Are Car Seat Covers Safe? How to Protect Your Child (Guide)

Key Takeaways

• The use of after-market accessories can affect the safety of a car seat, so only use a car seat cover from your manufacturer that’s intended for use on your car seat

• Make sure you know when a car seat cover should and should not be used

• Regularly inspect your car seat cover for loose threads, tears, and anything else that could be a safety hazard

Car seat covers can seem like a handy add-on, offering additional protection and coverage. But are they safe to use? Read on to learn more about this common car seat accessory, when you might want to use one, and how it fits into overall newborn car seat safety to ensure you’re using yours correctly.

Car Seat Covers Explained

Car seat covers are made from a fitted, fabric material that stretches over an infant car seat. While they can be decorative or aesthetic, they also have a very real purpose. They can shield your baby from bright sun or wind outdoors, and they can also help you avoid common car seat mistakes that might compromise your baby’s safety during those early days when germs are a primary concern. Some car seat covers have special features, like being waterproof or made from mosquito netting.

Potential Safety Risks of Car Seat Covers 

Not all car seat covers are created equal. After-market accessories aren’t necessarily subject to the same rigorous safety testing that car seats undergo, so it’s important to understand the safety risks and how to ensure you’re using your car seat cover properly.

Overheating/Airflow Concerns

The biggest safety risk with using a car seat cover is poor airflow. Along with that, there’s a risk of overheating since the trapped air within the cover can heat more rapidly. Never use a car seat cover on a hot day, and only use covers approved by your car seat manufacturer to ensure airflow concerns are not an issue, especially after cleaning car seats to keep them fresh without compromising safety.

Poor Fit

Car seat sizes can vary widely, especially among toddler car seats, and purchasing an after-market cover increases the likelihood that the cover won’t fit your seat well. An ill-fitting cover can run the risk of suffocation. Only use car seat covers made by or approved by your car seat manufacturer, and make sure you also know when to change car seats so your child’s seat remains safe and effective.

Using Without Supervision

Car seat covers should never be used in the car or when not under your direct supervision.

Guidelines for Safe Car Seat Cover Use

Now that we’ve looked at some of the potential risks and pitfalls of improper car seat cover use, let’s walk through the guidelines of using them safely.

Only Use Approved Covers

Only use car seat covers made specifically for your car seat or approved by the manufacturer. This will ensure they’re both well-made and well-fitting.

Only Use With Supervision

Car seat covers should never be used inside the car itself. You also shouldn’t use one when your baby is in their car seat and unsupervised—and your baby should never be in their car seat while unsupervised! 

Do Not Use in Hot Weather

Although designed for breathability, car seat covers do by nature trap some heat. While this is ideal on cold days, it can quickly become dangerous on a hot one. Don’t use your car seat cover on overly warm days.

Alternatives to Car Seat Covers

While they can be used safely when used as directed, you may prefer to use something other than a car seat cover altogether. Luckily, there are a few alternatives you can use that might fit the bill.

Your Seat’s Built in Canopy

Most infant car seats have a built-in sun canopy, which can serve as a partial seat cover. Some seats, like the Orbit Baby G5+, may have a built in attachment to the canopy that fully covers the seat. 

A Blanket or Nursing Cover

A blanket or nursing cover can work in a pinch if you just want to shield the car seat while moving to and from the vehicle or draped over it while in a car seat and stroller combo.

Wet Weather? Try an Umbrella or Poncho

If it’s raining, you can use an umbrella to shield the infant car seat. For a hands free option, try using a poncho. 

Prioritize Safety and Comfort with Orbit Baby Car Seats

Orbit Baby’s infant car seat comes with a Paparazzi Shield built into its canopy that stretches the full length of the car seat. Depending on your needs, you can also purchase the rain cover and/or mosquito net. Both items are designed specifically to fit Orbit Baby G5+ car seats, allowing you to feel confident that your car seat covers are safe for your little one.