The Universe of Car Seat Accessories

Searching for car seat accessories? There's tons of available option out there depending on the car seat that you have. As you probably know, accessories from one manufacturer may not fit the car seat of another. So, it's very important that before you buy, you should check to see if the accessory supports your car seat. The choices might make you dizzy as there are a lot. Some of them are just good to have and you really have to think if you need them at all. Some might be a necessity. And, as they say, "If you want to customize, accessorize and accessorize."

Some example of car seat accessories that you might like:

1. Elite/City Mini Car Seat Adaptor by Baby Jogger

From the manufacturer, "Fits several popular car seat models including graco, britax, evenflo and maxi cosi. Secures to the stroller using the accessory mounting bracket found only on the city mini, city classic, city elite and summit 360 single strollers. Car seat adaptor is one of the most important accessories. This is a reliable car adaptor. Baby jogger promises a comfortable and smooth ride for your baby ."

2. Pack Bac by Cheeky Monkey Designs by Cheeky Monkey Designs

From the manufacturer, "Fully adjustable shoulder straps. The ergonomic pad shape distributes the weight evenly.Padded hip protectors prevent car seat from shifting while walking. Fully adjustable to 50". Convenient carrying handle for walking down the aisle of the plane. Each Pac Back is supplied with a bonus nylon storage tote. Use it to put Pac Back in an overhead storage bin or in your car trunk for your next trip. Pac Back was designed to carry only a car or booster seat. Never attempt to carry a child in a car or booster seat that is attached to the Pac Back. Pac Back is made from the finest nylon and heavy duty webbing materials. If it gets dirty, simply use warm water and mild soap to remove any grease or stains. The same holds true for the storage tote."

3. Easy Mesh Cover by Easy Covers

From the manufacturer, "Protects baby from sunrays with specially design UV protection mesh. Keeps away bugs. Front flap protects against wind. Safe and backless. No excess material behind baby. Flexible and secure elastic fit. Easy access to infant. Machine washable."

4. Ocean Wonders Play N View by Fisher-Price

From the manufacturer, "Ocean Wonders' Play 'n View is a travel toy that keeps baby active and always in mom's view even while she drives. Enchanting water-filled aquarium scene. Baby's kick activates moving water, swimming fish, seahorse, and starfish. Mirror allows mom to see her rear-facing infant. Three-way attachment system includes patented tether hook. Multiple attachments fit most vehicles. Suitable ages: 3 months and up."

5. Kiddopotamus Cushystraps Super Soft Strap Covers

From the manufacturer, "The CushyStraps by Kiddopotamus are soft plush fabric, cushiony padded shoulder straps with cute animal faces. The soft padding is on top with no strap interference with the harness system. Helps protect from strap irritation. CushyStraps attach easily with self-fasteners. Available in three colors: Blue Cat, Tan Bear and Pink Bunny.
Product Description: Soft, plush fabric protects baby from strap irritation. For Car Seats, Carriers, Strollers and Joggers. Extra padding on the top is more comfortable for baby and adds support for baby's head. Attaches easily to straps with Velcro self-fasteners. Machine Washable"

6. Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag by J. L. Childress

From the manufacturer, "The Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag solves the problem of how to transport your child's car seat through the airport with ease. Constructed with heavy duty denier nylon, high quality dual rubber wheels, adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, hard bottom, and double zipper opening it will last your family through many trips and many years. It's generous size is designed to accommodate most car seats. Double zipper opening makes it easy to put car seat in and take it out of travel bag. Shoulder strap attached to D ring to easily pull Wheelie. Heavy-duty denier nylon protects car seat. Easy to carry with adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Clear identification pocket and packaged in reusable storage bag. Fits Britax Marathon, Britax Boulevard, Britax Roundabout, Britax Decathalon, Perego, Evenflo, Cosco, Century, Eddie Bauer, Graco, Safety 1st and most popular car seat styles. 32"H x 20"W x 20"D."

7. Snuggle Soft Infant Pillow by Sunshine Kids

From the manufacturer, "The Ultimate Infant Headrest! Gently surrounding an infant’s head, Snuggle-Soft offers soft, comfortable support for babies of any size. It can be used with infant carriers, car seats and strollers. The soft terry fabric and plush-filled inside make it super-snuggly for babies and of course, it’s machine washable. Dark blue or white. Crash Tested for Safety."

8. Soft Wrap Super Soft Reversible Padded Car Seat Strap Covers by Sunshine Kids

From the manufacturer, "Soft Wrap Super Soft Reversible Padded Car Seat Strap Covers by: Sunshine Kids. Soft Wrap is the perfect way to protect your baby against irritation from car seat straps. The reversible design features plush, terry material on one side, absorbent cotton on the other and light padding in between for a soft, gentle touch and a comfortable feel. For all carriers, car seats and strollers. Machine washable. Exact colors may vary from those shown."

