When you take your baby with you in the car, it can be challenging to keep an eye on them. If your baby is still under two years old, it’s even more challenging because you have to use a rear-facing car seat. While rear-facing car seats are safer for accidents, what happens if your child gets tangled by a seat belt or chokes on a snack? Thankfully, a baby mirror helps you monitor your baby without losing focus on the road.
- What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Mirrors for Cars
- Top 10 Best Car Baby Mirrors 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Mirror for Cars: Skynerk Baby Car Mirror
- 2. Best Premium Baby Mirror for Cars: Munchkin Brica Cruisin' Baby In-Sight Car Mirror
- 3. Best Budget Baby Mirror for Cars: Jolly Jumper Driver's Baby Mirror
- 4. Best Baby Mirror for Downward-Facing Headrests: DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror
- 5. Safest Baby Mirror for Cars: Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror
- 6. Best Large Baby Mirror for Cars: Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror
- 7. Best Baby Mirror for Front-Facing Car Seats: Diono See Me Too Mirror for Mom
- 8. Best Wide-Angle Baby Mirror: Zacro Baby Car Mirror
- 9. Best for SUVs: Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror
- 10. Easiest Baby Mirror to Install: So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror
- Everything You Need to Know About Baby Mirrors for Cars
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Mirrors for Cars
Baby mirrors for cars are essential when you’re using rear-facing car seats. They usually mount onto the backseat headrest and reflect your baby’s image through your rear-view mirror. When positioned like this, you are able to see your child without taking your eyes off the road. Here are some other thing
Mount Location
First and foremost, you want to figure out where on the car your baby mirror should be mounted. Most baby mirrors for cars mount to backseat headrests, but there are exceptions. For example, if you’re using a front-facing car seat, a backseat mirror isn’t going to be useful. For situations like this, it’s better to look for a mirror that mounts to the rear-view mirror.
Size
Once you know where you need to mount a mirror, you’ll want to look at the dimensions of a mirror. When shopping for a mirror, all you need to worry about is the length and height. While the width of a mirror can vary, it’s not a deal-breaker. A standard size to look for is around ten inches tall and eight inches long.
These mirrors are great for trucks, cars, crossovers, and SUVs. If you have a larger vehicle or an SUV that has more than one row of backseats, you’ll need a larger mirror. To see your child’s full-body when they’re far away, shop for a larger mirror that’s around twelve inches tall and ten inches long.
Compatibility
Baby mirrors for cars can be challenging to work with. There are thousands of vehicles on the road, all with different rear-mirror and headrest configurations. With such variation, it’s tough to find universal mirrors.
So, when shopping for mirrors, pay attention to their compatibility. You want to look for whether or not a mirror is compatible with fixed or adjustable headrests. Keep in mind; some products can fit both, which can be helpful if you’ll be using a mirror in more than one car.
Adjustability
Baby mirrors for cars can also be adjustable. It depends on the product, but you can find pivoting pieces, different strap heights, and other adjustment features. While adjustability is essential, you’ll notice that some mirrors lack this feature. This isn’t always bad; it depends on your preference and the type of angle you want to see.
Adjustable mirrors are great for getting that perfect angle. Products with pivoting parts allow you to angle the mirror to line-up correctly with your rear-view mirror. If you want to get a full-body view of your child, we recommend looking for products with this feature.
Shatterproof Glass
All of the products that we have listed use shatterproof glass, but what does shatterproof mean? When the glass is shatterproof, it means it’s laminated safety glass. Laminated glass uses an interlayer to keep a window or mirror from shattering. The glass is held in place by materials like PVB, EVA, or thermoplastics.
When you’re shopping for a baby mirror, it needs to be shatterproof. If an accident happens and glass breaks, the last thing you want is shards of glass near your child. The good news is that most baby mirrors for cars use laminated glass to keep your child safe.
Price
Baby mirrors for cars are affordable products, and some of the higher-priced options are still a bargain. Nevertheless, we’ve noticed that there is a lot of price variation. So, we’ve grouped each product into one of three categories:
$: Under $10
$$: Around $20
$$$: Around $30
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in your baby’s car mirror, here’s our list of the top 10 baby mirrors for your car in 2022.
