Sometimes I just get so curious about a travel product that even if I don't strictly "need" it, I have to try it for myself. That's what happened with the BubbleBum
, an inflatable booster seat that rolls up and stores in a bag when not in use. I was so surprised by the idea of an inflatable booster seat, that I just had to give it a try for myself and form my own opinion. Even after the company sent me one to try out, it was hard to get used to the idea. I had to try it and live with it for a while to decide whether I was comfortable with such a big switch from traditional carseats. In the end, a trip to San Diego with the seat clinched the deal, we'll be ordering our own to keep.
Cost
The BubbleBum retails for $39.99, about $9 more than a traditional backless booster seat.
Uses
Why would someone want an inflatable booster car seat if they already have a traditional booster? The Bubblebum rolls up small enough to fit in a daypack or checked bag. That makes it a good choice if you'd like a carseat that's easy to travel with, can be carried around town to use in a Taxi, or want a spare booster to use for carpools. The BubbleBum is also the narrowest booster seat on the market, making work well for "three in a row" carseat configurations.
Size
In its packaging, the Bubblebum is approximately 7" tall and 5" in diameter when rolled into its bag. The bag is made out of stretchy material, making it easy to fit the booster back in it's carry bag even if you don't roll it as neatly as the manufacturer did. That's useful if you'll keep the booster seat in your trunk for carpools, but for travel, I prefer to keep it flat and slide it into the top of my checked luggage.
When inflated, the BubbleBum is narrower than most booster seats, boosters about 12.5 inches. If you have to fit a third child in the backseat of a car that is normally configured for two kids, it will probably fit.
Ages and Weights
The Bubblebum is designed for children over the age of four and between 40lbs and 80lbs in weight. Your child must also be able to sit for the entire journey without sitting on their knees. As a comparison, the Graco Backless TurboBooster
works for kids between 40 and 100 pounds, while the Sunshine Kids Santa Fe Booster Seat
works for kids 30 to 100 pounds
Using the Bubblebum
Inflating the Bubblebum
It took me 7 very deep breaths to fully inflate the booster seat, and when I timed it, it took about 30 seconds. I liked the booster's twist valve, it was easier to use than the pinch valve you would find on most inflatables, and felt very sturdy. You'll want to do this step yourself (instead of letting a child do it) so that you can ensure that the seat is fully inflated and that the valve is tightly closed.
Installation
Every time your child sits in the Bubblebum the lap portion of their seatbelt needs to be threaded through two red clips that the seatbelt in the proper spot across their legs. Because I worry about seatbelts twisting, I don't allow my kids to do this step themselves. In our minivan, I have to climb into the back to ensure that the seatbelt is installed properly, so that rules this out as a "daily use" booster for us. For shorter kids, there's also a Shoulder Belt Positioning Clip that can be used to position the shoulder belt so that it lays properly against the child's shoulder. That's an extra step that would also need to be done by an adult.
Comfort
It's easier to wiggle this seat around than one that is secured with latch connectors. If your child is likely to push their seat forward or side to side, this might not be the right choice, and for long car rides, when your child might like to lean back, they might be more comfortable with a booster seat that latches in place. My kids thought it was fine for short rides, but the inflatable chamber became uncomfortable on longer rides.
The Bubblebum's cover is not removable for machine washing, and can be surface cleaned only. My kids often snack in the car, and accidents sometimes happen, so this was another reason that I would rule it out as a daily use carseat for our family.
Safety
Every carseat provides at least some of the following safety features, and it's important to know which features the carseat you are buying provides, and make a purchase decision based on your needs.
- Child Restraint Harness: a five point harness is the "gold standard" that would keep all of us (including adults) safest in the car.
- Impact Protection: A high back with side "wings" provides the most impact protection. Many backless boosters include armrests that double as impact protection for the child's hips and lower body.
- Correct Seatbelt Positioning: A properly designed booster seat positions the child so that the lap belt lies low across the child's hips (not their stomach) and the shoulder belt lies across the chest and onto the shoulder or collar bone (ref: safekids)
- Energy Absorption: A carseat can help distribute the energy resulting from a crash so that not all of it is focused around the seatbelt.
Of these, the Bubble bum provides the seatbelt positioning feature and is made entirely of energy absorbing material that may provide some protection in a crash. It does not provide its own harness or impact protection.
