shopping cart cover-- a must have?

OK, I'm a first time mom and DS is just now getting to be big enough to consider putting him in a shopping cart. So the question is... do I really need a cover? Of course I like the idea of protecting him from germs, but I don't like the idea of carting an extra big thing around with me.

Does anyone NOT use them? Any nice alternative to using one?
-Sarah
Mom to Dylan, 8/18/03

Motherhood is such a joy!

[ppshah]

Too be honest I never thought of it!!! I agree it would be nice to keep the germs away but like you said- with a baby you have enough things to lug around without adding to it. I would just wash his hands as soon as he got home & frequently!!!! Maybe you could just use a receiving blanket probably wouldn't work as well but better than nothing!!!

I bought one last week at the Baby Expo. It is made by Buggy Bag. It is wonderful. Very padded and velcro straps for toys, a flip pocket to keep bottles, snacks or binkies. I have not used it yet as I am due in April, but I know I will. It can also be used in restaurant high chairs, which always gross me out. :) The one I bought has a denim outside and an aquatic print in blue on the inside. It folds into a little duffle type bag with a nice strap, so it is easy to carry. Here is the web site if anyone is interested. The owner was at the show and she was very nice.

www.buggybaggs.com

I just bought a Buggy Bagg last weekend, and it is FABULOUS! You don't really have to carry it around--I just leave mine in the car, and when I want to use it, it easily unzips into the cart seat with very little effort. Before I bought the Bagg, I never put my daughter in a shopping cart seat. The thought of her mouthing the handle that everyone and their dog has had their germy hands on repulsed me, and the Bagg takes care of that worry. It's very plush and comfy and I love it because it covers the entire seat/handle area of the cart, so there are no exposed areas for DD to mouth or touch. Plus, you can just throw it in the washing machine! I definitely recommend this product.

Yes germs are gross - and I am totally possessed when the babe gets even a cold BUT hauling another thing around is not so easy either. A blanket for seats and a pack of anti-bacterial wipes used on a cart handle, table tops and high chairs is a practical alternative. Although I HATE it, my doctor Dad maintains that moderate exposure to common bacteria helps build immunities. He thinks taking the baby to family gatherings where people have colds and flu is MUCH worse!!!

just another way to lok at it! jenny

I just surfed around the buggybagg site and there's no price info listed. Roughly how much are they? Found a good on-line retailer? There's no local retailer near me. Which colors do you have?

I can cope with the notion of leaving one in the car rather than carting it around with me, but may still opt for the wipes/blankie route out of cheapness!

TIA.
-Sarah
Mom to Dylan, 8/18/03

Motherhood is such a joy!

It actually may not be cheaper in the long run if you factor in the expense of wipes. Plus you have to remember to restock your supply so you always have them on hand.

I never thought I'd use a cart cover but since I had my twins, I LOVE them. Those shopping carts are covered in germs, and my guys are at the stage where they chew on everything. I don't have a problem with moderate exposure to germs, but no sense in throwing them into a puddle of them. Not only that, but the seat covers are really comfy, and they're also great in the summertime, when the shopping carts have been sitting in the sun and the seats are hot.

I just keep mine in my car all the time. I have 2, both from ebay. I have a double for the Costco carts I got from anglynrose (not sure if she's still selling) and a single from covers4kids (around $32). They're both great. I highly recommend them. They're also great for restaurant high chairs.

Lisa

My daughter sucks on the actual cart handle, straps, and sides if the cart(the metal part). How gross is that!??? I can't live without mine. I keep it in the car and just pull it out when I get the cart.

I have the cart cover from snazzybaby.com which is pretty expensive. I think that the buggybag is right up there in price. Liya (Linda) just posted about a cart cover that she just got on ebay which looks super cute. I got one for a gift from Covers4kids.com. Many recommend them as well and they are affordable! Covers 4 kids also sells on ebay and has so many fabrics to choose from.



~Heidi
Mom to Kailey Ashlin
4/27/03

I didn't do any research for online retailers; I bought mine in a B&M store for $69. I got the denim/jungle print because I thought it would be interesting for DD to look out when she's riding around in the cart, and I was right--she likes to look at the bright colors.

Honestly--if you leave it in your car, it isn't a big deal. It's not like you have to schlep it along with your diaper bag and stroller, KWIM? To me, it's easier to use the cart cover than to wipe everything down (including DD!) with antibacterial wipes. It's so much more convenient, IMO.

[khakismom]

Never had one, never saw the point. I just give my kids toys to play with while sitting in the cart. Personally, I'd rather spend $70 on something else. But that's just me... :)