Top 10 Best Car Baby Mirrors 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Mirror for Cars: Skynerk Baby Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Mount Location: Backseat
- Size: 13.5″ by 8″
- Compatibility: Fixed and adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is easy to work with and provides a full view of your child. It mounts onto your backseat headrest in seconds and doesn’t require additional tools. To keep it secure, the mirror uses two straps that are easy to tighten on fixed or adjustable backseat headrests. The acrylic material is also shatterproof, so even if a road accident occurs, you don’t need to worry about flying shards of glass.
The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is also adjustable. While the two straps keep it secure, there is an additional pivoting component that lets you change the view. This reduces the chances of blind spots, so you can always have eyes on your little one. You also don’t need to worry about the vehicle you drive. It’s compatible with SUVs, light trucks, sedans, and coupes. This product is also crash-test certified.
What Sets It Apart
With the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror, you get a premium mirror at an affordable price. While the price is a big selling point, what sets this product apart is its ability to be used on both fixed headrests and adjustable headrests. Most headrest mirrors are only suitable on adjustable headrests because the straps need to be buckled in, but this mirror’s straps offer plenty of flexibility. The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is also great for use in larger vehicles thanks to its large size.
Things to Consider
The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is well-rounded, but it’s not immune to quality issues. The straps and the mirror are safe, but after a few uses, some consumers report noisy vibrations coming from the product. This doesn’t make it less reliable, but it can become a nuisance over time. While the large size of the mirror is good for keeping an eye on your child, any mirror that’s over 12″ in height or length can impair your view in coupes and sedans.
It’s difficult to determine how long a mirror can last, but it’s not impossible. For example, the Zacro Baby Car Mirror is known to last longer without issues. The only downside is that you lose fixed headrest compatibility. It’s also smaller and safe to use in sedans and coupes.
Who It’s For
The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is a great product for parents that want a quick and smooth shopping experience. It’s compatible with most modern vehicles, and the size can accommodate cars as little as coupes and vans as big as minivans. Overall, Skynerk makes it easy for parents to get the product they need at the best value for their money. Also, if you have a vehicle with more than a row of backseats, this mirror is large enough to give you a clear view.
Pros
- Great value
- 360° pivot tool
- Large size and wide-angle viewing
- Crash tested and shatterproof acrylic
- Compatible with most vehicles
Cons
- Known to produce noisy vibrations after frequent use
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Mount Location: Backseat Headrest
- Size: 12.5″ by 13.9″
- Compatibility: Fixed and Adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: Fixed
The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is fully-loaded. Many mirrors are simply mirrors, and that’s fine, but this product comes with a lot of extras. Shatterproof acrylic and crash-tests aside, this mirror comes with other features that can soothe and entertain your child. It comes with different light patterns, over twenty minutes of music, and varied volume settings. The lights create a soothing atmosphere that’s enhanced by any of the eight melodies.
The mirror can be mounted in a few ways, making it compatible with any vehicle, even large SUVs. For example, it can be attached to fixed headrests and bench seats. The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror also puts the driver in control with a remote. The remote can control the music, lights, mirror.
What Sets It Apart
The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is unique because it’s more than just a mirror. While it’s good to keep an eye on children, babies can be hard to entertain when you’re driving. Babies can become bored, cry, and throw small fits if they’re in the car for too long. A product like this can help you keep your child entertained and safe at the same time.
Things to Consider
The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is one of the best baby mirrors for cars that money can buy. That said, it’s not for everyone. When you’re shopping for a mirror, you don’t always need extra features that can complicate things and bump the price up. Less can be better sometimes.
If you like the idea of a budget-friendly alternative with simple features, consider a product like the Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror instead. It is a quality mirror with a simple design and a low price.
Who It’s For
The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is for parents looking to get more out of a baby mirror. It functions as well as traditional mirrors but entertains too. If you have a child that’s nervous in cars, or too energetic, this mirror is a great choice. It lets you make adjustments while you’re driving, keeps children calm, and the music isn’t half bad.
Pros
- Wide-angle view
- Shatterproof acrylic glass
- Includes music and lights for soothing
Cons
- Lacks adjustability
- High price
3. Best Budget Baby Mirror for Cars: Jolly Jumper Driver's Baby Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Mount Location:
- Size: 8.75″ by 5.5″
- Compatibility: Adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: Fixed
The Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror is a reliable mirror with simple features. It hooks onto backseat headrests with ease and doesn’t require additional tools. It’s also small and compact, which makes it an excellent fit for smaller cars like coupes. While the mirror is small, it’s still safe. The glass is made with a durable plastic housing and shatterproof acrylic glass.
