Bump Belts Might Be Unsafe in Pregnancy

I remember Googling “best pregnancy car seat belt” around 20 weeks pregnant with my first.

The bump was popping, and I was suddenly hyper-aware of everything that might squish, strain or squash it. Like many mums-to-be, I wanted reassurance. Comfort. Safety. Something to make that awkward seatbelt feel a little less… stabby.

Enter the “bump belt.” Marketed as a clever little gadget to redirect your seatbelt away from your belly, it seems like the ultimate pregnancy hack. The kind of thing that gets shared in mums’ groups with a caption like, “Game changer! Why didn’t I get this sooner?!”

But here’s the truth bomb: these products aren’t regulated. And they might not protect you or your baby at all.

The Not-So-Safe “Safety” Gadget

A drive.com.au article caught my attention this morning and it’s a bit of a wake-up call many of us didn’t know we needed.

Experts are warning against the growing popularity of bump belts and similar seatbelt adjusters. They haven’t been crash-tested to the same safety standards as your actual seatbelt. Some could even increase your risk in a crash.

Yep. A product designed to protect your bump might actually make things worse.

Why Do We Fall For It?

Because we’re tired. We’re uncomfortable. We’re told 57 times a day to “do what’s best for baby.” So we shell out $59.95 for peace of mind and hope for the best. Add a bit of sleek marketing and a couple of glowing reviews, and it’s all too easy to hit buy now at 2am with one hand on your belly and the other holding your phone.

But comfort doesn’t always mean safety. And in Australia, seatbelts are already designed to protect pregnant women if you wear them properly.

That means:

• Lap belt low and flat across your hips, never across your bump.
• Shoulder strap between your boobs, then off to the side of your belly.
• No extra bits pulling or pinning or clipping in weird spots.

No Warning, No Testing, No Thanks

Here’s the real kicker. Most of us don’t even know these accessories are untested. There’s no giant label screaming “USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.” No crash test results. No official stamp of approval. Just clever packaging and feel-good promises.

What Actually Keeps You Safe

Let’s go with what works. According to road safety experts, your standard car seatbelt, worn the right way, is still the safest option for you and your baby. Backed by science. Tested like mad. No fancy add-ons needed.

The safest way to wear a seatbelt during pregnancy is to position the lower strap under your bump and across your pelvis, as close to your lap as possible. The sash part of the seatbelt should come down diagonally from your shoulder across your chest, remaining above your bump to avoid direct pressure on it.

Still noot sure you’re wearing it right? Ask your midwife or GP. They’ll walk you through it and tell you straight if a product’s worth it or if it belongs in the bin.

Also, if something claims to make you “safer,” ask this: Has it been crash-tested? By who? Approved by any real safety organisations?

If all the answers come from influencers or sketchy Amazon listings, that’s your sign.

Speak Up, Mamas

Used one of these? Nearly bought one? Found out later it wasn’t safe? Your story could help another mum avoid the same trap.

Because while some products are just a waste of cash, others can genuinely put people at risk. And the more we talk about it, the more we protect each other.

TL;DR: Don’t Mess With What Works

Pregnancy is full of unknowns. It makes total sense that we grab anything that promises more control. But not every product is worth your money. Or your safety.

Sometimes the best choice is the one that’s been working all along.

Your seatbelt. Worn right. No gadgets needed.

Ever used a bump belt? Or nearly bought one? Share your story, your experience might just help another mum.

Drop it in the comments below. Let’s look out for each other.