BubbleBum Inflatable Booster
Safety notice: No US recall names the BubbleBum (searched 19 Oct 2026). Check your seat's model number and date of manufacture at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Pros
- 0.9 lb, and it packs flat into a bag
- Inflates in about 20 seconds
- Belt clips hold the lap belt low across the thighs
Cons
- No rigid side-impact protection
- The air bladder can puncture if it is abused
Our Verdict: BubbleBum Inflatable Booster
The BubbleBum Inflatable Booster scored 68 out of 100 across the three criteria we score every booster seat on, and took Best Travel Booster in our booster seat guide.
Weight scored a perfect 10. It's 0.9 lb, inflates in about 20 seconds, and rolls flat into its tote, which is why it suits rideshares and flights.
It has no rigid side-impact protection, and quality scored 4.0 because the air bladder can puncture over time.
Our Analysis, Comparisons and Test Results
Crash test
6.5 out of ten. Meets the federal positioning requirement by keeping the lap belt flat over the pelvic line.
Weight & size
10 out of ten. An unbeatable 0.9 lb, and it packs small enough for a backpack.
Quality
4 out of ten. A durable bonded TPU air bladder, though naturally open to punctures if it is abused.
Should You Buy the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster?
Buy it as the travel or backup booster, not the everyday one.
For a daily seat, any of the top four in this guide is the better choice.
All three criteria were scored the same way across the guide, which is why these numbers are comparable at all. None of them can tell you which trade-off you are willing to live with.
What Other Car Seats Should You Consider?
We scored the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster against ten other booster seats on the same criteria. The three closest on score:
| Compare | Score | Award | Tested in |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBum Inflatable Booster (this review) | 68 | Best Travel Booster | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
| Cosco Topside Backless Booster | 68 | Best Backup Booster | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
| Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus | 67 | Best Low-Emissions Booster | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
| Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 | 72 | Best Folding Booster | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
| Diono Cambria 2 XL | 72 | Best for Bigger Kids | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
| Graco TurboBooster 2.0 | 72 | Best No-Frills High-Back | Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared |
Specifications
| Type | Inflatable backless booster |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.9 lb (published figure) |
| Child limits | 40–110 lb |
| Install | Belt only |
Conclusion: BubbleBum Inflatable Booster
The BubbleBum took the travel-booster award with 68. The 4.0 for quality is why it stays a backup.
Read the full comparison in our booster seat guide, where it sits against every booster seat we scored.
Tested against 10 other car seats in Best Booster Seat 2026: 11 Seats Compared. See all car seats guides and reviews.