One of the most important parts of car safety is making sure your child is restrained in a safe and proper way. Unfortunately, many parents don’t take the time to properly size car seat covers before purchasing them. This can be a big mistake, as not all car seats are created equal. In fact, some seats may even require a specialized cover in order to fit properly. If you’re not sure which car seat cover to buy, read on for a guide on how car seat covers are sized. You’ll be glad you did.
What is a car seat cover and what does it do?
A car seat cover is a type of child safety seat cover that is designed to protect a car seat from dirt, water, and other debris. Car seat covers are also made to protect the car seats from being stained or damaged by the child’s sweat or saliva. Some car seat covers also come with a built-in sheet for added protection from the sun and wind.
Types of car seat covers
There are a few different types of car seat covers available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some car seat covers are made from an elastic material that is wrapped around the child’s torso and fastened at the waist. These types of covers tend to be more comfortable for children because they don’t have to wear a belt, but they can be less effective in preventing dirt and dust from accumulating on the seat. Others are made from a cloth or vinyl material that is secured with Velcro straps. These types of covers can help to keep debris off the seat, but they can also be more difficult to get on and off. Some parents find that these covers are less comfortable because they are restrictive; other parents find them more comfortable because they don’t have to constantly adjust them.
When choosing a car seat cover, it is important to consider your child’s size, weight, and age as well as the type of car you plan on using the cover in. Most car seats sold today come with an adjustable harness system that makes it easy to fit most any type of car cover.
How to measure your child for a car seat cover
When measuring your child for a car seat cover, make sure to use the guidelines in the graphic below. If you have trouble getting your child’s head and shoulders fully inside the cover, go up one size.
Your child should be sitting erect and facing forward with his or her back against the padding. Measure around your child’s torso at the fullest part, including his or her arms and legs. Make sure to measure around the widest part of each shoulder. Then compare this measurement to the sizing chart below to choose a cover that will fit well.
How to put a car seat cover on your child
Car seat covers come in different sizes to fit most vehicles. The cover should be tight enough to keep your child secure, but not so tight that it restricts their movement. Lie the cover down onto the seat and ensure that the straps are properly aligned and buckled before tightening them up. The straps should also overlap by an inch or two to create a buffer against bumps and bruises in case of a sudden stop.
FAQs about car seat covers
What is the difference between a car seat cover and a car seat protector?
Car seat covers are made of fabric, while car seat protectors are made of a hard plastic or metal. Car seat covers usually have an opening for the child’s head and neck, while car seat protectors do not. Carseat covers are also less expensive than car seats protectors.