Best Shopping Cart Covers To Avoid Nasty Germs (2020 Guide)
I couldn’t wait for the day when my son could sit in a shopping cart unassisted, without his infant carrier.
He was a strong and study baby who mastered many of his physical developmental milestones quickly, but he was having trouble staying upright (and still) in the cart.
He’d shift around every time I’d turn a corner or make an abrupt stop.
Plus, he was teething and he’d try to put his mouth on the handle bar constantly. Yuck!
Not to mention, he’d obviously touch the cart and put his hands straight in his mouth to soothe his throbbing teeth.
What was I to do?
Not taking him to the store was not an option. So, when I came across shopping cart covers, they absolutely changed the way that I grocery shop with my son.
Why You Need A Shopping Cart Cover
Being honest, at first, I thought shopping cart covers were a gimmick.
But now, I don’t put my son in a cart without one (and he’s 16 months old).
Here's why you need a cover: because there are hundreds of germs lingering around on the bar and cart itself.
A cover offers a layer of protection from direct contact with these germs so your baby is less likely to pick up a cold or a virus.
I still wipe down the cart prior to placing the cover on top, and I sanitize my baby’s hands after shopping.
But, a cart cover is the ultimate germ barrier.
Covers are also comfortable for babies to sit on. They shield the bumpiness and coldness that is felt by sitting in a rigid cart, and they even help keep your child in position.
A cozy pad is sold with the cover to keep your child upright and it fills the space on the sides so your child can’t lean over or feel the urge to climb out of the cart.
Important Features to Consider
Shopping cart covers aren't complicated products, but there are a few key components you should keep in mind when buying one.
Comfort. If your baby is comfortable, the less likely you are to have behavior problems while in the store. They won’t mind sitting in the cart and they will feel snug and secure if your cover comes with extra cushioning.
Safety. You want something that has adjustable straps so you can keep your baby strapped in and secure at all times. You don’t want them to lean over the cart or try to stand up, so a strong and sturdy safety strap is a must!
Cost. You can get a high quality cover for a pretty affordable price. Don’t spend over $30 for one! (Though I do recommend a "hammock" if you're willing to spend a little more).
Removable padding. A removable pad is great for positioning your baby upright, but it should also be able to be removed as your baby grows into a toddler, giving them more room.
Design. Hands down, you want something that is durable. Look for a cover that has stitched edges and secure seams. You can choose a cover that complements either gender, and that has a space in the front for a toy, snack, or a clear cover to slide a phone or electronic device into.
Waterproof. You are going to want to wash your cart cover a lot. I wash mine weekly. So you need something that can be tossed in the washer or wiped down with warm, soapy water. Avoid suede or other fabrics that also stain. You toddler is most likely going to be eating or drinking while in the cart to remain occupied, and they will muck it up if it can’t be cleaned with ease.
Best Shopping Cart Covers
My go-to shopping cart cover when I'm shopping with my son is the Infantino 2-in1, which not only is highly effective in keeping germs away, but it's also priced very affordably (click here to check the price on Amazon).
The full size cover stretches in order to cover the back rest of the cart, the seat, and the handle bar with ease.
It will keep your baby clean and comfortable, and occupied!
The cover has loops for toys and a teether, a sippy cup strap, and a snack and accessory pouch so all of your baby’s needs are met!
My son is still at the age where I have to fish out a snack one at a time from the pouch, but at least its right in front of me as I’m pushing the cart. I no longer have to fumble through my purse for his treats.
You also don’t have to worry about your child constantly dropping their belongings on the dirty floor. Each item is secured into the cover.
The Infantino has a safety harness belt, it comes complete with a teether, and it folds up into a compact tote. It’s easy to carry on your shoulder or pop into your diaper bag.
You can also use the cover on a high chair if you are going out to dinner. You don’t have to worry about your baby running their hands all over the seat and then putting their fingers in their mouth.
The Infantino has a great gender neutral design, and since it is priced so affordably, I highly recommend placing one in each vehicle so you never leave home without it!
#2. Summer Infant 2-in-1 Cart Cover
My other favorite shopping cart cover is the Summer Infant 2-in-1 (click here to check the price on Amazon).
It is probably one of the most comfortable covers around and it comes complete with an ultra-squishy and soft positioner.
It literally fills the entire length and width of the cart, but it leaves adequate space for your baby to slip their legs through the holes and sit upright in the cart.
As your baby grows, just remove it from the underside of the cover and continue to utilize its strong straps for safety and support.
You’ll be able to protect your baby or toddler from germs and keep them entertained on your shopping excursion.
You can utilize its large, vinyl pocket to fill with snacks or toys. You can also slide in your cell phone to entertain your baby with an app or video. It has two loops to help you attach your baby’s favorite toys or teether.
Much like the Infantino, this Summer Infant cover folds easily up into a compact, portable pouch. It is waterproof and can be cleaned with ease.
The cover can also be used on top of a high chair to help you dine out with ease.
Parents rave about the cover and positioner piece, but have remarked that after months of use, the vinyl cover has cracked or ripped.
It doesn't have a satisfaction or product guarantee, so if you purchase it, be aware to keep it well maintained and to not put any kind of pointy objects (like keys) inside the pouch.
Overall, the cover runs on the pricey side, but has receive positive reviews from parents stating that it is ultra-helpful and it entertained and supported their baby immensely.
The Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock not only looks ridiculously adorable, but it works well with an infant or baby in tow (click here to check out all 4 colors on Amazon).
So, you may be thinking, “Why a hammock?”
This style and design takes up much less space than an infant carrier, which is beyond big and bulky. It gets placed in the middle of the cart and spreads across its entire width.
It is very comfortable to babies, and they aren’t ever exposed to any part of the cart. It clips on both sides and hangs elevated in a way that actually rocks your baby as your push your car forward.
You have lots of room for your groceries (because you can get underneath your child) and it rolls up snugly so you can fit it in your purse or diaper bag.
It is so strong and durable, you can place your newborn infant in their infant carrier seat inside the hammock if desired (because most moms don’t want to wake their sleeping baby from the car seat/carrier).
At first glance, it may not appear to be safe, but rest assured it has an extremely safe and strong design that exceeds all necessary safety standards.
The hammock can be used up until your child can sit up unassisted. And, they are always fastened securely (never use it without the safety straps).
Like the other covers, it is machine washable and is made out of 97% cotton, so you can guarantee your child will be placed on something soft and comfortable.
Wrapping Up
So, are you sold on a shopping cart cover yet?
I’m so glad I bought mine and it has transformed the way that I shop with my toddler.
I not only have peace of mind that they are sitting on a clean, protected surface, but they are safe, comfortable and occupied as I run my errands.
