Gear Guides

What Is the Best Baby Car Mirror?

A baby car mirror is one of the most important accessories you can buy since your baby will be in a rear-facing car seat during drives for the first three years of its life. Baby car mirrors allow you to view your baby’s face and keep an eye on them while you’re driving to ensure their safety.

Of course, not all baby car mirrors are created of equal quality. So, which is the best baby car mirror and how do you choose?

You can start by reading this guide, where we’ve rounded up the top baby car mirrors on the market. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about baby car mirrors. Read on to learn more.

How Does a Baby Car Mirror Work?

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and whether you have a baby mirror for a car with no headrest or a fixed headrest, baby car mirrors can be positioned in a variety of ways:

• On the rear windshield
• On the read passenger window 
• On the rear passenger headrest

When positioned correctly, you should be able to view your baby’s face easily in your rearview mirror. Overall, it’s pretty self-explanatory. 

What Is the Best Baby Car Mirror?

The following are our top five baby car mirror picks:

1. So Peep Backseat Mirror

The So Peep is our top pick because of its ease of use and mirror quality. The So Peep is a rear-seat mirror system with a double-strap for added security. The strap system fastens to the seat with plastic clips and it can be tightened both horizontally and vertically.

The mirror itself is made of acrylic, shatter-proof glass offers a large, convex view, and it comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. The best thing about this mirror is that it only takes 30 seconds to install!

2. Cozy Greens Extra Large Baby Car Mirror

The Cozy Greens baby car mirror offers 360-degrees of adjustability and an extra-large view. Like most baby car mirrors, the Cozy Greens mirror has a strap system that attaches to the vehicle’s headrest.

What separates this mirror from others is that it can be rotated via its upgraded ball joint, so you can get the perfect angle and the perfect view. In addition to offering the best view of your baby, the Cozy Greens baby mirror has also undergone rigorous crash safety testing and it comes with a lifetime warranty. 

3. Shynerk Baby Car Mirror

The Sheynark baby car mirror was designed with a double-strap system that fastens it to the headrest nice and tight, so it won’t budge. It also sits on a 360-degree ball-and-socket pivot joint for total adjustability, both vertically and horizontally.

The Shynerk is also made with shatter-proof and scratch-resistant glass. The entire mirror comes fully assembled, so you can slide it onto the headrest right out of the box. 

4. Pikibu 180-Degree Baby Car Mirror

The Pikibu 180-degree baby car mirror is a high-definition car mirror that allows you to get a view of the whole backseat, making it perfect for driving with infants and toddlers. This car mirror actually attaches to your rear-view mirror, sliding right over it safely and securely. 

The only downside to this mirror is that it’s made of real glass that’s not shatter-proof. You’ll also need a secondary baby car mirror if you have a rear-facing baby in your brood. However, we love the high-definition view this mirror offers, and how easily it fits over your existing rearview mirror.

5. Joybell Clamp On Baby Car Mirror

The Joybell clamp on baby car mirror is designed with clamps rather than straps, so it can be securely fitted to the backseat headrest pillars without sliding around. The mirror is fully adjustable, which includes the ability to tilt it any way you’d like for the best view of your baby.

The Joybell is 100% shatterproof and has been crash-tested for safety, eliminating all safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Baby Car Mirrors Safe?

As we mentioned earlier, not all baby car mirrors are created equally. There are baby car mirror models on the market that attach to the backseat headrest via suction cup—which is absolutely not safe!

If you’re wondering well, how do I make my baby car mirror safe? The answer is, as long as the baby car mirror you choose is made of shatter-proof glass, has soft edging, is kept out of direct sunlight, and is secured by a strap or clamp system, it’s perfectly safe!

Do You Need a Car Mirror for Your Baby?

There are mixed opinions on whether or not a baby car mirror is actually needed. Many new parents worry about not being able to see their rear-facing baby while driving, and others feel that it’s a hazard. 

Overall, baby car mirrors are a pretty important necessity, especially if you know you’ll be driving often with your baby in tow. However, it’s really a personal choice—but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!  

