Key Fit 30 in grocery carts?

[Unregistered]

I heard a rumor that Key Fit 30's don't fit in grocery carts. Is this true?

[BW1426]

I don't believe that any of the upper weight carriers fit on grocery carts. But, it is also very dangerous to place your carrier on a cart. FWIW.

[leighi123]

I think its not a good idea to put any infant seat on top of a cart, even though I see people doing it all the time!
Some infant seats even say 'do not use on a shopping cart' - I saw a cart tip over with a snugride on top - it was scary, but the baby was strapped in (tightly thank goodness) and wasnt hurt. It makes shopping carts top heavy.
Thats why I always have put Levi in a sling, he's only ridden in a cart twice (not in a carseat) at Home Depot with daddy.

[cpsaddict]

Many infant car seat instruction manuals state not to put it on top of a shopping cart. It makes the cart very top heavy and can tip. When I worked at BRU, a mom had one on her cart and she couldn't see over it. She hit a pole in front of the store and the car seat went tumbling off. Baby was fine, but mom was hysterical. Some seats might "click" on, but they still make the cart top heavy. A sling/carrier or using the bottom of the cart for the car seat are better options.

[Patriot201]

I always just put the carrier inside the basket on the cart. That doesn't leave a lot of room for groceries, but I make it work. :)

[VLsMom]

It doesn't fit....on purpose! I put it inside the grocery cart too.

[Holly]

I always put the infant seat sideways across the basket, it set right in and the sides of the cart held it in place.

[Mommypooh]

I have 3 kids and always get the cart with the car or what ever on front and put the two oldest there and then put the baby carrier in the basket and then pull another cart behind me for the groceries. Gives me two places to put Milk and Bread so neither one is overly heavy since I buy 6 gallons at a time. With all my other groceries.

That is why I can't wait for my kids to be able to sit up so I can put them in the top of the cart and not lug the dang gone thing around all the time.

[VLsMom]

I have 3 kids and always get the cart with the car or what ever on front and put the two oldest there and then put the baby carrier in the basket and then pull another cart behind me for the groceries. Gives me two places to put Milk and Bread so neither one is overly heavy since I buy 6 gallons at a time. With all my other groceries.

That is why I can't wait for my kids to be able to sit up so I can put them in the top of the cart and not lug the dang gone thing around all the time.

Wow, you must be coordinated and strong!! I can hardly push that big cart around that has the car in front...its so heavy and gargantuan! I couldn't imagine pulling one behind me in addition to that. There should be some type of rope-pully system for that setup. :)

[oxeye]

I'm happy that the bigger infant seats don't fit on top of the shopping carts. I will admit that I did it with DD1 a couple times before I knew better - because everyone did it. It made me nervous, though so I researched it and found out that it was dangerous.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against it - http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/aug06shoppingcart.htm. The relevant section to infant seats in that article is the recommendation that "parents and caregivers should never place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart."

The little clip on the back isn't made for the seat to snap onto a shopping cart the way the seat snaps into its base in the car. An infant falling in an infant car seat is actually more likely to suffer from severe injuries than if they fall from the same height unrestrained. The seat could fall from the shopping cart or the shopping cart could tip over because it is more top-heavy.

One of my professors pubished a case study where she treated an infant who had fallen in his car seat from on top of a washing machine. He suffered an epidural hematoma (brain bleed). She specifically talks about falls of infants in car seats from various high locations (shopping carts included) and the outcomes of those falls.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7936873?dopt=Abstract

I'm not sure how much I can quote from the study without copyright issues so I am going to paraphrase the important parts. Someone has extensively studied the effects of children falling from elevated surfaces and found that, in general, children falling from these surfaces do not suffer from severe injuries. This is because we have an instintive righting reflex while falling that is protective. If an infant is strapped into a carseat, there is an inability to execute this righting reflex unhindered and so severe injury is actually more likely than if the child fell unrestrained from the same height. Additionally, the carseat adds 50% to the impact energy of an average 1 year old and even more for a lighter child.

