car travel vest

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Introducing the ridesafer® travel vest, the safe car seat solution for travel with kids, city parents using taxis, easier carpooling, special needs safety, fitting 3 across and everyday safe driving with kids.

Hi. My name is Greg — Dad, Husband, Former Firefighter/Paramedic, Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor & CEO of Safe Ride 4 Kids

In the United States an annual average of 640 children ages 12 years and younger die as occupants in motor vehicle crashes and more than 137,000 are injured. Fortunately, many of those deaths and injuries are preventable… and it starts with  buckling up . Of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a crash in 2013, 38% were not buckled up.

Standard car seats and boosters are great, but have you ever questioned if you’re  using them correctly ? Wished they weren’t so heavy or bulky? Or longed for the day your child could actually feel comfortable without compromising his safety?

Traveling with three kids can be a bit challenging especially with all three children using child restraints. I can't tell you how convenient it was to use RideSafer over the holidays. I had such peace of mind knowing that Estela, 7, and Marcelo, 3, were safe while traveling to and from airports, hotels or around town while we were out of the country. I even had them strap them onto their backpacks for easy transport! I not only love our RideSafers for traveling but it is amazing for carpooling. There are so many times I have found myself having to give a ride to another child or even when Estela is picked up from school by someone else or for field trips. This is such a great product and it definitely makes my life easier as a mom and THAT is PRICELESS!!!!!

~ Ali Landry, actress, model and CPS technician

IS LUGGING A BULKY CAR SEAT THROUGH THE AIRPORT WEIGHING YOU DOWN?

With the RideSafer® Travel Vest,  catching your flight just got a whole lot easier !

We’ve all seen parents who were, or perhaps you have been the parent, buried with car seats and gear going through the airport. With RideSafer you won’t need to haul that heavy car seat through airport security or while you’re rushing through the terminal to make it to your gate on time.

Lightweight and compact, the RideSafer® Travel Vest easily stows away in your luggage or even on your child’s backpack. It is simple to pull out and use SAFELY once you arrive at your destination!

Fewer headaches, safer kids, more smiles! That’s a relief when traveling with kids !

Can I use the RideSafer on the airplane?

At this time the vests are not FAA approved for use on airplanes. The XS (22-40 pound) size vest may be FAA approved soon. At which time an Aircraft Attachment Strap accessory will be released to go through the guide on the vest and wrap the airline seat to provide upper body support.

If you decide to let your children sit in the airline seat without a car seat, the RideSafer is wonderful for keeping in your carry-on and having available as soon as you reach your destination. Since our kids were 4 and 5 and started using the RideSafer, they attached it to their backpack and stuffed it under the airline seat.

Can I use the RideSafer Internationally?

RideSafer vests are legal to use in all countries that recognize US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They also hold compliance certification under China Compulsory Certification , Korean KCL and are permitted in Canada as CMVSS 213.3 custom restraints.

Restraints certified in the U.S. are usually not certified in other countries and visa versa as there are slightly different standards every where. Typically when traveling parents are allowed to bring in their usual child restraint. In our combined 25+ years as car seat technicians, we have not heard of anyone being ticketed for using a car seat from a different country while they were traveling.

View more FAQs

It really works! My son (5) was wearing his vest in an Uber which was rear-ended while we were stopped at a traffic light. The driver had whiplash and a bruise from his seat belt, but my son was absolutely fine. We had used the vest in taxis for 2 years without incident, and it was a huge relief to see that it worked so well.

~ Leonora G.

In the City? Riding in a Taxi or Ride Share?

Whether the city is your travel destination or you live there, getting from place to place by taxi or ride share cars may be your mode of transportation. You, of course, want to keep your child properly secured because taxis get into crashes too and you don’t want to take your chances without a car seat. But you can’t be carrying a car seat around town. With RideSafer you get a win-win!

You know taxi drivers don’t like to wait for you to install a car seat. RideSafer allows you to put the vest on while your hailing the cab and just buckle up once you get in.

What if I'm traveling by taxi?

In many — but not all — states taxis are legally exempt from car seat requirements. Even if car seats are not legally required, taxis are known to get in to crashes also. In a crash, the laws of physics still apply. It is best practice to use a child restraint while riding in a taxi.

As for ride share vehicles like Uber or Lyft, it depends on how your state consider ride shares. Check out our article about Ride Sharing with Kids to see what the map says about your state. Some cities now have the option of requesting a car with a car seat. But these cars and what types of car seats they offer are limited so it’s recommended to bring your own.

What if my child is younger than age 2?

Unfortunately, in some places it is not uncommon for moms to strap themselves and their young children into the same seat belt when riding in taxis. We are sure the logic is something like, “they are safer in the seat belt with me than being without a seat belt at all and the seat belt doesn’t even come close to fitting them right when they use it by them self.”

• In most places around the world, taxis and car services are exempt from any child seat laws that may be in place for the private person.
• In a car crash the formula we use to estimate how much force is required to restrain the occupant is Speed X Weight = Restraining Force.
• If you, as the mother, weigh just 125lbs (55kg) and are in a 10mph (16 kph) crash (which is not very fast at all) it would require 1940lbs (880kg) of force to restrain you.
• That force is applied to you by the seat belt since the seat belt is what is holding you in place.
• If there is a child between you and the seat belt then all of that force will be exerted on the child by your body. Not a good outcome for the child.
• For an infant, use an infant carrier car seat that goes into a stroller (you are likely using anyway) and install the carrier in the taxi rear facing without the base.  Never  wear your infant with the seatbelt around both of you!
• Putting the child in their own seat belt in the taxi next to you. At least they will have something but the lap part of the seat belt may cause abdominal injuries if is is a severe enough crash for them to slide under and out the bottom of the seat belt. Make sure to keep the shoulder belt in front of them, crossing their body as best you can make it fit. Sometimes sliding them all the way over toward were the buckle is helps with this.
• The  safest alternative to using a conventional seat  would be using the RideSafer with the tether. We almost always recommend the RideSafer with a tether when we are talking about children at the low end of the age/size range especially of they are not even to reaching the lower limits set by the manufacturer. The reason for this is that you have the protection of the 3 points provided by the seat belt and two additional points of contact and restraint, one at each shoulder which also offer additional upper body restraint and support to keep the child in proper position. We understand that if you will be traveling exclusively by taxi it may not be practical to use the tethering option provide with the RideSafer but we do like parents to have the option.

These car vests were great when my grandchildren came to visit me. I have a small car so it's a tight fit to have car seats or booster seats. My grandkids were able to put them on and get themselves all buckled up. It made it easy on me — I didn't have to squeeze into the backseat of my two-door car.

~ Andrea D. aka Nana

I use it when we travel mostly. And then it is a lifesaver during the school year as I carpool with 2 neighbors. It is such a great invention. I bought a vest for my younger daughter and a Bubble Bum for the older for a road trip. I'm planning on getting my older daughter a vest also. The Bubble Bum isn't comfortable for long rides. As far as cabs go, they are so easy. I just use the shoulder strap. I've never been comfortable ``Brittanying`` the kids in a cab and the vest is so easy to carry around if you have a large purse or backpack. It really is a godsend when in an urban setting. Even my parents can use it! lol!

~ Kristin K, mother

Tight spaces, lots of driving, multiple kids, oh my!

Gone are the days of needing multiple car seats for multiple cars. With the RideSafer® Travel Vest, you just need one vest per child!

Carpooling? Dropping off for school or a play date? Enjoying a date night while your child stays with the grandparents? Leave the RideSafer® Travel Vest with your child, and you won’t need to worry about who drops off or picks up — or if there are any rides in between.

Remember that statistic about how many car seats are used incorrectly?  A whopping 75%!  And every time you move the car seat from one car to another an opportunity arises for an incorrect installation.

With the RideSafer® Travel Vest, you can easily, comfortably and SAFELY fit up to three children in one row in your vehicle — even if one or two are in traditional car seats!

This means more elbow room, and maybe fewer squabbles! (A parent can dream, right?)

And BONUS! It saves you the hassle (and the cost) of upgrading to a larger vehicle!

Our son hates his car seat...always has. He has spent the last 6 years screaming every time we went anywhere, no matter how far away. He has cerebral palsy and needs a little help for his trunk support. This vest is fabulous. He loves riding in the car now. It was a night and day difference immediately. His comfort level is perfect now. I also feel that he is a lot safer since the vest holds him securely, better than the straps/buckles on the car seats.

~ Esther Lockerby, mother

Children with Special Needs need adequate safety and special considerations

 Parents of children with special needs may be challenged to find the right child restraint based on various physical or behavioral challenges each child experiences.

Many children with special needs exhibit disruptive behaviors, such as unbuckling themselves, as part of their disability. Proper restraint is important because these children often don’t understand the danger of roaming around the vehicle.

Children with special needs also have physical challenges which need to be worked around, such as sensory issues. Many parents say the RideSafer vest, made of soft fabric and padding, is like a hug or the weighted vest some of these children use.

Other children may have poor motor control and need the restraint to help them sit in proper position and stay in place. The RideSafer comes with a tether to help these children stay in position.

WILL THE RIDESAFER WORK FOR A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

The best answer for this is, “it depends.” As CPS techs we would find out more about your situation and recommend the best solution for keeping your child safe which may or may not include the RideSafer vest.

Many parents of children with special needs have found the RideSafer to be the perfect solution for their family. As you know there are many different types of needs and ranges within each one. We offer a 15-day free return policy if you want to try out a vest with your child and see if it will work for your needs.

WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD OVER 110 LBS?

The large-size vest is certified to 80lbs. and the XL-size vest is certified to 110lbs. but that certification is based on the tether and lap-only belt configuration.

If someone is using the RideSafer and the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt the RideSafer will continue to do what it is designed to do and properly pre-crash position the seat belt. Even though they would technically be outside manufacturer specs once they understand the design limits they have a parental choice to make.

Sometimes another product is the best solution. If your child has outgrown the XL, we would recommend the Merritt Manufacturing Churchill restraint .

A Vest?! Really?! How can a vest protect my child in a crash?

Your safety worries will melt away when your child is in the RideSafer!

• RideSafer® positions a vehicle’s seat belt on your child so it moves with him, maintaining proper belt positioning throughout the ride. Plus, it repositions the lap belt below his abdomen, protecting those precious internal organs.
• The vest safely holds the shoulder belt in place, and away from the neck, improving upper body restraint and ensuring your child feels comfortable and secured . This also removes his desire to tuck the belt behind his back or under his arm, an unsafe practice that often happens with a backless booster.
• By keeping your child’s center of gravity low in the vehicle seat, RideSafer® changes crash dynamics, and reduces head and knee injuries. Plus, its innovative energy-absorbing foam means, in the event of a crash, energy will spread across your child’s whole chest as opposed to the two-inch area of a seat belt.
• This revolutionary product has been crash tested  as a harness and meets or EXCEEDS all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213) crash test requirements.

Let the RideSafer® Travel Vest give you peace of mind with its impressive crash performance for only…

$169-229 depending on size

The Manufacturer is So Proud Of the CRASH TEST Results, We Are Able to Post Them for You to See. Take A Look For Yourself:

The federal government sets performance criteria for how much crash energy is experienced by a child during crash. They do this by requiring the manufactures to crash test their own products and measure the results.

Not many — if there are any others — car seat manufacturers share crash test information. You can see this graphic RideSafer exceeds federal standards, in some cases by close to half.

Mind you when we say “exceeds” federal standards it means the numbers are well below what is allowed by NHTSA. It seems a little backwards. For instance, NHTSA standards allow a child’s head to move 32” forward during a crash. With the RideSafer, the head moves about 16” so nearly half of what is allowed. Less in this case is great! Any more than 32″ and the child restraint wouldn’t pass standards and wouldn’t be certified.)

Crash Test Videos

For comparison, here is a booster seat crash test

Side view of the RideSafer crash test

Top view of the RideSafer crash test

RideSafer Travel Vest 4.89 stars, based on 550 reviews 169.00 149.00

Ride Safer Travel Vest review (2024)

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This review of the Ride Safer travel vest is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

We’re all about experiences over things, but sometimes things come along that makes the experiences a thousand times more enjoyable. That’s my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat – for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as we’ve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, you’ll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom.

We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the current Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 . Within the current generation we own three of the four sizes and in this review I’ll share photos on a variety of kids. We’ve spent many years with our vests, so I’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with them!

You may have seen parents in Facebook groups refer to it by a range of almost-correct names: safe rider vest, rider safe vest, ride safe vest, rider safe travel vest, rider safety vest… I’ve seen pretty much every combination but the only correct one is Ride Safer Travel Vest.

Keep reading (and watching!) to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if it’s right for your family. I’ll also share some information about the companion TravelSmarter booster seat.

DEAL ALERT! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon ‘ VOYAGE ‘

Here’s a quick video review of the Ride Safer travel vest:

What is the Ride Safer travel vest?