How Do I Attach My Baby Car Mirror to My Car?

Depending on which baby car mirror you choose, there will be a specific mechanism to attach it to a certain part of your car. Most commonly, they’re strapped or clamped to the backseat headrest, and they’ll come with specific directions to guide you.

Where Is the Safest Place for a Car Seat?

Obviously, the safest place for a car seat is in the back seat, away from any airbags. 

In regards to your baby car mirror, you’re probably wondering, should the car seat go behind the driver or passenger side? Well, it really depends on the type of car mirror you have and which side gives you the best view.

So, the safest place for a car seat is where it’ll give you the best vantage point of your baby’s face through the baby mirror. You may have to experiment a little to figure it out, which is encouraged before taking your baby for a drive.

More Baby Gear Guides:

• 
  The Best Baby Car Mirror {no more having to stop and check baby!}
• 
  Best Convertible Car Seats- Reviews and Buying Guide
• 
  Best Baby Products: Must Have Baby Items to Make Parenting EASIER
• 
  Best Baby Bottle Warmer {2020 reviews and buying guide}

The Best Baby Car Mirror

How to Choose the Best Convertible Car Seats (+which are safest)

Choosing the best car seat for your baby or toddler is a big decision. This is even more true when shopping for a convertible car seat, as you’ll want your new infant car seat to last for many years to come.

Factors to consider when choosing a convertible car seat include safety, price, size, weight, comfort and ease of installation. Which of these is most important to you will depend on your own circumstances such as your budget, the size of your car and how often you’ll be taking the seat out.

All of the car seats featured in this review of the best convertible car seats are suitable for newborn babies, infants and toddlers in a rear-facing position, as well as older children in a forward-facing position.

This post contains affiliate links. Please see the disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Our Top Picks

Safest convertible car seat: Chicco NextFit Zip Max 

Best budget convertible car seat: Evenflo Tribute LX

Best convertible car seat for small cars: Graco SlimFit 3 in 1

Most comfortable convertible car seat: Britax Marathon ClickTight

Easiest convertible car seat to install: Britax Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar

Best lightweight convertible car seat: Cosco Scenera Next

What is a convertible car seat?

A convertible car seat is one which converts from a rear-facing to a forward-facing position.

Young babies must face backwards in a car, but for older children it’s generally more practical for them to face forwards. The main advantage of a convertible car seat is that it adjusts to suit your child as they grow.

What are the rules on forward and rear facing?

The laws on car seats depend on where you live and where you’re driving. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your home-state regulations as well as those of the states that you plan to visit.

Although the state laws are good to use as a guide, many parents choose to go beyond those requirements when choosing a car seat. Many states only require that infants stay in a rear-facing car seat until they’re 12 months old and weigh 20 pounds. However, crash test research and real-world data tells us that toddlers are five times safer if they stay rear facing until at least two years old.

This video helps to explain why rear-facing is the safest option:

Why choose a convertible car seat instead of a regular one?

A rear-facing only infant car seat will usually only last until your baby is 12 to 15 months old.

Convertible car seats last much longer than this and depending on the seat you choose they could last up to twelve years. 

Choosing a car seat that will grow with your child will not only save you money, but it will also benefit the environment as old car seats are notoriously hard to recycle.

How do I choose a convertible car seat?

When choosing a car seat for your child, you’ll want to look for features that match your lifestyle. Think about the size of your car, how often the car seat will be used, whether you’ll be putting it in and out of the car a lot and what your budget is.

It’s a good idea to choose the best convertible car seat that you can afford. After all, as long as you don’t have an accident you’ll be using it for many years to come. And if you do have an accident, even a very minor one, you may be able to claim for the cost of a new car seat on your car insurance.

Safety

Which brand of car seat is the safest?

All child restraints sold in the USA are required to comply with the dynamic testing requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213). These regulations mean that if you buy a car seat, you know that it’s safe. 

