Best car seat canopies & covers according to redditors

My kid was born in September, and she spent the entire first winter dressed in fleece footed pajamas basically all the time. Kept her plenty warm and it eliminated dealing with keeping socks on. Once or twice I got a comment about how she was "not dressed" since she wasn't in pants and a shirt I guess, but I had no fucks to give about that.

As far as going in the car, if you're using a bucket car seat, I cannot sing the praises of this style of car seat cover enough. It's 100% safe because nothing goes behind the baby or under any straps, and it's constructed like a winter coat so it's very warm. And it's basically effortless to use. If it's extremely cold you can even tuck an extra blanket underneath it.

One thing on my "to get" list that friends have highly recommended was a car seat cover, and NOT the kind that interferes with the harness. I am getting one that is kind of a shower cap that goes over the car seat, I read this is better because jackets / snow suits / blankets that go under car seat straps can reduce the effectiveness of the car seat in an accident. Plus, if it gets warm in the car, it should be easier to pull the cover off.

This is the one I am planning to get:
http://amzn.com/B005LVNS4S

You can definitely still do skin to skin with a winter baby - my first was born in February and both my husband and I did skin to skin cuddling in her first hours. We just made sure she had a hat on, and a blanket over her back, and she was toasty warm.

It’s hard to tell from your description, but I would definitely go with a car seat cover (like this: https://www.amazon.com/Cozy-Microfiber-Fleece-Cover-Beige/dp/B0041LYXHU) rather than a garment the baby wears in the car seat, because you don’t want bulky clothes between the baby and car seat straps. Plus the cover keeps snow off the baby’s face.

The tip I heard for dressing baby is the equivalent of what you’re wearing, plus one layer. My kiddo wore lots of zip up sleepers, or long sleeve onesie and pants (footed pants are great so you don’t need to mess with socks), with a hat and a blanket.

No thick layers between baby and the car seat straps. And no aftermarket products that claim they are ok underneath baby either unless it's from the car seat manufacturer itself.

Thick fleece foot pjs are great, plus a hat and mitts. Blankets on top of the straps, including winter car seat covers are fine, we have this one and it works great because you can cover the whole thing while you're actually outside (especially handy when it's windy).

https://www.amazon.ca/JJ-Cole-Baby-Cover-Herringbone/dp/B00P1BDGEU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=jj+cole+baby+car+seat+cover&qid=1573863555&sprefix=jj+c&sr=8-3

I had a January baby in DC and he never wore his coat. I recommend a car seat cover though... this was the one we used: car seat cover

Something like this is a safe way to have your child covered in a carseat. General rule is don't have them in heavy snowsuit or too many layers under the carseat straps. Too much compressible fabric is unsafe!

https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Cover-Infants-Graphite/dp/B00511J6BM

So this one that goes around (not under) the carseat will be good. Depending on where you are for winter you can also tuck a blanket over the straps and under the cover.

We did a fair amount of baby wearing in the winter, where he would be inside my jacket (I had a zipper extender) inside the Ergo.

How are you traveling with your kiddo? Car, walking (babywearing), walking in a stroller, public transit? All of these could require different layers.

My LO was born june of '17 and we live in the northern midwest. It gets really cold here but we usually have pretty mild winter in November. These are the things we used/did.

We used a jolly jumper artic cover for his carseat. It kept him warm when going to the car from inside and vice-versa. He used his bucket carseat until May. We didn't have to mess with the logistics of keeping him warm in a convertible seat.

His daycare would take him outside if it was over 20° so we got him a Columbia fleece suit to wear outdoors. Similar to this one. https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Snowtop-Bunting-Punch-Critters/dp/B01N900W7I/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1539299239&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=columbia+fleece+bunting+for+baby
Hats and mittens were instantly torn off so the hood and hand covers were perfect.

He pretty much lived in carter's fleece sleep and plays. They kept him warm and comfortable. Some people don't recommend fleece because it isn't breathable. We never had an issue with overheating and we used a fleece sleep sack too.

Last year's flu season was terrible. He couldn't get his flu shot until December and the first year they get two shots a month apart. We basically were hermits last winter. My husband and I both got our flu shots in October to try to give him as much protection as possible. We didn't get the flu but dang he brought some bad colds home from daycare. That was definitely something I didn't prepare for. Get a coolmist humidifier, a nose frieda, saline spray and boogie wipes.

