When flying with young children, the safest option is always to bring your car seat on board and use it during the flight. This ensures your child is securely strapped in, just like they would be in a car, offering maximum protection during turbulence. However, if you decide to check your car seat—whether at the gate or with your luggage—choosing a high-quality car seat travel bag can provide an extra layer of protection. These bags shield your car seat from dirt, germs, etc.
Keep in mind, padded car seat bags can’t 100% guarantee that the car seat won’t be damaged, but they can help and are a better option than just checking your car seat by itself.
Here’s a roundup of some of the car seat bags that I’ve tested with convertible car seats on Amazon, highlighting what makes each one stand out.
1. J.L. Childress Car Seat Bags
My Top Pick Brand For Affordability Yet Still Maintaining Quality
Pros:
- Padded Protection: Their bags offers padding around the car seat and comfortable straps. The material is durable and after testing for over two years, I can confidently say these bags are durable.
- Hands-Free Design: If you choose the backpack style design, it comes with ergonomic backpack straps, making it easier to carry through busy airports while managing kids or luggage. Do note though that if you plan to carry a car seat (or two) on your back, I would make sure they are lightweight travel car seats. Here are my favorite travel car seats.
- Fits Most Convertible Car Seats: It’s spacious enough to accommodate the most popular car seat brands. I’ve even been able to fit two travel car seats inside!
Con:
- Bulkiness: When trying to fold it up when not in use, it can be a bit bulky due to the padding.
Here are the links to their two car seats I recommend for convertible car seats:
Ultimate Padded Backpack Car Seat Travel Bag
Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag
Best for: Parents who want a durable car seat bag and have a mid-range budget.
Read Next: 11 Ways To Carry A Car Seat Through The Airport
2. Yorepek Car Seat Travel Bag
Pros:
- Large Capacity: This car seat bag can also fit most convertible car seats. I’ve also tested it and it can hold my Cosco Scenera car seat and the Wayb Pico car seat inside.
- Extra Pockets & Features: Comes with additional storage pockets, which are great for storing accessories or small items. It also has a internal fixing strap which will help hold the car seat in place.
- Backpack Style: The adjustable shoulder straps allow you to wear it like a backpack, making it easier to move around airports.
Cons:
- Not as padded: It’s not as padded as the JL Childress bags.
- Material is not as high quality: After using this bag, I got scuffs and some scratch marks on it after the first use. It still held together just great, but showed some visible wear and tear.
Best for: Families that still want a good car seat bag but have a slightly lower budget.
This is their newer bag that I have not tested yet.
3. Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag – Anthracite | Grey
Pros:
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Made from durable, water-resistant fabric with reinforced stitching, this bag is built to withstand wear and tear.
- 360-Degree Wheels: The four swivel wheels allow for easy maneuvering through airports, making it a breeze to transport.
- Multiple Carrying Options: It offers both padded backpack straps and sturdy handles, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.
- Custom Fit: Designed specifically for Chicco car seats but also can accommodate most other convertible car seat models.
Cons:
- Size: This bag has more of a snug fit for most car seats so there’s not much wiggle room when putting it into the bag. Just make sure to lower the head to the lowest setting and most car seats won’t have an issue.
Best for: Parents who want multiple carry options in one car seat, especially those traveling with Chicco car seats.
4. Lightweight Bags (but lacking padding)
If you’re on a strict budget, then I would recommend one of these two bags. They don’t have padding and not as durable as the others above but they will at least cover your car seat to prevent it from getting wet, dirt, and germs on it while traveling!
Want to feel prepared to travel with your car seat? Register for this mini-module that can be done online in as little as one hour!
In this module, you’re going to learn everything there is to know about car seats and flying! Here’s just a taste of what you’ll experience in the module:
- How to install your car seats on an airplane
- How to carry them through the airport
- How to actually bring your car seat on board
- How to gate check a car seat
- Which car seats are allowed on flights
- & MUCH MORE!