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These picks are durable and made of soft materials, with secure attachments. trunk organizer for car
Parenting has its share of anxieties, but one thing that can offer caregivers a little peace of mind is a baby car mirror. These mirrors are affixed to a car’s backseat headrest so that caregivers can glance into the rearview mirror and get a clear view of their baby. Baby car mirrors are most helpful when your little one is still in a rear-facing car seat, which should be until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer, typically until at least age 2.
To choose the best baby car mirrors, we consulted with a pediatrician and an injury prevention coordinator, who helped us understand the safety measures parents should take when selecting and using one. We looked for options made from durable, baby-safe materials with secure attachment methods. One of these picks may just help you breathe a little easier on your next commute or road trip!
Before we really dive into our picks, we think you should know that if not securely installed, baby car mirrors can become projectiles in a car crash. To minimize the risk of the mirror slipping or becoming a projectile, it should have dual crisscross straps that can be tightened both vertically and horizontally. It should also have soft, rounded corners and be made with shatter-proof materials. Baby car mirrors are also distracting for the driver, so it’s best to use them when you're not driving. An even better option, though it's not always possible: Have a passenger look instead. “It is very tempting to take a quick peek at the mirror, but taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds is enough time to be involved in a crash,” says Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST, injury prevention coordinator of the Trauma Program at Nemours Children’s Health. “It is no different than checking a text message.”
The Shynerk Baby Car Mirror is an excellent option for keeping an eye on kids in rear-facing car seats. We like that its wide mirror allows drivers to see more of the back seat and that it can be adjusted up to 360 degrees. Another helpful feature is that it swivels and turns easily, so you can angle it exactly toward what you want to see. Installing this mirror is simple: The straps can be securely tightened with minimal effort. Plus, it’s part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly product list.
Unfortunately, this mirror can’t be installed to fixed headrests, so make sure yours are adjustable before purchasing it. The Details:
This no-frills, no-fuss mirror gets the job done with minimal effort. No assembly is required, and it comes with adjustable straps that attach easily and securely to a headrest. Also, it’s equipped with a large, convex (rounded) mirror, which gives you a head-to-toe view of your baby. In addition to being shatterproof, this mirror has a soft, lightweight frame that gives it a sleek, modern look.
With ongoing use, you may find that this mirror pivots independently and may need to be readjusted from time to time. The Details:
When it comes to baby products, we love it when function meets style. This Skip Hop mirror is lined with a faux leather trim, so it will actually look good against the interior of your car. The frame is also padded and contains a shatterproof mirror, both of which make it safer to use. We also like that it’s easy to adjust and has a wide, convex shape to make it extra easy to see your baby.
Due to the adjustable affixation, this mirror is prone to wobbling as the car accelerates and goes over bumps. The Details:
In addition to offering the same features as most other car mirrors, this pick has the added benefit of a night-light. You operate the light with the included remote control, but only use it when you’re not driving. The light is a warm, glare-free LED to minimize distractions and not wake your baby. The various settings mean you can turn the light on for 30 seconds or 30 minutes and choose between a solid color light or an alternating color light show to entertain your little one.
To use the nightlight function, you’ll need to replace the four AAA batteries regularly.
This pick is essentially a baby monitor for your car. The small video camera attaches to your backseat headrest and connects to a dashboard-mounted screen that allows you to monitor your baby without looking in your rearview mirror. The camera is equipped with night vision, so you can clearly view your baby no matter the time of day. If your dashboard can’t accommodate this camera, consider another model from the same company, which comes with different attachment options.
To use the camera, you have to plug it into your cigarette lighter. Unfortunately, the cord is extra long, which can feel like an inconvenience.
This pick is great for babies who like looking at their reflections or need some soothing distractions in the car. From dancing lights to relaxing tunes, this adorable mirror can keep your baby entertained or lull them to sleep, all with the touch of a button. Caregivers can turn the mirror on and off or switch between different modes with the remote control. This mirror has a soft outer frame and has an auto-off function to help conserve battery.
Glancing at your baby through your rearview mirror is distracting enough, so drivers should be extra cautious when the lights and songs are activated.
This kit has all the baby car accessories you need. In addition to a large, shatter-resistant mirror that pivots 360 degrees, the set comes with a seat protector to help keep your car clean. Plus, the protector has storage pockets where you can keep baby wipes, snacks, or toys. The set also comes with two retractable sun shades that adhere to your back windows and protect your little one from UVA and UVB rays.
While this kit will come in handy, it’s much more expensive than buying a baby car mirror on its own.
Baby car mirrors are not federally regulated. While they may provide reassurance to caregivers, they are essentially products you use at your own risk. With that in mind, we carefully reviewed dozens of options to select mirrors that are helpful, durable, and made from soft materials with secure fasteners.
With safety being our number one priority, we spoke to both a pediatrician and an injury prevention coordinator to find out the pros and cons of using a baby car mirror. The experts included:
Laura Lu, MS is a writer at Parents and a mom of two. While having a baby car mirror for both of her children did give her peace of mind, she experienced her fair share of mirror rattling and encourages parents to choose one that securely and tightly straps to their backseat headrest.
Sun Shade Car How long should my child ride rear-facing? American Academy of Pediatrics. 2020.