Why is it safer for young children to sit in rear-facing car seats?

“For years, the recommendation was to keep children rear-facing until at least age 2 or they have reached the upper height or weight limit of the car seat. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their recommendations by removing the age limit,” Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST, injury prevention coordinator of the Trauma Program at Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware, tells us. “The current recommendation is to keep children rear-facing as long as possible until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. A properly installed rear-facing car seat is designed to move to help absorb and distribute the crash forces along the back of the car seat while keeping the head, neck, and spinal cord in a straight line. This is important in protecting the child from serious head and neck injuries. Children are much safer staying rear-facing until they reach the car seat’s height or weight limit.”

Do you need a baby car mirror?

The answer here is actually “No.” The experts we spoke to do not recommend the use of such mirrors for two reasons: one, they can become projectile in a crash if they are not securely installed, and two, they can create a distraction for the driver. McCue adds, “It is very tempting to take a quick peek at the mirror. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds is enough time to be involved in a crash. It is no different than checking a text message.” Having said that, we also acknowledge that there is peace of mind these mirrors afford to many parents who would otherwise feel too anxious to travel without them.

Do back seat baby mirrors work with rear-facing child seats?

Back seat baby mirrors do work with rear-facing child seats, to the extent that they do provide drivers the opportunity to see their child’s faces when the mirrors are installed at an angle that allows it. While many mirrors that are on the market must be installed at a fixed position, many more can be adjusted and can pivot so that you can achieve the desired view. And with the availability of back seat car cameras that are similar to video baby monitors, a back seat-installed camera that’s fed to a dashboard-mounted monitor provides a real-time view of your baby without having to rely on mirrors at all. Each option has its benefits as well as its drawbacks, but all of them do offer one thing that many parents find necessary: peace of mind.

The 8 Best Baby Car Mirrors of 2023

Driving your newborn home from the hospital is the first test of parental anxiety. Some of that comes from the fact that when your baby is in a rear-facing car seat, it’s difficult to see them and assess what they’re doing or what might be upsetting them if they’re fussy. A baby mirror is functional accessory to the infant car seat in your baby registry. Finding the best baby car mirror may help ease some of your worries while you go out into the world with this brand new person.

The car seat is one place in which experts assure parents and caregivers that babies and small children are safer out of sight. “A properly installed rear-facing car seat is designed to move to help absorb and distribute the crash forces along the back of the car seat while keeping the head, neck, and spinal cord in a straight line,” Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST, injury prevention coordinator of the Trauma Program at Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware, tells Verywell Family. Twenty-three states require all children under the age of 2 to travel in rear-facing car seats.

Thankfully, car seat mirrors are widely available to help us take a peek at our precious cargo, and over the past decade, the technology has evolved from simple plastic mirrors that face the baby and are visible in the frame of the rearview mirror, to mirrors that swivel and adjust 360 degrees, to actual dashboard-mounted cameras that can offer a full view of your entire back seat. Depending on your needs and the type of car you have, there are different features to look for when shopping for a baby car mirror, such as the installation method, how much you can adjust the angle, and other bells and whistles. Fortunately, there are options for just about every kind of car and every type of preference.

After considering all of the safety measures and special features available, we’re confident that these are the best baby car mirrors available right now.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cozy Greens Shatterproof Baby Car Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Basic:

Shynerk Baby Car Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Night Light:

Munchkin Brica Night Light Pivot Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Camera:

Itomoro Baby Car Mirror With Camera at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Entertainment Features:

Munchkin Brica Cruisin’ Baby-in-Sight Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Front-Facing Seats:

Diono Rear View Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Cars Without Headrests:

Munchkin Brica DualSight Baby Car Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

FunBliss Baby Car Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

360-degree angle range
Criss-cross straps
Shatterproof

Cons

Cannot be installed to fixed headrests

The Cozy Greens Shatterproof Baby Car Mirror has just about every safety feature to look for in a baby car mirror, which is why it’s our top pick. It has a simple but secure installation method with crisscrossing adjustable straps, a rounded (read: no sharp corners) frame, and a shatter-resistant, crash-tested mirror. The ball joint the mirror is affixed to allows for easy angling, too. One of the primary concerns with any baby car mirror is that a poorly or loosely installed mirror can become a projectile in a crash, and Cozy Greens’ adjustable strap system offers a tight, secure fit for any car with a moveable headrest to reduce that risk.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Size: 11.5 x 7.5 inches | Installation method: Dual adjustable straps on adjustable headrest | Battery: None}

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Can be adjusted 360 degrees
Wide field of vision
Secure installation

Cons

Cannot be installed to fixed headrests

The Shynerk Baby Car Mirror is an excellent option for rear-facing car seats. We like that its wide mirror allows drivers to see more of the back seat. It swivels and turns with ease, so you can angle it exactly toward what you want to see, and the straps can be securely tightened with minimal effort.