What Sets It Apart
The Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror is unique because of the company behind it and the price. Jolly Jumper is a Canadian company that’s been in business for over seventy years. While it’s not a famous company in the United States yet, Jolly Jumper has spent a lot of time making sure their products are affordable, safe, and above-average in quality. Their baby mirror for cars is no exception.
Things to Consider
While the Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror is shatterproof and made by a reputable company, there is no evidence suggesting it’s crash-tested. This doesn’t mean that it’s not, but we don’t like how Jolly Jumper makes no mention of it. Crash testing aside, it’s also too small. There is no pivoting tool, which means all you get is a small mirror that gives you a view of your child’s chest and head.
If you need a bigger mirror, but want to stay in a similar price range, the Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror is a great alternative. It’s not as cheap as the Jolly Jumper, but it comes close, and the mirror is four inches larger.
Who It’s For
The Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror is for parents that aren’t shopping for anything fancy. It serves its purpose and provides you with a full-body view of your child, but that’s about it. Sometimes having a simple mirror is better than a complicated one.
Parents that drive two-door cars can also benefit from the small size of this mirror. While it doesn’t offer adjustability, it’s compact size is perfect for small back seats.
Pros
- Low cost
- Shatterproof glass
- Wide-angle
- Compact
- Great for two-door cars
Cons
- No evidence of crash testing
- Small size
- No adjustability
4. Best Baby Mirror for Downward-Facing Headrests: DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Mount Location: Backseat
- Size: 11.8″ by 7.4″
- Compatibility: Fixed and adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror is a great mirror that fits most vehicles. Regardless of what you’re driving, there is a good chance you can safely use this mirror. It’s 11.8″ height, and wide-angle design gives you a full-body view of your child without compromising your field of view in smaller cars. The glass is also shatterproof acrylic that’s crash-tested for safety, even the plastic that surrounds it holds up well in severe accidents.
The DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror also comes with everything you need right out of the box. The pivot tool, straps, and the mirror are easy to assemble and work with. In fact, the parts offer a broad enough range of motion to accommodate fixed headrests that are angled down.
What Sets It Apart
The DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror is unique because of its range of motion. There are a lot of baby mirrors for cars that come with pivoting parts, but they lack the range to prop a mirror up if a headrest is facing downwards. That said, this mirror has the best range of motion you can find, making it the best mirror if you have downward-facing headrests.
Things to Consider
The DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror is excellent but the range of motion that makes it great also harms it. Because the mirror sticks out from the headrest so far, it tends to be bulky. Also, if an accident occurs, there is a risk that your child will hit the mirror head-first and almost immediately.
If you have fixed headrests, but don’t like how far this product sticks out, consider the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror instead. It’s as flexible, but it also works on fixed headrests and doesn’t stick out too far.
Who It’s For
The DARVIQS Baby Car Mirror is the best fit for parents that have small or downward-facing, fixed backseat headrests. While it’s suitable for other vehicles, and most headrest configurations, we’ve found that it offers the most value for coupes with limited backseat space.
Pros
- Wide-angle view
- Crash tested and shatterproof acrylic glass
- Large range of motion
- 360° pivot
Cons
- The mirror sticks out far, which can be dangerous during an accident
5. Safest Baby Mirror for Cars: Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Mount Location: Backseat headrest
- Size: 12.75″ by 10″
- Adjustability: Fixed
The Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is a versatile mirror that fits most vehicles. It can be mounted to headrests, bench seats, or even a clothing tether, so you don’t need to worry about having the right car. Mounting aside, the mirror is large enough to provide a full-body view of your child and creates a crystal clear reflection. The mirror has also been crash tested and approved by the MGA Research Corporation.
The Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is also made with high-quality materials to increase safety. The mirror is made with clear-sight acrylic that’s shatter-resistant, and the material surrounding the mirror is fabric instead of plastic.
What Sets It Apart
The Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is unique because it has a soft-touch frame. The frame is made with durable plastic on the inside and soft padding on the outside. This is an excellent design because it absorbs impact and keeps your child’s face off of the acrylic mirror if an accident happens. Plus, it’s lightweight.