Independent Evaluation
The BubbleBum has passed both US and European crash test regulations. European regulation requires that child safety car booster seats are tested in the worst case scenario which of course is deflated. The BubbleBum was inflated and then opened to allow to deflate and crash tested. It was in this state that the approval was obtained.
The highly regarded
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named listed the BubbleBum as one of 31 "Best Bet" carseats in its most recent round of tests. These tests focus on fit and correct positioning of the car seatbelt and do not include crash testing.
It's also important to note that the inflatable memory foam used in the Bubblebum is new car seat technology. The crash test specs look good, but this product does not have long term real world track record. More details about safety can be found on the manufacturer's website
Recommendation
The Bubblebum is a great choice for infrequent, short trips in the car. We'll purchase two, one for Everest and one for Darya. I plan to use them when we travel and do not plan to spend long periods of time in the car (i.e. taxi rides around town or a trip from the airport to downtown). The Bubblebum is also a good choice as a spare seat for carpools - it stows in a small package in the trunk and fits well between two already installed carseats in my car. For everyday use, we'll stick with our Radian Car Seat
carseats (LINK LINK), which I prefer because of comfort, the 5 point harness, and the impact protection.
Alternatives
- The Ridesafer Travel Vest packs flat in a suitcase or daypack and works well for kids who aren't old enough for a backless booster. The vest can be hot if you are traveling in a warm area, and without a booster, your child may be too low to see out the window easily.
- Radian Car Seat are bulky for travel (you'll want to check it) but do fold flat and provide both a five point harness (to 80 pounds) and a sturdy frame with impact protection
- A traditional backless booster seat, like the popular and inexpensive Graco Backless TurboBooster Car Seat or the latch installable Sunshine Kids Santa Fe Booster Seat is somewhat portable, and would be more comfortable for long car rides.
Related Links
BubbleBum on Amazon
Disclosure: I received Bubblebum booster seat for review purposes. My opinions are always my own, and I strive to write fair and balanced reviews. If you purchase a product using a link on my site, it won't cost you more, but I'll receive a small commission. That income helps me keep DeliciousBaby going.
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Posted on January 10, 2012 |
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I'm feeling nostalgic for the holidays already. I'll be fully back on-board next week to tell you all about where we went!
Thanks to Hillel of Jackson Fish Market for taking this great shot and getting us to the lightrail! You should totally check out his cute app called A Story Before Bed if you'd like to extend the holiday togetherness by having grandparents read your kids a bedtime story.
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Happy New Year. I hope you're ready to dig right in!
Related Links
Seattle with Kids
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Pretty, right? Hope you have a festive weekend!
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
With Hanukkah falling during winter break this year, many Jews, including my own family, will spend at least part of the holiday in a hotel. It's never quite as cozy as celebrating at home, but with a little planning and effort, Hanukkah in a new city can be rewarding and memorable. Here are some of my thoughts and tips about how to enjoy Hanukkah when you are traveling.
Light the Menorah
It's just not hanukkah unless you light the candles. If you're having a beach vacation, a makeshift menorah with birthday candles stuck in the sand. Beautiful, right? In a hotel room, bring along a few tealights.
If you think you'll travel during Hanukkah in future years, it's worthwhile to invest in a small travel menorah. Look for one that uses birthday candles, like this
travel menorah
Give Experiences
More and more families are shifting to give experiences as Hanukkah gifts instead of toys or other presents. If you're vacationing during Hanukkah, that makes even more sense - pick a special activity to do each day that is your Hanukkah gift to the family. You can either make wrapped gift certificates to give to the kids the night before, or vote on what you'll do each day.
Give Travel-Friendly Gifts
Another great way to go is to give gifts that are portable and can be used on the trip. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for this year:
- This SE Mini 45X Brass Microscope w/ Illuminator
is small enough to fit in a four-year-old's pocket, and it's the perfect thing to explore any environment in more detail. It's especially great if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, in lines, or anywhere that your kid might need an easy activity. Plus it's just over $4!
