When you take your baby grocery shopping, you may not realize how many germs could be lurking in the shopping cart.
Studies have shown that shopping carts have more saliva, bacteria, and even fecal matter than public bathrooms and other surfaces. Yuck!
This is why so many parents invest in a shopping cart cover. It provides a barrier between your child and all of these germy surfaces.
We’re going to check out what you should look for when buying a baby shopping cart cover, as well as reviews the five best.
Jump straight to our reviews :
Is a baby shopping cart cover even necessary?
Everyone’s definition of “necessary” is different. Sure, you can survive parenthood without one, but is it worth the risk?
You don’t have to be a parent for long before you learn just how much kids love to put their hands in their mouths. When you combine this fact with the research that shows how dirty store carts are, you may decide that adding a cover to the cart is necessary, after all.
The cart cover gives your baby a padded and clean place to sit and rest their hands while you’re shopping. You take it on and off every time you shop so you can easily wash it in between uses.
While you can certainly wipe the cart handles with a disinfecting wipe, many parents find having one is easier and helps them feel safe about keeping their children away from yucky germs.
What do I look for in the best shopping cart cover?
Comfort
If your baby isn’t comfortable in the shopping cart, you’re going to have an unpleasant shopping experience.
Most store carts have plastic or metal slats which can become uncomfortable. Finding a baby cart cover with padding is your best bet because it makes the seat more comfortable. Also, check out the fabric to make sure that it isn’t anything that is going to scratch your child or make them itchy.
Safety
Very few babies sit quietly and still in a seat, so you’ll want to find one with straps. This will keep your baby secure in his seat as you shop. With straps in place, you won’t have to worry that your baby is going to try to climb out of the cart as you reach for that cereal box.
Durability & Style
If you plan on using your shopping cart cover a lot, you want to choose one that is made of fabric that is going to last. You’ll also want to look for one that has complete coverage around the shopping cart seat. While this may cost you a few dollars more, it’s worth it in the end.
Easy to Take Care of
Machine-washability is a must.
You want to be able to throw it in the washing machine and disinfect it without having to worry that it’s going to get ruined. Honestly, if it’s not machine-washable, you shouldn’t even be considering it! If you don’t wash your shopping cart cover, you’re just transporting germs back and forth. Gross.
Extra Features
When you’re looking for the best shopping cart cover, look for one that has extra features like small attached toys. These will keep your child busy while you shop. You can always bring small toys with you, but there’s a good chance they’ll throw them out of the cart unless there are loops to attach them.
Some baby shopping cart covers even double up as a high chair cover. This is a great buy because you’re getting more uses out of it.
And speaking of double, there are even some cart covers made to accommodate more than one child at once. Whether you have twins or two children close in age, this is a big bonus. While it may be hard to find carts with that capability, some stores have them – although you may have to drive around the parking lot to find that one special double-seat cart, like I’ve done quite often.
Compactness
Many baby cart covers fold up compactly so you can carry them easily or store them in your diaper bag. You don’t want one that’s too bulky because you’re the one who is going to have to tote it around with everything else you have. Make it easier on yourself and go the compact route.
How old does my child have to be to sit in a shopping cart?
Children can typically sit in a shopping cart once they can sit up on their own. For many, this is around the six-month mark. Once you feel comfortable that your baby can sit upright, you can start adding a cover to the cart and placing your ubaby shopping cart covers.
How do I use a shopping cart cover?
Some shopping cart covers fit around the seat and attach with velcro, snaps, or a buckle. Others just have elastic that you stretch over the seat. It’s a matter of personal preference, but the ones with velcro or other secure fasteners may be the better option.
Are there any safety concerns with shopping cart covers?
We all know babies can be little Houdinis. While you have them fastened in, they may try to wiggle themselves out or play with the fasteners. Always be aware of what your baby is doing in the cart to keep them safe.
If your baby is extra wiggly, you may want to look for a cover that includes a safety harness.
Remember – even the best shopping cart cover is no replacement for good parenting.
Shopping Cart Cover Reviews
Suessie Shopping Cart Cover
If you’re looking for a cover for shopping carts and high chairs, this is one to put on your radar.
This one fits most shopping carts, even the ones at Costco and Target that aren’t usually standard shaped. It also fits most standard restaurant-style high chairs. There’s a strap to keep your baby in place so you don’t have to worry about him climbing out.
You get this baby shopping cart cover on by using the elastic and velcro that comes with it. There’s nothing to tie or click. Once you have it in place, your little one can play with the teether.
You can also attach toys to the two loops attached. There’s even a side sippy cup strap so that your baby’s drink won’t fall on the floor.
The big bonus here is the clear pocket for your phone that’s right on top. This is not only a great storage piece for you, but if you want to put a video on your phone for your little one to watch while you’re shopping, he can see it clearly without having to hold the phone – and probably dropping it.
This one is a great buy for what it offers, so you’ll want to keep this on your list of possibilities.
What We Love:
- It doubles up as a shopping cart and a high chair cover.
- It fits on most shopping carts.
- It’s easy to take on and off.
- It comes with an attached teether and a clear cell phone pocket.
- Made of polyester and is machine-washable
- Folds up easily and comes with a carry pouch
Things to Consider:
- It’s only made for one child.