The Ride Safer travel vest is a wearable booster seat alternative for young children up through tweens. It works by bringing the seatbelt down to your child’s level rather than boosting her up.

Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. Once you get in the car, you’d buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support.

It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. You’ll have to use your judgement regarding your young child’s maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride.

There’s also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. It also help to keep younger riders from reaching for a toy or slumping when asleep in this kids seat belt vest. Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that it’s an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat).

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

Who should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes:

Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

As I mentioned in the introduction, we’re fortunate to have used two generations and several sizes of Ride Safer travel vest over the course of many years and many rides.

2023 update! In previous versions of this review I expressed frustration that the Gen 5 vest ran much larger than Gen 4 and didn’t fit kids as the size chart indicated. I’m thrilled to say that the manufacturer, Safe Traffic Systems, responded to sizing feedback and quietly change the design! The changes are significant enough that I wish they’d given it a new name or generation number. This is especially worth noting if you owned a previous vest or have been considering one for a while.

In the photo below, the original Gen 5 is on the left and the new Gen 5 vest is on the right. As you can see, the new version has a much wider range of length adjustability! The diamond-shaped panel can slide up and down along the harness and the velcro tab that determines the vest’s length can be affixed either to the diamond or basically anywhere along the back strap. On the old version we only had about 2″ of Velcro to work with, which translated to very little length difference.

Here’s a comparison of the XS vest at its largest setting along with the new Gen 5 and old Gen 5 smalls at their smallest settings – don’t worry, you’ll see them on real kids in a minute! The XS Ride Safer Travel Vest has some additional considerations so look for that in the next section. In the middle you can see that I’ve also crossed the buckle over to the far side of the vest, which is now permitted to get a better fit on slim kids.

Here’s the updated Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest size small fit. My cute nephew is 5 years old and around 43″ with an average build, while my sweet niece is 7.5 years old, around 46″ and slim. With the improved adjustability, an average sized 4 year old should be able to use the size small. I tried the small on my 9 year old – around 48″ and 60lbs – but it was too small on her.

Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead.

Many parents ask if they should buy the small or large Ride Safer Travel Vest for their child (there is no medium vest). Here are updated pictures of my own kiddos using the size large vest. At 48″/60lbs (left) and 53″/75lbs (right), the large fits great! My son still has plenty of growing room as well.

Ride Safer Travel Vest X-Small review

In this section, I’m going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was released in 2022. It’s a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that aren’t as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. Remember, it’s still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat .

If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section.

Ride Safer Travel Vest small vs x-small comparison

First, let’s look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences:

The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! First, the XS is obviously smaller. This photo shows the XS on its largest setting and the small on its smallest setting, and there’s still a pretty big difference. There’s just isn’t a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small.

Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If you’ve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so don’t be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. But that metal buckle on the chest? Genius.

It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders. I’d love to see this change on the Ride Safer Gen 6 vests! Not only does that “chest clip” give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Could a determined child unfasten it? Surely. But it’s an important first line of defense!

Finally, you’ll see that the shoulder belt guides on the x-small travel vest are exposed while they’re covered with fabric on the small. While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide.

Ride Safer Travel Vest XS fit to child

I’m excited to have a tiny new model to show off the XS vest! This little lady is just over 2 and on the short side. You can see that the XS fits her nicely. If she had been more compliant I would have used the crotch strap as well (more on that later).

On the topic of curious fingers, let’s meet our second adorable XS vest model: my 3.5yo nephew – these photos were taken a few years ago, and you’ll see above that he’s now comfortably modeling the size small. At 3 he was 37.5″ and 33.5lbs – exactly average for height and just a little above average for weight. In these photos he was probably around 39″ and 35lbs – nearing the top end of the size range for XS.

He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down.

Is the extra-small Ride Safer Travel Vest right for your child?

And therein lies rub… a child doesn’t need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy.

The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but that’s precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Some kids, like my daughter photographed above at the same age, are total rule followers and will just sit where you place them and how you place them. Others – perhaps the majority – at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents.

While my little niece looked like the perfect model above, before getting that picture she spent about 30 minutes sitting on the ground saying “I don’t like it!” when I showed her the vest. She wasn’t willing to put it on at all until after both of her older siblings had modeled for me. If you’re considering using the vest for a trip with a young or sensitive child, give yourself plenty of extra time to get them comfortable and situated.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. However, crash test dummies don’t move . In deciding whether or not your child is ready for the vest, you have to be honest about her behavior and developmental level.

There aren’t many situations where I’m inclined to steer parents to the XS vest versus a traditional travel car seat or the WAYB Pico , but here they are:

• You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesn’t work with a traditional car seat (like full-time travel )
• You’re taking a 2 year old on a car-free vacation that only requires a taxi / Uber from the airport and an adult or teen will be sitting next to the toddler in the car

While the crotch strap is optional for all ages, I strongly recommend its use with the XS vest. Kids this age are prone to wiggling and the strap ensures that the lap belt stays nice and low on the thighs. Between that and the “chest clip” it’ll also remind kids that they’re in a car seat and shouldn’t be frolicking around the car.

When possible, I also recommend using the top tether. With that piece the Ride Safer Travel Vest passes the same testing that’s required of a forward-facing harness. Furthermore, you’re really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV.

Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. Many countries (like Mexico ) don’t have that “switchable” retractor as a standard unfortunately but it’s mandatory in the US and Canada.

XS Ride Safer Travel Vest in the car

So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? It was actually pretty good for my little nephew at 3.5 and average height!

You can see that I managed to pull the vest down pretty far so that the lap panel is flat on his thighs. I’ve used the top tether and the crotch strap to limit the wiggles. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting “criss-cross” would help the lap panel sit even flatter.

He’s right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because he’s 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. It’s also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesn’t have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. I’m confident that this little guy wouldn’t mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation.

This is in a different vehicle, but you can see that the fit on his sister at age 2 is… less good. In theory this works: the lap belt is flat on her thighs and the shoulder belt crosses near her collar bone. But because she’s very small and the seatbelt is mounted high in this car, it hits her right in the face! There’s a good chance that she would (understandably) move the seatbelt out of position after a few minutes because that can’t be comfortable.

Safe Traffic Systems offers the Travel Smarter backless booster seat that can be used with any size vest to improve the seatbelt fit. As you can see here, it does exactly that! There’s no chance of the lap belt riding up onto her “soft belly” and the shoulder belt is more appropriately positioned. She’s also able to benefit from the car’s advanced safety features like side curtain airbags since she’s higher up.

You can read my Travel Smarter booster seat review for more info. It’s incredibly light and comes with its own backpack that also fits the vest inside.

If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon ‘VOYAGE’.

How to put on the Ridesafer vest for kids

When you open the Ridesafer travel vest backpack, you’ll see a few different parts and you’ll need to make some adjustments. The great news is that you can fit it to your child before you need to use it in the car.

The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger.

Putting the vest on is pretty intuitive: open the buckle and the very sturdy Velcro panel in the front, then have your child slip his arms in. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that it’s snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary – there’s no way that vest is coming undone on its own! To get the length right, turn your child around and open the Velcro on the crossing straps on his back. Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back.

The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. While the crotch strap is technically optional, it’s important for preventing younger riders from “submarining” (sliding down and out of the vest).

We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. It’s not long enough to use all the way to the top of the size range, but it’s also not necessary at that point.

You can see a hands-on demo of putting on the Ride Safer vest below:

How to use the Ride Safer vest in the car

The Ride Safer travel vest is very easy to use once you get it on your child.

Here are the basic steps to use the Ridesafer vest:

• Put the vest on the child, making sure that the lower panel is over the tops of the thighs. It can help to “fan out” the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat.
• Have child sit in the car and fasten seatbelt as normal.
• Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. Don’t over-tighten the lap belt or it may start to bunch in the guide on the side away from the buckle.
• Open the Velcro shoulder pad on the side where the should belt crosses and feed the shoulder belt through that metal guide, then pull snug and close the shoulder pad.
• Attach the optional but highly recommended top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the car’s top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack .

If you’ll be using the Ride Safe travel vest in your own car or a rental car, you can leave it attached to the car when you get out! Just unbuckle the seatbelt and remove it from the lap belt guide on the buckle side before you unbuckle the waist strap. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! As you become more experienced with the vest, it’s a real time saver.

Ride Safer travel vest FAQs

Yes, as long as it’s used in accordance with the directions the Ride Safer travel vest is legal in the United States. Please see more information on Europe , Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if you’re traveling to those places.

Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States.

No. If your child is under 40lbs, the CARES harness ( full review here ) is an excellent complement that can be used on planes.

The RSTV is permitted in Canada as a medical device with prescription.

The Ride Safer Travel Vest has only been crash tested an approved with the Travel Smarter backless booster seat . Using it with any other booster seat (inflatable or otherwise) may be unsafe and in some cases illegal.

RideSafer Travel Vest Review Impressions

Bottom-line upfront: we liked it enough to take it with us for a full year of travel. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice.

Now for my full thoughts: The Ride Safer vest is an awesome product that really delivers on its promise to make traveling with preschoolers and older kids easier without compromising safety. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though he’s generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home.

When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. We also used it for some very long road trip stretches, and found it to be solid overall. There were times when our daughter slumped more than we would have liked when sleeping, and early in the trip the shoulder straps seemed a hair too long for her; however, a little gap at the shoulders isn’t necessarily a concern. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day.

Overall we’re very satisfied with our decision to bring the Ride Safer rather than our usual travel car seat. For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution .

It’s also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! We’ve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit.

If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico , which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. If you travel infrequently and will just be taking a single flight and then renting a car, one of these travel car seats might be a good fit for your needs.

The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that there’s a size Extra Large available. It can be a great choice for older children and even teens who have outgrown the tallest harnessed car seat and still need more support than a traditional booster seat can offer.

What we like:

-Feels very well made

-Design has multiple fail-safe mechanisms

-Extremely compact (takes up less than half of a preschool-sized backpack)

-Easy to use, takes less than 3min to put on the vest and get the seatbelt in place (assuming your kid is a willing participant)

-More torso support than a backless booster, avoids booster rider slumping when asleep

-Adjustable sizing so it can last for several years

-Wide range of sizes now available, from XS to XL

What we don’t love:

-Can take some practice and tweaking to get the fit of the car seat vest  just right

-Crotch strap is almost too short for many kids, though its use is not required

-Getting the vest on the kid and then the kid in the car can get to be tiresome if you’re doing it several times per day, every day, for a whole year

-Lots of parts to keep track of (for a city family using the vest in a taxi, you can leave the headrest at home and save tons of space)

-The optional headrest is more trouble than it’s worth

-Not permitted to use on an airplane, so for a child under 40lbs you’d need to buy a CARES harness to make the airplane seatbelt safe

-Kids can’t see out the window (can be used with the Travel Smarter booster seat to give them a lift)

-The 2023 version now has a 5 year expiration, while earlier versions had a 10 year expiration

Final Thoughts on the Ride Safer car seat vest

As you can see from my impressions above, there is room for small changes or additional features; however, our impression is overwhelmingly positive. I was especially pleased that, when used with the top tether, the car seat travel vest prevented slumping out of position while sleeping. If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Moving from two bulky car seats to none on our gap year was absolutely epic (we use this one for our son since he was 6 years old by then – full review here ). I honestly don’t know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest .

While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I can’t recommend it enough. It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides.

We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! Use coupon ‘VOYAGE’ to save $11 on your order.

Key stats: -Weight 2lbs -Size small: minimum age 3, fits best for 30+ lbs and 35-47″ -Size large: minimum age 4, fits best for 50+ lbs and 45-57″

Pros: ✔ Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle ✔ Perfect for taxi rides ✔ Lowers seat belt to provide an appropriate fit for young children ✔ Keeps kids properly seated better than a traditional booster seat – even when sleeping ✔ Easy to fit 3-across since it’s only as wide as the child ✔ 5 year expiration

Cons: ✘ No side impact protection like a highback booster seat ✘ Takes practice to get belt fit right ✘ NOT permitted for use on planes

Still not sure? Pin this for later to come back to it!

Not sure what car seat to bring for travel? Find the best travel car seats by age

Our friends at Safe Traffic Systems and Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. 

24 thoughts on “Ride Safer Travel Vest review (2024)”

Hello! What are your thoughts on this for a tall 7 year old who is complaining that cat seats are getting uncomfortable, but has ADHD and needs something to help him stay in his belt? He also falls asleep in the car and tips over so I am not anywhere close to a booster for him. Thanks.

The Ride Safer is a wonderful solution in that situation as long as he won’t unbuckle the seatbelt. Just be sure to use the top tether for extra support. I suggest size large given his age and height (the length and width are adjustable). Right now you can grab the vest for 20% off with coupon HOLIDAYTRIP20 .

Best, Melissa

You mention the RideSafer Delight when discussing the size of the vest as an option for smaller children. As I search for the Ride Safer Delight, I find options that say things like RideSafer Delight (Gen 5) and they look exactly like the Gen 5. Do you have any advice for finding the Delight or know what the distinguishing features are? I can’t find the Delight on the Ride Safer website.

