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The Best Car Seat Covers and Canopies for Warmth, Protection and More


I researched car seat covers and canopies looking for the ones that provide the best protection against the cold weather, and a nice sleeping environment for babies. The best covers are truly versatile, offering more benefits than you may have guessed. Based on the above factors and parent’s reviews, I recommend Acrabros Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover as the best car seat cover for babies.

Best Baby Car Seat Cover:
Best Car Seat Cover with Zipper:
Best Winter Car Seat Cover:


Best Baby Car Seat Covers

The Copper Pearl and Yoofoss covers are multipurpose and stretch over the car seat whereas the Kids N’ Such and aden + anais covers are looser and attach to the handle of the car seat.

Copper Pearl Baby Car Seat Cover Canopy

Baby Car Seat Cover Canopy and Nursing Cover Multi-Use Stretchy 5 in 1 Gift
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The Copper Pearl Baby Car Seat Cover Canopy is a 5-in-1 cover for your baby’s car seat and is available in 10 different designs. 

The 5-in-1 design means that this baby car seat cover can be used to shield a car seat in addition to using it as a nursing cover, shopping cart cover, high chair cover, and infinity scarf. Speaking from experience, it’s super convenient to wear something like this as a scarf and be able to pull it off and use it however needed right on the spot!

The fabric is a rayon blend that is soft and offers enough stretch for using a car seat cover, shopping cart cover, or even a high chair cover. Parents have enjoyed this car seat cover and love the inexpensive price. Some do not prefer to use it as a nursing cover, saying it makes them hot or is too difficult to properly use, but other than that we think it’s a great car seat cover choice!

aden + anais Classic Car Seat Canopy

aden + anais Essentials Car Seat Canopy Cover, 100% Cotton Muslin, Lightweight and Breathable, Safari Babes- Elephant
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The aden + anais Classic Car Seat Canopy is a breathable and lightweight cover for warmer atmospheres and days. It is able to attach onto car seat handles with the attached snap tabs as shown in the photo above.

Because of the lightweight material of this car seat canopy, baby is able to be protected from direct sunlight and wind. At the same time, the cover does let air flow through it nicely. Since the car seat cover material is a thinner material, it works great as a last-minute burp cloth or tummy time blanket. If there are any messes – no worries! This cover can easily be thrown into the washer for a quick clean!

The only possible issue with this car seat canopy is that because of its lightweight material, it could blow up off baby if winds are strong.

Kids N’ Such 2 in 1 Car Seat Cover Canopy

Kids N’ Such Peekaboo Baby Car Seat Cover Car Seat Canopy & Nursing Cover, Arrow/Navy Minky
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The Kids N’ Such 2 in 1 Carseat Canopy and Nursing Cover Up is budget-friendly with a simple, gender-neutral, cute design. The style of the cover is almost like a soft baby blanket with snaps unlike the stretchy canopy version of a car seat cover.

This cover creates a dark place for your little one to take a nap whether traveling or just at the grocery store. I like the snaps that connect this cover to the handle of the car seat. This keeps the cover from laying directly on your baby. It also has a convenient peekaboo opening that is helpful when used as car seat cover and while nursing your little one in public.

It is very easy to get your baby in and out of the car seat with this cover fully attached. Because of the design of the cover, it will likely fit almost any car seat on the market. It simply drapes over the seat and covers your little one without it touching the baby directly.

Kids N’ Such is a trusted brand and they say that this cover can protect your little one from:

  • Nosy strangers and germs
  • Rain
  • Insects
  • Sunshine and bright lights
  • Heat and cold
  • Wind
  • Dirt, sand, and dust

You could use this cover as a blanket for your little one if you found yourself without one on hand. It is soft and cozy!  The company provides a 100% money-back guarantee like some others on our list.

Yoofoos Baby Car Seat Canopy

Yoofoss Nursing Cover Breastfeeding Scarf - Baby Car Seat Covers, Infant Stroller Cover, Carseat Canopy for Girls and Boys
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The YOOFOSS Car Seat Cover is a VERY budget-friendly, multiple use baby car seat cover.  You can also use it for privacy as a breastfeeding cover.  To protect your little one from germs when picking up your groceries, it works well as a shopping cart cover.

While at a restaurant, it can serve as a high chair cover.  When your baby does not need it, this cover can even be an infinity scarf for mom! Parents say the install is simple and when used to cover the car seat, it easily stretches over most infant car seats.  One of my favorite features is that it serves as a baby sunshade and blackout blind. 

Best Car Seat Covers with Zipper

Acrabros Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover

ACRABROS Car Seat Covers for Babies,Winter Autumn Spring Infant Carseat Cover Canopy for Boys and Girls,Stretchy Adjustable Peeping Window with Mesh Cover,Warm Breathable Universal, Grey White Chevron
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The Acrabros Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover is a breathable, yet warm baby car seat cover with a patented design. It is available in six different designs both for boys and girls.

This baby car seat cover is the best of both worlds; it is warm enough for cold days and light enough on hot days. The double zippers help with getting baby in and out of the car seat in addition to giving you more control of temperature and how much of the outside elements you want to let in. With outside snaps, strong winds won’t blow this cover off.

If you need to store this cover, there’s a small square pouch that the entire car seat cover can fit into to save space and conveniently throw in your diaper bag. Parents absolutely love this car seat cover because of the cute designs, versatility, softness of the material, and quality! 

