight and portable booster seat. Its inflatable design makes it easy to carry around and store, making it ideal for traveling and carpooling.
The BubbleBum booster seat also provides adequate stiffness, as shown in recent studies, to ensure proper alignment of the vehicle seatbelt with the child’s body. It also contains memory foam, sturdy seat belt clips, and a seat belt positioning strap to enhance safety further.
While the BubbleBum booster seat may not be the most comfortable option for long car rides, its compact size and portability make it a great backup booster seat or for use when a bulky booster seat is impractical.
Overall, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a safe and convenient option for parents on the go, providing peace of mind and ease of use.
Conclusion
The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is a lightweight and compact solution for families on the go. It is perfect for travel, carpooling, and fitting into tight spaces. The seat is easy to use and install and meets all safety standards.
The seat is designed for children between 40-100 lbs and 4-11 years old. It is a backless booster seat that can be inflated and deflated quickly. The seatbelt guides are easy to use, and the seat is comfortable for children.
The Bubblebum booster seat has been tested and ranked highly by various organizations, including GearLab and Consumer Reports. It has received positive reviews from customers who appreciate the seat’s portability and convenience.
Overall, the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is a great option for families who need a booster seat that is easy to transport and install. It is a safe and comfortable solution for children who have outgrown their car seats but still need a booster seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BubbleBum and Hiccapop inflatable booster seats?
The main difference between BubbleBum and Hiccapop inflatable booster seats is the design. While BubbleBum is a backless booster seat, Hiccapop offers a high-back booster seat. The high-back design supports the child’s head and neck, especially during a side-impact collision.
Which is the best inflatable booster seat?
The best inflatable booster seat depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a lightweight and portable option for travel, BubbleBum is a great choice. However, if you want a booster seat that provides more support and protection, consider a high-back option like Hiccapop.
How does BubbleBum compare to Manifold?
BubbleBum and Manifold are both inflatable booster seats designed to be portable and easy to use. However, BubbleBum is a backless booster seat, while Manifold is a compact booster seat that folds to fit in a child’s backpack. Both options are great for travel, but BubbleBum may be more comfortable for long car rides.
Are inflatable booster seats safe for children?
Yes, inflatable booster seats are safe for children when used correctly. They meet the same safety standards as traditional booster seats and provide the necessary support for the child’s body to fit the seatbelt properly. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Where can I find an inflatable booster seat nearby?
You can find inflatable booster seats at many retailers, including department stores, baby stores, and online retailers. Check the manufacturer’s website for a list of authorized retailers.
What age is the BubbleBum booster seat recommended for?
The BubbleBum booster seat is recommended for children ages four and up who weigh at least 40 pounds. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight and height limits is important.