Finding a travel-friendly booster seat that doesn’t compromise on safety can be difficult. The new BubbleBum TelePort promises to combine portability, comfort and R129-approved protection in one compact package. We put it to the test to see if it lives up to the reputation of the original BubbleBum writes Suzanne Keane
What is it?
The original Bubblebum was the ultimate travel seat – inflatable and small enough to tuck into a handbag when deflated – and was the go-to for many parents for flying, when hiring a car on holidays, when you needed an emergency seat to collect an extra child or to fit a 3rd child in the back of a narrower car.
However, with the introduction of R129 regulations the Bubblebum was no longer sold in the EU. It was still possible to buy one through the UK though and I know plenty of parents who did source them on eBay when required. Thankfully, a new and improved Bubblebum TelePort is now available within the EU and we’ve been testing one for a few weeks to see if it can live up to the hype of the previous version, while meeting more rigorous safety standards. An added bonus is that the Bubblebum TelePort is made in Northern Ireland so along with the convenience you’re also supporting a local business.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box you’ll find the Bubblebum TelePort, in its folded down size, a shoulder strap, a carrying strap and the impact shield.
Fitting?
The Bubblebum TelePort is designed for convenience. Fitting is simple. You need to open the cover at the back of the seat where you’ll find a button to extend the seat. Pull it out until it clicks into place and you have the full-size booster cushion. Then you need to fold out the red seat belt positioners and tie them into place with the Velcro straps, ensuring they stay
upright. These will make sure that the seatbelt sits correctly on your child’s hips and not the more delicate stomach area.
Before installing the seat in the car attach the shoulder strap to the handle at the back using a loop. Once your child is sitting in the seat you can then slot the shoulder part of the seatbelt through this to make sure it’s sitting on their shoulder and not their neck.
Then you need to fit the Impact Cushion to your seatbelt and slide it downwards to the red positioner, to protect the abdomen.
Full installation videos are available on the Bubblebum website.
Daily use
The Bubblebum TelePort is designed for occasional and travel use, and while it might not quite slot into my handbag it comes with a carrying strap and weighs only 2.4kg. Folded down it qualifies as cabin baggage for most airlines and can easily attach to a suitcase handle for travel.
We’ve been using it as a spare seat for collecting from camps/clubs for a number of weeks and everyone wants to sit in the Bubblebum because apparently, it’s really comfortable. When it’s not in use it folds down to the compact size and sits in the boot waiting for the next trip. The children testing the seat out were aged between 6 and 9, both boys and girls.
While it’s great for holidays this seat would also be ideal for anyone who doesn’t own a car and relies on taxis and friends for occasional transport, and the cover is machine washable at 30 degrees for any spills or accidents.
Safety
The Bubblebum TelePort is the only R129 approved portable booster seat on the market and is taller than most booster seats, bringing your child into the side airbag safe zone. The TelePort is also fully compliant with R129/04 regulations as it has an impact shield which you can easily attach to the seatbelt to spread the force of a collision and has passed the abdominal sensor test.
Why you’ll want one
Safe and compact for travel – the seat will either fit in a suitcase or comes with a shoulder strap to carry and will save you renting a seat on holidays if you are hiring a car. The seat doubles in size when it’s extended and installation is really quick.
Why you won’t
If your child isn’t quite ready for a booster seat, you’d be better off looking at lighter extended rear facing seats as a travel option to keep them safe.
Seat: Bubblebum TelePort
Height limit: 125cm to 150cm
Fixing: Seatbelt
RRP: €69.99 – currently on offer at Rearfacing.ie for €63.99
Stockists: Rearfacing.ie
Star Rating: 5* (The best option for a travel booster seat on the market)