Best Winter Car Seat Covers

All three car seats covers are able to slip over your car seat to keep baby protected and warm. The Cozy Cover and the JJ Cole covers are similar but the Cozy Cover seems quite a bit thicker and warmer than the JJ Cole

Cozy Cover Infant Car Seat Cover

Cozy Cover Infant Car Seat Cover (Pink) - The Industry Leading Infant Carrier Cover Trusted by Over 6 Million Moms Worldwide for Keeping Your Baby Cozy & Warm
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The Cozy Cover Infant Car Seat Cover is a great car seat cover for keeping baby warm and protected from the wind, rain, and cold.

With outside zippers, parents are able to easily get their child in and out of the car seat without removing the cover completely. The warm material of the cover helps keep baby warm, which is really convenient for travel. Rather than layering baby up to go outside and then baby potentially getting hot inside the car, you can simply use this car seat cover to protect them from inside the house to the car and back. Also great for stroller rides!

Parents really enjoy the Cozy Cover Car Seat Cover for cold and harsh weather and find it’s the easiest way to protect baby from the elements!

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover

JJ Cole Infant Car Seat Cover, Winter Resistant Stroller and Baby Carrier Cover, Black
Price$$$$
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If you want the ultimate in car seat or stroller protection, then JJ Cole is the brand for you. They are known for having some of the best car seat covers, stroller footmuffs, and stroller blankets.

If you have a newborn in the winter, then the JJ Cole Car Seat Cover an essential item. This car seat cover has a weather-resistant outer shell made from nylon. Rain and snow just roll right off, while the nylon also helps stop the wind from getting through. It’s not a totally waterproof car seat cover, but it’s close. If you are worried about baby being warm enough, rest assured that the inner fleece layer will keep baby cozy.

To put it on, you just stretch the elastic edges and place it over the top of the car seat. The larger size means that it will easily fit both the biggest car seat or the most narrow car seat. The stretchy design also allows you to stretch it over a standard-sized stroller seat for added versatility.

It works as both a full car seat cover, with no holes and a car seat cover with a peek-a-boo window. The top of the zip-away flap folds down to allow some airflow and to allow for baby to see out. You can zip the flap all the way down and around to have a nice spot to take baby in and out of.

While this isn’t as versatile as some of the other choices, it’s so great for the winter because you don’t have to put an unsafe or bulky coat on your baby to go out and about.

The Best Car Seat Covers Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


FAQs – Baby Car Seat Covers

Can I use a blanket to cover baby’s car seat?

A blanket works in a pinch, but it’s actually not the best option. It’s hard to get the blanket to cover the car seat and not drag or drape across baby’s face. Plus, it slides around all the time!

A baby car seat cover is not a must-have but it is really convenient, especially if you purchase a versatile cover that can be used for many things like the 5-in-1 Copper Pearl option.

Why is it convenient? It helps keep the wind, sun, cold, rain, and other weather elements off baby as you carry them from the house to the car or as you take them on a stroll in the stroller. And no more falling or dragging blankets that are too thick and hot for baby!

Are baby car seat covers water-resistant?

Not all car seat covers are water-resistant or waterproof, so you’ll have to check for this specific feature when shopping. Car seat covers such as the infamous JJ Cole Car Seat Cover are water-resistant and will keep baby nice and dry if you have to carry them through a rainstorm!

How do I know which baby car seat cover to purchase?

I would first determine what kind of weather you experience the most.

If you are in a warmer climate, I would suggest purchasing a lightweight baby cover made out of a muslin-type material (like the aden+anais). If you live someplace with a colder climate, you may want to purchase a car seat cover such as the Cozy Cover to keep baby protected and warm.

Another thing to consider before purchasing is what you’d like to use the cover for. Do you want a versatile car seat cover that can be used as a nursing cover, shopping cart cover, etc., or are you looking for a simple car seat cover that stays on the car seat always? Knowing what you’d like to get out of a baby car seat cover can help you determine which one is best to purchase.

Are baby car seat canopies safe?

According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), baby car seat covers and canopies may be safe as long as the cover does not lay underneath the baby nor does it touch the baby’s face. Following these instructions will help keep baby safe but it’s important to read the safety information that comes with each baby canopy.

How to Choose a Car Seat Cover

A car seat cover is are a useful item for your baby that serves a few purposes. 

It can provide protection from the different elements depending on the weather.  Some covers are designed with specific seasons in mind. There are also some waterproof car seat covers on the market.

You can even personalize the one you choose with your baby’s name or initials. As you shop, you can find a selection of the best car seat covers in an array of colors and designs to match your nursery colors or your unique style.

A new mom or new dad might choose to purchase one of the best car seat covers for several reasons.  They can help protect your child from cold winter temperatures, offer a bit of privacy for your newborn, provide sun protection, keep germs away, as well as keep your baby dry when raining or snowing.

Some car seat covers are conveniently made to serve multiple purposes such as a nursing cover, a changing pad, or a shopping cart cover.

You might find that your family will need more than one seat cover depending on how much you travel and the weather changes in your area. Check out our reviews on the best car seat covers and decide which one works best for your baby’s needs, your budget, and your style.

Safety Note

It is highly recommended to remove the car seat cover from the car seat when your baby is in the car before getting on your way. This is to prevent the cover from ever covering your baby’s face at any time without you being aware.

Sources

  1. The Dangers of Winter Coats and Car Seats, www.consumerreports.org
  2. https://www.aappublications.org/news/2018/02/09/ppcarseat020918, www.aappublications.org
  3. Do's and Don'ts of Infant Car Seat Use, www.consumerreports.org

Amy Sylvestre

Amy is a writer, mom, and southerner living in the suburbs of Chicago. She has also worked for several large non-profit organizations. Amy is married to her hunky pilot husband, and they have two sons, Graham and Hudson. Graham is a hilarious, talkative, four and half year old. After a strong fight with congenital heart disease, Hudson passed away at eight months old. Amy is also in the process of growing her family through adoption.



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