Parenting

The Best Baby Car Seat Covers To Protect Your Precious Cargo From The Elements (And All Those Cheek Pinchers)

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

by Megan Hungerford
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Best Baby Car Seat Covers
Amazon

Understanding the convenient power of the best baby car seat covers is like joining a secret parents society. (Cue the family quotes from parents who’ve been there, done that.) Those in the know never think to talk about them. But ask any car seat cover-converted parent, and they will confess to wondering how the hell they managed before it. Even if you don’t have a car or you live someplace warm, infant car seat covers are still vital to making new parenthood effortless. (Well, this part of parenting, at least.) Because what you may not realize is that the best baby car seat covers are not only a winter essential — although, let’s be frank, they’re game-changers in terms of your cold-weather baby gear — they’re also indispensable barriers to the outside world you will depend on. Every. Single. Day.

Most baby car seat covers fit effortlessly on infant car seats and many strollers, offering protection from the rain, wind, and snow, but also bugs, sun, and most importantly, keeping them safe from germs. Yup, you can keep all those cheek-pinching baby kissers (and their germs) at a distance without fighting to keep that swaddling blanket strategically placed over baby’s carrier. Which, we’re sorry to point out, will eventually slide off onto that super clean sidewalk or grocery store floor — yuck!

So stop picking up that dirty blanket and get yourself a nice clean baby car seat cover. There are 100% cotton muslin and UV-protecting sun covers for warm weather. And for you cold weather dwellers, some of the best baby car seat covers are as snuggly as the warmest winter jacket (without the hassle of getting baby suited up in all that winter gear). Because who the hell wants to spend their mornings bundling your LO in multiple layers of baby gear when you really, really need to get out the door? Protect Baby and make your life as a parent easier with the best baby car seat covers for all the elements.

Baby Car Seat Covers For Winter

Keep your little one snug as a bug no matter what the elements have in store with the JJ Cole car seat cover. Featuring a universal elastic design, the JJ Cole car seat cover easily fits most infant car seats and standard-sized strollers. The weather-resistant nylon shell protects your baby from wind and rain, while the soft interior fleece lining keeps your baby warm without the need for a thick winter jacket.

One Reviewer Says: “This is a great cover. It was warm and kept the snow out. My baby was always warm just wearing sleepers in it, which is so much safer than big, bulky outerwear. It was also great to keep everyone from sticking their faces in his during flu season!”

The all-season Amazlinen stretchy baby car seat cover is not only great in all types of weather, but easy to install thanks to universal fit technology. Crafted from a unique 4-way stretch knit fabric, the mid-weight, wind-resistant car seat cover keeps LOs comfy with a super soft minky lining. Plus with ample zipper openings, you can easily remove or secure Baby without uninstalling the car seat cover. Not only does the dual zip opening make it easy to check on your precious cargo, it allows for complete control over how much light and fresh air get in.

One Reviewer Says: “I am absolutely in love with this. The material is high quality. It is thick to keep my baby warm. There is no hole at the sides for sure. The zipper is [wonderful] to allow air in. There are buttons on the top to secure the opening. It fits my car seat really well...Worth the money.”

In every downtown or big city, 7AM Enfant outerwear is the cosmopolitan choice for bundling stylish urban babies. Not only is the fashionable 7AM Enfant Cocoon car seat cover chic, but the entire line is vegan, cruelty-free, and oh so warm! Available in a wide range of colors and fabrics including velour and water-repellent nylon, this option currently has a rating of 4.7 out of five on Amazon.

One Reviewer Says: “This is the BEST winter car seat cover you can buy. I live in Ohio and last winter was brutal, single digits and negative wind chills. I had to bring my baby to a sitter every day and it was a pretty long outside walk from the car to her door - I never had to worry about baby being cold.”

Providing new parents with fashionable yet functional designs since 2003, the Stroll & Go car seat cover is another parenting essential from Skip Hop. Featuring a unique roll-away front flap to easily get Baby in and out of the car seat, this winter car seat cover provides a warm refuge during all your little one’s travels. Snap down the soft fleece collar to expose your baby’s head or safely cover their face for protection from the elements and germs.

One Reviewer Says: “This car seat cover has been a lifesaver for our Minnesota cold. One huge issue with car seats is that you cannot put bulky clothes on a baby and then strap them in for safety reasons. This cover fixes that issue. It’s almost too warm at times. It’s super easy to put on and take off and even has a nice strap for rolling up the cover when it’s not needed. I purchased this for my baby to help keep people away when she was born, but now it’s become a must-have every time we leave the house.”

Baby Car Seat Covers For Summer

Made of a lightweight cotton jersey to ensure maximum breathability, the Kids N’ Such baby car seat cover offers maximum versatility. This little parenting go-to can be used to cover germy high chairs and shopping carts in addition to covering car seats. Plus, it even doubles as the perfect modesty wrap for nursing mothers on the go.

One Reviewer Says: “Not only is this freaking stylish, but it works great, is breathable, and I get complimented on it all the time. I feel totally chic when using it!”

Protect Baby from nasty insect bites and UV rays without applying chemical-laden creams or sprays with the Cozy Cover sun and bug car seat cover. This perfect warm weather cover is made of a lightweight material featuring a mesh front panel to increase air circulation while keeping pesky bugs at bay. Parked in the sun? Pull the attached sun shade down for added UV protection. The best part of all? The Cozy Cover creates a safety barrier around your little one while still allowing them to see the world around them.

One Reviewer Says: “I love this cover! My favorite part is the mesh. I can take my baby out for walks with this cover and not worry about her getting overheated. She can see me and I can see her. I also love it because it keeps unwanted hands off of her while she's in her carrier along with the bugs. Its super easy to use. Just remember not to pull cover over the handle of your carrier.”

Another fantastic cotton muslin pick, the Metplus Car Seat Cover will turn your baby’s car seat into an airy oasis. This gauzy cover lets air and filtered light in while keeping debris, dust pollen, and harsh sun rays out. It also comes in 8 bold patterns for both boys and girls — and they’re all totally adorable.

One Reviewer Says: “I needed a cover for the carseat for when I go for walks with my infant in the summer. I wanted something that would cover the seat and protect the baby from the sun, but also allow some airflow since those bucket seats can quickly get really hot. This really was the perfect purchase. The muslin fabric is light and very breathable and allows for the breeze to go through but [is] opaque and blocks most of the sunlight which helps to protect the baby's eyes. The design is also super cute.”

Made from breathable fabric, this car seat cover from PRIMLECT contains three layers — the first layer helps block the sun (and unwanted attention from nosy strangers), the second provides ventilation, and the third will help make your baby feel secure. It’s designed to fit with any infant car seat, and is a big hit with other parents. With so many designs to choose from, you might be tempted to buy a couple.

One Reviewer Says: “I can't tell you how pleased I am with this cover. The patterns are as vivid as pictures, the material is stretchy and soft. It fits my car seat perfectly, protects nicely from the wind and the mosquito net is great. The window makes it easier for you to check on your baby, while also keeping them away from people when in public. Definitely think it’s good for both summer and winter use.”

This article was originally published on