The 10 Best Car Seat Travel Bags
Editor's Notes
August 18, 2020:
In today’s update, we removed the Oowap Gear which, after some consideration, we deemed to be too similar to the VolkGo Durable, with its fluorescent side and front straps, as well as the designated spot on the front for writing one’s name. We also removed the Rogue Kidz Bag due to availability concerns. In turn, we inserted one model that’s designed for toddler booster chairs, as prior to this addition, all of the selections here were only designed with full-size infant car seats in mind. The Reperkid Ultra is a tote bag that can accommodate a backless booster seat. It boasts sturdy reinforced stitching and water-resistant 600D Nylon, with a zippered main compartment with a wide opening. It sits nicely atop many types of rolling luggage bags. We also added in the Britax Padded, which comes from a well-known name in baby gear. You’ve got multiple options for carrying it, thanks to adjustable backpack-style shoulder straps and a top loopy handle. Should you choose the latter option, just pull it behind you using the two built-in bottom wheels. Speaking of the bottom, it’s also made with reinforced rubber which helps keep it in good shape when you rest it upright on the ground.
Today we moved the highly rated J.L. Childress Ultimate into the top spot, as it has a lot to offer when it comes to both design and durability. It’s got backpack-style straps and a large main compartment that can accommodate your car seat and possibly additional gear. It’s ergonomically designed to keep you comfortable when you’re standing in lines. For another popular choice, look to the Gorilla Grip Adjustable, which is crafted from lightweight, yet rugged, polyester and features a secure drawstring closure on top. Like many of the others, it’s equipped with thick padded backpack straps, and it also offers three additional straps for other carrying options.
No matter which you go with, be sure it’s compatible with the size and design of your car seat. If you’re concerned with finding it at baggage check, be sure to go with one that comes in a vibrant color, like the Reperkid Waterpoof, or else one that comes with bright accent strips. In addition, for when you no longer need to use the bag, you might prefer a design that folds up easily to be tucked away into your diaper bag.
June 04, 2019:
Car seat travel bags afford some much-needed convenience when you’re taking the kids on a trip. Our list provides many sturdy, reliable options, like the Oowap Gear, which will stand up to many a vacation, thanks to its reinforced stitching and thick-but-lightweight, reinforced nylon. Or, look to the VolkGo Durable for an easily identifiable selection, as it offers a large rectangular section on the front for clear labeling. When you’re done using it, it folds up to a compact size for easy storage in your purse or diaper bag – making it one less thing to worry about.
Two more new additions to our list are the Rogue Kidz Bag and Gorilla Grip Adjustable, both of which will protect your precious contents from the inevitable dirt and grime often associated with travel. And, both are machine washable, so it’s a cinch to get them clean when you’re back home. In this update, the NimNik Rugged, Pro Travel Gear, and Hope and Kisses each didn’t make the cut due to availability issues.
Why You Need A Car Seat Travel Bag
Once at the destination, the family will need this important safety item to put in their rental vehicle.
Traveling with young children is no walk in the park. It requires a lot of attention to detail, a tremendous amount of planning, and even quite a bit of money. Nonetheless, families want to travel together. In fact, when it comes to spending money on children, it's better to buy them experiences rather than material items as these are better at strengthening emotional bonds. So, the tantrums on trains and fighting over who gets the middle seat is all worth it, but there are some issues that need solving.
One dilemma any mom or dad has faced is how to pack and safely transport the car seat on an airplane. Once at the destination, the family will need this important safety item to put in their rental vehicle. However, it's quite a hefty thing to manually lug through airports, standing in line at security, and waiting at crammed coffee shops for delayed flights. That's where the car seat travel bag comes into play. Most are designed to be worn like a backpack, so if you'd like to carry them on and avoid checked luggage fees, you can easily do so. They also protect the car seat from damage. Between crowds rushing around and bumping into you, and the TSA ignoring the "handle with care" tags, a car seat can go through a lot in airports, train stations, and the like. The car seat travel bag, however, will prevent it from getting scratched up.
Though car seats aren't a top stolen item in airport theft, they are valuable, and losing one would be quite upsetting. Between having to remember to grab your kid's stuffed animal, making sure everyone has their passports, and checking that nobody needs to take one more bathroom break before the flight, it's easy to forget a car seat somewhere. If you're wearing it on your back, that just won't happen.
Other Accessories That Make Traveling With Kids Easier
As an adult, you know that you require a lot of things to make travel comfortable and convenient. Between noise-canceling headphones, favorite snacks, and that beloved neck pillow, you need quite a few items to make the process of getting from point A to point B more seamless. Naturally, children — who don't have anywhere close to the amount of patience that you do — need even more. Luckily, there are plenty of products to keep them content during your travels. First off, a preoccupied child is always a well-behaved one, so make sure to pack plenty of travel games. Research has found that those that make kids count are best for improving early numerical skills, making them just as educational as entertaining.
That's why giving your son or daughter a statement-making piece of children's luggage will make him or her a happy traveler.
You don't want to arrive at your destination with a cranky, sleep-deprived child. With a full agenda of activities and only so much time at your location, you want a bright-eyed kiddo. A neck pillow will help your youngster take some naps along the road. It doesn't matter if he has an aisle or window seat — with one of these cozy items, he can comfortably snooze anywhere. If you're sojourning with a baby or toddler, make sure to have a quality travel crib, too. While the hotel may provide one, it likely won't be as good as some of the better models available for purchase.
Kids love to show their personality through their belongings and have things that are distinctly theirs and nobody else's. That's why giving your son or daughter a statement-making piece of children's luggage will make him or her a happy traveler. Whether it's in the shape of a butterfly or features the child's favorite Pixar characters, your young adventurer will be happy to pack a suitcase that has some flair. If you want your mini-me to study up on your destination on the way there, you can give her a kid's atlas, too. Just don't be surprised if she then acts like a know-it-all for the rest of the trip.
What To Consider When Choosing A Car Seat Travel Bag
Now that it's time to select your preferred model, there are some features to think about to make sure your car seat gets to your destination in the optimal condition. Many bags have cushioned interiors to protect from impact, as well as strong zippers that stay shut during movement. The best ones feature quality stitching, so even on turbulent flights when the bag gets tossed around, it won't tear. As for the times you're actually wearing yours, look for one with both waist and shoulder straps, for added stability. Some also have adjustable, padded straps for your comfort.
If you need versatility, there are models that are large enough to cover a stroller, a booster chair, and any size car seat.
Another useful trait of these bags is that they help you identify your car seat. Many models look exactly the same, so it's too easy for someone to accidentally grab yours off of the baggage carousel. When yours is concealed in a special bag — especially one with an ID tag — there is less chance of that happening. Some come in bright colors to help you quickly spot them amidst the sea of black bags when you're in a hurry. Since you never know where your travels may take you and what the weather might be like there, consider a water-resistant model in case you get caught in a rainstorm. If the bag does fall victim to a little mud, or a spilled juice box, you'll be glad to have a machine-washable one.
When you aren't using the bag, you may want one that compresses down compactly so it won't take up much room in your luggage. Some even come with little storage pouches. If you need versatility, there are models that are large enough to cover a stroller, a booster chair, and any size car seat. When you have the right car seat travel bag, you'll barely notice the hassle of lugging this vehicle safety accessory everywhere you go.