Thanks for stopping by! The Ride Safer Delight was the official name for the Gen 4 vest – I don’t know why they moved away from the numbers for that one and then moved right back! Unfortunately the Delight is discontinued now and not available to purchase. Only the Gen 5 is available. Since most reviews on the internet still reflect the Delight, I wanted to make sure everyone understands the sizing difference. The easiest ways to tell the difference are: -Gen 5 has fabric covered loops on the tops of the shoulders rather than metal on the Delight -Gen 5 has a buckle that slides closed from the top rather than hooking across on the Delight

I hope this helps!

What are your thoughts, in terms of convenience and comfort, of using this INSTEAD of a booster?

My oldest (7) will outgrow his 5pt harness car seat soon and so I’ve started researching boosters etc when I stumbled on your review. I LOVE the idea of no more bulky boosters etc to deal with…just wondering if this is easy for kids to get in and out of on their own and if they’re more comfortable or as comfortable as boosters?

*not asking about safety differences! Just ease of use and comfort for every day use*

Thanks for stopping by! It’s an important question. While I love having the Ride Safer in my toolkit when I need it (travel, tight 3-across etc), it’s not something I’d choose for every day use if I could realistically use a different option. Getting a perfect fit can be tricky and requires fine-tuning.

I’m not sure if you know this, but there’s no evidence that a highback booster is safer than a backless booster. There are some crashes in which one is (theoretically) better and other crashes in which the other option may perform better. If your child is at least 50 pound (and can sit properly for the duration of the ride), the Graco RightGuide is the most minimalist option out there. I’m actually about to buy one myself to review, but I’ve heard excellent feedback from my colleagues. One downside is that shorter kids may not be able to see out the window in some cars. My son has also liked the Chicco GoFit , Graco Turbo GO and Bubblebum over the years.

Super helpful! Thank you so much for your reply.

Your review is so very helpful. I have a situation where on 2 days of the week I have 2 different nannies doing pick ups and drop offs making the car seat situation difficult. Would you recommend the safe rider travel vest for these 3 times per week 20 min rides? I have a 3.5 and 5 yr old (40 and 44 lbs respectively). I am just so worried about the lack of side impact protection, though I have read that many cars have high standards for side impact protect in the car itself. Would love to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks, Brandy

That’s a great question. The Ride Safer can be a little finicky to fit properly on the lap – it needs to be lower than most people think, with the lower flap sitting flat on the thighs. It would really depend on how confident you are in the nannies’ abilities to get the fit right and their attention to detail. When we had a nanny for our kids back in the day, I made sure to get the absolute simplest seats I possibly could for the kids to reduce the chance of installation or usage mistakes – remember, most parents don’t even get everything right with their car seats!

Can you tell me the kids’ heights? And do you feel like your 5yo is mature enough to ride in a booster seat on those trips? I’m happy to try to come up with some additional ideas if you don’t feel that the nannies could properly use the vest.

Safe travels, Melissa

Thank you for this great review! We are Americans living in the EU, car-free so we only need car seat for taxis and rental cars. My large 3-year-old (37 lbs, 39”) is THIS close to outgrowing her Cosco Scenera NEXT so we are trying to find our next seat. Hoping this will work. We looked at Wayb Pico but I don’t think it’s technically approved in the EU like Ride Safer is, and we have never gotten good at the locking clip (we try to use LATCH/Isofix now). Do you think this will work? Am I overthinking given she hasn’t been in a car in months? 😂

Thanks for stopping by! Unfortunately the current version of the Ride Safer isn’t approved for Europe either 🙁 That said, in your situation I might still opt for it. We know that it is a *safe* choice. Since you’re rarely in cars it does seem like the best option. I suspect that many European parents in your situation might choose to use nothing other than the adult seatbelt, which of course is not a safe choice, or a booster seat (also not a safe choice). Some of the details will also depend on which country you live in, whether you’re there on US government orders, etc.

Safe travels,

Hello, Thanks for this review. Is it mendatory to use the “TravelSmarter Delight Booster Seat” or can we use in any booster such as “bubble bum”? Thanks again.

Thanks for stopping by! Using the TravelSmarter Delight booster seat (thanks for pointing out the name change) isn’t required, but the Ride Safer travel vest HAS NOT been crash tested with the Bubblebum. They are not approved for use together.

Good morning

I have an 8yr old who had down syndrome. He is around 3ft 54ish pounds I ordered the small. Is that the correct size? I was also curious as to how you would use it in the winter time with the heavy jacket. I will be sending him to and from school with this Amy suggestions on how to make sure the teacher is comfortable putting him in the vest for the ride home from school. I do pick up and drop off only 5mins down the road.

Thanks for stopping by! If he’s truly 3′, it’s possible that you may not get a great fit even with the size small vest. It’s a little more “fiddly” to get right than a traditional harnessed car seat so anyone who is going to put him in needs specific training on how to get the lap panel FLAT on the tops of his thighs.

Is there a reason you opted for the vest rather than a traditional harnessed car seat? What sort of vehicle will he be riding in? It will probably be easier for a teacher to buckle him properly in a combination car seat.

As to the jacket, it’s very important that he (and you!) choose outerwear that’s not overly bulky for use in the car. In very cold climates I recommend having kiddo wear a fleece and then another jacket, and take the outer shell off in the car. Alternatively you can look at various “car seat safe” winter jackets. Here are tips for riding safely in the winter .

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Drive safely, Melissa

Thanks so much for this thorough review! I have a 4.5 yo who is quite tall (46″), would be an average 5.5-6 yo. any thoughts on whether he needs to be in small or large? we would be using it for Uber/Lyft in the town we live. thanks!

The large is quite large. I recently evaluated it on a skinny 49″ 6yo and it was like a circus tent. Can you have him sit straight against a wall with his legs in front and measure from the top of his thigh to his shoulder? That’ll be the best way to determine the correct size.

Hi, My child is 5 years old but only 30 pounds, 40 inches which fall within the size recommendations for the XS and S. Which one would you recommend? Seems the chest strap and crotch strap on the XS are great, but since she’s 5, maybe there is not much room to grow, or it may be too cumbersome.

Thanks for stopping by! I would go with the S, as I fear the XS would already be outgrown by height. However, I’m not confident that your child will get a great fit with being so slender. I would strongly recommend using the top tether, which should help keep the vest up on her shoulders. Just be sure not to over-tighten!

Hi, I’m looking at this as the next step after a Clek Foonf in forward-facing mode/other forward-facing car seats for every day use instead of a traditional booster seat. I’m thinking a couple years ahead here. LO is currently 3yo (38mo), 38.75 inches tall and 36.8 pounds (82nd percentile for height). Extrapolating, LO should be about 41 inches by age 4 and 45 inches by age 5.

I’m thinking of this for when LO is 5yo or when they grow out of any of the three (yes three!!) car seats we are forced to own. (We have two nannies who each need a car seat their car, plus the Clek Foonf in our family car.) I’d like to quit having a herd of car seats, its associated costs, the necessity of knowing how to install three different car seats, and the need to remember three different heights for when LO will outgrow each car seat. I’d also like to not have to buy yet a fourth car seat for LO to ride in Grandma’s car.

The Ride Safer vest appears to be the only option available.

What are you thoughts here? I see you mentioned maturity of rider as a factor, but didn’t go into great detail about it. What age/maturity level is necessary for this? How do I know if my kid meets those standards? I also see you mentioned in a comment above that you wouldn’t choose this for every day use. What is the reasoning there? If this is really not indicated for daily use in regular, non-travelling life, what other options are there for having one restraint for multiple cars?

(I feel like I’ve asked you to write another blog post here! Apologies. I feel like there is a huge gap in information available about restraint options beyond forward-facing 5 point harness type seats.)

Hi Adrienne,

Thanks for stopping by! These are great questions. I’ll start from the bottom, as in some ways that’ll be easier.

We used it daily for over a year. It’s a fine and safe choice BUT you really have to make sure that the fit is correct each and every time – in particular that the lap belt is sitting basically flat on the tops of the thighs. As a mom and CPST, it’s no problem. But it’s not an option that I would casually send with other caregivers who may struggle or be in a hurry.

As for maturity, it’s really about sitting basically still (not like a statue, but always in position) despite the additional “freedom” the vest offers. A basic pre-condition for using the vest is that your kiddo would never ever ever consider touching the tempting red button that unfastens the seatbelt!

We had a nanny when our kids were little, so we had three seats for each of them (plus travel seats!). I get it. The good news is that booster seats are generally inexpensive and very easy to use correctly. They don’t even *have* to be installed, though attaching with lower anchors prevents them from becoming projectiles when empty so it’s recommended. We’ll have to see what options are available and what your family’s situation is when your child reaches booster age, but you should be able to grab $16 backless boosters for nanny cars (or travel) and they’ll just require a few minutes of instruction for safe use. Then you can pick up one nicer booster seat for your family car and call it a day!

Hi Melissa,

Yes, this helps immensely. Thank you for the thoughtful response. My main concern now is LO growing out of the car seats we have before being developmentally ready to sit without the five point harness. Tall child problems.

Many thanks!

We have a laid-back, patient 2 year old who is 38.5″ and 31 lbs. We’re planning a family reunion for August, when she will be 2.5 and SizeCast predicts she will be 40.5″ and 33 lbs. She’s almost outgrown her Cosco Scenera NEXT, and we are older and have health issues making it hard for us to move heavier car seats. She’s already gone through a “no to everything” phase and that seems over now (though could always return). She’s always been very good about obeying safety warnings so far.

We’re taking the train to our destination, and we’ll need to take a taxi or Uber to the airport to pick up a rental car. (BTW we’ve never used Uber, so we’d have to hope the app even installs on our ancient phones, figure out how to use it etc…or we could just use a taxi.) We can rent a car seat with the rental car (I think–need to confirm that), but we’re unsure what to do about the ride to the airport. We could

* hope the Scenera still fits by then (it “officially should,” but it really doesn’t seem like it will) * try to drag along the new car seat we got before this trip was planned, even though it weighs almost as much as she does * try a Ride Safer vest

Might a Ride Safer vest work for this? If so, what size? (I know at her age it should be XS, but I saw in the comments that the XS might be too small for 40.5″?) (The Wayb Pico seems cool, but we can’t afford it, especially not for just one trip. The Safety 1st Go Hybrid seems like it would’ve been what we need, but it’s long gone…)

What are your thoughts here? Thanks!

I’m really glad you stopped by! While the vest is technically approved, it’s not ideal at this age. I recommend that you take a look at the Evenflo Chase . It’s not a seat I typically recommend since it only harnesses to 40lbs and the booster mode isn’t great, but it does have a 50″ standing limit with high top harness slots. It’s also very budget-friendly and lightweight! You should get several years of use out of it given her build.

Let me know what you think or if you need another recommendation 🙂

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Ride Safer Travel Vest Review: it will change the way you travel with kids

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This review of the Ride Safer travel vest is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

We’re all about experiences over things, but sometimes things come along that makes the experiences a thousand times more enjoyable. That’s my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat – for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as we’ve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, you’ll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom.

We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the current Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 . Within the current generation we own three of the four sizes and in this review I’ll share photos on a variety of kids. We’ve spent many years with our vests, so I’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with them!

You may have seen parents in Facebook groups refer to it by a range of almost-correct names: safe rider vest, rider safe vest, ride safe vest, rider safe travel vest, rider safety vest… I’ve seen pretty much every combination but the only correct one is Ride Safer Travel Vest.

Keep reading (and watching!) to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if it’s right for your family. I’ll also share some information about the companion TravelSmarter booster seat.

DEAL ALERT! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon ‘ VOYAGE ‘

Here’s a quick video review of the Ride Safer travel vest:

What is the Ride Safer travel vest?

The Ride Safer travel vest is a wearable booster seat alternative for young children up through tweens. It works by bringing the seatbelt down to your child’s level rather than boosting her up.

Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. Once you get in the car, you’d buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support.

It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. You’ll have to use your judgement regarding your young child’s maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride.

There’s also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. It also help to keep younger riders from reaching for a toy or slumping when asleep in this kids seat belt vest. Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that it’s an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat).

Who should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes:

Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

As I mentioned in the introduction, we’re fortunate to have used two generations and several sizes of Ride Safer travel vest over the course of many years and many rides.

2023 update! In previous versions of this review I expressed frustration that the Gen 5 vest ran much larger than Gen 4 and didn’t fit kids as the size chart indicated. I’m thrilled to say that the manufacturer, Safe Traffic Systems, responded to sizing feedback and quietly change the design! The changes are significant enough that I wish they’d given it a new name or generation number. This is especially worth noting if you owned a previous vest or have been considering one for a while.