Edit: We had hand me down jj cole carseat cover. It added warmth but it was pretty much just a loose blanket that didn't secure to anything. I had horrible anxiety about loose blankets. The jolly jumper cover secured open above his head so I didn't have to worry. https://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-CarSeat-Attached-Weatherproof/dp/B005LVNS4S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539301045&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=jolly+jumper+artic+car+seat+cover

https://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-CarSeat-Attached-Weatherproof/dp/B005LVNS4S

And footie PJs. All the footie PJs.

It's looking pretty great! 2 things I'd consider adding:

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover, Black Tri Stitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zhQYDbNCZTTZ6

Oogiebear - The Safe Baby Nasal Booger and Ear Cleaner; Baby Shower and Registry Essential Snot Removal Tool - 1 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GXTTPKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_piQYDbZWJ5ZXB

I love this one:
DISNEY COLLECTION The Original Milk Snob Infant Car Seat Cover and Nursing Cover
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BG9SGP7/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_NTSiDbVVKWF3Z

For our winter baby, we got a warm carseat cover like this one (there are cheaper ones out there too). Makes things easier when transitioning through the cold.

It's like a shower cap that goes on over top of the car seat and zips up just where you put baby in. Prevents any drafts from getting in without putting any bulk on or behind baby. We get temps down to -40 and snow, so I wanted baby covered... But nothing that would interfer with the straps. I think this is the brand of one I got

http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Seat-Cover-Khaki/dp/B003ZUXQXU/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1416412502&sr=1-2&keywords=carseat+blanket

Dress the baby in one more layer than what you're comfortable in. It's been a cold fall for us so far, here is how we dress our baby:

My husband and I sleep with a comforter this time of year, so baby goes to sleep in a long-sleeved onesie and a halo sleep sack/swadler.

The sleep-n-plays, pajamas, and footed fleece Carter's onesies are all basically the same thing and thats what I dress her in during the day (although my husband prefers a long-sleeved onesie + pants and socks). I don't swaddle her when she naps during the day (too much swaddling can slow down motor development), but I'll use a light swaddling blanket tucked in tightly around her in the bassinet. When we leave the house I do a similar thing with the blanket over her car seat and we have a more heavy-duty car seat bunting for later in the winter.

Because we found out we're having a girl yesterday, I just splurged (not really) and got a pink (yes, bring on the pink and the frills for this girl mom) carseat canopy set. They're on sale for $89 and with their code you get 40% off, so I thought why not? I also got her name embroidered on the cover, because I'm obnoxious.

The set is found here on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carseat-Canopy-Caboodle-Angelina-Infant/dp/B00HUDH17K but I got it at carseatcanopy.com for cheaper (they don't have a direct link to the one I got).

Realize I might be getting ahead of myself at 16 wks, but whatever.

The poop bags are still invaluable (baby is now 20 months). I like having a disposable option (sometimes in addition to the wet bag) because sometimes you have a 10-wipe blowout diaper and you need a trash bag to dump all that stuff in. Sometimes it's a fellow mom that has the 10-wipe-poo and she desperately needs a trash bag. Agree that the dog poop bags are way cheaper than the Munchkin brand but I will say the Munchkin brand bags are much larger (I can fit three or four used diapers in one bag if we're out on a day trip without easy access to trash cans) and are cost-effective if you find them on sale. (This was supposed to go under u/hemipenis post. Sorry.)

I'd recommend a lightweight car seat cover/blanket that attaches to the handle of the car seat. Have to stress lightweight and breathable as you want to ensure that airflow. The cover is so helpful when at the doctor's office or the store or pretty much anywhere you take your newborn to keep strangers from sticking their heads into your car seat, etc. Having it attach to the car seat handle makes it so much easier to deal with than just throwing a blanket on top. Something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Breathable-Standard-Carseats-Protecting/dp/B01HA83V9G/ref=sr_1_1/136-0669938-7097812?ie=UTF8&qid=1505227094&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=muslin+car+seat+canopy&psc=1

The other small item that we found extremely helpful is baby entertainment in the form of big black and white pictures. There are books available but my husband just printed out some bold graphics like spirals, triangles, etc. The more bold contrast the better and no other colors, just black and white. He would just sit with our baby and show her the pictures for about 10 minutes or so and it was their bonding time. She was a little over a week old when he started and we eventually got into books, but the pictures were a fun way to engage her in the middle of endless feeding, changing, and swaddling.