- Art supplies are always a popular gift in my family, and travel well. I just love this
, Faber-Castell Air Dry Glitter Dough
Note that it needs to go in your checked baggage though - playdough and airport security don't mix! These Watercolor Pencils
are great because your kids can draw with them dry in the car or on a plane, and then paint over them with water in the hotel room. Don't forget to pack a notebook or pad of paper!
- A Hanukkah Craft set? Yes please! Here's a cute Glitter Hanukkah Stickers
, or a full craft set Hanukkah Craft Set
. Our family made the trek to Target this year to pick out some of their great kits (they're out of stock online, but you may be able to find one in your local store)!
- Playmobil sets are a sure hit in our family. Ideally, I choose a set that fits in with the theme of our holiday. For example, the Playmobil Child with Seals
for a trip to the beach.
- Want more? Any of the travel toys in my product guide would make a great gift.
Find Local Celebrations
Search Google or call a local temple to find out what the local Jewish community is up to. Menorah lightings, hanukkah parties, or a visit to a local temple can all be very special memories, and a nice reminder that Jewish traditions are similar around the globe.
Eat a latke
Ok, you're right, the best latkes are homemade and cooked in oil - a frozen, microwaved latke just won't do, so if there's no local Jewish Deli, you might be out of luck. Why not search out the best donut shop in town instead and enjoy some Hanukkah Sufganiot?
P.S. I've got a whole collection of Hanukkah inspiration on Pinterest. You don't need to be a member to check it out. Hanukkah Pinterest Board
Reader Question: What tips do you have for celebrating holidays when you travel?
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Posted on December 19, 2011 |
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I'm writing about Maui for Photo Friday this week in hopes of enticing you to enter to win my giveaway for a Four night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making at $10 or more donation to Passports with Purpose. Today is the last day to donate There are 88 prizes this year, and all the money goes to build libraries in Zambia through our partnership with Room to Read.
Have I ever confessed that I don't love taking my kids to the beach? The risk of big waves or undertow & the bright sun's reflection on the white sand make it more stressful than I'd like. When we were staying at the Honua Kai Resort, the Valet pulled me aside one morning and said "I'll tell you where to go." Just down the road a little bit, in a residential neighborhood, we found the place locals call "baby beach." It's where families go when the kids are old enough to enjoy the beach, but too young to swim. A lagoon keeps the big waves out, and there's plenty of shade where the kids can take a break from the sun during snack time. Eilan napped under a shady tree, and I read a book while Everest and Darya played with my husband in the sand and calm water. Perfect!
Maui with Kids
Enter to win a four night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making at $10 donation
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
I want to thank everyone who donated to help build libraries in Zambia through Passports with Purpose! Today is the last day of our fundraiser, and I am very excited to announce that we've exceeded our goal! It's exciting to watch the donations roll in, and to know that we'll be able to fund more than the the two libraries we had planned to build!
The randomly selected winner was Sandra Foyt who blogs over at Albany Kid. I have matched her very generous donation, giving her twice as many chances to win.
Good luck to everyone!
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Posted on December 16, 2011 |
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A Giveaway
If you haven't had a chance yet to make your Passports with Purpose donation to build libraries in Zambia, now is the best time to do so! Our fundraiser ends on Friday. This week, I will be matching one lucky reader's donation (up to $200) by making a contribution to Room to Read. That means up to 20 extra prize entries for one reader! Since I cannot win any of the prizes, the reader will get to choose which prize drawings to enter.
Here's what you need to do:
- Visit our prize list.
- Come back here and tell me what your favorite prize is. If you entered, tell me that too.
- For an extra entry, post on Facebook and let your friends know what your favorite prize is. Link to the Passports with Purpose website in your facebook post. Your post might say something like
I just entered to win 4 nights at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making a $10 donation to help build libraries in Zambia. Go here to see the full list of prizes
- If you post on Facebook, let me know about that too!
I'm making a bet that once you see all the great prizes, you won't be able to resist helping build this school. Donations go directly to Room to Read and each $10 you donate enters you to win the prize of your choice.
Winners
I will choose a winner randomly from the people who comment on this post before 11:59PM PST on Thursday Dec 15. I will announce the results here on Friday Dec 16 2009. If you win, I will ask you to tell me which prizes on the Passports With Purpose website you would like to be entered to win.
P.S. Here's my favorite prize - a four night stay at the fabulous Honua Kai Resort on Maui. I hope you'll enter to win it!
