On a short errand you can fix a back seat on the fly. On a long drive, every fix means a pull-over. The easiest trip is the one where the mirror, the shade and the view of your baby are sorted before you leave the driveway.
Do It the Day Before, Not at the Rest Stop
Everything below is quick, but "quick" is easier without a fussy baby waiting. Fit it all the day before, then sit in the driver's seat and check what you can see. That one test shows what needs moving while you still have time.
Step 1: The Mirror (30 Seconds or Less)
A Leo&Ella baby car mirror arrives fully assembled and needs no tools. Which one you fit depends on your headrest:
- Adjustable mirrors (Large and Medium) fit adjustable headrests with two exposed posts, and install in under 30 seconds with straps and buckles.
- The Tesla & Fixed Headrest mirror fits fixed headrests like most Teslas, and adjustable ones too. Its continuous elastic loop goes on in under 10 seconds, with no straps or Velcro.
Both are convex, shatterproof ABS acrylic and rotate 360°. Sit in the driver's seat, glance at your rearview mirror, and tilt the mirror until your baby's face is in view. Not sure which fits? See Adjustable vs. Tesla & Fixed Headrest.
Step 2: The Shade
Press a Leo&Ella window sunshade onto the glass beside the car seat. It is a mesh with static cling, so there are no suction cups or assembly. Each pack holds two shades, one for each rear side window. They block sun glare, heat and most UV rays.
30 sec
Adjustable mirror
10 sec
Tesla & Fixed mirror
5 min
Camio camera monitor
Step 3 (Optional): A Live View
Some parents want more than a reflection, especially for long stretches or after dark. The Camio camera monitor has a 5-inch screen and a 1080p camera with infrared night vision. It takes about 5 minutes to install:
- The camera straps to the back-seat headrest.
- The monitor sits on the windshield or dashboard on a suction mount.
- It is wired, with no Wi-Fi or batteries, and powers on when plugged into the car charger.
Because it needs a cable run, this is the one to fit the day before. For help choosing, read Baby Car Mirror vs. Camera Monitor.
Mirror or monitor, keep your eyes on the road
Either one is for a quick glance. If your baby needs more than that, pull over somewhere safe.
A One-Minute Check Before You Pull Out
- Mirror: can you see your baby's face from the driver's seat?
- Shade: is it on the side the sun will be on?
- Monitor: if you use one, is the cable out of the way and the screen lit?
- Baby: comfortable, and not in direct sun?
The Free Sunshade
If you are still missing a shade, there is a free one coming. Every Leo&Ella baby car mirror ordered on leoella.com includes a free car window sunshade 2-pack, one for each mirror in the order, while supplies last. It may ship separately from the mirror, so order early enough for both to arrive before your trip.
A few minutes the day before means the drive itself is just the drive.