The Shynerk Baby Car Mirror is similar in style to the Cozy Greens (our favorite on this list), but with a slightly narrower size, coming it at 11 inches wide by 3.5 inches high, as opposed to Cozy Greens’ larger scope, 11 inches by 7.5 inches high.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Size: 11.4 x 3.5 inches | Installation: Dual criss-crossing straps on adjustable headrest | Battery: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Criss-cross strap installation
Remote-controlled glare-free night light
Crash-tested, shatter-resistant mirror

Cons

Requires batteries

If you’re driving at night, a car seat mirror won’t do much good in the dark. The Munchkin Brica Night Light Pivot Mirror offers most of the same features as the best overall mirror, with the added benefit of a night light. Plus, that light comes with a remote control, so someone else in the car can operate the lights if necessary. (Obviously, don’t attempt to use the remote control while driving.) Four different settings allow you to turn the light on for 30 seconds to check on your baby, leave the light on continuously, or use the color options to entertain your little one.

The mirror is constructed from shatter-resistant materials and glare-free LED lights to minimize driving distraction. Installation is also quite simple thanks to criss-crossing straps that can be secured to a headrest. The remote requires a lithium button cell battery (included), and the mirror needs four AAA batteries.

Price at time of publication: $37

^{Key Specs:
Size: 11.25 x 8 inches | Installation: Dual criss-crossing straps on adjustable headrest | Battery: 1 lithium button cell battery (included) and four AAA batteries (not included).}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Dashboard-mounted monitor
Night vision
For front or rear-facing car seats

Cons

Long cord necessary
Monitor can be difficult to attach

Why use a mirror to see your baby when you can use what is essentially a mobile video monitor? The Itomoro Baby Car Mirror with camera is not a mirror at all; it’s a small video camera that attaches to a rear headrest and connects to a dashboard-mounted display monitor.

To minimize driver distraction by eliminating the need to turn around or use your mirrors, it offers a clear view of your baby’s face right in front of you. This does come with the inconvenience of a long cord connecting the camera to the dashboard. If you don’t have a dashboard on which this camera can sit, consider this model from the same company, which comes with other attachment options.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Size: Dashboard monitor 4.45 x 3.45 inches; camera dimensions unavailable | Installation: Camera attached to adjustable headrest via dual straps | Battery: None, plugs into car lighter/charger}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target

Pros

Remote-control music and light features
Auto shut-off
Can be installed on fixed and adjustable headrests

Cons

Could be distracting for driver
No dual-strap installation

If a car ride alone doesn’t lull your baby to sleep, perhaps the soothing light display and soft music provided by the Baby-in-Sight Mirror will do the trick. Yes, this is a mirror, but it combines form and function to make it a fun toy, too, with dancing lights that twinkle to the music and a collection of eight songs ranging from soothing to upbeat. All of these features can be controlled by the driver or another passenger using a remote control, and the mirror has an auto shut-off function to conserve battery life.

An added bonus to the colorful design of this mirror is that its outer fabric frame is soft, which means it’s safer in the event of an accident, and the mirror itself has been crash-tested.

Price at time of publication: $43

^{Key Specs:
Size: 12.5 x 13.9 inches | Installation: Single adjustable strap attaches to headrest | Battery: 3 AA batteries included}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Easy installation
Small footprint
Provides view of entire back seat

Cons

Not for rear-facing car seats

Suppose you’ve transitioned to a forward-facing, convertible car seat but you still want to maintain some sense of control over what’s happening in the back seat. The Diono See Me Too Rear View Mirror is a great solution for keeping an eye on your kids without relying on your rearview mirror.

This small, clamp-on mirror attaches to your rearview and can pivot to provide a wide view of almost the entire back seat, despite its small size. And since it can be adjusted to give you a perfect angle of your kids, you don’t need to tweak your rearview mirror or rely on other methods that might otherwise distract you from the road.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Size: 4.9 x 6.3 inches | Installation: Clamps on to rearview mirror | Battery: None}

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

For use with rear and forward-facing seats
Portable, for use in multiple cars

Cons

Smaller field of vision than other mirrors
Suction cup and clip-on installation methods are not as secure as straps

One big issue that has come up when researching and analyzing every mirror we’ve looked at is how and where they mount inside the car. While most mirrors are made to work with adjustable headrests, many car and SUV models that employ bench seating or car seats installed in middle seats are not equipped with headrests, which means you need to find a mirror that attaches another way.

The Munchkin Brica DualSight Baby Car Mirror is one such option, with its pivoting mirror that can be angled in any direction, and the choice of a clip or a suction mount for installation on a window, windshield, or another smooth surface. It can attach to a rearview mirror or visor for forward-facing seats as well. The main caveat here is that suction and clips provide a less secure mounting option, which is an issue in the event of an accident.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Size: 2.36 x 5.31 x 3.54 inches | Installation: Double push-lock suction cup or visor clip | Battery: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Secure dual-strap installation
Made of shatter-proof materials

Cons

Angle cannot be adjusted

The FunBliss Baby Car Mirror, which happens to be the least expensive mirror on our list, is also great at staying put if you have a child who likes to kick and get their hands on things.

