You've downloaded the shows, charged the tablet, and planned the perfect screen-time schedule for the drive. And then you spend 20 minutes of the journey passing the tablet back and forth, propping it up with a coat, and retrieving it from the footwell. Sound familiar?
Getting a tablet properly accessible and stable in the car makes a genuine difference. This guide runs through the main options, what works, what doesn't, and why thousands of UK parents have settled on the integrated approach.
Option 1: Headrest Tablet Mounts
Headrest mounts are probably what you picture when you think of a car tablet holder. They clip onto the headrest posts of the front seat and hold the tablet using an adjustable arm or claw mechanism. Prices range from around £8 to £25 on Amazon.
The pros: they position the tablet at eye level and keep it away from your child's lap. The cons are significant. Cheap clamp mechanisms loosen with vibration over time, so the tablet gradually tilts until it's pointing at the ceiling. The rigid metal arms mean your child can't change the angle themselves. And if your child decides they want to pass the tablet to a sibling, they'll need to unclip it, which often leads to a chorus of "I can't get it out" from the back seat.
There's also a safety consideration. In the event of an impact, rigid metal arms extending from the headrest can become a hazard. A fabric pocket carries no such risk.
Option 2: Windscreen Suction Cup Mounts
Suction cup mounts stick to the windscreen and position the tablet at the front of the car. These are really designed for satnav use rather than entertainment. Having a tablet mounted on the windscreen in front of the driver is distracting, and the viewing angle for a rear passenger is poor. Skip these for family use.
Option 3: Lap Trays and Cushion Holders
Lap trays with a tablet slot can work reasonably well for older children who are happy sitting relatively still. For toddlers and younger children, they're a frustration. The tray tips when the child shifts position, the tablet slides out, and the whole thing ends up on the floor within ten minutes.
Option 4: Seat Back Pocket with Integrated Tablet Holder
This is the approach that makes most sense for families, and it's what the CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser is built around. The organiser hangs from the front headrest and sits flush against the seat back. The tablet pocket fits devices up to 10.1 inches and has a clear, touchscreen-compatible window across the front.
What makes this genuinely better for children is that they can reach it, use it, and put it back themselves. There's no clamp to wrestle with, no arm to reposition. The pocket holds the tablet securely, the touchscreen cover means they can swipe and tap without removing the device, and when they're done they slide it back in. Parents describe it as a "game changer for family road trips" and the independence it gives children is a big part of why.
💡 Kindle and Fire tablet owners: The Amazon Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 both fit perfectly in the CheekyBoo tablet pocket. Amazon Kids content is ideal for car journeys, and the pocket's clear cover means Kindles can be read through it without removal. Several parents mention they were "surprised how much fits in" the overall organiser once they started using it.
What About Screen Angle?
One of the criticisms of seat-back pockets is that the screen angle is fixed. In practice, this is less of a problem than it sounds. The pocket sits at a slight forward angle naturally because of how the organiser hangs, and most children find this comfortable for viewing. For the first year or two you'll be adjusting things anyway as children grow, so a slightly adjustable setup matters less than having something reliable and safe.
Cable Management
If you use a charging cable while travelling, run it along the headrest strap and down the side of the seat. Most modern charging cables are long enough to reach from a rear USB port or a portable battery. Tuck the cable into the side of the organiser pocket to keep it tidy and prevent it from dangling into your child's lap.
The Bottom Line
For a toddler or young child travelling regularly, the CheekyBoo integrated tablet pocket is the simplest, safest, and most practical solution available. It doesn't require installation beyond looping the straps over the headrest. It doesn't wobble. The tablet doesn't fall out. And it comes with all the additional storage you need for drinks, snacks and toys, all in one place.
CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser
10.1" touchscreen tablet pocket, insulated drinks holders, and 8 pockets total. No fiddly mounts, no suction cups. Fits iPad, Fire HD, Kindle and more. Free UK delivery with Prime.
Shop on Amazon UK →