Shopping Cart Cover For Baby – Is It Necessary?

When it comes to public places, its to be that germs are lurking everywhere. Before having a baby, I was somewhat germ conscious, but nothing like I am now. As a parent, you quickly realize that every public place is a breeding ground for germs.

Naturally, it is our instinct to protect our little ones from anything dangerous or potentially harmful. Which is the reason we jump to cover their face as soon as someone coughs nearby or the reason we request that new visitors wash their hands before holding them.

These are all obvious health hazards in terms of germs, but what we often fail to realize is that germs are everywhere and some high-risk threats often go unnoticed.

The biggest culprit I am referring to is, of course, the humble shopping cart. Think about it, if you live in an average-sized town, your local grocery center probably serves thousands of customers each day, which means the shopping cart you grab, has potentially felt hundreds of germy hands.

They Found What On My Cart?!

You may think it’s overboard and even wonder, is it necessary to buy a shopping cart cover for baby? Maybe this alarming study will answer the question for you.

In 2017, a random selection of 85 shopping carts were tested for bacteria. Of those 85 shopping carts, 50% tested positive for E. coli, and 72% contained some form of coliform bacteria.

So what does this mean to you? Well, when levels of coliform bacteria are so high, it indicates that fecal matter is present. Yes ladies, poop. Poop is present on your shopping carts – well 72% of them.

So yes, a shopping cart cover, to me, is a no-brainer. Not only is this absolutely repulsive, but as a mom, I already deal with enough poop throughout my day, and let’s be honest ain’t nobody got time for that!

So now you’re faced with two options, lug your baby’s heavy car seat around, place it in the basket of the shopping cart, which then leaves no pace for groceries, or carry a spray gun loaded with disinfectant everywhere you go and give it a nice power wash before placing your baby in the germ-ridden seat.

Or, you could go with the much more convenient option of simply covering the entire basket and handle with a shopping cart cover. It’s quick and convenient and helps ease the stress of your little one chewing on, licking, or touching those germy cart baskets.

So, to answer the question, YES, a shopping cart cover for baby is absolutely necessary! If you haven’t been convinced up until this point, keep reading to find out why I believe it’s a must-have for every momma.

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Shopping Cart Cover Uses

So first of all, what is a shopping cart cover? Well, it’s a germaphobe’s dream come true, that’s what it is, and here’s why. A shopping cart cover is made of machine-washable fabric that fits around the entire basket where your child sits.

Equipped with elastic fabric, it fastens over the handlebar while another piece fastens over the back of the seat, holding the cover in place.

Once the cover is fully set up, you can place your baby in the basket, knowing they won’t ever come in contact with the actual cart.

All shopping cart covers are different in terms of extra features, some have fabric loops attached, which allow you to attach toys or even sippy-cups.

Some covers have cut-outs to allow for strapping your baby into the cart, and others have their own straps to help you avoid using any piece of the cart altogether.

These types of shopping cart covers are best for babies that are old enough to sit on their own unassisted.

Alternative For Babies Ages Birth To 6 Months

So that leaves those mommas with younger babies in a predicament, then. If their babies can’t sit in the basket part of the cart, what are they supposed to do?

 

Well, luckily there are two awesome alternatives for newborn babies up to the age of 6 months (or until they can roll over on their own). The alternative is like the shopping cart cover I mentioned earlier, with the exception of a padded insert to support your little one who isn’t quite able to sit on their own yet.

You can find this padded cover by clicking here.

The second alternative is to go a completely different route. It’s called the BINXY BABY hammock. This sling is also machine washable fabric that connects via two hooks, one at the top and one at the bottom. The hammock spans the

entire width of the cart and once your baby is placed into it, they are safe and secure.

The greatest part of this hammock is that once your baby is placed in it, you can still place your groceries under them. This means you still almost the entire basket space for groceries rather than having your baby’s car seat taking up most of the basket.

You can order the BINXY BABY hammock here.

The Best Shopping Cart Cover For Baby

Like I mentioned earlier, every shopping cart cover comes with extra features and they all vary. The shopping cart cover I originally bought lacks some very important features that make a difference. The first being, it doesn’t fit every shopping cart. What I should say is, it only fits Walmart shopping carts.

That would be fine if I only shopped at Walmart, but what about Costco, Target and other stores. Take it from me, these stores all have very different carts and you will notice if you get the wrong cover.

Another feature I wish my shopping cart cover had is pockets. Pockets are great for holding your keys, phone, other small items that you don’t want to carry throughout the grocery store.

 

With all that being said, I have found that the best shopping cart cover for baby, and it is the Lumiere Baby cart cover on Amazon. It’s Amazon’s choice for a reason. With awesome features like:

• Universal Fit (Fits Walmart, Target, Costco, It even fits highchairs!)
• Pockets
• Smart Pocket for phones/devices
• Two Loops For Connecting Toys

This cart cover has it all, and it even comes in two different cute prints! It also has an easy pack-up option for storage. Simply roll it up into a built-in fold-up pouch and secure it with a Velcro latch.

This cover also has a smart pocket to hold your phone and allow little fingers to play games through a protective clear covering. A great feature to keep your phone safe and to also keep your little one entertained!

You can order the Lumiere Baby cart cover here.

To Cover Or Not To Cover?

With all the nasty bacteria and germs lurking around every corner, it’s easy to become a germaphobe as a new parent. I was very guilty of this, and maybe some would say it’s extreme.

However, when it comes to shopping carts, and with the recent studies finding fecal matter on 72% of carts, I would completely advise every parent to use a shopping cart cover.

They’re so easy, convenient and inexpensive, that to me, I would say it’s a no-brainer.

So if I haven’t been clear enough, I’ll say it again, I would 10 times out of 10 recommend a cart cover to anyone who ever goes shopping with their little one.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I hope that you found it helpful! I would love to hear from you, please leave any questions, comments or stories in the comments below!

XOXO