Travel Light With the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster

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You may be saying, “Wait! What?! An inflatable booster seat?! That’s crazy and it can’t be safe.” Until reading more about the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat, I had the exact same reaction.

If this is you, then you are having the same reaction that I initially did. In fact, when I was approached to review the BubbleBum booster, I declined to review it because inflatable and booster seats shouldn’t be in the same sentence.

Or should they?

After reading some well-respected car seat blog reviews and consulting with other bloggers that I trust who have reviewed this seat, I’ve changed my mind.

I ate some crow and sent another email to the company and asked if they would still like me to review this seat for them. Since I will be traveling alone with my kids back to New England later this summer, I thought this might be a great travel option.

I chose the Union Jack seat to review because it matches my Mini Cooper. And because, why not?

So, what did I think about the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat and should you consider getting one? Let’s find out.

About The Rider

He is still primarily in a harnessed booster, but he has met all of the requirements needed to use a backless booster. While we don’t use a backless booster full time, we use one while traveling, which the BubbleBum is perfect for.

About The BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat

The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is meant to be used for children between the ages of 4-11 and between 40-100 pounds. However, please keep in mind that there are other factors to consider beyond their age and weight before deciding if your child is ready for a backless booster.

In the opinion of most experts, four is too young to ride in a backless booster.

Read this post to see if and when your child is ready to switch from a harnessed booster to a backless booster seat.

Is The BubbleBum Booster Seat Safe?

Yes! The BubbleBum booster is sturdy, far more sturdy than I was expecting, and is made out of similar components as those used in airbags, life rafts, and life vests.

It also contains memory foam and has sturdy seat belt clips as well as a seat belt positioning strap.

How Do You Inflate A BubbleBum?

First, you have to blow it up. This is so easy that even a six-year-old can do it! Even though he can, please do it yourself to be sure it’s fully inflated.

Loosen the valve, blow three or four times until it’s fully inflated, then screw the valve closed.

The top of the valve doesn’t come off so you don’t have to worry about losing it. I did this by turning the seat with the valve still in my mouth to avoid having any air escape before the valve was closed all the way.

BubbleBum Booster Seat Installation

After blowing the seat up, attach the seat belt positioning strap through the bottom of the seat by threading it through the straps on the bottom.

Feed the buckle through the loop on the other end of the strap and pull. The straps under the bottom of the seat are also where you will tuck your seat manual.

Does The BubbleBum Expire?

Like regular boosters, yes, they do expire. The tag under the seat includes your seat’s manufacture date and expiration information. This particular seat expires four years after manufacture. 

How To Use The Bubblebum Travel Booster

Once the positioning strap is attached, put the seat on your car’s seat and load up your child. The seat belt feeds easily through the two hooks on each side.

Be sure the seat belt is snug and across your child’s lap, not their stomach, and secure the belt-positioning strap. The seatbelt feeds through it easily and then pulls to tighten until the seat belt is across your child’s shoulder and collarbone, not their neck. 

Is The BubbleBum Comfortable?

A child’s verdict:

Dub isn’t as interested in all of the safety stuff as I am, but he said this seat is really soft and comfortable. That’s good enough for me!

Do Inflatable Booster Seats Work?

Inflatable booster seats work in the same way as standard boosters do; to position a child’s seatbelt correctly.

They are made of high-quality materials and the only real difference is that they are lighter, and must be fully inflated before use.

How Wide Is The BubbleBum Inflatable Booster?

The BubbleBum is quite narrow at just about 13-inches wide. This makes it especially convenient to use for traveling.

Pack It Up And Go!

The Bubblebum is easy to inflate and deflate and has its own carry bag for easy travel. What more could we ask for?

Can An Inflatable Booster Seat Be Used On An Airplane?

Just remember, as with any other booster seat, the BubbleBum is not aircraft compliant. All booster seats should be checked with your luggage or brought on the plane as a carry-on item. Or, in the case of the BubbleBum, packed in your carry-on bag.

Final Thoughts

I am so glad that I changed my mind and decided to give the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat a try. I think it will be perfect for our flight to New England and any other trips that may come up.

Where To Purchase The Bubblebum Inflatable Booster

You can purchase the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat from Albee Baby and Amazon.