Thank You to Sponsors
I am especially grateful to our corporate sponsors. Each sponsor makes a donation directly to Room to Read to help build the Passports With Purpose Libraries. Quite simply, we couldn't do this without them and I hope you'll take a moment to check out what they're doing.
Platinum
Silver
Bronze
Related Links
Passports with Purpose
Honua Kai Review
Maui with Kids
Rules
Please, only one comment per person per giveaway post (except as outlined above). Duplicate comments and Anonymous comments will be discarded. Please make sure that the email address in your comment form is valid (email addresses are never public). Winners must claim their prize within three business days after the date of notification of such prize. A Sweepstakes winner's failure to respond to the prize notification within the specified three business days will be considered such Sweepstakes winner's forfeiture of the prize and an alternate winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. Employees, partners and vendors of DeliciousBaby and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. When applicable, the winner may be required to execute and return within five business days an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability and Publicity Release to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner will be selected. All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted, except that DeliciousBaby reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize. No purchase is necessary to enter. If you do not make a Passports with Purpose donation, but do win this giveaway, I will make a $10 donation and let you choose the prize.
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Posted on December 14, 2011 |
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I'm writing about Maui for Photo Friday this week in hopes of enticing you to enter to win my giveaway for a Four night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making at $10 or more donation to Passports with Purpose. There are 88 prizes this year, and all the money goes to build libraries in Zambia through Room to Read.
The Maui Ocean Center is possibly one of my favorite aquariums anywhere. The tropical setting means that many of the exhibits are outside. With kids, that meant there was time and space to run in between checking out the tidepools and the sea turtles. The aquarium focuses on local sealife instead of trying to bring in creatures from around the world, and that gives you an opportunity to learn more about the animals you might see on a snorkeling trip with your kids!
Maui with Kids
Enter to win a four night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making at $10 donation
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Featured Family Travel Deal
Personality Hotels' Modern Family Goes on a Holiday package is available at San Francisco's Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square, and Kensington Park hotel (all union square area) hotels. Each includes overnight deluxe accommodations, a $40 gift card for lunch at Colibri Mexican Bistro, a bottle of red wine, a $10 clipper card to ride the SF sleigh, a cute "family fight relief kit" and a grab bag of sweet and savory treats. It's a cute package at some very fun looking hotels. Learn more here and be sure to ask about the specialized kids suites!. Wondering what to do with the kids while you're in town? Checkout my San Francisco with Kids city guide.
Conde Nast Traveler is arranging some deals on high end travel experiences on their Facebook page. These deals are curated by Conde Nast Travel Specialists and they're at some of the magazine's top rated properties. My favorite so far is 25% off a Paris Apartment! Deals go live every day at noon.
JetBlue fares are on sale beginning at just $34 each way! Traveling in Asia? Air Asia fare sale has fares starting at just 10c - but grab those seats today before the offer ends.
Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle has a fun deal for families. On Sunday, December 11, Hotel 1000 will offer the Parent’s Holiday Hall Pass for an afternoon of childfree shopping. From 1-5 p.m. for children 4+. The cost is $50 for 4 hours of childcare ($20 per additional children in the same family). Check out my Seattle with Kids guide for activities and restaurants to visit once the childcare is closed.
Featured Travel Gear Deal
Melissa & Doug's Wooden Sushi Set
, a long time favorite roadtrip and restaraunt toy in our family, is on sale for just $15.65. Amazon is offering 50% off of other select Melissa & Doug toys today only
The Lauri Toys Toddler Tote
is 2 1/2 year old Eilan's favorite travel toy lately. It's on sale for just $9.44
The highly rated Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera
is on sale for just $299 ($100 off!)
The newly redesigned BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2
is on sale for $234 ($45 off) and you'll receive an extra $10 off at checkout.
The Quinny Zapp
stroller folds up small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin - meaning that it won't be damaged or lost in transit. It's on sale at Amazon for $169, that's $50 off of the retail price! Click here for the link: Quinny Zapp
Featured Giveaways
The giveaways at Top50Ranches continue each day from December 1-24. Today's prize is a 4-night all inclusive stay at the The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch. Answer the question with the correct answer and the prize could be yours!
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
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Posted on December 8, 2011 |
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