Things to Consider
The Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror uses a lot of innovative features to help it stand out, but there is one problem. While many mirrors include pivot tools or some type or adjustment feature, this product doesn’t. Finding the right angle can be tricky and might even cost you visibility. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of padded mirrors out there.
Who It’s For
The Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is for parents that like the idea of a lightweight and padded baby mirror. The padding makes it one of the safest mirrors you can find. Even if acrylic glass is shatterproof, it can harm your child. The padding keeps your child’s delicate body out of harm’s way.
Pros
- Padded mirror housing
- Crash tested
- Shatter-resistant
- Wide-angle view
Cons
- The padding makes the mirror bulky
- No adjustability
6. Best Large Baby Mirror for Cars: Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Mount Location: Backseat headrest
- Size: 12″ by 8″
- Compatibility: Adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror is a big mirror that mounts onto your backseat headrests. It’s designed for rear-facing car seats, and thanks to its wide-angle display and 12″×8″ size, you can see your child’s whole body. The mirror is made with durable acrylic, surrounded and sealed by plastic, that’s 100% shatterproof.
The best part is that it comes pre-assembled and doesn’t require additional tools for installation. Just secure the straps to your headrest, and you’re all set. The Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror also comes with a 360° pivot mechanism that helps you get the perfect line-of-sight on your little one.
What Sets It Apart
The Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror is unique because of its large size. Most baby mirrors for cars feature wide-angles, but it can be tricky to line things up correctly if a mirror is too small. Safe Baby Tech’s solution was to create a larger mirror that’s easy to work with. In SUVs and light trucks, this works well.
Things to Consider
The Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror sacrifices a portion of your rear-view field of view. While the large size of the mirror makes it easy to see your child, if you’re in a coupe or sedan, you’ll be losing visibility. It’s essential to keep an eye on your child but more important to see other vehicles.
If you have a smaller vehicle, you can go with a smaller mirror. It might take a little more effort to set it up, but it’s worth it. A great product to start with is the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror. The mirror is smaller, but it still comes with 360° adjustability.
Who It’s For
The Safe Baby Tech Baby Car Mirror is an excellent choice if you have a sedan, crossover, or SUV. It’s big enough to provide you with a full-body view of your child, but not big enough to block your rear-windshield.
Pros
- Large, wide-angle mirror
- Full-body view of your child
- Fits most modern headrests
- Adjustable pivot tool
- Quick and easy installation, no tools required
Cons
- Too big for two-door cars
- Doesn't work as well on fixed headrests
7. Best Baby Mirror for Front-Facing Car Seats: Diono See Me Too Mirror for Mom
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Mount Location: Rear-view mirror
- Size: 5″ by 5.9.”
- Compatibility: Most Rear-view mirrors
- Adjustability: Right, left, up, down
The Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom is a unique mirror that’s designed for parents using front-facing car seats. The mirror uses a universal twist-lock clip with six different settings to clamp onto rear-view mirrors. While it doesn’t work with every rear-view mirror, it works for most vehicles produced in the last twenty years and comes with an adapter. The clamp also allows the mirror to be adjusted up, down, left, and right.
The Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom is also sleek. The glass is surrounded by silver plastic, and the mirror looks like it’s supposed to be there. While it’s smaller than most headrest-mount mirrors, it’s central location offers a full-body view without needing to be bulky. Another benefit of the central location is the driver’s ability to make quick adjustments. This product is also shatterproof and crash-tested for safety.
What Sets It Apart
The Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom is unique because of its rear-view mirror location. It gives the driver complete control of the mirror, even when the vehicle is in motion. The central location is also great because you don’t need to worry about the mirror obstructing your rear window. There are a handful of rear-view-mount mirrors available, but none are as great as this one.
Things to Consider
The Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom is an excellent product for what it offers. With that said, it’s only suitable for front-facing car seats. Unfortunately, until your child is old enough to use a front-facing car seat, you won’t get much use out of this mirror. So, if you have an infant, you might want to consider a headrest mirror instead.
Who It’s For
The Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom is for parents that have older children. If your child is starting to face forward, traditional headrest mirrors are going to become obsolete. In this scenario, a rear-view mirror-mount product becomes your only option if you want to keep an eye on your child.