The study goes on to look at other cases of injuries due to car seat misuse (falls from a table, car, shopping cart, or while being carried). There were 27 cases, 14 with injuries due to falls of the car seat - 9 were simple head injuries, 4 were skull fractures, and 1 was a cervical vertebrae fracture. So in this sample with 27 babies falling in car seats, just over 50% were injured.

Let me know if any of you want to read the whole case study and I will send it to you. I think it's pretty interesting!

[solmama]

I always put my kiddos in the big basket part of the cart. I just squeezed my groceries in around them.

[Starlight]

I have 3 kids and always get the cart with the car or what ever on front and put the two oldest there and then put the baby carrier in the basket and then pull another cart behind me for the groceries. Gives me two places to put Milk and Bread so neither one is overly heavy since I buy 6 gallons at a time. With all my other groceries.

That is why I can't wait for my kids to be able to sit up so I can put them in the top of the cart and not lug the dang gone thing around all the time.
Girl, you need to get the big cart, put your big kids in it, your baby in a sling of some type, and then deal w/ only 1 cart. My God, my arms hurt thinking about what you do.

[SusanMae]

Neither the Keyfit22 or 30 will fit on top of a cart. When I spoke with Chicco after I got my seat and stroller last year, I was told that the seat was designed NOT to be put on top of the cart because it's not a safe place to put children...much less babies.

Susan

[BookMama]

Unfortunately, people will put the infant seats on top of grocery carts regardless of whether they fit or attach.

I saw a couple at the grocery store last week with an infant seat on top of the cart. I think it was a Chicco but I'm not sure - I DO remember that the bottom of the seat had NO sort of hooks or any thing, it was completely smooth. I was standing behind them in line for the deli counter, and they were fidgeting with the seat several times, clearly uncomfortable with how it was fitting on the car. After the second time I saw them fidgeting, I butted in (which I almost never do) and explained that infant seats really aren't designed to be set on grocery carts, they make the cart top-heavy, etc. They moved the baby/seat to the back of the car and still had it that way when I saw them leave 20 minutes later! :thumbsup: to them.

Edited to add: Oh yeah, this baby was only 6 days old!

[Morganthe]

I always just put the carrier inside the basket on the cart. That doesn't leave a lot of room for groceries, but I make it work. :)

:yeahthat: what I used to do.

There seemed to be a very brief time where dd actually sat in the cart's seat, but most have a limit of 35-40lbs depending and became uncomfortable when she was a leggy 34lber. So now she sits IN the main part of the cart when she gets tired and arranges the items around her. It's nice having someone to hand up groceries at the check out :p

[jen_nah]

This is were babywearing is a GREAT thing. I tried to put K1 Snugride on top of the cart once (before I knew better) and it wouldn't lock on and felt very unstable. I ended up putting her in the big basket. Once K2 was born I had to put her in the basket b/c K1 was only 2yrs old and sat in the seat. If I knew I was going to need the basket for big items I put K2 in the sling and we did our shopping.

We have had many babies come through our ER from their carriers falling off the shopping carts due to it tipping over.

[CandCfam]

Ditto the 'it's not safe, don't do it'.

What freaks me out, is seeing people doing this with their newly newborn babies, and they have their head WAY lower than their body, which just cannot be good for proper airflow, or spit ups.:(

[lovinwaves]

Babywear or

Get a really easy to push stroller. Pull the grocery cart behind you. I have done this a few times with a side by side double stroller with no issues :)

[Mommypooh]

Girl, you need to get the big cart, put your big kids in it, your baby in a sling of some type, and then deal w/ only 1 cart. My God, my arms hurt thinking about what you do.

Well my youngest is likely to scream the whole trip if I try to use the carrier with him as he is all about his own space. He wants to be free to move not held down or strapped down. He hated it.

Plus when I shop I SHOP. I buy 2 weeks of food at a time when I go. So I Have lots and lots of groceries.