In the photo below, the original Gen 5 is on the left and the new Gen 5 vest is on the right. As you can see, the new version has a much wider range of length adjustability! The diamond-shaped panel can slide up and down along the harness and the velcro tab that determines the vest’s length can be affixed either to the diamond or basically anywhere along the back strap. On the old version we only had about 2″ of Velcro to work with, which translated to very little length difference.

Here’s a comparison of the XS vest at its largest setting along with the new Gen 5 and old Gen 5 smalls at their smallest settings – don’t worry, you’ll see them on real kids in a minute! The XS Ride Safer Travel Vest has some additional considerations so look for that in the next section. In the middle you can see that I’ve also crossed the buckle over to the far side of the vest, which is now permitted to get a better fit on slim kids.

Here’s the updated Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest size small fit. My cute nephew is 5 years old and around 43″ with an average build, while my sweet niece is 7.5 years old, around 46″ and slim. With the improved adjustability, an average sized 4 year old should be able to use the size small. I tried the small on my 9 year old – around 48″ and 60lbs – but it was too small on her.

Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead.

Many parents ask if they should buy the small or large Ride Safer Travel Vest for their child (there is no medium vest). Here are updated pictures of my own kiddos using the size large vest. At 48″/60lbs (left) and 53″/75lbs (right), the large fits great! My son still has plenty of growing room as well.

Ride Safer Travel Vest X-Small review

In this section, I’m going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was released in 2022. It’s a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that aren’t as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. Remember, it’s still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat .

If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section.

Ride Safer Travel Vest small vs x-small comparison

First, let’s look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences:

The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! First, the XS is obviously smaller. This photo shows the XS on its largest setting and the small on its smallest setting, and there’s still a pretty big difference. There’s just isn’t a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small.

Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If you’ve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so don’t be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. But that metal buckle on the chest? Genius.

It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders. I’d love to see this change on the Ride Safer Gen 6 vests! Not only does that “chest clip” give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Could a determined child unfasten it? Surely. But it’s an important first line of defense!

Finally, you’ll see that the shoulder belt guides on the x-small travel vest are exposed while they’re covered with fabric on the small. While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide.

Ride Safer Travel Vest XS fit to child

I’m excited to have a tiny new model to show off the XS vest! This little lady is just over 2 and on the short side. You can see that the XS fits her nicely. If she had been more compliant I would have used the crotch strap as well (more on that later).

On the topic of curious fingers, let’s meet our second adorable XS vest model: my 3.5yo nephew – these photos were taken a few years ago, and you’ll see above that he’s now comfortably modeling the size small. At 3 he was 37.5″ and 33.5lbs – exactly average for height and just a little above average for weight. In these photos he was probably around 39″ and 35lbs – nearing the top end of the size range for XS.

He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down.

Is the extra-small Ride Safer Travel Vest right for your child?

And therein lies rub… a child doesn’t need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy.

The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but that’s precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Some kids, like my daughter photographed above at the same age, are total rule followers and will just sit where you place them and how you place them. Others – perhaps the majority – at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents.

While my little niece looked like the perfect model above, before getting that picture she spent about 30 minutes sitting on the ground saying “I don’t like it!” when I showed her the vest. She wasn’t willing to put it on at all until after both of her older siblings had modeled for me. If you’re considering using the vest for a trip with a young or sensitive child, give yourself plenty of extra time to get them comfortable and situated.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. However, crash test dummies don’t move . In deciding whether or not your child is ready for the vest, you have to be honest about her behavior and developmental level.

There aren’t many situations where I’m inclined to steer parents to the XS vest versus a traditional travel car seat or the WAYB Pico , but here they are:

• You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesn’t work with a traditional car seat (like full-time travel )
• You’re taking a 2 year old on a car-free vacation that only requires a taxi / Uber from the airport and an adult or teen will be sitting next to the toddler in the car

While the crotch strap is optional for all ages, I strongly recommend its use with the XS vest. Kids this age are prone to wiggling and the strap ensures that the lap belt stays nice and low on the thighs. Between that and the “chest clip” it’ll also remind kids that they’re in a car seat and shouldn’t be frolicking around the car.

When possible, I also recommend using the top tether. With that piece the Ride Safer Travel Vest passes the same testing that’s required of a forward-facing harness. Furthermore, you’re really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV.

Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. Many countries (like Mexico ) don’t have that “switchable” retractor as a standard unfortunately but it’s mandatory in the US and Canada.

XS Ride Safer Travel Vest in the car

So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? It was actually pretty good for my little nephew at 3.5 and average height!

You can see that I managed to pull the vest down pretty far so that the lap panel is flat on his thighs. I’ve used the top tether and the crotch strap to limit the wiggles. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting “criss-cross” would help the lap panel sit even flatter.

He’s right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because he’s 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. It’s also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesn’t have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. I’m confident that this little guy wouldn’t mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation.

This is in a different vehicle, but you can see that the fit on his sister at age 2 is… less good. In theory this works: the lap belt is flat on her thighs and the shoulder belt crosses near her collar bone. But because she’s very small and the seatbelt is mounted high in this car, it hits her right in the face! There’s a good chance that she would (understandably) move the seatbelt out of position after a few minutes because that can’t be comfortable.

Safe Traffic Systems offers the Travel Smarter backless booster seat that can be used with any size vest to improve the seatbelt fit. As you can see here, it does exactly that! There’s no chance of the lap belt riding up onto her “soft belly” and the shoulder belt is more appropriately positioned. She’s also able to benefit from the car’s advanced safety features like side curtain airbags since she’s higher up.

You can read my Travel Smarter booster seat review for more info. It’s incredibly light and comes with its own backpack that also fits the vest inside.

If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon ‘VOYAGE’.

How to put on the Ridesafer vest for kids

When you open the Ridesafer travel vest backpack, you’ll see a few different parts and you’ll need to make some adjustments. The great news is that you can fit it to your child before you need to use it in the car.

The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger.

Putting the vest on is pretty intuitive: open the buckle and the very sturdy Velcro panel in the front, then have your child slip his arms in. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that it’s snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary – there’s no way that vest is coming undone on its own! To get the length right, turn your child around and open the Velcro on the crossing straps on his back. Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back.

The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. While the crotch strap is technically optional, it’s important for preventing younger riders from “submarining” (sliding down and out of the vest).

We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. It’s not long enough to use all the way to the top of the size range, but it’s also not necessary at that point.

You can see a hands-on demo of putting on the Ride Safer vest below:

How to use the Ride Safer vest in the car

The Ride Safer travel vest is very easy to use once you get it on your child.

Here are the basic steps to use the Ridesafer vest:

• Put the vest on the child, making sure that the lower panel is over the tops of the thighs. It can help to “fan out” the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat.
• Have child sit in the car and fasten seatbelt as normal.
• Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. Don’t over-tighten the lap belt or it may start to bunch in the guide on the side away from the buckle.
• Open the Velcro shoulder pad on the side where the should belt crosses and feed the shoulder belt through that metal guide, then pull snug and close the shoulder pad.
• Attach the optional but highly recommended top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the car’s top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack .

If you’ll be using the Ride Safe travel vest in your own car or a rental car, you can leave it attached to the car when you get out! Just unbuckle the seatbelt and remove it from the lap belt guide on the buckle side before you unbuckle the waist strap. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! As you become more experienced with the vest, it’s a real time saver.

Ride Safer travel vest FAQs

Yes, as long as it’s used in accordance with the directions the Ride Safer travel vest is legal in the United States. Please see more information on Europe , Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if you’re traveling to those places.

Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States.

No. If your child is under 40lbs, the CARES harness ( full review here ) is an excellent complement that can be used on planes.

The RSTV is permitted in Canada as a medical device with prescription.

The Ride Safer Travel Vest has only been crash tested an approved with the Travel Smarter backless booster seat . Using it with any other booster seat (inflatable or otherwise) may be unsafe and in some cases illegal.

RideSafer Travel Vest Review Impressions

Bottom-line upfront: we liked it enough to take it with us for a full year of travel. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice.

Now for my full thoughts: The Ride Safer vest is an awesome product that really delivers on its promise to make traveling with preschoolers and older kids easier without compromising safety. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though he’s generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home.

When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. We also used it for some very long road trip stretches, and found it to be solid overall. There were times when our daughter slumped more than we would have liked when sleeping, and early in the trip the shoulder straps seemed a hair too long for her; however, a little gap at the shoulders isn’t necessarily a concern. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day.

Overall we’re very satisfied with our decision to bring the Ride Safer rather than our usual travel car seat. For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution .

It’s also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! We’ve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit.

If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico , which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. If you travel infrequently and will just be taking a single flight and then renting a car, one of these travel car seats might be a good fit for your needs.

The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that there’s a size Extra Large available. It can be a great choice for older children and even teens who have outgrown the tallest harnessed car seat and still need more support than a traditional booster seat can offer.

What we like:

-Feels very well made

-Design has multiple fail-safe mechanisms

-Extremely compact (takes up less than half of a preschool-sized backpack)

-Easy to use, takes less than 3min to put on the vest and get the seatbelt in place (assuming your kid is a willing participant)

-More torso support than a backless booster, avoids booster rider slumping when asleep

-Adjustable sizing so it can last for several years

-Wide range of sizes now available, from XS to XL

What we don’t love:

-Can take some practice and tweaking to get the fit of the car seat vest  just right

-Crotch strap is almost too short for many kids, though its use is not required

-Getting the vest on the kid and then the kid in the car can get to be tiresome if you’re doing it several times per day, every day, for a whole year

-Lots of parts to keep track of (for a city family using the vest in a taxi, you can leave the headrest at home and save tons of space)

-The optional headrest is more trouble than it’s worth

-Not permitted to use on an airplane, so for a child under 40lbs you’d need to buy a CARES harness to make the airplane seatbelt safe

-Kids can’t see out the window (can be used with the Travel Smarter booster seat to give them a lift)

-The 2023 version now has a 5 year expiration, while earlier versions had a 10 year expiration

Final Thoughts on the Ride Safer car seat vest

As you can see from my impressions above, there is room for small changes or additional features; however, our impression is overwhelmingly positive. I was especially pleased that, when used with the top tether, the car seat travel vest prevented slumping out of position while sleeping. If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Moving from two bulky car seats to none on our gap year was absolutely epic (we use this one for our son since he was 6 years old by then – full review here ). I honestly don’t know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest .

While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I can’t recommend it enough. It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides.

We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! Use coupon ‘VOYAGE’ to save $11 on your order.

Not sure what car seat to bring for travel? Find the best travel car seats by age

Our friends at Safe Traffic Systems and Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. 

What to read next

57 thoughts on “ride safer travel vest review: it will change the way you travel with kids”.

What a greta piece of travel kit. Having just returned from a trip where I had to take a car sat for my two-year-old and a smaller travel booster for my four-year-old I feel your pain having to lug bulky seats around in the past. This type of solution is brilliant for traveling families. It does look very secure too and maybe not so easy to wriggle out of as the travel seat I took with me on my last trip! Thanks for sharing this on #MondayEscapes

I really wish they had come out with this when my girls were younger, it certainly seems like such a huge help with travel – especially taxis and such! Excellent idea, and I’ve got to share this with some friends who still have younger kids.

I’ve been biding my time until Jacob was old enough! It’s a really innovative solution. Thanks for sharing!

What a great invention. Definitely a game-changer if you don’t need to carry a car seat or a booster. I’ve been keen on using Hertz with AAA code to get a free car seat with each rental.

Great idea but I appreciate you pointing out what you love and what could need more improvement #fearlessfamtrav

It’s a really interesting idea, but it seems just a wee bit too complicated and uncomfortable to fully replace a booster seat, especially for longer journeys. Also, I worry about it becoming too warm during summertime. Thanks anyway for bringing this to my attention. #FearlessFamTrav

If a child is truly old enough to use a backless booster, something like a bubble bum would be a great choice; however, my personal minimum for that would be 6yo AND not falling asleep in the car. Sadly I see so many pictures of booster riders who fall asleep and basically lay down sideways – not adequate protection in a crash, not even close.

The vest is really great for families whose kids are riding in a forward-facing harnessed seat, but who are basically willing not to squirm too much in the car.

Do you know if it can be used with only a lapbelt? We are going to Sri Lanka soon and can’t find a van that has shoulder belts so looking into different options since we won’t be able to use the high back booster.

Hi Kaylie, no it needs a shoulder belt. We’re in Panama now and have had a few van rides in which the kids just used the lap belt. Sometimes that’s the reality. We’ve found Uber cars to have better safety features than traditional taxis or vans, but I’m not sure if Uber is available in Sri Lanka. How old is your little one?

I had no idea anything like this existed! We make yearly trips to visit family and this would be so much better than lugging around a car seat! Thank you so much for this post!

Wow, it sounds brilliant. Definitely something we will invest in when we go abroad with the girls. It has always worried me about what to do with car seats and this seems like the perfect solution. I love that it doesn’t take up too much space. Nat.x

This is so interesting – I’ve not seen one of thes ebefore .So much lighter than a car seat and having to lug around. #familytraveltips

Thanks for such a comprehensive review! Can you share the dimensions of the item folded up and in a proper stuff sack? ie what is the smallest it can be? THANKS!