I'm fairly certain this is what we have: Nursing Breastfeeding Cover Scarf - Baby Car Seat Canopy, Shopping Cart, Stroller, Carseat Covers for Girls and Boys - Best Multi Use Infinity Stretchy Shawl by YOOFOSS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711V1QFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jrq3AbQR16NG2

It's an Amazon US link, but should help you search. It's a useful thing and it's relativity inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.ca/LifeTree-Multi-Use-Breastfeeding-Shopping-Maternity/dp/B072J3B9NF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=nursing+poncho&qid=1568897815&s=gateway&sr=8-3


This poncho saved my life, can totally do whatever you need to do, have your hands underneath discreetly.
Way more room than those car seat covers and way more modest than the scarves/blanket/thing with the buttons. I never was able to figure out how to nurse under anything else without flashing people. And it looks decent if you have your hands full of baby and can’t take it off right away.

Edit: my LO got pissed off and would try to push it off at first, but I kept trying and she ended up getting very used to it

They make baby body pillows too!! We have one for lily. We use it to keep on her side but we have to prop it. It's meant to keep babies from rolling.

Little Love by NoJo On the Go Deluxe Car Seat Head and Body Support, Gray/White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0781ZFD53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.ij9AbHK1K7Q2

I'm in MA as well. I found this car seat cover really helpful with my son (note: it fits great over a Chicco Keyfit 30). https://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-CarSeat-Attached-Weatherproof/dp/B005LVNS4S/ref=sr_1_30?srs=2594464011&ie=UTF8&qid=1500959227&sr=8-30

My house often gets warm late at night, so we did use a decent number of short sleeved onesies in the winter. My son also had some issues with heat rash/temperature regulation. Therefore, my best advice is to always layer your little one, even in the winter.

We had this for a car seat cover and loved it-

Jolly Jumper Arctic Sneak-A-Peek Infant CarSeat Cover With Attached Blanket, Weatherproof - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LVNS4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HptHDbGBSK70B

Also Halo makes nice warm fleece Velcro swaddles. We also had a small thermometer in baby’s room to make sure it didn’t get too cold.

Yeeeppp... Some of the yogurt in my fridge is due after I am, haha :)

I've heard "put baby in whatever you're wearing plus an extra layer" about 1000000x since getting pregnant.

Having a car seat cover is also a good idea. We're getting this one: http://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-Arctic-Sneak-Infant/dp/B005LVNS4S - it has really good reviews.

A good alternative for warmth are the covers that go over top the car seats. I had one with my daughter. It is a soft material inside and a swooshy material out with elastic around the edges to just cover over her with a little face hole in the middle. I would just use it for when we were outside between the car/inside and then take it off!

Something like this

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover for Infants, Graphite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00511J6BM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yovSBbCN6WBGW

Nursing cover at $9.99! No coupon code needed!

Nursing cover with unicorn pattern

Just get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-Arctic-Sneak-Infant/dp/B005LVNS4S. Then you never have to think about this again.

This is the cover we're thinking of putting over the JJ Cole to block out the wind.

MHJY Carseat Canopy Cover Nursing Cover Breathable Baby Car Seat Canopy Multi-use Floral Flower Carseat Canopy for Girl Boy Baby Shower Gift Cover for Breastfeeding Moms https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PMGBLH9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HolZDbKAAXJ6J

Omg, never thought of that! Of course this is a thing! Thanks for the idea. We live in Houston and I'm dying.

Disclaimer: I'm in Texas -- but when my son was 3-5 months old we spent about 6 weeks in Chicago.

I found that the bucket-style car seat carriers will keep the little ones quite warm. So I would bundle him up in some layers, including something fleece, in the bucket (within the safety requirements for a car seat, so nothing too puffy).

There are also "shower cap" style warm cover things that will go over a bucket and not affect the straps.

Then I had a fleece thing that went over the top of the bucket to block the wind and any snow and also help protect any parts still exposed.

That seemed to do the trick!

I actually have one of those Old Navy fleece things you linked to. I didn't find it very convenient, because with just that one zipper, it was really a pain in the ass to get my chunky baby into and out of it. There are better ones that have a zipper that runs down the the front on two sides. I vastly preferred the one someone lent me that worked like that. The zippers went most of the way down the legs, so you just had to lay your kid into it, put their little feet through the leg holes, arms through the sleeves and then zip up both zippers. Here's one like what I was talking about... unfortunately sports themed, but you get the idea anyway.