In addition to this, Consumer Reports has implemented even more rigorous crash tests and released their data on car seat safety to subscribers. This data has shown that there isn’t one particular brand of car seat which is safer than the others. The safest convertible car seats on the market in 2020 belong to various brands including Chicco, Graco and Britax.

Safest convertible car seat: Chicco NextFit Zip Max 

Rear Facing: 4 to 50 pounds

Forward Facing: 22 to 65 pounds

Product Weight: 25.5 pounds

Advantages:

• Excellent performance in safety tests
• More leg room in rear-facing mode than other car seats
• Rear facing up to 50 pounds (most other seats are up to 40 pounds)
• Extended calf support in forward-facing mode
• Nine recline positions
• Two cup holders

Disadvantages:

• Heavier than other car seats
• More expensive than other car seats

Price

Car seats can be expensive and price is an important factor for many people. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want a spare car seat for Grandma’s car, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great-quality convertible car seat.

Best budget convertible car seat: Evenflo Tribute LX

Rear Facing: 5 to 40 pounds

Forward Facing: 22 to 40 pounds

Product Weight: 9 pounds

Advantages:

• The compact design is good for small cars
• Three of these car seats can fit across most vehicle back seats
• Lightweight so good for switching between vehicles
• Easy to install and adjust
• Cover is easy to take off and wash
• Choice of four colors

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t have as much padding for small babies as other car seats
• Not as comfortable as some other car seats

Size

Do all car seats fit in all cars?

No, not all car seats fit in all cars. Common problems with car seats not fitting include buckle crunch, which is caused by seat belt buckles getting in the way and floor storage boxes making the leg support unsafe. 

When buying a car seat, it’s important to check the manufacturer guidelines to make sure that the car seat will fit your make and model of car.

Can you have three car seats in the back?

Most cars will not fit three car seats across the back. Of those that do, you may need to look for a slimline car seat for the third one, depending on the width of the car seats that you already own.

What is the smallest rear facing car seat?

If you intend to have three car seats in the back, you might need to look for a slim-width car seat. Alternatively, if the car driver or passenger is particularly tall and likes to have their seat further back, you may need to look for a car seat with a small front to back footprint.

It’s a good idea to measure your car and see exactly how much space you can afford before buying a car seat.

One of the smallest convertible car seats, both in terms of width and length is the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 convertible car seat.

Best convertible car seats for small cars: Graco SlimFit 3 in 1

Rear Facing: 5 to 40 pounds

Forward Facing: 22 to 65 pounds

Product Weight: 9 pounds

Advantages:

• The slim design is good for small cars
• Rotating cup holders can be stored away to save space
• Lightweight so good for switching between cars
• Can also be used as a booster seat for children up to 100 pounds
• Four recline positions
• Covers are easy to remove and wash

Disadvantages:

• When rear facing, it doesn’t recline very far
• The seat is quite tall

Comfort

Keeping your kid comfy on long car journeys (or even short ones) is priceless. At the moment when your child is screaming on the freeway, you’ll do anything to make them happy. If you’ve invested in a car seat that has lots of comfortable padding and support, that’s one less thing that could upset your baby.

The best car seat for sleeping toddler is one that can recline. Sleeping in an upright position can cause a child’s head to slump forwards, which could give them a sore neck when they wake up, and could also mean that they’re not as well protected in the event of a collision.

Most comfortable convertible car seat: Britax Marathon ClickTight

Rear Facing: 5 to 40 pounds

Forward Facing: 20 to 65 pounds

Product weight: 28.5 pounds

Advantages:

• The ClickTight system confirms that it has been installed correctly
• Super comfortable
• Many colors to choose from
• Seven recline positions
• Lots of leg room
• Easy to adjust as your child grows

Disadvantages:

• One of the heaviest car seats
• No cup holders

Ease of Installation

There are some car seats which you just clip in and go, and there are some that seem to require a degree in engineering to fit. Save yourself hours of studying the instruction manual on the driveway and choose a car seat that the reviews have confirmed as easy to install.

