Do I Need a Carseat Canopy- Is it Really Necessary?

Okay, so now that you’ve got the perfect carseat for your little cupcake, here’s the next thing you need to consider – do you need a carseat canopy? I know a lot of people find carseat canopies so extra. You could just use a blanket, right? 

Do-I-Need-a-Carseat-Canopy

Well, technically, yes. A swaddle blanket pretty much does the same job but it hardly ever stays in place, especially not on a windy day. A lightweight canopy not only stays in place but also creates a solid but cozy barrier against bugs, germy hands, and weather elements. 

To sum up, yes, getting a carseat canopy is definitely worth it if you’re going to frequently take your baby out in public.

Need some more details on carseat canopies to make up your mind? You got it. 

What’s the Point of a Carseat Canopy? 

Carseat canopy is simply a drape that creates a cocoon-like environment for the baby. Crowded places can easily trigger sensory overload in babies. 

A carseat canopy will dim the exterior lights and soften up the noises a bit, allowing your baby to relax and take a nap while you’re shopping or lounging with your friends. 

Some Great Benefits of Getting a Carseat Canopy

Here is a full list of benefits of a carseat canopy:

1. Protection from Sun

A carseat canopy can protect your baby from the sheer discomfort and harmful effect of sun rays on a blazing hot day. Some high-end canopies are made of UVA and UVB-resistant materials for more effective protection. 

Make sure to choose a light knit material like mesh for summer to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort. 

2. Shield against the Rain

Although carseat canopies aren’t recommended for heavy rain, it definitely doubles up as an umbrella for light showers. Sometimes, it can be difficult to hold an umbrella over the baby when you are walking to and from your car while it rains outside. 

In such situations, a waterproof carseat canopy draped over the seat seriously comes in handy. 

3. A Warm Shelter in Winter

Canopies made of fabrics like polar fleece create a warm, cozy shelter from stone-cold weather. Moreover, it also eliminates the need for making the baby put on too many clothes. 

As you may already know, carseat manufacturers advise against bulky clothing as it could affect the fitting of the seat straps. 

4. It Keeps the Germs Out

It’s not unusual for people to reach out to squish the cute cheeks or hold the adorable little hands of a newborn. Unwashed hands are a warehouse of pathogens. 

A newborn’s immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off those germs and bacteria which makes them highly susceptible to airborne illnesses. A carseat canopy will deter people from sticking their face into the carseat or grab the baby’s cute little hands. 

5. Great for a Quick Nap

A carseat canopy will dim the external light and sound, providing a sense of security and privacy amidst all the chaos in a restaurant or theme park. A snappy canopy can save yourself the agony of dealing with a fussy baby on a road trip. I’m sold!

Why Not Simply Get a Swaddle Blanket Then? 

As someone who somewhat reluctantly switched from blanket to a carseat canopy (and is glad about the decision), here are a few things I realized:

  • Unlike a blanket, a carseat canopy securely attaches to the carseat handle with the help of velcros or a snap-on mechanism. They can be a bit pricey. Standard, affordable canopies have to be draped over the carseat. They don’t constantly slip, making them a much better option than blankets to use in public. 
  • I had to constantly reposition the blanket to make sure it provides proper coverage and doesn’t fall off. While this might not sound like a big deal, it feels like a big deal when you’re running errands. Since a canopy securely fits the seat itself, you don’t have to readjust it frequently. 
  • Carseat canopies come in a bevy of materials and patterns. You can choose one that matches the color of the seat cover and even get matching support pillows to spruce up the look. 

Carseat Canopy Materials

It’s important to choose a lightweight, breathable material for the carseat canopy to ensure adequate air circulation and comfort. For summer use, I like to go with my muslin carseat canopy. Soft cotton blends would be a good option as well. 

Chevron is another fantastic choice as it’s UV-resistant, 100% waterproof, and lightweight. 

For freezing cold temperatures, look for dual-layer canopies made of jersey knit or polar fleece fabric. 

In Conclusion

In short, if you are going to be out and about with your baby a lot, buying a carseat canopy is definitely worth it. It’s basically a multipurpose drape that acts as a shelter against sun, rain, cold, bugs, and germs. 

It also doubles up as a polite barrier against overzealous kid-loving strangers who can’t help themselves from squishing affordable baby cheeks

About Smily Mom

Smilymom is an initiative by a group of four friends who simply wanted to help you make good decisions. We bring you the greatest and latest information about parenting, baby wellness, housekeeping, and home decoration along with expert advice and trusted product reviews. We don’t settle for misleading, half-baked information and we take pride in it.

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