The FunBliss employs all of our key safety features, including a shatter-resistant mirror and frame, and dual adjustable headrest straps, but unlike many of the other options, it actually doesn’t swivel. For some families with kids who like to play with their back-seat mirrors, that’s actually a good thing. Once installed, this mirror won’t budge if your child manages to get a hand (or foot) on it; you can rest assured knowing this mirror won’t move around.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Size: 9.88 x 7.28 inches | Installation: Dual criss-crossing straps on adjustable headrest | Battery: None}

Final Verdict

All of the mirrors (and cameras) we looked at ultimately do the same thing, but how they are installed and the additional features are what set them apart. The Cozy Greens Shatterproof Baby Car Mirror gave us everything we wanted in a baby car mirror, from easy, safe installation to a pivoting, adjustable mirror face that offered a clear sight line to the rear-facing car seat, making it our top pick. Both the Shynerk Baby Car Mirror and the Munchkin Brica Night Light Pivot Mirror offered similar safety features and materials, and have undergone crash-testing as well, placing them at the top of our list. While it’s tempting to choose a baby car mirror based on price or aesthetic, these mirrors all offer conveniences and safety features that make them great choices.

How We Selected the Best Baby Car Mirrors

With safety being our number one priority, we spoke to both a pediatrician and an injury prevention coordinator to find out the pros and cons of using a baby car mirror. The experts we spoke to were:

Preeti Parikh, MD, executive medical director at GoodRx
Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST, injury prevention coordinator of the Trauma Program at Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware

Baby car mirrors are not federally regulated, and as a result, while they may provide reassurance to nervous parents, they are essentially a product you use at your own risk. With that in mind, we scoured dozens of brands to seek out products that offered the most secure installation and were constructed of durable, crash-tested materials whenever possible.

From there, we narrowed down a few different categories that these products fall into, including a camera option, and considered additional features, such as lights, music, and remote controls. We also thought about where exactly these would be installed in your car and made sure to note the type of headrest needed.

What to Look for in a Baby Car Mirror

Secure Attachment Method

“Anything heavy or loose in a car can become projectile during a crash,” Preeti Parikh, MD, executive medical director at GoodRx, tells Verywell Family. This is why it is essential that a baby car mirror come with secure straps that are assembled properly. Dr. Parikh adds, “Car seat accessories don't go under the same federal regulations as car seats. These products are not federally regulated, so safety of the products is a big concern.” Look for dual straps that criss-cross and can be tightened both vertically and horizontally over each other to minimize the risk of sliding or becoming projectile.

Installation Options

Be aware of how and where you plan to install your mirror. Many of them are made specifically for headrests that are adjustable, not fixed. If you plan to install your mirror near a seat with a fixed headrest, be aware that you may not be able to achieve proper—and therefore safe—installation.

Size

Bigger is not always better. While we love certain mirrors for offering a broader view and wider angle to see our kids, a bigger mirror might also make it more accessible to your child. This is also something to consider when opting for a rotating or swiveling mirror, which can be adjusted if tiny hands and feet can reach them, unlike fixed mirrors that strap tightly to a headrest.

Durable, Baby-Safe Materials

Finally, look for shatter-proof materials for the mirror as well as the frame. The frame should also have soft, rounded corners. While many basic frames are made of plastic, the softer the frame material the safer it will be if it becomes airborne, so consider rubber or fabric frames when you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it safer for young children to sit in rear-facing car seats?

“For years, the recommendation was to keep children rear-facing until at least age 2 or they have reached the upper height or weight limit of the car seat. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their recommendations by removing the age limit,” Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST, injury prevention coordinator of the Trauma Program at Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware, tells us. “The current recommendation is to keep children rear-facing as long as possible until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. A properly installed rear-facing car seat is designed to move to help absorb and distribute the crash forces along the back of the car seat while keeping the head, neck, and spinal cord in a straight line. This is important in protecting the child from serious head and neck injuries. Children are much safer staying rear-facing until they reach the car seat’s height or weight limit.”
Do you need a baby car mirror?

The answer here is actually “No.” The experts we spoke to do not recommend the use of such mirrors for two reasons: one, they can become projectile in a crash if they are not securely installed, and two, they can create a distraction for the driver. McCue adds, “It is very tempting to take a quick peek at the mirror. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds is enough time to be involved in a crash. It is no different than checking a text message.” Having said that, we also acknowledge that there is peace of mind these mirrors afford to many parents who would otherwise feel too anxious to travel without them.
Do back seat baby mirrors work with rear-facing child seats?

Back seat baby mirrors do work with rear-facing child seats, to the extent that they do provide drivers the opportunity to see their child’s faces when the mirrors are installed at an angle that allows it. While many mirrors that are on the market must be installed at a fixed position, many more can be adjusted and can pivot so that you can achieve the desired view. And with the availability of back seat car cameras that are similar to video baby monitors, a back seat-installed camera that’s fed to a dashboard-mounted monitor provides a real-time view of your baby without having to rely on mirrors at all. Each option has its benefits as well as its drawbacks, but all of them do offer one thing that many parents find necessary: peace of mind.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Liz Kocan is a writer and product tester, and the parent of two boys, ages 9 and 4, whom she has chauffeured for years now. Years of experience dealing with poorly designed baby car mirrors have sent her on a mission to find only the best ones out there.