Easiest convertible car seat to install: Britax Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar

Rear Facing: 4 to 40 pounds

Forward Facing: 20 to 65 pounds

Product weight: 29.4 pounds

Advantages:

• Super easy to install
• The ClickTight system confirms that it has been installed correctly
• Anti-rebound bar adds extra safety when rear-facing
• Thick padding for extra comfort
• Nanotex technology resists stains, moisture and odor
• Many colors to choose from

Disadvantages:

• One of the heaviest car seats
• Expensive

Travel

If you plan to travel on an airplane with your child, the safest place for them to be is in a government-approved child safety restraint system, NOT on your lap. Unexpected turbulence can happen at any moment and it’s very easy for your child to be thrown in to the air in an airplane if they are not restrained in a car seat.

If you opt to have your child on your lap to save the money on buying them their own seat (because let’s be honest, plane tickets are really expensive), then you might want to bring a car seat on vacation with you to use in a rental car or taxi.

Airport baggage attendants have an unfortunate reputation for being less-than-gentle with suitcases, strollers and car seats. If you’d rather not risk your expensive car seat getting damaged in transit, it may be worth purchasing a compact car seat for travel. 

When looking for a car seat for travel, you’ll want something that’s lightweight and aircraft-certified.

Best lightweight convertible car seat: Cosco Scenera Next

Rear Facing: 5 to 40 pounds

Forward Facing: 22 to 40 pounds

Product weight: 10.4 pounds

Advantages:

• Lightweight so great for travel
• The cover is easy to remove and wash
• Available in many colors and patterns
• Compact design
• Can fit three of these seats across most car back seats

Disadvantages:

• Not as much cushioning as some other car seats
• Only fits kids up to 40 pounds

How to Choose a Convertible Car Seat

This article should give you some good recommendations on the best convertible car seats that are available to buy online right now. Of course, it’s important to do your own research to make sure that the seat you choose is the right fit both for your child and for your car.

Reading car seat reviews online (both the good and the bad ones) is a good way to learn about the pros and cons of each car seat make and model, before making your final decision and choosing a great car seat that will keep your child safe for many years to come.

Where to Buy Car Seats Online

• Walmart
• Amazon
• Target
• Best Buy
• Overstock (they usually have really good deals)

Top baby items for new moms

You’re expecting your first baby and you’re scouring the internet:

“What are the best baby products? What baby items do I need to survive parenthood with a newborn?”

Take it from the parents who came before you, these are the top rated and most purchased baby products to make your motherhood journey a lot more comfortable and less scary.

Must have baby items:

• Pampers newborn diapers, extra soft
• Pampers sensitive water based wipes
• Huggies Snugglers, size 1
• No contact thermometer
• Car seat
• Diaper rash cream
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bra
• Nipple cream
• Stroller
• Nasal aspirator
• Cloth baby wrap
• Probiotic Drops
• Hakaa Breast Pump
• Solid baby carrier
• Wubbanub pacifier
• Automatic formula dispense
• Portable rocker
• Muslin burp cloths
• Receiving blankets
• Gentle baby shampoo
• Lounger
• Play mat
• Diaper Genie

✔ New Momma To-Do: Create your baby registry

Create your babylist on Amazon and receive a FREE welcome box worth over $35

These Pampers Swaddlers have been formulated to be 2x softer for brand new babies. The quilted hearts offer super soft comfort while pulling wetness and mess away from baby’s skin. These diapers also last up to 12 hours which is a must when sleep is so important for mom and dad.

Pampers Water Wipes contain 99% pure water and 1% Ph balancing ingredients and safe cleansers. Free from alcohols, dyes, parabens and ethanol. These wipes are the number one choice of new parents looking for a safe and affordable option for their new babies!

Huggies Little Snugglers diapers use GentleAbsorb technology to protect baby’s skin while keeping the mess away. The pocketed back waistband is perfect for preventing those blow outs. These diapers are also certified hypoallergenic.

