If you own a BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat, you already know how convenient it is for travel. But when you’re not using it—whether between road trips, during the off-season, or simply when your child outgrows it temporarily—proper storage is key to maintaining its safety and performance. A poorly stored booster seat can develop leaks, fabric wear, or even mold if moisture gets trapped. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing your BubbleBum booster seat, including cleaning, deflating, and organizing it so it’s ready for the next adventure.
Whether you own the classic inflatable model or the newer BubbleBum Teleport Backless Booster Car Seat, the storage principles are similar. But there are a few model-specific tips that can make a big difference. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that will keep your booster seat looking and functioning like new.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Your Booster Seat
Your BubbleBum booster seat is designed to be portable and lightweight, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Improper storage—like leaving it in a hot car, stuffing it in a tight space without deflating, or storing it while damp—can shorten its lifespan. The inflatable material is durable, but it can develop micro-tears if folded the same way repeatedly or if exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods. By storing it correctly, you protect the integrity of the air bladder and the fabric, ensuring it remains safe for your child.
Another reason to store it properly is hygiene. Kids spill snacks, drop crumbs, and leave sticky fingerprints. If you store a dirty booster seat, those residues can attract pests or cause unpleasant odors. A quick clean before storage goes a long way. Plus, if you ever plan to resell or pass the seat to a younger sibling, a well-maintained seat holds its value better.
- Always deflate the seat completely before long-term storage to reduce stress on seams.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
- Never store the seat while it’s still damp—moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
Step 1: Clean Your BubbleBum Booster Seat Before Storing
Before you tuck your booster seat away, give it a thorough cleaning. Start by wiping down the fabric with a mild soap and water solution—avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can degrade the material. For the BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat, you can spot-clean the cover with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely. Pay extra attention to the areas where your child’s hands and feet touch, as well as the seat surface itself. If you have the BubbleBum Teleport Backless Booster Car Seat, the telescopic mechanism and hard plastic parts can be wiped with a disinfectant wipe, but avoid getting liquid into the air release valve.
For deeper cleaning, some covers are removable. Check your model’s instructions—if the cover is detachable, you can hand-wash it in cold water and hang it to dry. Never machine wash or tumble dry the inflatable portion. Once everything is clean and dry, move on to deflating.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the plastic components.
- Let the seat air dry for at least 2-3 hours after cleaning.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets—they can clog the air valve.
Step 2: Deflate and Fold the Seat Correctly
Deflating your BubbleBum booster seat is simple. Open the air valve and press down gently to release the air. For the inflatable model, you can roll the seat from the bottom to push out the remaining air, similar to rolling a sleeping bag. Once fully deflated, fold the seat loosely—don’t crease it sharply in the same spot every time. Rotating the fold pattern helps prevent permanent creases that could weaken the material. If you have the Teleport model, make sure the telescopic arms are fully retracted before folding.
The goal is to store the seat in its carry bag or a breathable storage container. The original carry bag is ideal because it’s designed to fit the deflated shape. If you’ve misplaced the bag, you can use a cotton pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag—avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture. For families with multiple seats, consider labeling the bags so you know which color or model is inside.
- Roll the seat rather than folding it to reduce stress on the seams.
- Store the seat in a cool, dry closet or under a bed—avoid attics or garages that get very hot.
- If you have the BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat- Black Twin Pack, store both seats in separate bags to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Protect the Carry Bag and Accessories
The carry bag that comes with your BubbleBum booster seat is more than just a storage pouch—it protects the seat from dust, scratches, and light impacts. Over time, the bag itself can get dirty or worn. To keep it in good shape, wipe it down occasionally with a damp cloth and let it dry before storing the seat inside. If you have the Replacement Carry Bag For Bubblebum Inflatable Booster Car Seat, you can swap out a worn bag for a fresh one to extend the life of your seat.
Replacement Carry Bag For Bubblebum Inflatable Booster Car Seat
Don’t forget about any accessories you might have, like the Replacement Impact Shield For BubbleBum Teleport. Store these separately in a small zippered pouch or inside the carry bag pocket if it has one. Keeping everything together ensures you won’t lose small parts when you need them next. For the Teleport model, the impact shield is a critical safety component, so treat it with care.
- Check the bag’s zipper periodically—lubricate with a little beeswax if it sticks.
- Store the carry bag in a drawer or shelf where it won’t get crushed.
- Keep the instruction manual or a digital copy handy in case you need to reinstall later.
Step 4: Long-Term Storage Considerations
If you plan to store your booster seat for several months—for example, between seasons or if your child is using a different seat—take a few extra precautions. First, make sure the seat is completely dry before sealing it in the bag. Second, store it in a climate-controlled area. Extreme heat can cause the inflatable material to expand and weaken, while freezing temperatures can make it brittle. A bedroom closet or a temperature-controlled basement is ideal.
Every few months, take the seat out and inflate it briefly to check for leaks and to redistribute the material. This simple check can catch small punctures early before they become bigger problems. Also, inspect the straps and buckles for any signs of wear. If you notice any damage, consider replacing the seat or ordering a repair part. For the Teleport model, the telescopic mechanism should move smoothly—if it’s stiff, a little silicone spray can help.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the stored seat.
- If storing in a humid climate, add a silica gel packet to the bag to absorb moisture.
- Keep the seat away from pets—curious claws can puncture the fabric.
Storing your BubbleBum booster seat properly doesn’t take much time, but it pays off in safety and longevity. By cleaning, deflating, and protecting your seat and its accessories, you ensure it’s ready for your next road trip or family holiday. Whether you use the inflatable model or the Teleport, these simple steps will keep your booster seat in great shape for years. Ready to see the full range? Check out the BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat- Travel Car Seat- Black to find the perfect travel companion for your family.
BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat- Travel Car Seat- Black
