If you follow the blog on a fairly regular basis (thank you if you do!) then you might know that I used to be a car seat fitter at Mothercare, and as such I was lucky enough to have really thorough car seat training from some of the best brands around. I guess doing this has made me a bit of a stickler for car seat safety, I am an advocate of Extended rear facing (ERF) and I am always willing to chat to people who want information on how to fit a car seat or how to move stages etc.
Knowing that, we’ve had a few moments in the car with car seats that have been less than desirable. From time to time, like when I hurt my eye or when Edie has been poorly, my mum or Adam have been to pick Roo up from school. He’s at an age, weight and height where he needs a booster but his high back booster lives in my car so if Daddy is heading straight from work that means he doesn’t have a seat with him. Legally, this isn’t a problem, the law would require that an infant be in an applicable seat, however a child of Reuben’s age and height/weight would be able to travel short distances without a seat under certain circumstances. The thing is, legal or not, it isn’t safe. No point dressing it up, it’s irresponsible and unsafe, so we need to make sure that we have something for him.
It’s not as simple as buying a proper seat for Daddy’s car because it really depends on what clients he is visiting as to whether or not he will have his van or car, so the best thing for us is something specifically for travel purposes…
Which leads me to the Trunki Boost-a-Pak.
We were sent a Boost-a-Pak to try out for our trip to Center Parcs as Reuben likes to go in Daddy’s car when he gets chance. He was delighted with it and it fits neatly into the boot of Daddy’s car after use, not to mention if we take it out, Roo can carry it around and use it as a back pack, storing a few bits and bobs in, like a change of pants and trousers, just in case.
The design on the seat was so fun, we chose the star like pattern, which was great for passing down to both Toby and Edith. Although I would prefer Roo to be in a high back booster (which all children should be in until they reach the height requirement – boosters that are sold in supermarkets are meant to be a quick, temporary travel car seat, just like the boost-a-pak) this is so much better than nothing and is the perfect solution for unplanned school runs, taxis and travelling abroad.
That brings me to another point – with the base part of the boost-a-pak being really deep and large enough to hold a few decent bits and bobs, these boost-a-paks really are ideal for travelling on planes and you can be safe in the knowledge that your child will have something decent to sit on in the car, should you grab a taxi or something!
H x
That looks super handy! Especially for times when you need to take a taxi or have s friend round
Exactly Jodie, thanks xx
This looks like such a good idea and would work well in our family x
It is – really helpful product 🙂 H x
This looks really useful! My little boy is still little, so we’ve kept him rearward facing for now, and he has some way to go until the next stage, but we always have issues with different cars / travelling with grandparents, taxis etc. so this sounds like a great solution. I love the star print too!
Thanks Katy, yes once he gets over the 15kg (preferably nearer 18kg if you can) then he will be able to go in here! H x
this does look great – perfect for travel. Isn’t too bulky but does the job x
Exactly Rebecca – it’s perfect for travelling and impromptu collections etc – better something that nothing! H x
How convenient especially when travelling. I love the design too xx
It’s perfect Sarah! H x
Wow what a fantastic carseat/backpack. Always looking for anything that could be a space saver when it comes to kids too. And puts me at ease knowing you were a carseat safety checker so would know if it was or wasn’t safe to use 🙂 great post x
Thanks Sarah. I absolutely recommend it for travel for little ones over 15kg – anything is better than nothing in my eyes. H x
We love the trunki brand admittedly we only have the suitcase but I love the look if the rest of their products.
The booster is such a good idea having it like a rucksack for car ring spare clothing etc.
We have the suitcases, the paddlepaks, the boostapak – we’re a bit obsessed actually! Its a wonderful brand with very well thought out products. H x