Taking a babies temperature is not fun. Usually the thermometer is cold and you have to keep it tucked under their armpit. This is hard with a squirming baby!

The BLScode can take your baby’s temperature in less than 1 second with no contact necessary. You can also take a quick temperature reading of milk in a bottle or bath water to make sure it’s not too hot.

Save yourself some money and get a 3-in-1 car seat that grows with your child. The Graco SlimFit lasts from 5 to 100 pounds, ensuring your baby has a car seat from birth to toddlerhood 🙂

Fourteen thousand people have left reviews for Aquaphor Diaper Rash Cream. It works for diaper rash, eczema, chapped skin, drool rash and more.

When my first baby was born, I had no idea what I was doing with breastfeeding. I ended up hurting my back and shoulders so bad I had to go to the chiropractor before my baby was 2 weeks old.

My Brest Friend nursing pillow encourages better posturing during feeds and is the perfect firmness and shape for keeping baby close.

This is the only nursing bra I recommend to new moms. It’s comfy but super supportive, easy to use and easy to clean. I bought a second one shortly after my first Bravado Nursing Bra came in the mail 🙂

RELATED: Bravado Nursing Bra Review

This Earth Mama nipple butter has 6 ingredients and you can pronounce every single one 🙂 It heals cracked nipples so fast and smells like chocolate. I’ve even used it as a diaper cream in a pinch because it’s so safe for baby!

Planning on taking baby to lots of places? The Graco Travel System features a one handed fold making it easy to get into the car when you are carrying a baby. Go from car to stroller in seconds and have your baby facing you while you walk.

RELATED: Best Convertible Car Seats

I only got this with my 3rd baby and it was a MIRACLE. I tell everyone about it. When your baby has a cold and can’t breathe through their nose, you’ll be so thankful you have this contraption. It pulls all the snot out of baby’s nose leaving them able to breathe and drink milk.

The Boba Baby Wrap is simple to use and an easy way to keep baby close while giving mom some hands free time.

These probiotic drops can help ease colic symptoms or times of discomfort for baby. We used these with our second baby who did have colic and they seemed to help enough that I would recommend them.

The Hakaa Breast Pump uses natural suction to help you express milk. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, this breast pump is really nice to have around during the first year.

Once baby has grown out of the newborn stage, you’ll want a more sturdy carrier. The Beco 8 Baby Carrier is really well made, reasonably priced and will last for at least 2 kids 🙂

Stop worrying about where the pacifier went- these Wubbanub’s are impossible to lose and easy for baby to hold.

If you’re planning on formula feeding, give yourself the gift of time with the Baby Brezza Formula Pro. It will mix, heat and dispense the perfect bottle every time. No more screaming baby in the middle of the night!

Sometimes finding a safe place for baby to sit is hard to do. This portable baby rocker is perfect for those moments when you need to shower or get something done without holding baby.

These can be used for many different things- feeding, cleaning, changing or popped into the diaper bag for on the go. You can never have too many muslin burp cloths!

You’ll use receiving blankets for everything– from swaddles, spit up and messes to a breastfeeding cover!

Give baby a tear free bath experience with this calming and gentle shampoo and body wash.

Cradle baby in a gentle nest while you get some hands free time. It’s easy to throw in the wash if there are any spills and boasts a full 5 star rating on Amazon.

Give baby a fun and safe environment to explore. The Baby Einstein mat grows with baby and will last through 5 stages as they grow.

While this isn’t completely necessarry, you might want to consider it. Diapers don’t smell very pretty- the Diaper Genie will trap the odor giving you a smell free nursery.

Which brand is best for baby products?

• Chico
• Evenflo
• Philips
• Pampers
• The Honest Company
• Huggies
• HelloBello
• Earth Mama
• Burt’s Bees

Which brand is safe for babies?

There are some brands you can trust above others. We’ll break these down into categories to make it easier:

Safest baby skincare brands

• Earth Mama
• Burt’s Bees
• The Honest Company
• Hello Bello
• California Baby
• Aveeno
• Babyganics
• Green Beaver