[littleangelfire]

Not that you needed more :o but here's some more links an info on car seats on carts:
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/aug06shoppingcart.htm
http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZT24LYQMC.html&soc=AAP&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

And actually, I think someone might have posted the first one already, which also stresses that no kids of any age ought to be riding in or on the cart, b/c it just makes it too unstable. I'll add to the group recommending a sling/pouch/wrap. Keep baby close, away from strangers hands, dirty carts, and possible injury, while also keeping your hands free. Perfect solution.
Check out http://www.thebabywearer.com

[katiesmommy]

The OP asked if it will fit IN the cart, not if it would fit ON the cart.

[Mommy2Five]

A shopping cart is not a safe place for any child, especially a baby in a carseat.
It's my understanding that they are designed NOT to fit intentionally.

When I go grocery shopping I usually put one of the younger ones in a sling, and push our double stroller while pulling a cart :cool: (and yes I get LOTS of comments and stares) but I try to go alone as much as possible.

[Mommy2Five]

The OP asked if it will fit IN the cart, not if it would fit ON the cart.

Yes, I read that too, but what are the chances they meant in the basket (where almost any seat would fit) and not in the "seat" in the front?

[katiesmommy]

Yes,I read that too, but what are the chances she meant in the basket (where almost any seat would fit) and not in the "seat" in the front?

True, but on the off chance that they did mean in the cart I didn't want the OP to feel like nobody read the post right.

[Auntie2Avi]

So what do those of you do with older kids? Especially 3 1/2 year old very impulsive boys who need to be contained in markets? I really do not like putting Avi in the top part of the cart, he is very big/heavy. Should I put him into the bottom part? Do I need to strap him into the stroller when shopping? Sometimes he is fine in the market, but a lot of the times I take him it is very crowded and he is cranky, and when he is cranky he is not on his best behavior.

Sorry to steal the thread, this is a issue I have been wrestling with for a few months, especially when I see a weight limit on the cart.

[Mommy2Five]

So what do those of you do with older kids? Especially 3 1/2 year old very impulsive boys who need to be contained in markets? I really do not like putting Avi in the top part of the cart, he is very big/heavy. Should I put him into the bottom part? Do I need to strap him into the stroller when shopping? Sometimes he is fine in the market, but a lot of the times I take him it is very crowded and he is cranky, and when he is cranky he is not on his best behavior.

Sorry to steal the thread, this is a issue I have been wrestling with for a few months, especially when I see a weight limit on the cart.

I always take a stroller. If my boys are behaving well, and want too I'll let them walk, but when they need to be "contained" or rest my stroller is my sanity saver!

[Mommy2Five]

And just to further my opinion, I just watched a Wal-mart commercial (the one with the mom and 3/4 y/o toddler and smallish baby) and even in their own commercial the mom is wearing the baby in a (looks like a) Snugli and the toddler is walking. :twocents: :whistle:




http://smileyvillage.com/builder/index.php?text=No+Kids+In+Carts%21%21%21&graemlin=0&url=&size=14&color=400000&mode=convert

[Morganthe]

the toddler is walking. :twocents: :whistle:

:sorry!::ROTFLMAO:
The idea of a toddler walking nicely next to mommy with all those distractions and oh-so-interesting pretties on the shelves is crazy talk. :p


So what do those of you do with older kids? Should I put him into the bottom part? Sometimes he is fine in the market, but a lot of the times I take him it is very crowded and he is cranky, and when he is cranky he is not on his best behavior.


As I said before, that's what I do with dd. I put her in the main part of the shopping cart -- oh, and especially when she was younger, I would ALWAYS have a little snack or a toy/doll/book for her to look at if she needed it.

Cranky with her means: tired, hungry, or bored.
Well, riding in the cart helps with the tired. Snacks with hungry. Something kept for only shopping trips took care of bored. :shrug-shoulders:

Oh, and I have made it a verbal instruction each time she gets in to remain seated and not move around. She must. not. get. up. ever! I think after 18 months? it's considered brain washing and she tells off other kids who are standing or climbing around inside of carts. :o

I don't like those carts with the cars on the front. Too bulky, hard to push, and lord knows, what nasties are lurking from previous occupants. :eek: So this is my way of dealing. :shrug-shoulders:

[littleangelfire]

The AAP stance is that kids shouldn't be in carts at all, top or lower portion. And on occasion, as punishment, lol, I've sat my son in the lower portion. Not really good solution if you need more then a couple things.

