Buying Guide for Moms: Car Seat Covers
As I’ve established, nothing beats the convenience a car seat cover can add to a new mom’s life. That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to know about these essential items.
Why Should You Buy a Car Seat Cover?
A car seat cover is an essential accessory for every mom on the go. Still not convinced? Here are the main benefits a baby car seat cover can bring to your life.
Protects from harsh weather elements
It’s well-known that babies cannot regulate their body temperature. Whether it’s harsh sunlight, unforgiving rain, or bone-chilling cold, babies need extra protection to combat these elements. What better form of protection than a car seat cover? These handy covers offer protection against all these elements.
Keeps germs and bugs at bay
The world is filled with germs, and babies’ immune systems aren’t as developed as ours. Car seat covers are essential for shielding your youngster from these germs by establishing a physical shield that also keeps pests and insects from getting at your little one.
Privacy
Nursing your child on the go is never easy, but a car seat cover that doubles as a nursing shield alleviates half of your worries by providing you with privacy and comfort. These covers allow you to nurse your child wherever you are.
Promotes better sleep
Sleep-deprived babies are every parent’s worst nightmare. Often babies and young children cannot sleep in car seats due to disturbing elements like light and sound. Blocking light and other intrusive elements with a car seat cover can instantly promote a comfortable sleep-inducing environment allowing your baby to slip into a relaxing slumber.
Types of Baby Carseat Covers
There are three main types of car seat covers: canopy style, slipcover style, and bodysuit style.
Canopy style
The canopy-style cover is typically elastic-bound on the sides and covers the car seat without interfering with the locking mechanism. These usually feature a mesh front or face opening for the child, and they slip over the car seat with the infant seated in it. These covers frequently have a front zip and are the safest of all the styles.
Slipcover style
The slipcover style sits between the baby and the car seat. While it may look appealing, if it’s not configured exactly to the car seat it may not be as safe or protective as other types.
Bodysuit style
Bodysuit-style covers are similar to snowsuits in that they cover beneath and over the body, compromising safety. They are not recommended unless they’re certified by the manufacturer.
How To Choose Infant Carseat Covers?
Not all car seat covers are created equal. Here are some factors you should consider when buying one for your child.
Compatibility
The most appropriate car seat cover is the one that is compatible with your baby’s car seat. An ill-fitting cover is useless. Choose one that is neither too big nor too small and fits the car seat perfectly.
Safety
When it comes to infant equipment and accessories, safety is the most important. Choosing a well-ventilated cover that does not interfere with the car seat’s harness or other safety locking features is preferable.
Material
While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, the weather has a significant impact on what material you select. Heavy, fleece-lined, and insulating fabric covers are winter-appropriate, while the breathable and lightweight fabric is ideal for summer.
Washability
Children and mess go hand in hand. You can expect your car seat cover to get dirty from time to time. We recommend choosing one that’s machine-washable and easy to clean.
Additional Tips
Below are a few additional tips to make the entire purchase process a smooth ride:
- To get the most bang for your buck, invest in a versatile car seat cover that serves as a nursing, shopping cart, and high chair cover.
- Choose slipcovers with verified safety certifications, such as Child Passenger Safety Certification, for maximum safety.
- If the intended purpose of the car seat cover is sun protection, choose one made from fabric with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
- Mesh-fronted covers are preferable since they are well-ventilated and give the child a better view.
Kids N’ Such Carseat Cover
Best Overall
The Kids N’ Car Seat Cover fits over any car seat and ensures comprehensive 360-degree protection from sun, wind, and bugs. What’s more, it’s made out of a high-quality, machine-washable fabric that has the ability to withstand thousands of washes — which any mom knows is a must-have. Plus, this car seat cover is appropriate for use in all seasons, from summer to winter. To make it even cuter, it comes in a variety of attractive prints. Thanks to its affordable price, all-encompassing protection, and excellent construction, this car seat cover is my top pick.
Cool Beans Baby Car Seat Cover
Most Breathable
The Cool Beans Baby Car Seat Cover is an ideal product for every new mom. It provides multiple uses for every situation and makes it easy to keep your baby safe, secure, and comfortable. The fabric is incredibly soft and stretchy, providing the perfect balance of comfort and protection. Plus, the fabric is lightweight while still providing excellent coverage from sun and wind. This makes it perfect for taking a morning stroll around the neighborhood or going grocery shopping.
The multi-use cover also acts as a nursing cover, which provides much-needed privacy while breastfeeding in public. The fabric is breathable to keep your baby cool while being covered up. It acts as a car seat canopy, shopping cart cover, and even a highchair cover. This provides a vast amount of protection when changing locations and environments. The bonus infant baby beanie and bag make this item even better. Not only does the beanie provide extra warmth and comfort for your little one on colder days but it also makes for an adorable fashion statement.
Yoofoss Carseat Cover
Most Versatile
The Yoofoos Car Seat Cover is a versatile and adaptable seat cover that comes in a selection of fun patterns. This unisex cover may be used for many purposes, including car seats, nursing covers, shopping cart covers, high chair covers, as an infinity scarf, a blanket, and even as a stroller cover. Providing full protection while remaining breathable, this car seat cover is constructed of high-quality polyester that’s gentle on the baby’s skin and comfortable to wear. Plus, it’s made in a safe environment, has been thoroughly tested, and holds a Child Passenger Safety Certification (CPSC).
ByeBye Calorie Car Seat Cover
Most Attractive
The ByeBye Calorie Car Seat Cover is a canopy-style cover with many attractive prints to choose from, including a dinosaur and pink floral print. These patterns are pleasant to the eye and visually stimulating to the baby. What’s more, the cover is universally adaptable and fits over any car seat without interfering with the safety features. This full-coverage cover can be used for up to seven different purposes and is made from high-quality, durable fabric. Because of this, it’s an excellent choice for a gift for new moms. Lastly, this car seat cover lacks noisy and troublesome parts such as fasteners, zippers, and straps, making it a convenient alternative.
Skip Hop Carseat Cover
Best for Winter
The Skip Hop Carseat Cover is made out of polyester fabric with a warm, cozy fleece lining on the inside. This shower cap-style cover has an elastic border that wraps over the carseat and doesn’t get in the way of the harness or handle, making it a safe option. Universally compatible, this cover will fit over any model of the carseat with ease. Plus, it has a plush fleece head cover and collar to keep your little one snug and cozy while protecting them from the cold and wind. Thanks to the zipped front flap, it’s easy to manage the temperature within this cover and reach your infant. Lastly, this is a safe choice for your little one as it’s made without polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or phthalates.
ACRABROS Carseat Cover
Most Convenient
The ACRABROS Carseat Cover provides incredible ease and convenience to the lives of both new and experienced parents. Thanks to its stretchy nature, this gorgeous cover will quickly fit over any car seat. Plus, the fasteners keep it in place. The dual front zips allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them while also helping to keep the inner temperature balanced. What’s more, the mesh front forms a breathable window and a bug shield. This handy car seat cover even comes with a complimentary bag so it can be folded up and carried with you when you travel.
People Also Asked
A: No, carseat covers from reputable manufacturers will not put your child in danger of asphyxia. It is essential that the carseat cover does not come too close to or cover your child's face since this can result in carbon dioxide rebreathing, leading to suffocation.
A: Bulky winter jackets compromise the fit of the carseat harness, which inadvertently compromises your child's safety. Carseat covers do not hinder the safety function of the carseats, which makes them a superior choice when compared to winter jackets.
A: Peek-a-boo carseat covers are canopy-style covers that allow you to look in on your infant without disturbing them.