9. Paci Pillow Infant Support Pillow by Leachco

From the manufacturer, "We took something really terrific and made it better! A few years ago, we brought you the original Paci-Pillow combination travel pillow and pacifier holder. It quickly became the standard in infant support pillows. Never before had there been a pillow that combined the convenience of a pacifier holder. We have now redesigned the Paci-Pillow to include a REMOVABLE pacifier holder. This allows parents to use the holder when they want it, or remove it when baby outgrows the need. Still, best of all when Baby nods off to sleep, there is no more looking under car seats or floor mats for lost pacifiers. That stays the same!"

10. Safari Seat Protector With Pocket by Kel Gar

From the manufacturer, " Safari Seat Protector With Pocket by: Kel Gar. Latch ready! Supersized with pocket. Organize and protect cars, vans, suv's or trucks. Kel Gar's Seat protector with pocket make trips with children more enjoyable and comfortable."

There you have it. These are just ten car seat accessories that at one point in time I got interested in and looked into. Whatever type of car seat (Britax Roundabout, Graco SnugRide etc. ) you have, check some accessories that are compatible with it. Try looking for more at different online retailers like Amazon, Babies R Us or even Ebay. It is quite interesting that you can find almost anything under the sun. There is sure lots of accessories for your infant. Choose wise and buy only what you need. I have a few buys that were used once and never again. Like toys, make sure that what you buy are only those that your child needs and would enjoy.

Infant Car Seat Cover - Is it worth it?

Good thing it's not snowing anymore here. Ah, winter is always challenging for families with infants or young babies to go outside. You have to pack a lot of gears with you and have to make sure that the baby is cozy and well-protected against the cold. One of the better accessories to have especially for parents who live in colder climates are extra car seat cover. There's a variety of car seat covers around and some are specifically suited for the winter season to provide additional comfort. A lot of car seat manufacturers offers covers that fits exactly their car seat product lines. Some independent companies offers designer seat covers for comfort and fashion and will list which car seat brand they support.

Is it really worth it to buy infant car seat cover? The most popular reason (it seems) for buying a car seat cover is the variety of "hip" designs and quality fabrics that are offered. If you're the type who likes to make a fashion statement or would like to match your baby's wardrobe with the rest of her accessories (ie. pink seat covers to match your baby's pink dress) then go ahead and get one. Also, sometimes car seat models have limited color choices. So, to compensate, you can just purchase a seat cover to the color of your liking. Some seat covers also come in different fabrics as well and might be better because of the additional comfort they can give to the baby. As far as safety, I don't see any issue with covers as most of them are designed to allow the harness to pass through. Another plus for a seat cover is that they are washable and can be removed, and easily replaced. Compared to the original padding, they are easier to clean. I don't know with you but my child likes to eat/drink while we are travelling so spills and food crumbs are very common. With a seat cover, you can just remove it once you get home and put in the laundry.

Making the Old Look New Again
A new car seat cover can help you reuse an old car seat. In our experience, the first car seat of our first-born was used for about seven months only. It surely makes sense to reuse it when we have our second child. In my view, a new car seat cover is a cheaper alternative to buying a brand new car seat. Keeping in mind that you have to check and make sure that everything looks fine before you reuse. Also, car seats that are involved in moderate to severe crashes should not be used anymore. I also don't recommend buying a second hand car seat unless you know exactly who used it as you'll never know if it has been involved in a crash before.

Car Seat Cover for Winter
For those living in colder climate, another reason would be the warmth and comfort it could give to the baby. There are seat covers designed specially for winter weather and in many ways it acts like a warm blanket for your child. Sometimes, this is a better option compared to having your child harnessed in his thick jacket while in the car seat. A jacket in most case is more uncomfortable. There are actually other alternatives for winter weather. There are some like Jolly Jumper Cuddle Bags that covers your baby well.

Different Styles for Different Needs
There are different car seat covers available in the market and you would have to look around to get one that satisfies your baby's need. Surf around and you might find what you need. Some are quite nicely designed (Check out JJ Cole Urban Bundle Me!). Price ranges from the low 30s to the high 90s and maybe more. To give you an idea, check out the following brands : Hot Toddies, JJ Cole Bundle Me, Britax, Graco, Jolly Jumper, Sorella Baby, Slip-Eez, Baby Snugger, Infantino, Baby Bella Maya and Ritzy Baby just to name a few.