He is a little over 3.5 years old. Grocery shopping isn't my favorite event with him, but must be done and going alone isn't an option most of the time. And he is a high need child - usually I motivate him to behave. At Walmart there's the Icees. He gets one to slurp while I'm shopping. Sometimes I'll buy him a cheap little toy. He knows its not really 'his' until he behaves himself all the way to checkout. Or the promise of gum, lollipop, gummy worms, hat, tshirt, whatever cheap little thing I happen to wander by. When I go late in the morning (which is what usually happens) he gets a happy meal when we're done. That's an awesome motivator to get him to behave. He messes up occasionally , but usually nothing major unless I've made the mistake of trying to shop while he's tired or cranky or sick. And I usually spend at least an hour once a week. I find that several little trips is actually easier, and since I live 5 mins from the grocery store, that's no big deal for me. I like the carts with the cars, though I wipe it down with sanitizer first. Price Chopper is easy, too, they put out free cookies for the kids at the bakery, which is at the opposite end of the store from the door, so they have to behave all the way through the store to get the cookie at the end.

I never took a stroller to the store - I just don't think I could make that work. And at 45lbs, he's now too big for all of them anyways, and too heavy for slinging, too.

[BabyKaykes]

I try to avoid taking my 2.5yo to the store at all costs, lol! I've even gone grocery shopping at 10pm when he's asleep and SO is here to watch the house. But sometimes it is unavoidable.

I put my son in the sling on my back in the store and let him grab stuff off the shelves for me. We sing songs, talk about the day, or just call each other silly names. He can't act up if he's got nowhere to go and can't reach the shelves. And he has no reason to act up if I'm interacting with him and keeping him invloved.

[VLsMom]

I guess I didn't notice that it said "IN" grocery carts, not "ON" grocery carts.

To answer that question, yes, the KeyFit will fit IN a grocery cart.

[solmama]

I guess I am fortunate. My dd behaves very well in the store and, generally, doesn't touch things she shouldn't. I do keep her busy by letting her get food/items and put them in the cart. She likes to help, so I keep her busy that way.

My ds, however, is a completely different story, so for now he rides in the cart. He thinks he's funny and will run away. Ha. So funny.

[JerseyGirl'sMama]

Wow, kudos to all of you pushing strollers while pulling shopping carts! :thumbsup:

I could never do that. I just don't think I am talented enough. :whistle:

Luckily my DH and I have always gone grocery shopping every Sunday together. When DD was little (still in her bucket seat) I would push the cart and DH would push her in her stroller.

FWIW, I always give people 'the glare' who have their infant seat in the top part of the shopping cart. I know people are going to do what they want, but it makes me feel better to to do it. ;)

[loufrando]

My dd2 was one of those 'many' babies who did fall from the top of a shopping cart (I had her SR 'clicked' into the seat). Someone walked by and bumped the cart (not very hard at all) and the whole cart- 3/4 full of groceries came toppling over sideways and sent dd skidding across the floor. Oh, and the cart landed on top of my then 3 yo dd1 who happened to be standing next to it. Neither of my dd's were seriously injured, but the words horrifying and terrifying come to mind when I think of that incident. :eek:

Needless to say I never put the infant carrier on top ever again. I put my younger one in a sling and my older one who knows not to ever stand/sit up in the cart sat in the big part until dd2 got to big for the sling and now I either go shopping alone/with only one of them or I get the big, unruly 'car' cart. ;)

[aisraeltax]

Its just so scary for me to have a baby in an infant seat outside of a car. i guess I have been spoiled in that i have a baby that I wear and still, at 27 months, wear him in the Ergo on my back. I find that i can get alot done w/ him like that...he's out of the way and i can go as fast as I need to.