I don’t have the dimensions offhand (no soft tape with me while traveling!) but I’d say perhaps like a 2L soda bottle without the neck part?

This is not true – a ride safer vest can be used with just a lap belt PROVIDED the tether is used – the clip anchoring between the shoulders and the bolt or latch mandatory in most cars.

You are correct that it can technically be used with a lap-only belt in that situation, but I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a car today that has a lap-only belt AND a top tether. Alternatively, you could buy the EATAL accessory to mimic a tether point, but many cars don’t have a suitable tether point at all. I think that for 99% of parent out there, the best practice is to use it with a lap-shoulder belt if one is available. We found many cars in Thailand and Morocco that have lap-shoulder belts outboard and lap-only in the middle (no top tethers in ANY position), and I would rather not have parents remember only partial information and misuse the product. In that situation, the safest position for the child is outboard with a lap-shoulder belt.

Looks like the Amazon Prime code doesn’t work anymore – I’m getting “The promotional code you entered cannot be applied to your purchase.” Any chance you have a new one?

How was the comfort level for long drives? Also, it seems like the child wouldn’t be able to see out of the window. Was that an issue?

This is a very interesting alternative… My three year old is still rear facing in a convertible, so I am hesitant to downgrade in terms of protection, but It would be extremely convenient when traveling. Something to definitely consider!

I wholeheartedly agree! We kept our older one rear-facing until 4 and the younger one until 3.5, but at that point we went off traveling full-time and the Ride Safer was by far the best option for that lifestyle 🙂

Super excited to have found this option – this + Bubble Bum are good options for my two kids. Will look into the links.

They’re both awesome products! We started using the Bubblebum for our older one at 6yo. We started using the Ride Safer around 3.5yo but only because we were traveling full-time and a regular car seat just wouldn’t have worked. But for a more “normal” family travel schedule, I think the Ride Safer vest is a great choice starting around 4yo 🙂

I didn’t knew about this gadget until now and I’m glad I read your post.

Hopefully you’ll get a chance to try it out! We’ve loved it for traveling light 🙂

We’ve been thinking about purchasing one of these. Thank you for the information!

You won’t regret it, the Ride Safer vest is super handy once your kid is old enough to use it!

We travel about half the year with our daughter who is about to be the perfect age/size for this!

It’s perfect! We did find that our petite girl fit better once she was between 3.5 and 4yo. How big is your daughter?

This looks like a smart idea for traveling with our 3 year old. We have mifolds for our older kids but they complained that the seat area was uncomfortable. The vest would have solved the uncomfortable seat problem.

I’ve heard that the mifold can be uncomfortable and that the belt fit for some kids in some cars isn’t great :-/ If your older ones are booster-age and mature, I’d look into the Bubblebum . But for your younger one, the Ride Safer vest should be good (we liked the fit better closer to 4yo than 3yo for what it’s worth).

Would love to try this out, likely with our older one. Will need to wait a little for her to grow a little bigger 😉

I’d definitely wait until 3.5 or even 4 🙂

I’m a little concerned that my daughter – who is generally uncomfortable in car seats – will not find this comfortable, but am willing to deal with that in exchange for not logging a big car seat around. Thanks!

Traveling to Spain in October and this will be our first trip my daughter meets the requirements for this product. Excited to see how it compares to lugging a big seat with us.

I was wondering the same, sounds like a great product.

Sooo looking forward to when my little guy is big enough to use this!

Such an awesome tool! Wish I knew about these sooner.

There was nothing like when I first started traveling!

Thank you so much for the very thorough review and videos. I am getting ready to take 2 preschoolers on a trip from Atlanta to multiple cities in China for a month. On our way back to Atlanta, we will be in L.A. for a few days with a friend who has 3 kids in car seats, so, I have been looking for suitable child restraints that won’t destroy my back or my sanity. I would love to try the RideSafer Delight on my kids (both are on the taller side) since my youngest will just turn 3 while we are in China. Since I don’t think that we would use them much after the trip and since they are pretty pricey, I’ll try asking around to see if anyone in my area has one that I could borrow to test fit. Thanks again for the post!

I’m really excited because my oldest just turned 3 last month and we’ve got a Euro trio coming up that this would be great on!

Is there any way this cam be combined with bubble bum so kids can look out of the windows?

I live in San Francisco and think just about every friend here has one of these. I’m still holding out, based on price – but really appreciate the lower weight limit than other travel friendly (Uber/Lyft friendly) options for preschoolers, as my little one won’t hit 40 pounds for a long time. When we’ve borrowed one though, she seemed like she was swimming in it (at 34 pounds). You mentioned that too – so seems a common complaint – would be curious to know more from others. Thanks for all the details!

Can’t wait until my daughter is a little older/heavier to use this!

How convenient for rentals and taxis!

We are just starting to outgrow our carseat for flights and this would be such the perfect option!

We got one for our older girl when she was 3, traveled in Kenya with it… Now waiting for our youngest to hit the age/weight requirements so she can start using it too!

Amazing! Out of curiosity, what’t the seatbelt situation like in Kenya?

It says it’s not approved for use in Europe?

The previous version was approved for Europe, but the manufacturer is still going through the certification process for the updated vest.

Great idea but I appreciate you pointing out what you love and what needs work.

This is such a great option for travel! I really wish we had this when we went away last year instead of lugging our little one and the car seat with us! We are very excited to give this a try.

I can’t imaging doing a gap year with a regular car seat – you guys are troopers! I’m glad we waited until our daughter was old enough to use the vest. Hopefully you guys will have a Ride Safer vest in your future 🙂

I appreciate the review! I am interested in one of these when my daughter is old enough

The extra small size goes down to 20lbs. 30 lbs isn’t the minimim

Thanks for stopping by! Please see my updated Ride Safer Travel Vest review for more information on the XS. And while it is technically is rated to 22lbs (the Federal minimum for forward facing), there’s virtually no situation in which it’s an ideal restraint for that size child. Even in the most tricky of circumstances, I’d sooner put a 22lb child in this car seat that only weighs a little more than the vest.

Safe travels,

Hey Family travellers!

We just came back from travel with the family. Its was tons of fun ! The only issue we had was the transport ie safe taxi with car seat as we didnt have a car. Any tips on safe travels? We tried one company but they only have airport transfers.

It really depends on where you’re going. Is there a particular destination you had in mind?

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RideSafer Vest | Travel Car Seat (Generation 5)

• Lightweight, portable and convenient when traveling with kids. It can fit in your child's backpack).
• Crash Tested and Safety Certified. RideSafer meets or exceeds Federal standards in FMVSS 21.
• Vest comes with tether strap, crotch strap and carry bag.

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Return policy details.

Open Box items are discounted as they are products which were returned unused but perhaps missing some packaging materials. All Open Box items are hand inspected in our office to make sure they have all necessary parts.  No Returns on discounted Open Box items.

RideSafer Crash Test Videos

For comparison: Booster seat crash test

Side view of the RideSafer crash test

Top view of the RideSafer crash test

Additional RideSafer Travel Vest Information

• Easy to put on and use correctly every time

• Lightweight to carry when traveling with children

• Safety and convenience in taxis or ride shares

• A convenient option to switching car seats for carpools or multiple cars; only need 1 vest per child NOT 1 car seat per vehicle per child.

• Increased safety and comfort by allowing the child sit further back and lower on the more comfortable vehicle seat.

• A unique, 3-clip design positions the car’s seat belt comfortably and correctly with shoulder tether for consistent sitting position and increased security (tether is recommended for kids at least up to 5 years old; tether is required if using vest with lap-only belt).

• Adjustable straps allow for growth (up to the next size).

• Padding absorbs and dissipates crash energy from seat belt.

• Neck pillow sold separately. No longer included with vest.

RideSafer is the innovative, wearable child restraint that is easy-to-use, easy-to-carry & legal!

Extra Small size RideSafer Travel Vest : For this age of child, rear-facing is the safest option. We would only recommend using an XS RideSafer vest for special situations such as for travel or taxis/ride shares. Ideally an adult will sit next to the child to help keep the child in proper position. (The XS is designed for use by very slim 2-year-olds or very slim 3- to, maybe, 4-year-old children. Most 3- and 4-year-olds will fit best in a small size vest.)

Fit 3 in a Row!

Best of all, RideSafer allows parents to easily fit three children in the back seat, side by side, with no crowding — and no complaining! No need to buy an expensive new car just to accommodate your car seats; RideSafer’s slim profile keeps kids safe and comfortable.

Better than a Booster

RideSafer is the safe alternative to a traditional  booster car seat!  The RideSafer vest can be tethered to your car for optimum upper body restraint and our unique, 3-clip design positions and secures the seat belt exactly where it needs to be for each specific child—across the lap, not the waist, protecting vital internal organs, and across the shoulders, not the neck, eliminating uncomfortable rubbing and dangerous ‘sneaky slipping’ of the shoulder harness behind the child.

The RideSafer padded vest also disperses crash energy across a larger area of the child’s chest than the standard 2” seatbelt and keeps the child’s center of mass lower and further back in the seat than a traditional  toddler car seat,  which has proven safer in the event of an accident.

And, while car seats are installed incorrectly 3 out of every 4 times, RideSafer’s easy, intuitive installation eliminates the risk of incorrect usage when moving from car to car, making RideSafer the safer choice.

Portable and Packable

No more juggling heavy, cumbersome car seats and boosters—or worse, going without a car seat when traveling! RideSafer is your safe, portable travel car seat solution. Small enough to fit in a backpack or suitcase, RideSafer is a great on-the-go solution for kids in boosters and forward-facing 5-point harness seats.

A RideSafer vest makes it easier to justify bringing along a child restraint for the few taxi rides a family needs to take to their destination. Even at a resort destination like Disney World or a cruise, you need a proper child restraint for the ride between the resort and the airport to keep your child safe.

Since the RideSafer Travel Vest is easy to install in all cars, it takes away the worry of not being able to correctly install an unknown car seat in an unknown car; a challenge when renting a car seat on your family vacation. Not to mention, you know where it’s been. Parents often report about the dirty car seat rental car companies offer.

Safety Tested, Certified and Legal!

The RideSafer travel vest is designed for children ages 2 and up and meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints (FMVSS213). In fact, the RideSafer consistently tests well below—sometimes by half or more!— the standard safety allowances.

FMVSS 213 is the federal standard which sets the performance criteria for child restraints. It requires that manufacturers measure crash energy at several different locations on an instrumented crash test dummy.

The RideSafer is tested as a harness as prescribed by FMVSS 213.

View RideSafer Crash Test Videos

What Car Seat Challenges Does the RideSafer Solve?

•  travel with kids

• riding in taxis and ride share services like Uber or Lyft

• fitting 3 across a narrow car • carpools

• multiple caregivers doing drop-off/pick-up • children with special needs

• Have a Question? Read the FAQs
• Want Proof? Read the Reviews
• Press and Media Mentions

Beware of counterfeit products

The manufacturer, Safe Traffic System Inc., is aware that harnesses that look similar to the RideSafer Travel Vest are available and can be purchased in many countries worldwide. We cannot attest to the safety of any product that is not labeled as "RideSafer" brand and manufactured by Safe Traffic System, Inc., Franklin Park, IL. If you come across what looks like a RideSafer and wonder if it is real or fake, please feel free to  email  STS pictures and information. They can confirm if it is the original RideSafer.

Open Box items are discounted as they are products which were returned unused — or lightly used for trying — but perhaps missing some packaging materials. All Open Box items are hand inspected in our office to make sure they have all necessary parts.  No Returns on discounted Open Box items.

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Our Adventure Journal

Our Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Kelly

We’ve been on several trips with young children, and we were curious how we could conveniently travel with a car seat. We weren’t sure if we should bring our own car seat or rent one abroad. We were recently gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest to use for our trip to Europe, and it was an absolute game-changer .

The RideSafer Travel Vest was portable, lightweight, and easy-to-use. Instead of lugging around a clunky car seat, we were able to easily pack the RideSafer Travel Vest in our carry-on luggage. We primary used public transportation in Europe, but we used the RideSafer Travel Vest for a few short taxi rides. It was really easy to use on-the-go. In this post, we’re sharing our full review of the RideSafer Travel Vest .

Disclosure: I was gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest in exchange for an honest review. I am not a certified child passenger safety technician and I cannot make claims about the safety of this product. This post is for informational purposes only and reflects our personal experience using the product. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

About the RideSafer Travel Vest

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a crash-tested and safety-certified travel car seat . It meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints (FMVSS213). The travel vest works by bringing the seatbelt down around the child, instead of boosting a child up as you’d see in a traditional car seat. 

The RideSafer Travel Vest is available in a variety of sizes . You’ll want to pay careful attention to the product specifications to choose the right vest for your child. Based on our daughter’s age, weight, and height, we used the size Small vest . 