Pros
- Universal mount for most rear-view mirrors
- Sleek design that doesn't obstruct your view
- Shatterproof acrylic glass
- Wide-angle view
- Durable plastic casing
Cons
- Only suitable for front-facing car seats
- The clamp feels cheap
8. Best Wide-Angle Baby Mirror: Zacro Baby Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Mount Location: Backseat headrest
- Size: 11.8″ by 7.4″
- Compatibility: Fixed headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The Zacro Baby Car Mirror is a versatile mirror that’s suitable for any vehicle that uses fixed backseat headrests. It’s not the biggest mirror you’ll find, but the wide-angle design allows you to see your child’s full-body, even if they’re a row or two behind you. If you still have trouble seeing your little one, simply use the 360° rotation pivot tool to fine-tune your viewing experience. The pivot tool makes it simple to like the product up with your rear-view mirror.
The mirror also uses durable materials to keep your child safe in the event of an accident. It’s made with shatterproof acrylic glass that’s been subjected to intense crash testing. The plastic material that surrounds the acrylic is also reliable and flexible, which keeps the glass from slipping out of the frame if an accident occurs.
What Sets It Apart
The Zacro Baby Car Mirror is unique because of how tight it secures to headrests. While you lose out on compatibility with fixed headrests, Zacro makes up for it with a shock-absorbent design. From the pivot lugs to the straps that hold it in place, this mirror barley moves while you’re driving. Even if you encounter a bumpy road or deep pothole, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your child the whole time.
Things to Consider
The Zacro Baby Car Mirror is a great product, but it’s not perfect. The downside to this mirror is that it’s only compatible with adjustable headrests. If you have a fixed headrest, it can work, but you won’t be able to see your child from head-to-toe. If you have an older vehicle or fixed headrests on your back seats, this is not the mirror for you.
The Skynerk Baby Car Mirror is an excellent alternative if you have fixed headrest. It has two straps to keep in place and offers the same field of view and 360° rotation.
Who It’s For
If you need a reliable mirror that offers a wide-angle design, and you have adjustable headrests, this product is a great choice. It’s crash-tested, easy to adjust, and gives you a great view of your child. This mirror is also great for parents that always want to monitor their children. Since it doesn’t shake, you’ll never have to worry about split-second situations where you can’t see your child.
Pros
- Doesn't shake while driving
- 360° pivoting tool
- Two buckle straps
- Compatible for most adjustable headrests
- Wide-angle design for full-body clarity
- Crash tester acrylic and plastic
Cons
- Only works with fixed headrests
- The coverage can be limited in vehicles with more than one row of back seats
9. Best for SUVs: Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Mount Location: Backseat headrest
- Size: 11.8″ by 7.4″
- Compatibility: Fixed and adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror is an affordable mirror that performs like a premium product. It uses a durable and lightweight polymer to house the shatterproof acrylic glass. The mirror is large enough to work in SUVs, but not too big for smaller coupes and sedans. You can also see your child’s full body with a combination of the wide-angle convex design and 360° pivoting tool. For additional safety, this mirror has also been crash tested.
The Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror is also compatible with most vehicles. There is no need to worry about the type of headrests you have because it works for fixed and adjustable headrests thanks to its buckle-strap design. You get everything you need to install this product right out of the box, and it shouldn’t take you any more than a few minutes to get the job done.
What Sets It Apart
The Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror is unique because it offers similar features to Skynerk’s premium mirror, the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror. It shares premium features like the pivoting tool, assembling parts, and safety ratings. The only difference is that this mirror is more affordable and two inches smaller.
Things to Consider
The Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror is an excellent product, but it’s not big enough for vehicles that have more than one row of backseats. It can work if you use it in the first row, but any further, you run the risk of not getting a clear image of your child.
If you need a larger mirror and like the quality, Skynerk has to offer, consider their Skynerk Baby Car Mirror instead.
Who It’s For
The Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror is for parents that want a high-quality mirror without spending a ton of money. It’s not the cheapest mirror you can find, but that’s a good thing because you can tell it’s made well. If you have a sedan, crossover, or coupe, this mirror is a great choice.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Crash tested plastic and acrylic glass
- Wide-angle view
- 360° pivot tool
- Installs in seconds
Cons
- Not large enough for vehicles with more than one row of backseats, like minivans
10. Easiest Baby Mirror to Install: So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Mount Location: Backseat headrest
- Size: 11.5″ by 7.5″
- Compatibility: Adjustable headrests
- Adjustability: 360° pivot
The So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror is a safe and reliable product. Its size isn’t too big or too small, making it suitable for coupes and trucks. The glass is also built well, and it’s made out of acrylic glass and durable polymer plastic. It’s even crash-tested, so you don’t need to worry about any unexpected problems from the shatterproof glass.
