BubbleBum Review

Crash Test

The BubbleBum earned an average result for crash test analysis compared to the competition. This analysis combines sensor data from commissioned crash testing conducted at MGA Research. We ran a test slightly hotter than the federal guidelines and on a more modern-style sled to help determine differences in the competition.

The chest clip sensor data was better than the competition's, with lower G-force readings (lower is better) than most. However, the HIC (head sensor) results were not as good as those of many competitors. The sensor data was in the top third of G-forces, which brought down its combined analysis result. It still performed better than some of the high-backed options and better than the other backless booster we tested.

This graph is a comparison of the HIC sensor results from the Nuna and the BubbleBum where a lower line indicates a better result.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

This graph shows the comparison of the chest clip sensor data between BubbleBum and AACE.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

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Ease of Use

This is a simple booster with not a lot going on. The features and functions all work well and intuitively, giving it one of the highest results in the group for ease of use.

There is no installation method for this booster; you only need to inflate it using the inflation tube to prepare it for use. The inflation is minimal and something most kids can accomplish without assistance.

The BubbleBum has an inflation nozzle that kids can use without assistance after being shown it it works.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The BubbleBum is small in size making it ideal for travel and carpooling where compact and lightweight are key to being easy to use.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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The only real trouble our child tester had with the BubbleBum was the shoulder belt retainer. This plastic guide slides on a strap for height customization, and if you aren't careful, it can easily get twisted at any point in the process.

The BubbleBum has belt positioner guides that must be used for safety.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The shoulder positioner on the BubbleBUm might require some parental help for younger or less experienced passengers.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Parents might have to help younger children guide the shoulder strap through the retainer before pulling the belt across their lap to buckle. Buckling the belt is easy, and the BubbleBum is so narrow that it is not in the way.

Weight and Size

The Bubble Bum is the most compact and lightweight option in the group by far. If carrying a booster, using it on travel or camp, or carpooling is in your future, it is hard to find better than the Bum. This booster weighs only 0.9 lbs and measures 11.3 inches when fully inflated and ready for use. Seriously, if space or stowing is essential, this is the booster for you.

Additionally, this booster deflates and rolls up into a smaller size. It is so small that it will easily fit in a small backpack or even some adult jacket pockets. It is a perfect option for little ones who have to tote their own seats.

Comfort

This booster is narrow and has an inflatable base. It doesn't have much padding, and the fabric is rough and not at all soft.

The booster can shift as little ones shift, and kid testers did a lot of shifting of the booster on longer trips to keep it in place. The edge of the seat is also thicker and sticks up somewhat, which you can feel on the back of the legs and might be abrasive to bare legs wearing shorts. Lastly, because it is a backless booster, there is no upper-body support, and car napping could be uncomfortable as kids slouch forward or to the side while sleeping.

BubbleBum's quality is nothing to write home about, and while it gets the job done, we don't think it will last as long as other options.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The inflation nozzle on the BubbleBum is easy to use, but in our experience, it struggles to survive air travel unless deflated and opened.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Quality

This booster isn't as high-quality as the competition. The padding is an air cushion, and over time, it struggles to stay inflated, indicating a loss of air pressure somewhere and a quality assurance issue. We also experienced the booster not holding air at all after a trip on an airplane. Hard to say why, but given how travel-friendly it is, this was a bummer.

The fabric isn't as nice as it could be, and the seat's design means it will easily collect grime, and the material may not wear well over time. The Overall fit and finish are somewhat cheap and sloppy. Even though the product is inexpensive, the simple design could have been executed with higher-end materials and more attention to quality control.

Should You Buy the BubbleBum?

The BubbleBum is cheap, making it a shoo-in for many families. It is lightweight and compact when deflated, so that little ones can carry it themselves. It is perfect for travel and carpooling, and we've used it with our children on travel and camp outings. Despite having an average crash test result, we think it fills the niche of a travel-friendly option like no other, and the low price makes it an excellent secondary seat for travel only.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?

Despite thinking the BubbleBum is perfect for carpooling or travel, it isn't our favorite for everyday use, as we like a high-backed booster and better crash testing results. If budget is a concern, and that is why you are considering the BubbleBum, we think the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is a good budget choice with better crash-test results. If you can stretch your budget or find a sale, we think the UPPAbaby Alta v2 is also an excellent option for most families. While neither is suitable for travel because they are larger and heavier, they are better choices for a primary car seat, and the Chicco can go backless if needed. If your goal is the best crash test analysis and a bigger budget or the ability to stretch your budget, the Nuna AACE is a winner in our book.

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