The size Small vest weighs just 2 pounds, 12 ounces . The large vest weighs 2 pounds, 15 ounces.

The RideSafer Travel Vest is legal in the United States. Be sure to check your state requirements. Prior to travel, you should make sure that it meets legal specifications in other countries.

We personally used the RideSafer Travel Vest in Europe, although it has not been certified in Europe. We found this review helpful when we were deciding if we should take it to Europe. Please be sure to use your own discretion. 

You can purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on their RideSafer website .

You can also purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on Amazon . 

We took the RideSafer Travel Vest with us for our trip to Europe. We traveled to France and Spain, and the travel vest was extremely easy to use.

Before we left on our trip, we first practiced using the travel seat at home. One thing I really liked about the RideSafer Travel Vest was the fact that we could email the company and receive feedback on the correct use of the travel car seat. I sent the company some photos of our daughter buckled in our car with the RideSafer Travel Vest, and they were very kind in giving me feedback about how to make sure she was properly restrained. This gave us confidence before our trip, because we knew how to correctly position the RideSafer Travel Vest. I really appreciated the company going the extra mile to make sure that we were correctly using the vest!

Once we were in Europe, we were able to use taxis with the knowledge that our daughter was properly restrained. The RideSafer Travel Vest was very easy to use on the go. While we were waiting in the taxi line, we would place our daughter in the RideSafer Travel Vest. Once the taxi arrived, all we had to do was properly buckle her in the car. It took us just a few minutes to get her in the car, which was great!

(These are our personal opinions.)

• One of the major benefits of using the RideSafer Travel Vest is that it is lightweight and easy to pack . We were able to easily place the travel car seat in our backpack. Instead of lugging around a heavy car seat, we were able to easily roam across Europe without it taking up too much space in our very limited carry-on allowance. We also packed it on our day backpack. If our legs were feeling tired and we wanted to take a taxi back to the hotel, we had the RideSafer Travel Vest conveniently with us.
• I also really liked that we could put on the RideSafer Travel Vest while waiting for a taxi . Instead of spending a lot of time installing a car seat every time we took a taxi, we could do half the work while waiting in line. Each time we needed a taxi, we would put the vest on our daughter. Once the taxi arrived, it didn’t take too long to safely secure the vest. Using the RideSafer Travel Vest was super time-efficient!
• Finally, the RideSafer Travel Vest was fairly easy to use . We watched videos on how to use it correctly, and once we had it down, it was very straight-forward.

• Purchasing the RideSafer Travel Vest is an additional expense . At the time of this writing, the RideSafer Travel Vest costs $169 (not including shipping). You probably already have a regular car seat for your child, so you’re really paying for the convenience of having a smaller car seat. In my opinion, I think it’s worth the cost if you plan to use it multiple times.
• We had to learn how to properly use it . We found it pretty straight-forward to use, but we had to take the time to learn how to properly use it.
• Even though it meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, it may take some time to get adjusted to the idea of a vest.
• The RideSafer Travel Vest has minimal head support, so we didn’t think it was a great option for kids that like to take naps in the car. 

Our Verdict

Here’s our personal thoughts about the RideSafer Travel Vest:

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a travel “car seat” that is legal to use in the United States. At under 3 pounds, the RideSafer Travel Vest is lightweight and easy to pack for travel. The RideSafer Travel Vest can be easily stowed in carry-on luggage, and the RideSafer Travel Vest is easy to use. 

We are so glad that the RideSafer Travel Vest exists! It made traveling to Europe with a 3-year-old so much easier. Safety is definitely a priority when we travel, so we were happy to know that we always had a harness restraint with us should we need one. (We never had to depend on renting a car seat or ordering a taxi ahead of time that had one installed, only to find out that there were none available.)

We would definitely recommend the RideSafer Travel Vest to others based on our experience!

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to check out our complete list of our favorite products for traveling with babies and young children . We’ve personally tested all of the products on this list!

Disclaimer :  We always strive for content accuracy.   Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

What’s the RideSafer Travel Vest?

by Michelle Pratt | Aug 22, 2023 | Big Kid , Choosing a Seat , Travel | 0 comments

Car seat safety should never take a back seat. Even if you’re traveling abroad, navigating city transportation, or squeezing your kids into a 3-across situation , car seat safety must remain a top priority. However, there are situations where meeting all the safety requirements doesn’t feel practical or even possible. 

The folks at Safe Traffic Systems saw this problem and realized thousands of families were opting for unsafe travel solutions due to various transportation challenges. So, they created the RideSafer Travel Vest , which is an alternative to traditional boosters. Here’s what you need to know about the RideSafer Vest:

What’s the RideSafer Travel Vest?

The RideSafer Travel Vest functions as a belt-positioning booster. Unlike a traditional booster seat that lifts the child up to properly position the seat belt, the vest actually brings the seat belt down to properly fit the child. It looks very different from the car seats and boosters we’re used to. But it is compliant with all National Highway Traffic Safety Association guidelines, including FMVSS 213 . 

The RideSafer Vest comes in sizes XS – XL, fitting children from 22 lbs – 110 lbs. However, we always recommend children be rear-facing as long as possible . We do not condone the use of the RideSafer Travel Vest until at least age 4, except in some special circumstances that we’ll talk about below! 

This child restraint system may look complicated, and the initial setup can be finicky. But once the vest is fitted correctly to the child, it’s no more difficult on a day-to-day basis than buckling a traditional 5-point harness! However, since you have to size up your RideSafer Vest every 30 lbs or so, it’s definitely not cheaper than traditional for long-term use. 

So, what is the appeal of the RideSafer Vest ? We’ll discuss a few reasons the RideSafer Vest might be right for you:

3-Across Situations 

Some parents need to put three car seats in one row . This can be difficult with a large SUV or van, let alone a compact car ! There are plenty of car seats out there that work with 3-across situations . But if you’re struggling to find a configuration that works, RideSafer Vests can be a favorable alternative to poorly installed or poorly fitting car seats for the sake of the 3-in-a-row configuration . 

Frequent Travel (Especially International) 

When you travel by plane, car seat safety doesn’t just go out the window! We abide by FAA recommendations, which state that any passenger under 40lbs should ride in their FAA-approved harnessed car seat on planes. But what about those big kids?! Belt-positioning booster seats can’t be used on airplanes. But even if a child is big enough to safely fit the airplane seatbelt, they still need a safe solution at their destination until they pass the five-step test .

Parents have a few options for their booster-ready fliers. They can choose a high-back booster that folds small enough to go in the overhead bin, or they can have their child carry a backless booster on board as their personal item and store it under the airplane seat. Or the parent can store a RideSafer Travel Vest in a carry-on bag and just unfold it at the destination, ready to go!

A RideSafer Vest can be a great way to bring a safe child restraint system with you, without the hassle of a bulky car seat or booster. (However, the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat is a better solution to this problem for 2-5 year olds, in our opinion. Read our Wayb Pico Review here .) You can learn more about safe airport travel on the blog and through our Wheels Up Course . 

Taxi and Rideshare Commutes 

If you frequently use city transportation like taxis or Uber, the RideSafer Vest is a great way to ensure your child stays safe on every commute. It’s true that some rideshares have a car seat and booster seat option, but we don’t recommend using these! You don’t know how the seat has been installed, cleaned, and utilized over the years. So there’s no way to determine that it can do its job and protect your child in a crash. With a RideSafer Vest , you can be certain of your child’s safety in the back of a cab or rideshare without needing to schlep around a large car seat!

Carpools or regular vehicle hopping may be another reason to use a RideSafer Vest . If you have younger children joining a carpool, using a car seat or booster may not be possible or practical. They can’t take their bulky seats to school or daycare with them. However, they could take a RideSafer Vest with them, as long as the driver knows how to properly buckle them. (Here are more carpool tips .) 

Young Children Over 65 lbs

Currently, the highest harness weight limit commercially available in the US and Canada is 65lbs — and the minimum recommended age for safe booster seat use is 5 years old. So what options are there for younger kids who outgrow their harnessed car seats before they’re booster-ready?!

There are adaptive car seat options out there with higher harness limits. But these are incredibly expensive, difficult to obtain, and usually require a prescription from the child’s doctor as well as input from a car seat technician with extra training for these situations. Heavier children who don’t have a specific disability or medical diagnosis may not qualify for insurance coverage of these specialized car seats at all.

Fortunately, the RideSafer Travel Vest can be a useful tool when we need to fill this gap in the conventional market!

While the RideSafer Travel Vest is a belt-positioning product, and we don’t normally recommend it before age 4, it can be the best option for kids aged two to four who have outgrown all the standard harnessed car seat options. Parents can use the top tether attachment that comes with the vest. And they can lock the vehicle seatbelt to help the child stay in place. So the child doesn’t have as much freedom of movement as they would in a regular booster.

And thanks to its extended sizing up to 110lbs, it can be a good option even for older kids who have certain disabilities or behavioral challenges that make it difficult for them to sit correctly in a traditional booster — either while a family waits months for an adaptive seat. Or, in some cases, to replace the need for an adaptive seat altogether. Please note: we strongly encourage parents of children who need unconventional vehicle travel accommodations to contact a child passenger safety technician with training in special circumstances to get help finding the best option for their child!

How To Use Ridesafer Travel Vest

Step One: Install the top tether.

That top tether will be the first thing we’ll install! Attach the side with a single hook to the top tether anchor on the back of the vehicle seat (refer to your vehicle manual if needed). Place the Y-shaped side of the top tether through the headrest bars and leave it for now. 

P.S. If you have an older vehicle with lap-only seatbelts, you will need the top tether to use the RideSafer Vest. Another reason to make sure you get that tether! 

Step Two: Fit the vest and crotch strap onto your child. 

Next, put the vest on your child. The vest is made up of a variety of adjustable straps and loops to get the best fit. However, it doesn’t need to be tight like a car seat — as long as we get that perfect seatbelt fit!

Buckle the center panel, adjust the back straps, and fasten the crotch strap. The crotch strap should be threaded through a loop on the bottom panel and velcroed between the legs. Each of the straps and panels should have a neutral tension on the child. Not too loose, not too tight. 

Step Three: Ensure the bottom panel is resting on your child’s thighs. 

Now your child is ready to get in the car for the rest of the adjustments. Place them in their seat and ensure the bottom panel is resting on top of your child’s thighs, not on their stomach with the center panel. 

Step Four: Thread the seat belt through the vest and buckle.

Next, go ahead and buckle the seat belt as usual. Then, attach the lap belt to the clips on the bottom panel. And then attach the shoulder belt to the clip on the shoulder strap. You’ll find the shoulder belt clips under a velcro panel with the “RideSafer” logo on it. And you can slide this hardware up or down on the vest panel to achieve the right placement. These clips are the most important part of the vest because it properly fits the seat belt to the child’s body. 

Step Five: Attach the top tether to the vest.

That top tether should be hanging out behind your child’s neck just below the headrest. Attach those clips to the metal loops on the back of the RideSafer Vest. The top tether feature helps keep the child seated upright — it’s the reason the vest provides a bit more movement restriction than a normal booster seat. And it’s why the vest can be the best option for younger kids who’ve outgrown all traditional harnessed car seats! You can also lock the vehicle seatbelt as an extra measure of positioning support.

Step Six: Remind your child how to sit safely. 

If your child is used to a 5-point harness seat, the RideSafer Vest will be a big change. Though it provides some support, maintaining the right body position is much harder in the RideSafer Vest . Your child’s legs don’t yet bend over the front of the seat. So many kids naturally slouch and wiggle forward to get comfortable, creating a huge (and dangerous) gap between them and the vehicle seat. Instead, encourage your child to sit criss-cross-applesauce if that’s more comfortable. (This isn’t an option in a normal booster because it can cause a dangerous lap belt fit. But the vest can keep the seatbelt in the proper position even with the child’s legs crossed.)

Remind your child how to sit upright and maintain good positioning. If you feel like your child can’t keep the correct posture, the RideSafer Vest is not the best choice for your family . This is one of the big reasons we don’t recommend it for younger kids. Though the RideSafer Vest technically fits a wide age range, it’s definitely not the right fit for every child. This is why we think a traditional booster or car seat is all-around a better option for most families. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Pratt, CPST (@safeintheseat)

A RideSafer Vest is a safe booster seat alternative, but it’s not right for every family. 

The RideSafer Vest was definitely needed in the market. It fills an important niche for travel, challenging 3-across car seat configurations , or children who can’t use traditional booster seats. And using it in a taxi, rideshare, or carpooling situation is better than graduating to a seat belt too soon . However, it’s not a replacement for traditional harnessed car seats or booster seats. And in general, we’d recommend using more traditional restraint products whenever appropriate. There is a reason for this awesome invention, but make sure it’s right for your family before making the purchase. 

Our Full Ride Safer Travel Vest Review: click here

If you’re looking for more info about car seat safety and different types of car seats , visit the Safe in the Seat blog and Instagram . We share expert advice on car seat safety every day to keep your whole family safe in their seats! 

