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From mirrors with lights for night time driving to musical mirrors for longer road trips Stroller Insect Net
A baby car mirror is the best way to ensure your little one is safe and content in the back when you hit the road. Often compact and lightweight, these mirrors attach to the headrest of your backseat so you can keep an eye via your own mirror when your munchkin is strapped into their rear-facing car seat.
In the UK, parents are legally required to ensure their baby is in a rear-facing car seat until they are 15 months old or 9kg, whichever comes first. So, fitting a mirror in your car will give you peace of mind that you can check in on what they're doing without needing to pull over or turn around and risk an accident.
To help you find the best baby car mirror for you, we've rounded up our favourites. There's something for everyone in our edit, from light-up designs and travel-friendly options to mirrors that soothe and entertain.
When your baby or toddler is hanging out in the backseat alone, a car mirror allows you to make sure they aren't getting up to mischief. "You can ensure your toddler is secured in their car seat at all times, and isn't channeling their inner-Houdini as they try to escape the straps," says Sophie Pickles, early years and parenting expert at Munchkin.
A car mirror also allows you to check if your baby is sleeping safely. "You can make sure their head isn't lolling forward while they're sleeping, which can be very dangerous and block babies' airways," Pickles adds.
And, it's not just about keeping a watchful eye on your child while on the road. A mirror also helps you to interact with your baby and offer them reassurance when they're sitting alone in the back seat. Pickles adds: "You can chat to them when you’re at the traffic lights or in long queues and this can really help to mitigate any tantrums or upset." Say no more!
Baby car mirrors come in a range of sizes, some with larger mirrors than others so consider what size you need. If you're planning to use your car mirror for journeys near home you might want a large, wide-angle mirror. If you're traveling with limited luggage space, you may want to consider a compact design.
Ensure your car mirror is adjustable, so you can find the right angle for checking in on your baby passenger. Pickles points out: 'You should think about buying a mirror that can be angled easily so that you can adjust it as your child grows or moves into a different car seat.' Noted!
Some baby car mirrors come with additional features, such as soft LED lights, music, and toys to keep your baby entertained while they hangout in the back. They are often more expensive than standard mirrors, but could be worth the investment if you have a big road trip planned.
While there are lots of benefits to having a baby mirror in your car, there are a few points to note before you hit the road.
'Parents should be aware that some mirrors can become a projectile in the event of an accident,' explains Pickles. 'It’s important to ensure they’re securely fastened to the headrest to prevent this.' You should also look out for 'shatter-resistant' mirrors that have been crash-tested.
Some mirrors can also be a fire hazard. 'There are some incidents where mirrors have been a fire hazard on extremely hot days, especially if the sun rays catch them at the wrong angle,' Pickles explains. 'I would always advise parents to take mirrors down if they're leaving the car in a sunny spot. Also, using a car shade to cover the mirror is another way of preventing this, ideal for when you’re driving and in queues.'
'If you’re unsure if the car is too hot, Munchkin’s White Hot Safety Shades turn white when the environment is too hot, and are a great way of preventing overheating in a car,' Pickles adds.
Munchkin's baby car mirror features a handy LED light controlled by a remote. The cool and warm tone lights will entertain, illuminate and soothe your little one while you're on the road.
They are dim enough that they won't distract you up front or hinder passing cars, but bright enough to let you see your baby in the rearview mirror when driving at night.
The glare-free, shatter-resistant mirror offers a wide-angle view and it's easy to install with its dual straps made from a seatbelt-like material. Note that it's compatible with adjustable headrests only.
This 3-in-1 sensory mirror will make long car journeys more enjoyable for all passengers on board. The bright and playful design will be easy for you to spot in your mirror. Plus, it provides endless entertainment for your little one, thanks to the multi-coloured, textured elephant, rainbow ribbon cloud and clacker ring monkey which can be removed for playtime.
No matter how hard they pull, two clips will ensure this car mirror stays firmly in place. What's more, once you've arrived at your destination, remove the mirror from the car and use it to keep your baby entertained in their stroller, or for tummy time.
However, it's worth nothing this mirror isn't compatible with all headrests so be sure to check it works for your car before purchasing.
Maxi-Cosi's back seat car mirror is loved by parents for its wide angle and adjustable view. It's designed to be placed on an adjoining seat rather than on the seat where your baby is chilling in their car seat.
The adjustable buckles make it easy to install, and it offers a clear view without obstructing rear visibility for the driver. What's more, thanks to its compact size, it's the ideal travel companion if you're renting a car abroad.
Keep your baby smiling on the road with this car mirror from Munchkin. The adorable animals will swing from side to side with the motion of the car, keeping your baby entertained on the go.
This mirror offers a distortion-free view but it's worth noting that some Amazon customers have found it's not compatible with the headrests in their vehicles, so be sure to check that it's the right one for you before buying.
Haadi's affordable baby car mirror offers an extra-wide angle so you can keep a close eye on what your little one is getting up to behind your back. The dual-strap system allows for easy installation and removal, with a sturdy base that fits all vehicles.
Plus, the 360-degree ball joint means you can rotate and adjust it to find the perfect view. Compact? Check. Affordable? Check. Travel-friendly? Check. Need we say more?
Munchkin's owl car mirror will keep your little one amused for hours on end on your next road trip.
Got a fussy baby on your hands? Choose the entertaining mode where light dances behind the mirror in time to lively music. Want to soothe your little one to sleep? Opt for the relaxing mode which plays chilled out music and twinkly lights that fade in and out to lull them to the land of nod.
The car mirror rotates 360 degrees to help you find the right angle, and can easily be installed and removed. Plus, the shatter-resistant mirror is operated via a remote for ultimate convenience.
Munchkin's large shatter-resistant mirror offers a clear view of what your baby or toddler is getting up to in the backseat. Best of all, this baby car mirror comes with multi-attachment options. No backseat headrest? No problem, Munchkin has an solution for you. This clever feature makes this mirror great for travel, too.
Say goodbye to worrying if your rental car will be compatible with your kit, and hello to easy-breezy travel with a baby — ok, maybe just easier?
Keep an eye on your little one even in the dark with Besafe's baby car mirror. This design features an integrated light that can be switched on and off via a remote control. The soft fade feature will ensure you don't wake your baby or impact the driver's rear visibility.
Plus, the new and improved convex-bent design gives an even greater view of what your baby is getting up to in the back. What's more, it's easily adjustable. But, with such a wide-angle view, you won't need to do much manoeuvring.
JoJo Maman Bébé's baby car mirror is an affordable option and ideal for those looking for a simple mirror without any bells or whistles.
Compatible with most cars, it's attached via a single adjustable strap and buckle. The shatter-resistant mirror can be adjusted to help you find the perfect angle for checking in on your little one, too.
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