I bought a scarf/poncho that you could easily make. There is a hole cut in the middle of the scarf, you can wrap it around you and it doesn't look like a cover, but then just undo it when you need to feed. I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-Pashmama-Nursing-Cover/dp/B004I8M5VC/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AF413U0JSAQJ&coliid=I3LTV8NZXHW79Q

When I opened it I was like, damnit I could have made this! And this one is so expensive: http://www.amazon.com/DRIA-Nursing-Cover-jersey-stripes/dp/B0045K616S/ref=pd_sbs_ba_5 but you see its just a damn hole in a piece of cute fabric.

I just got this carseat cover, looks amazing and safe

JJ Cole - Car Seat Cover,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I live in the northeast. We haven't done any outdoor activities, so the most baby is outside is to and from the car in his seat or stroller. We got a fleecy carseat cover like this and baby wears a little fleece bunting suit that has a hood, mitten, and footie covers. No bulky snowsuits because those are unsafe to strap baby in the seat with! I add a little blanket over him too before zipping the carseat cover. He is toasty but not sweating in there, and you can always open the carseat cover or remove the blanket if baby seems too hot.

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I see a lot of people around here wearing baby in carriers, and baby is often wearing a fleece bunting or a coat and a warm hat.

I second a white noise machine. Two actually. One that stays in the nursery (not necessarily a baby one, there are cheaper options that do the same job) and a portable one for travel like the marpac hushh.

Stationary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4F5RG7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WlRYDbHFJMSWE

Travel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D50RYSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tkRYDb4XWHNPM

Also a milksnob.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XG8Z56W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OjRYDbDQ2GJVB
it's the most multipurpose item I got. we've used it as a breastfeeding/pumping cover while out, it blocks out light over the car seat when she's overstimulated or needs a nap, and now that she's older we've used it as a seat cover in shopping carts and high chairs in restaurants when we forgot to bring our own little pop-up one.

Also, Amazon doesn't offer them but some sites have bottle samplers. I would try one of those before you go all in on one type of bottle. I researched the crap out of bottles, went in hard on the nanobebe bottles, daughter gets here and can't latch to them. ended up using Dr. Brown's and having a lot of useless nanobebe stuff lying around taking up space. the samplers will let you try a bunch of different optand see which one babe likes best before you commit to buying a ton of one kind.

EDIT: this one is on sale right now on babylist
https://www.babylist.com/gp/babylist-bottle-box-2/15248/239255




Congrats 😊

I used this and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!
http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Seat-Cover-Graphite/dp/B00511J6BM/ref=sr_1_9?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1382622016&sr=1-9&keywords=car+seat+covers
(I have no idea how to do links)
BTW, I took a state certified car seat class and they said it was fine to use. Its the covers that go under the baby that are not ok to use
EDIT: Nevermind, it linked itself!

The elf suit in particular is a thin but dense cotton. I will use them for out and about over a onesie and pants, maybe some socks too. It would work over a footed onesie as well (I call those sleepers lol) but I don't plan to have or use many of those because they make diaper changes difficult and every brand fits so differently.

You're not supposed to have too much padding between the baby and the car seat. Something like this (car seat bunting) is your best bet if you want to be sure baby is super warm in there. The Zutano elf suit is thin enough to be OK but won't really be warm enough. A silky wool bunting from Bumby (custom order) will be warm enough AND thin enough.

IDK though, this is mostly speculation, my firstborn was a summer baby 😘 and I'm not dealing with car seat planning because I use public transport in a city!

We are as far north that we are practically in Canadian. For our kid we have her wear baby hats to keep her head warm and a car seat cover does well. They do have snow suits for babies 0-3 months and up if you are going to play outside. Just don't put them in the car seat with a jacket on it compromise the safety by not allowing the seat belts to be as snug around the baby. Since my baby is only 2 months we just have her in long sleeve outfits with pants, socks and hat. And we then have the cover over the car seat which keeps the wind and cold out when going from outdoors to indoors.

Car seat cover: https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Weather-Resistant-Herringbone/dp/B00P1BDGEU/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=car+seat+cover&qid=1550857902&s=gateway&sr=8-13

Snow suit: https://www.amazon.com/Carters-Child-Hooded-Puffer-Snowsuit/dp/B07N98XZTW/ref=cts_ap_4_vtp?th=1&psc=1

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