The So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror is also easy to install and offers plenty of flexibility. It takes less than a minute to install and doesn’t require any tools. The straps also hold it securely in place, and it doesn’t shake or vibrate.
What Sets It Apart
The So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror is unique because of how simple it is to install. From the box to your headrest, the installation process takes roughly thirty seconds. You don’t need any tools, and you don’t need to fasten any parts. Simply remove the product, strap it onto your headrest, and pivot the mirror into the best viewing position.
Things to Consider
The So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror comes pre-assembled, and while that’s good, it leaves you on your own. For example, if a part becomes loose, there is no way to tighten it. You’ll need to find the right tool on your own, and if you don’t have it, you’ll have to buy it.
If you like how natural this product is to install, but would prefer to have it comes with tools, the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror has you covered. It takes a few minutes to install, but it lets you assemble the mirror on your own.
Who It’s For
The So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror is an excellent fit for parents that don’t want any complicated parts. It comes with top-tier features, but everything comes assembled for you. There is no need to study tools or even instructions; it’s that simple. Unfortunately, only parents with adjustable headrests can benefit from this product.
Pros
- Installs in 30 seconds
- Wide-angle design for full-body clarity
- Doesn't make noise, vibrate, or shake while driving
Cons
- Only suitable for adjustable headrests
- If a part comes loose, there are no tools included to tighten it
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Mirrors for Cars
Baby mirrors for cars seem like simple products. There isn’t much to them, and they all serve the same purpose. What makes these products tricky to shop for is their size and vehicle compatibility. Most products claim to fit most vehicles, but it can be hard to know if a product is a good fit until you install it. Then, once you install it, you’re already too late.
The good news is that you can find the mirror you need without making any mistakes. It’s all about finding one that fits in your vehicle and doesn’t obstruct your vision. So, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about baby mirrors for cars. This way, you can narrow down your options.
Getting to Know the Laws: Why You Need a Baby Mirror for Cars
In the past, baby mirrors for cars were not a necessity. Some parents had them, but they were more of a novelty. This all changed when rear-facing car seat laws were passed. These laws vary depending on the state you live in, but all fifty states have a code in place surrounding rear-facing child safety restraints.
These laws have made baby mirrors for cars an essential product. When you’re not facing your child, it’s impossible to keep an eye on them and hard to determine if they’re okay. So, depending on the car seat you, it’s essential to choose the right mirror.
Rear-Facing Car Seats
If you’re using a rear-facing car seat, you need a mirror that secures to your backseat headrests. These mirrors resemble large rectangles and provide you with a full-body wide-angle view of your child.
The mirror you need depends on your vehicle and headrest, but if you’re just looking to give one a try, consider the Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror. It’s a budget product that can help you test out headrest mirrors. If you happen to like it, we consider upgrading to a mirror that offers more features.
Front-Facing Car Seats
Front-facing car seats can be introduced once your child reaches a certain age or weight limit. This depends on your state, but a good age to introduce a front-facing car seat is two years old. While your standard rear-view mirror can be adjusted to see your child, moving your rear-view mirror can reduce your rear-windshield vision.
Baby mirrors that mount to rear-view mirrors are a great solution. They fit underneath your rear-view mirror so that you can see your child and the road. A great rear-view mirror product is the Diono See Me Too Mirror For Mom. It’s a universal mirror that fits almost every vehicle, and it has a sleek design.
Shopping Based on Vehicle Type
There are a lot of different vehicles on the roads. Some cars are small, and others are massive. The mirror that you need depends on how big your vehicle is. If the mirror is too big or too small for your car, you won’t get that crystal clear view you’re searching for.
Two-Door Coupes
Two-door coupes, sports cars, and supercars are not ideal for car seats or babies. While they’re not the best, you don’t always have a choice. If you have a two-seater, you’ll want to look for a smaller mirror that won’t get in the way of your rear-view mirror.
