Keeping your baby safe and comfortable

Last Updated on February 4, 2020

Have you ever put your baby/toddler in a grocery store shopping cart and then see them start chewing on the handle? The icky, yucky, germ-encrusted handle? Do they look uncomfortable or start to tip over in the seat because they aren’t quite big enough yet? It sounds like you could benefit from a shopping cart cover! (Trumpet sounds)

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This handy shopping cart cover has evolved over the years and is a product that would be considered a “nice to have” by most but not a must-have. When we were kids these weren’t even around and we turned out just fine. Now that these have been created and there are so many benefits why not take advantage? I highly recommend it for babies that sit up decently well until a baby is about 2 years old, although it can be used before and after those ages as well. It is much more convenient to put the baby in the shopping cart at the grocery store if they are awake, rather than trying to fit their car seat into the shopping cart and limit your space. Often babies/toddlers are much happier when they can see things around them and learn about their surroundings.

Pros:

Much more sanitary than putting a baby directly into the shopping cart seat.
Most have hooks/loops that you can attach “take along toys” so that they are secured and don’t keep falling on the floor.
Some are fluffy or have a cushion with them so they are more comfortable.
Some have a spot for you to put your cell phone in it so a child can watch something but I think most kids using this are a little young to be watching something on your phone. Maybe if you continue using it with an older toddler this would be handier.
It can also be used to cover a highchair.

Cons:

You have to remember to bring it with you.
You have to put it on the shopping cart seat before you put your baby in it so this means either finding a shopping cart near your car and attaching it before getting your baby out or bringing it and your baby with you to find a cart and then setting it up before putting your baby in it. With a squirmy baby, this could be tough.
It is sometimes hard to push the grocery cart with the cover over the handle (especially if you have a lot of heavy stuff in your cart at Costco).

I would definitely lean more to having a shopping cart cover than not if you can. I just keep mine in my trunk and pull it out whenever I put my youngest in a shopping cart.

Here are some toys that I would recommend attaching:

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So do yourself (and your child) a favor and get one of these shopping cart covers. Just throw it in your trunk so it’s always there when you need it. You will be glad for it.

Here are some highly-rated shopping cart covers to consider: