When it comes to safely transporting children, most parents immediately think of a child car seat—and rightfully so. A properly selected and securely installed car seat plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Today’s models are rigorously crash-tested, tailored to children’s age and size, and designed to provide the highest level of protection on the road.

However, a car seat alone may not always be enough. As driving with your child becomes part of daily life, many parents naturally want to make the car interior more comfortable and child-friendly. You might start considering extras like a sunshade, a soft neck support, a baby mirror, or a toy organizer to make rides more pleasant and manageable.

But this raises an important question: are all these add-ons actually safe? Could something that looks helpful or harmless turn out to be a hidden risk?

Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that even seemingly innocent accessories—like a decorative cushion—can pose a serious danger in unexpected situations. In the case of sudden braking or a collision, such objects can quickly become hazardous, potentially causing harm instead of offering comfort.

In this article, we’ll explore which car accessories experts consider safe, what features to look for when choosing them, and which popular items, though designed for children, should never be used inside a vehicle.

Car Seats and Road Safety

For children from birth to 12 years old, true safety in the car starts with a certified, crash-tested seat that’s matched to their age and height. These baby car seats are engineered to protect your child during sudden maneuvers, collisions, or other unpredictable incidents, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

As daily car rides become routine, many families look for ways to make the vehicle interior more functional for both child and parent. This often leads to the use of various accessories aimed at convenience, comfort, or improved visibility.

Approved Accessories

Baby Rear-View Mirror

If your child’s car seat is rear-facing, it can be challenging to keep an eye on them while driving. A child observation mirror, mounted to the backseat headrest, solves this problem—allowing the driver to check on their baby without turning around. When selecting a mirror, make sure that:

• It is made from shatterproof, impact-resistant materials;
• It complies with safety standards and is certified accordingly;
• It is firmly and securely attached in place.

A properly installed monitoring mirror allows you to monitor your child throughout the journey, making every trip—no matter how short or long—safer and more reassuring.

Sunlight Protector

Bright sunlight, especially during summer, can lead to overheating, irritation, and discomfort for children. A quality sunshade helps block direct sunlight and creates a cooler, shaded space inside the car. When choosing a sunshade, consider the following:

• It must not contain sharp or rigid parts;
• It should attach securely to the window and stay in place;
• It shouldn’t be easy for a child to remove.

The ideal sunshade is made from high-grade, BPA-free material, allowing airflow and ventilation while shielding your child from the heat. This helps prevent the car from overheating and maintains a pleasant, safe atmosphere inside. For added peace of mind, look for models that meet CE (European Conformity) safety standards.

Vehicle seat cover

To protect your car’s upholstery from muddy shoes, spilled snacks, or drink leaks, a seat protector mat is a practical solution. Placed beneath the car seat, it safeguards the interior while also keeping things cleaner and more manageable.

• Suitable for use under both car seat bases and regular seat areas;
• Shields your car’s fabric and surfaces from scratches and stains;
• Should be lightweight, durable, and child-safe.

This type of protective mat makes cleanup much easier and helps maintain the appearance of your vehicle. It also extends the life of the child car seat by preventing grime buildup and moisture damage.

Prohibited or Risky Accessories

Fragile or Heavy Objects

Avoid keeping loose items in the car that could become projectiles in an accident. These objects may shift suddenly and pose a real threat to your child or other passengers. Examples include:

• Glass bottles;
• Heavy toys;
• Hard decorative items.

Aftermarket Cushions and Head Supports

Car seats are crash-tested only in the configurations provided by the manufacturer. Adding third-party headrests, cushions, or inserts—even if they seem small—can interfere with the seat’s original safety performance.

These additional items are not part of the certified safety testing and are not designed to function within the seat’s protective system. As a result, they can become dangerous in real-world collisions.

At Labebe, we offer only certified accessories that fully comply with European safety standards and are genuinely safe for your child. Our curated selection includes mirrors, sunshades, and seat protectors from Britax Römer, a trusted German brand known for its commitment to child safety.

If you're unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly or whether the accessories you’re using are safe, the teams at Labebe Boutique and Your Car Seat are here to help. We’ll guide you in choosing the safest and most comfortable solutions for your family—so every trip is one you can feel good about.