A great mirror for coupes is the Jolly Jumper Driver’s Baby Mirror. It’s not the most feature-rich product and lacks adjustability, but it works excellently in two-door vehicles with little backseat space. In fact, it’s affordable enough to be used as a secondary mirror if you want to take your child for a joyride.
Sedans
Sedans vary in size, but they all have four doors. Sedans are cars like a Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus. They’re big but not big enough to be crossovers or SUVs. If you drive a sedan, you’re in luck because you have a lot of options. When you’re shopping for a sedan, just try to keep the mirror under 12″.
Our favorite baby mirror for sedans is the Skynerk SH-M-02 Baby Car Mirror. It’s under 12″ and compatible with adjustable and fixed headrests. So, regardless of the car you have, there is a good chance that this mirror is a good fit. Plus, it’s simple to install.
Crossovers and SUVs
Crossovers and SUVs are between sedans and light trucks in size; a popular crossover is the Honda CRV. Finding the right mirror for these vehicles can be difficult because there is a lot of variation in size. While there is a lot of variety, you’ll find that there is more room for error. Even if a mirror is too big, it’s hard for it to obstruct your vision.
If you need a mirror for your crossover, consider a well-rounded mirror like the So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror. It’s big enough to offer a full-body view of your child, and in a crossover or SUV, you don’t need to worry about it being too bulky.
Pickup Trucks with Bench Seats
If you drive a pickup truck, there are plenty of baby mirrors to choose from. The only challenge is finding a product that’s compatible with the cabin you have. For example, some pickup trucks use bench seats, while others use traditional interior designs found in crossovers.
If you’re working with bench seats, you’ll need a mirror that can safely secure it. An excellent product for these trucks is the Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror. It has a large enough size to provide you with a full-body view, regardless of how big your cabin is, and it’s compatible with bench seats.
Minivans
Minivans and other vehicles that use more than one row of back seats are the hardest vehicles to shop for. If you have a child that’s in the last row of seats, a smaller baby mirror is going to be useless. You might be able to see their face, but what about the rest of their body?
If you have one of these vehicles, make sure you get one of the largest/widest mirrors you can find. A great choice is the Skynerk Baby Car Mirror. It’s one of the largest mirrors around and works great, even if your little one is a few rows back.
Need More Than Just a Mirror?
Let’s face it; sometimes, children can be a handful. Even with all of the restraints in the world, it can be challenging to make your child sit still, especially during long car rides. If your child is a little ball of energy, you should consider getting a mirror that allows you to do more than just keep an eye on them. You want an entertainment device.
The Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror is a great choice. It comes with soothing lights, eight tracks of music, and a remote controls it. If you need more than a mirror, it’s a great choice.
FAQ
Do I Need a Backseat Baby Mirror?
In the past, there were no laws in place requiring you to use a rear-facing car seat, and rear-view mirrors were effective. In 2021, though, until your child is 15 months old, you’re required to use one. For these car seats, it’s essential to have a baby mirror for your car so you can make sure they’re not tangled or choking.
When Should I Switch to a Front-Facing Car Seat?
Once your child is 15 months old, or at least twenty-five pounds, you can switch to a front-facing car seat. Nobody is going to force you, so it becomes about your preferences after fifteen months.
What’s the Difference Between Shatterproof and Shatter-Resistant?
Shatterproof sounds better than shatter-resistant, right? Well, to be frank, they’re the same thing. What you want to look for are crash tested mirrors. A company can rant and rave all they want, but you don’t have proof of safety unless you know it’s a crash-tested product.
Do I Need a Rear-View Baby Mirror?
Rear-view baby mirrors for cars are optional products. In most cases, you can see your child with the rear-view mirror, but you’ll need to adjust it. Adjustments to your rear-view mirror can lead to reduced rear-window vision, which is where rear-view baby mirrors come into play. While you don’t need one, it helps you keep an eye on your child without obstructing your vision.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your baby safe on the road is essential. While many parents do their best to be safe drivers, you need to worry about more than the road. If you’re using a rear-facing car seat, baby mirrors for cars can help you keep your eyes on them. If they’re having a snack, or having trouble with their harness, you’ll be able to make sure they’re safe.
Shopping for the right baby mirror can be hard because not every vehicle is built the same. Always make sure you go over your vehicle’s specifications before you settle on a product. Take everything into consideration, including the headrests and the size of your backseats. If you find that one mirror is too big or small, feel free to try a few until you get it right.