Affiliate links are included above. Safe in the Seat earns a small commission when you purchase through these links with no cost to you. We so appreciate your support.

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Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest for Children

Safe Traffic Systems RideSafer Vest: 

The wearable car seat alternative for children 3 years and older riding in motor vehicles.

How many times have I been asked if I think a family should take their car seat on vacation when they’ll “only need it a couple of times”? Particularly in a taxi when they know they’ll be legal without one? ANSWER: Plenty.

But for those who will be traveling mostly by train or public transportation during their trips–when the ability to travel light makes a great difference in their travel plans and bottom line, it’s an understandable question.

Well, guess what? For those who will be traveling with a child 3 years old and 30 lbs. on up, I say yes, leave that car seat behind. Take this instead.

Because I’ve been recommending the Ride Safer travel vest since before the first edition Travels with Baby was published, I was delighted when Safe Traffic System offered me one of their first new & improved models released to the public.

I tested ours out with each of my children to see how it worked at different sizes. Here’s what I found.

The RideSafer children’s travel vest at a glance:

• A safe alternative to car seats or boosters for children over 3 years and 30 lbs.
• Small fits children 34″ to 52″ tall, 30 to 60 lbs.
• Large fits children 45″ to 57″ tall, 50 to 80 lbs.
• Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) for use in cars
• The Deluxe / RS2 models can be used with either shoulder seatbelts or lap belts in conjunction with a top tether anchor point (tether is included).
• The RS3 model (less expensive) does not include the tether and must be used with shoulder safety belts only.
• An optional crotch strap is included.

Find it online at:       SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

What’s changed? You might still see some old copy around assuming all that’s changed are the colors. However, the new version offers a better range of fit, with small accommodating smaller children (it used to fit from 38″ tall and 35 lbs.).

Also, the newer models have one belt buckle rather than two. The new belt paths are also a little easier / faster to use, and the optional / removable top tether strap enables you to use it quite securely in a center seating position where applicable (more comments on this below).

Favorite features of the RideSafer travel vest:

Your child can actually wear just the RideSafer travel vest (minus the head rest and optional crotch strap) and buckle into a taxi, rental, or relative’s car safely, allowing you to travel with little more than a padded vest in the side of your carry-on bag.

It weighs only 3 lbs.

The removable padded head rest adds comfort for long drives.

Kids can actually recline in back seats that offer the option.

For bigger families requiring multiple car seats or a combination of car seats and boosters, this also makes it much easier to fit three children across the back seat even if two are still in proper car seats.

That alone could save you some money on rental car upgrades or having to request a minivan taxi rather than a standard cab.

If you plan to use the CARES flight harness for a child 3 years or older, this is your perfect on-the-ground companion and car seat replacement. Zip it into the side pocket of your checked suitcase or carry-on and it will be handy on arrival.

No expiration date: I can’t pass up this opportunity to point out that, unlike other car seats, the RideSafer has no expiration date. Which means it doesn’t become gradually less safe through years of use, and it doesn’t need to end up in a land fill a few years from now.

Carpooling with kids: If you carpool with other people’s children, you can use this as a space-saving back-up to an extra high-back booster seat you can simply stuff under your seat. And as mentioned above, you can fit three kids across smaller back seats when at least one is wearing the travel vest.

How to use the RideSafer travel vest for children:

1. Slip the RideSafer travel vest onto your child.  

Then close the heavy Velcro front panel, then click the belt and adjust, as you would do with a safety belt.

Optional: Add the height-adjustable head rest for comfort (it’s not there for safety).

2a. With shoulder belts:

Have your child sit in the seat and open the appropriate shoulder belt cover (as shown), then route the shoulder belt through the metal guide.

Then route the lap portion through the two slots on your child’s lap (as shown below). Buckle the seat belt, pull up the shoulder belt to tighten as needed.

2b. With lap-only belt and tether:

Hook the tether strap (included) to the two metal latch loops on the shoulders of the travel vest. Have your child sit and route the lap belt through the two guides on the lower portion of the vest, then tighten the belt. Attach the other end of the tether belt to the corresponding anchor point in the car and tighten the strap.

Why you  might not want the RideSafer travel vest:

While it sounds great that you can use this with lap-only belts as well as shoulder belts (unlike safety boosters), you are only supposed to use it with lap belts when a top tether may also be used. In the wider world of travel, many lap-only belts you encounter will be in older vehicles that pre-date car seat tethers.

Depending on the vehicle and your child’s size, he may have trouble seeing out the windows. For kids that get car sick, this could be a problem.

On the flip side, kids who get car sick riding in side position seats may have the advantage when able to use the RideSafer vest in the center position (with a shoulder or lap-only belt and tether) and enjoy a better view out the front window.

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:  SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Other considerations of the RideSafer travel vest:

Also, on my 40″ tall child the back straps had some slack, and there is no way I see to shorten the straps.

However, she seemed plenty secure when belted in with both shoulder belt and lap + tether strap configurations.

The design doesn’t allow for “slack” in the front of the vest where the safety belt guides are, so I don’t think this is a safety concern.

As far as fit is concerned overall, many parents have reported that the large was REALLY large on their children.

Considering that the small overlaps in size up to 60 lbs. or 52″ tall, you might go with the small unless your child is already well into the second size range.

As you can see, it’s also a great fit for my lanky 6-year-old.

Bottom line and my suggestions

Yes, kids, my own included, continue to surprise us with their love of the “astronaut vest.” In fact, I was in hysterics watching as my oldest daughter insisted on wearing our vest with the head rest attached even as she did her homework at the kitchen table.

As a grown-up traveler, however, I feel a little silly about the double dose of American flags printed on the shoulder belt covers.

Still, both kids love it enough to fight over who gets to wear it. I love it enough to wrestle with getting a second for our family for upcoming travels.

Since I always like to include a few suggestions to the manufacturer for future enhancements–and in case anyone wants to jump on board with a “Travels with Baby edition.” Here’s how I would improve upon this already great travel product:

Reverse the openings of the Velcro shoulder strap covers. This will make it much easier for the older children to thread the seat belt through by themselves.

Create an adjustment to shorten the back straps a little for the smallest children (now available in the newest model per my suggestion!). 😉

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:   SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Others you might consider:

The Diono RadianRXT is a folding car seat , which can be used from birth, and later converts to a belt-positioning booster seat. With its narrow width and FAA-approval, it is airplane-cabin friendly when used forward-facing (seat height makes it tricky to recline rear-facing in narrow seat rows). When not needed it folds and can be carried by a shoulder strap. Read all about it in Best Convertible Car Seats for travel.

You might also like:

Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

Best Safety Booster Seats for Travel

Review of the Bubble Bum inflatable safety booster

Car Seats in Taxis and What You Need to Know

Car Seat Alternatives

Car Seat Travel Bags & Carriers

Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals

American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

2020 RideSafer Travel Vest Review Update – Now in THREE sizes!

The 2020 RideSafer Travel Vest XL Delight! A Mini-Review of the new RSTV.

By Brigala and Erin Brill

Do you have a bigger kid for whom a booster isn’t a good option? Maybe your car doesn’t have enough space to buckle a booster. Maybe your child is still too young for a booster or has special needs. Maybe you are dealing with a seating position with only a lap belt. Whatever the reason, parents who find themselves with kids in the 80+ lb. range who are not finding a booster to be a viable option haven’t had many alternatives.

Safe Traffic System heard you! In 2019, they started shipping the RideSafer Travel Vest in a size XL!

Left to right: RideSafer Travel Vest Delight in sizes Small, Large, and Extra Large.

Weight and Height Ranges

Small (3-6 years old): 30-60 lbs., 34-52″

Large (5-8 years old): 50-80 lbs., 45-57″

X-Large (8-10 years old): 80-110 lbs.

There’s also an “expansion panel” to improve fit options for all three sizes for heavier kids who may need more room in whatever size vest is appropriate for their height. Between the XL size and the expansion panels, the RideSafer Travel Vest may become a go-to option for a variety of kids for whom traditional car seats and boosters just aren’t working out.

A “6 year old” Huggable Image Doll in a size Large RSTV, and an “8 year old” HI Doll in the size Extra Large.

This is the same basic vest as the one we reviewed in 2017 , but for children whose height is between 48 and 60 inches tall, and whose weight is between 80 and 110 lbs.

My 8 year old human model is a little too light to get a great fit, as she only weighs 76 lbs. Height-wise, at 56” tall, it fits her well; but she needs to fill out a bit to get the vest snug. She has been riding in a Safety 1st Incognito since she got too tall to get a good fit in the size L RSTV and that works OK for around town.

At 8 years old, a backless booster is a safe and appropriate choice for most children her age; but for this child, some special developmental needs make sitting still in the car a challenge, especially for longer rides. We have found in the past that the vest does a better job than a booster keeping her in her seat. That’s what makes this new size option so exciting for us—driving on vacation is back on the table once she grows into the vest a bit.

Our model here weighs 76 lbs, just under the weight minimum of the vest. She is 56″ tall.

This is definitely a “niche” kind of product; not all families will need it. Even for hardcore RSTV families, a lot of children will be fine in just a seat belt once the size L is outgrown. That said, there are a LOT of situations where this is going to come in really handy:

• Families with extra large preschoolers (in the 80+ lb range) who are just not old enough or mature enough for booster seats.
• Vehicles with lap-only belt positions who are trying to get a little more time for their kids to ride before they have to upgrade vehicles – if your car has or can be retrofitted with tether anchors (available upon request from Safe Traffic Systems), this vest can turn a lap belt into a safe restraint for your older child.
• Older or larger children with special needs who need extra seating support when they are too big for a regular car seat. This can be a great alternative to a $800+ car seat for some of these “in between” kids who don’t necessarily need all the features of a custom special transportation seat, but aren’t quite ready for the seat belt alone. In addition to cost, the portability of this vest is a huge advantage over most car seats for kids with special needs. No need to be tied down to only one vehicle if this will work for your unique child.
• Vehicles with crummy seat belt design for children. Some kids might pass the 5-step test in some cars and be too big for some boosters, but still not get a safe belt fit in certain cars or seating positions.
• Any time you have a “tight fit” situation where you can’t squeeze in a booster and your child isn’t quite big enough or mature enough to safely use the seat belt alone but has outgrown the size Large RSTV.

As with the other RideSafer Travel Vest Delight models, you can choose to purchase the vest alone or in a bundle that includes the tether strap. The tether that comes with the XL is a heavy duty dual tether. If you are using this vest with a lap-only belt, you will need to attach one end to the tether anchor that is behind the child, and the other end to the anchor for an adjacent seating position. The strap for the tether anchor is extra long to make sure there’s enough length for it to reach two separate anchors.

If you do not have another available anchor, contact Safe Traffic Systems for a kit to install in your car (or two kits, if you are using a lap belt and have no tether anchors at all). This will almost always involve some drilling so you may need to consult with a mechanic or a NMEDA-certified shop that is familiar with safety retrofits for vehicles.

Standard single tether on the left. Heavy duty dual tether for the XL RSTV on the right.

If you buy the model without the tether and decide later that you need it, the dual tether can be purchased separately, just like it is today for kids weighing more than 60 lbs. using the size Large RSTV with a lap only belt.

If you are using the vest with a lap and shoulder belt, the tether is optional. It can be a convenient place to “hang” the vest when not in use, and it can help provide support for squirmy or tired children, but if a shoulder belt is in use it does not provide any additional crash protection.

Like all the other models of RSTV, the included crotch strap is optional. You may use it if it improves your child’s posture in the car or the fit, but if it isn’t helpful for your situation, don’t use it.

The retail price of the XL RSTV is $189 without the tether, or $229 with the tether. As of this writing, it is available through two distributors: Safe Ride 4 Kids or Innoride . It may be available through Amazon in the future.

Introducing the latest model…Gen 5 .

Perhaps the most notable change on the latest model, Gen 5 , is the buckle. The previous buckle was intended to be kid proof but it turned it out to be a bit more “adult proof” instead! You’ll notice the current version has a simple metal hook that loops through webbing on the opposite side of the vest. When the webbing is pulled snugly, the hook stays secure but it’s easily removed when slack is introduced.

The lap belt guides are shaped a bit differently and you’ll also find bright red embroidered arrows on the belt guides improving the overall instructional labeling on the vest.

The material has changed including a gorgeous blue color. They have introduced new energy absorbing material, including in the vertical straps adding padding to the inside of the vest. The tether attachment loops are now made of webbing and while we never heard complaints with the metal loops, this theoretically makes the vest more comfortable.

The Gen 5 ships with a tether, neck support, and crotch strap.

Customer service will replace lost parts such as crotch straps, belt guides, buckle parts, etc. And with online registration comes a limited lifetime warranty covering replacement of any parts damaged during normal use of the product.

Sizing has remained the same including the new XL option. Fit has remained the same from Gen 4 to Gen 5 as the shape of the vest and available adjustments remain unchanged.