Check out the Suessie Shopping Cart Cover on Amazon.
Love & Go Soft Pillow Attached 2-in-1 Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover
If you’re looking for added comfort for your baby, this 2-in-1 shopping cart cover comes with an attached pillow.
The pillow gives your little one extra back support when she’s sitting in the cart. There are also protectors over the leg holes for added comfort. This cover fits most standard shopping carts as well as the ones at Costco and Target. It also doubles up as a high chair cover.
There is an elastic that goes around the shopping cart as well as a strap with a buckle around the back so you can feel confident that your baby is secure. There’s also a strap with a buckle to keep her fastened in the seat.
Although there are no toys included, there are two toy loops for you to attach toys on your own.
This one also has that bonus clear cell phone pocket that could help to keep your baby entertained as you shop. There are two side pockets to put sippy cups, snacks, or whatever else you want your kiddo to have.
This cart cover is easy to fold and fits inside a carry bag that is included. It’s also machine-washable. It’s comparable in price to others on the market for the features it offers.
What We Love:
- The added pillow is a nice perk to make the seat more comfortable.
- Two side pockets for storage.
- Easy to fold and carry with you in the included pouch.
- Secure fasteners
Things to Consider:
- Doesn’t come with any toys
- It isn’t made for two children.
Twin Double Shopping Cart Cover for Baby Siblings with Carrying Case
If you have twins like me, you’ll want to take a look at this design as you shop for the best shopping cart cover for twins.
It has four leg holes which means it’s made for more than one child, as long as the cart is too.
This shopping cart cover fits those Costco shopping carts which is a big plus. You can also use it on a baby high chair.
It’s easy to take on and off with elastic that fits around the cart. There are buckle harnesses for both babies so you can feel safe when they’re both in there. While it doesn’t come with toys, there are loops to attach toys. Another thing to consider is that there is no clear pocket for your phone like you’ll find with some other choices.
As with many other covers, this one is machine washable. It folds compactly and fits inside the included storage bag. You’ll see that it is priced a few dollars lower than some others, so if cost is a major concern, this is one to keep on your list.
What We Love:
- Made for more than one child
- Can be used on high chairs
- Easy to fold and store
- Two safety straps for both children
- Priced slightly lower than others
Things to Consider:
- No toys included
- No clear phone case
Check out the Twin Double Shopping Cart Cover on Amazon.
Summer 2-in-1 Cushy Cart Cover and Seat Positioner
If cushions for comfort are high on your list of must-haves for the best shopping cart, you may want to keep this on your radar.
This cover for shopping carts and high chairs has extra padding all the way around to make your baby’s experience a more comfortable one.
It also comes with an infant positioner that helps your smallest little one stay upright. As your little one grows, you can take it out and just use the cover. There is a safety belt that helps to keep your baby in position as you shop.
We love that it comes with that clear case for your phone that we’ve been talking about, as well as two loops to attach toys.
When you’re talking about portability, it doesn’t get much better than this because as you fold this shopping cart cover, it turns into a pouch. You don’t have to worry about looking around for the bag.
Pricewise, it’s slightly higher than some others, but not so much that it should make or break your decision.
What We Love:
- Machine washable
- Folds into its own pouch
- Includes a clear phone case
- Includes removable positioner
Things to Consider:
- Does not fit in larger sized carts
- Not made for two children
Check out the Summer 2-in-1 Cushy Cart Cover on Amazon
Lumiere Baby Shopping Cart Cover for Baby and Toddler
Finally, this cart cover from Lumiere makes the list because it has a lot to offer.
For starters, the 360* coverage design assures that all of the cart is covered. There’s also a self-adhesive wrap between the leg holes so that no part of your baby is touching the cart.
It has an elastic band on the front to attach the cover as well as a hook and loop fastener on either side. While these will help to keep the cover in place, your little one will stay safe with the adjustable safety harness.
This cover fits most standard carts, as well as Costco and Target carts. It also doubles as a high chair cover.
For features, this shopping cart and high chair cover has a clear cell phone pocket as well as two loops to attach toys. There’s also a sippy cup strap to help keep a drink in place.
When it comes to storage, you just roll it up and put it in the tiny pouch that fits nicely in your diaper bag.
It’s also machine washable. You’ll notice that this is one of the more expensive on the list, but depending on what you’re looking for, it could be worth the money.
What We Love:
- 360-degree cart coverage
- Clear phone case
- Fits most carts
- Rolls up into its own bag
- Machine washable
- Includes a sippy cup strap
Things to Consider:
- Not made for two children
- One of the more expensive shopping cart covers on the list
Final Thoughts on the Best Shopping Cart Covers
As you search for the best shopping cart cover, you need to decide what’s most important to you.
Do you want more features or something simpler? Do you need a shopping cart cover for twins, or just one baby? And, on a very personal, aesthetic note – do you like the pattern?
Still – if we had to pick the best shopping cart cover from the list, it would be the Suessie Shopping Cart Cover.
It fits most carts, comes with a clear plastic phone case, two loops for toys, and its own teether. There’s also a strap for a sippy cup and extra storage pockets. It’s easy to roll up into a pouch that’s included to make it easy when you’re on the go.
It’s a winner on so many levels, plus it keeps those nasty shopping cart germs away from your baby. It doesn’t get much better!