Here you can see a 9 year old, 53″ and 54lbs wearing the large and a 5 year old, 46″ and 44lbs wearing the small.

Thank you to Safe Traffic Systems for providing a Gen 5 and XL RideSafer Travel Vest for this review.

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The Gen5 vests all ship with a tether, neck support pillow and crotch strap. The expansion panel is now available for purchase.

Thanks, Vera! I’ve updated the review to show those changes.

I have to differ on the sizing remaining the same. The size *chart* remains the same, but we have both the Delight and Gen5 and find that the Gen5 runs quite a bit longer in the torso. I polled families in a group that I run and those who have used both on their toddlers agree that the size small Gen 5 is WAY too big for the advertised minimum size. It’s really unfortunate and Safe Ride 4 Kids has been very responsive but the rep from STS has not been.

Safe And Convenient Alternative To Bulky Car Seats For Travel

Looking for a safe and convenient alternative to bulky car seats for travel? Look no further than the Ride Safer Travel Vest!

This innovative wearable booster seat is a game-changer for families on the go. With its alliteration allure, this vest brings the seatbelt down to your child’s level, providing them with the same level of safety without the hassle of traditional car seats .

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is not only secure, but it’s also effortless to use. With industrial-strength velcro and a sturdy metal buckle, this vest ensures your child stays safe and snug during every journey. Plus, its seat belt guides make threading the seatbelt a breeze.

But the benefits don’t stop there! This vest offers more mobility than a harnessed seat, making it perfect for preschoolers and older kids. It’s portable, adjustable, and can be used for years, making it a worthwhile investment.

So, if you’re a frequent traveler or need to fit three car seats across in a small car, the Ride Safer Travel Vest is the solution you’ve been searching for. Don’t compromise on safety or convenience – get your Ride Safer Travel Vest today!

What is it?

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is a safe and convenient alternative to bulky car seats for travel. It provides a practical solution for families who are constantly on the go or need to fit multiple car seats in a small car.

The vest is compact and well-made, weighing only 2 lbs, which makes it easy to carry around. It’s beneficial for taxis and long road trips , where lugging around a bulky car seat can be a hassle.

The vest is designed to keep children properly seated, even when sleeping, which is a great feature for tired little ones. It’s also adjustable, with a wide range of sizes available, ensuring a comfortable fit for children of different ages and sizes.

Overall, the Ride Safer Travel Vest offers a convenient and safe option for families who want to travel light and still prioritize the safety of their children.

Features and Benefits

The Ride Safer Travel Vest offers a compact solution for families, providing a wearable booster seat option that ensures children’s safety and comfort during journeys. This innovative vest brings the seatbelt down to the child’s level, eliminating the need for traditional bulky car seats .

It is secured using industrial-strength velcro and a metal buckle, providing a secure fit. The vest meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and safety standards, giving parents peace of mind. It also provides more mobility than a harnessed seat, allowing children to move comfortably during travel.

Additionally, the vest is portable and adjustable, fitting children for years. Whether taking a taxi or embarking on a long road trip , the Ride Safer Travel Vest is a practical and convenient alternative to traditional booster seats.

Sizing and Fit

Finding the right fit for your child with the Ride Safer Travel Vest can be like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Ensuring the vest fits correctly is important to provide maximum safety and comfort for your little one.

Here are some key points regarding sizing and fit:

• The Ride Safer Travel Vest is available in various sizes, from XS to XL, accommodating children of different ages and sizes.
• Measuring your child’s height and weight accurately is crucial to determine the right size for them.
• The vest should fit snugly but comfortably, with the lower flap sitting flat on the thighs.
• Adjusting the length of the vest straps and using the optional crotch strap can help achieve a secure and proper fit.

Remember, your child’s safety is of utmost importance, so take the time to ensure that the Ride Safer Travel Vest fits correctly for a safe and convenient alternative to bulky car seats during your travels.

Pros and Cons

Before making a decision, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the Ride Safer Travel Vest. This car seat alternative is compact and well-crafted, providing a safe and convenient option for families who travel frequently or don’t have a car .

While it boasts several benefits, there are also some things to keep in mind. On the plus side, the vest is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a practical choice for taxi rides and long road trips . It also offers better torso support than a backless booster seat , reducing the risk of slumping during sleep.

Safety Considerations

Considering the safety aspects, it’s important to evaluate the Ride Safer Travel Vest before deciding. The vest meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and safety standards, which is reassuring. However, it’s worth noting that the vest doesn’t provide side impact protection.

While many cars have high standards for side impact protection , this is still something to keep in mind. Additionally, getting a proper fit with the vest can be tricky, and attention to detail is necessary to ensure the child is properly secured.

It’s also important to consider the child’s height and maturity level before using the vest as a booster seat . Overall, while the Ride Safer Travel Vest offers a convenient alternative to bulky car seats for travel, it’s important to carefully consider the safety factors before using it.

Usage and Application

Now, let’s talk about how the Ride Safer Travel Vest can be used and its application in different situations.

I find this vest incredibly convenient and versatile. It’s a safe and convenient alternative to bulky car seats , especially regarding travel. Whether going on a family vacation, taking a taxi ride, or embarking on a road trip , this vest is a practical solution.

It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to use in various vehicles. Plus, it provides more mobility for the child than a harnessed seat. The vest is adjustable and can be used for years, accommodating children of different ages and sizes. It’s particularly useful for families who travel frequently or need to fit multiple car seats in a small car.

The Ride Safer Travel Vest offers a hassle-free and efficient way to ensure your child’s safety while on the go.

Where to Purchase

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is available for purchase on Amazon. You can find different sizes and colors of the vest on their website too.

Welcome to my car seat blog! As a mom of 3, I put together with other hard-working moms a highly informative one-stop car seat resource, full with many reviews and buyer guides. I hope you find it invaluable. Thank you for trusting me & my team! - Keren

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Identifying predictable risk factors (incorrect car seat installation, failure to be restrained, etc.) and yearning to suggest preventive solutions for crash fatalities to children, Hoon Y. Kim founded Safe Traffic System (STS) in Franklin Park, Illinois in 2000.

Built on that principle and through numerous innovative structural variations in conventional child restraints, STS launched its 1st generation of RideSafer® in 2004, creating a big buzz among child safety professionals and the media.

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Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest Review: Best Toddler Travel Car Seat / Booster Seat Alternative

by Mommy And Me Travels | Product Review | 12 comments

Having kids means that at one time or another you will be on the hunt for a portable car seat for travel that is easily used for taxi rides, uber travel, and shuttle transports that will keep your children safe while at home or traveling around the globe .  

(This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this article.   Click here to see my disclaimer . )

Ride Safer Travel Vest Overview

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is an alternative to booster seats because it is a portable car seat for 3 year olds + and over 30lbs (this is the small ride safer vest).  This car seat vest comes in 2 sizes, small and large.  The RideSafer is a unique childrens safety vest that makes sure the seat belt for kids is properly aligned by having design elements that are optimized for vehicle seat belts to ensure correct fit and protection for your child.

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Using the Ride Safer Car Seat Harness

The small delight travel vest is a travel car seat for 3 year olds and older that is also over 30lbs.  Before using this car seat harness you need to ensure that your young child will sit properly in their seat for the entire ride.  I was able to accomplish this with my youngest by using the optional (also highly recommended by us) top tether strap.  The tether strap kept my little man from being able to lean forward and play while in the ride safe vest. 

This travel toddler car seat is so comfortable that my little man fell asleep on our most recent 45 minute Uber ride from the airport to our cruise ship. (Grab your 7 day cruise family packing check list here for your next trip).  The tether strap kept him upright and ensured he was still in the proper position in case something unexpected happened during our ride.

Getting Ready for Your First Trip with the RideSafer Travel Vest

Since we only use the ride safer delight travel vest while traveling, we like to ensure that the vest is properly fitted the night before our flight (no the vest is not certified for air travel).

We pull out this lightweight toddler car seat and place it on our little one.  I adjust all the straps to ensure that the lower panel is over the tops of his thighs.  We also choose to use the optional crotch strap so that the back doesn’t ride up while in use (this is purely for our little ones comfort).  After adjusting the travel car seat vest we head out to our car and have him sit in a regular seat to make sure everything is positioned correctly before our trip.  Once you get all the kids seat belt vest straps properly configured you can now remove the vest (don’t move any straps) and store in your carryon luggage for use when you land at your destination.

How to use the Ride Safer Vest

We like to use Uber/Lift when available at our destination and when not available then taxi’s.  If you have a traditional car seat you will have to wait for the vehicle to arrive before you can have your child ready to go.  That is not the case with the ride safer delight travel car seat vest .  Once we order our Uber/Lift or taxi, we then pull out the lightweight travel vest and get our son into it.  Since we have already pre-adjusted all straps it is easy to have him slip it on and get buckled up. 

How to install the Best Travel Car Seat for Toddlers Once the Car Arrives 

• Place your little one in the seat (our preference is on the side with a shoulder strap) and buckle the seatbelt as normal.  
• Feed the seatbelt through the vest leg and shoulder metal clasp.  
• Finally, secure the tether strap to the anchor point and the hooks above the shoulders. Pull tight to remove an excess slack.  (This is optional but as stated above, highly recommended by us)

Now your little one is secure and you are ready to go.

Are you ready to purchase your own Ride Safer Travel Vest yet?  Buy here on Amazon as it cost you nothing but helps Mommy And Me Travels keep providing free content.   Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

Also don’t forget to check out all of our must have family travel items before your next trip.  Or get your kids excited to travel with the best travel boxes for kids here .  

Pros and Cons of the Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

• Material is well made and built to last
• Perfect for a family on the go as a travel car seat
• Compact and takes up very little carryon space
• Lightest toddler car seat
• Feels more secure than a regular booster and provides more support for your kiddos
• Adjustable sizing allows for multiple year use 
• Optional Tether makes this mommy feel like Josh is  extremely secure
• Maintains proper seatbelt positioning 
• Available in 2 sizes to ensure proper fit
• I know of nothing else that is as light, secure, and compact as this travel car seat vest
• Can take some practice to get the hang of adjusting just right
• The optional headrest takes up a lot of space that we don’t see as a required piece (as you see we didn’t mention it anywhere else on the review)
• Not permitted to use on airlines
• I don’t care for the travel bag provided, I recommend using something more compact like a medium packing cube
• If your child is not a willing participant in getting the vest on it becomes a tiresome task
• Not certified for European travel without regular booster seat

Final thoughts on the Lightest Toddler Carseat: Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest

I’m sure you can tell by now that we love the Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest and find it to be the best travel car seat for toddlers.  We are so happy that we found this product and have used it several times as our go to portable travel car seat.  We feel this to be the safest and most convenient alternative to using a heavy traditional car seat or hoping that one we rent at our destination is clean, accident free, and properly installed. 

We understand that is might seem a little pricy at first, but if you like to travel or even if you just need one for occasional carpooling I cannot recommend this travel vest car seat enough.  It is a perfect choice as something to keep in your purse or backpack while you are out exploring and need to have something on hand that you can easily secure your child with. 

If you live in a place like New York City where many families don’t keep a car, it is perfect for those pop up times when you need to hail a cab.  Want to check out other options that are a little cheaper?  Explore and shop the range of mifold compact, safe and portable car booster seats. Ideal for travel .

Need other travel advice?  Check out our articles on:  20 Ultimate Packing Tips and Tricks for Family’s ,   12 Tips for Road Trips With Toddlers

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12 Comments

What a great product. Thanks for sharing such a great review

Oh this is so interesting. I have many nieces and nephews and am always stressing about how to transport them. This would be so handy, instead of figuring out carseats!

Always safety first. super important that kids are save no matter where and what vehicle they are in xx

With a toddler and a baby coming soon this is so helpful! I love knowing reviews of products like this

We love our new travel vest. If you have a new baby on the way and your oldest will be 3 it will definitely help you manage when traveling and need to take car seats. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

When I saw the photo of the little one in the travel vest, I thought of my nephew. Looks like an interesting gift for kids!

Definitely a perfect gift for parents that travel. I was hoping to help those people needing Christmas ideas for friends or family as the holidays approach.

I remember those days when I used to travel with my children. Now my younger is 14. I will share that post with my sister in law as she traveled with my baby niece.

Thanks for the detailed review and the installation steps. Since we travel a lot in New York, as you said the vest will be definitely helpful when we use the cab.

This is perfect for those that travel and want to ensure that their kids are secure in taxis. Completely agree it would be great for your travels in New York City.

I’ve traveled with the car seats before, many times through the airports. It’s not easy. I had no idea this was even a thing. It says certified for use in motor vehicles in the USA which surprises me with how particular car seat safety is here. My boys are both in boosters now, so they are pretty easy to take with us. But I wish I would have known about this when they were younger!

There is a large size version on this vest if you are traveling and don’t have an inflatable booster. I have found that even my eldest prefers this over his travel booster as he states it is more comfortable than the travel booster we have for him.

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