I asked for links a few weeks ago IRT to the dangers of leaving kids in infant seats outside of theh car so I konw they are here somewhere. here they are:

http://www.car-seat.org/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=379168

[christineka]

I have 5 children, the oldest of them is 8. I am willing to risk the possability of injury over having my kids running through the store. I have allowed my 3 year old out of the cart on occassion- or actually booted her out. She is a crazy child. My older three are usually good, but some days they run all over. As of late I have put the baby in the front of the cart, but even strapped in I think he would best be in the stroller. I am lucky in the fact that my 8,6, and 5 year olds can push a stroller. I do have a mei tai, but it does hurt my back with a big baby. I fell down the stairs several months ago and have had back issues ever since. I hate those extra child seat carts. My kids love them and beg for me to get them, but I can't steer them. I have a hard enough time with the regular cart. Dh has gotten them on occasion, but then the kids fight and cry over who gets to sit on the seats. The 8 and 6 year olds barely fit.

Christine

[Mommy2Five]

I also have 5 children ( 8, 7, 3, 2, & 1 y/o) and yes it is a PITB to push a stroller and pull a cart (while wearing a baby in my case) , but it's much preferable to a child w/a skull fracture IMO... :twocents:

[BabyKaykes]

Mommy2Five - I'm going to be sad when you have to replace that SS1 with a convertible, lol. If only the SS2 could RF.

Kudos to those who can push a stroller and pull a cart. I don't know what I'll do when Genny shows up and I need to take two kids to the store.

I have given the death stare and some people have no idea what it's for. Once this lady said, 'what's her problem?' as I walked away. So as I passed her a few aisles later I turned to SO and said, 'Did I tell you about that cart I saw fall over last week with a baby seat on it?' When I saw her later at checkout her dh was holding the carrier and looking quite upset about it.

[Mommy2Five]

Mommy2Five - I'm going to be sad when you have to replace that SS1 with a convertible, lol. If only the SS2 could RF.


LOL I'll be sad too :( But It'll only be 5 lbs between her SS1 and her Nautilus (also matching) LOL :D

[aisraeltax]

When I saw her later at checkout her dh was holding the carrier and looking quite upset about it.

hahah! that makes me chuckle! you must have gotten the stare then! lol!

[littleangelfire]

I have given the death stare and some people have no idea what it's for. Once this lady said, 'what's her problem?' as I walked away. So as I passed her a few aisles later I turned to SO and said, 'Did I tell you about that cart I saw fall over last week with a baby seat on it?' When I saw her later at checkout her dh was holding the carrier and looking quite upset about it.

Woohoo- here's hoping they don't do it again!

My dd2 was one of those 'many' babies who did fall from the top of a shopping cart (I had her SR 'clicked' into the seat). Someone walked by and bumped the cart (not very hard at all) and the whole cart- 3/4 full of groceries came toppling over sideways and sent dd skidding across the floor. Oh, and the cart landed on top of my then 3 yo dd1 who happened to be standing next to it. Neither of my dd's were seriously injured, but the words horrifying and terrifying come to mind when I think of that incident.

Needless to say I never put the infant carrier on top ever again. I put my younger one in a sling and my older one who knows not to ever stand/sit up in the cart sat in the big part until dd2 got to big for the sling and now I either go shopping alone/with only one of them or I get the big, unruly 'car' cart.

As sad as it is that your child fell, I must say, I'm glad to be able to tell someone a specific example of this happening and its not just statistics in lala land, so to speak.

I also have 5 children ( 8, 7, 3, 2, & 1 y/o) and yes it is a PITB to push a stroller and pull a cart (while wearing a baby in my case) , but it's much preferable to a child w/a skull fracture IMO...

I totally agree - do I occasionally get stares b/c my child is helping himself to a lunchable? Or b/c he once busted a thing of sour cream on the floor? Yep. Do I prefer this to him being hurt from tipping the basket? Yep. And if he was still under about 18-24 months or so, I would totally have him in a sling or some kind of carrier to wear. I don't think I'm coordinated enough to push a stroller, but I have chosen those giant carts before, ones with cars and ones with seats, so that I could keep him and my sister safe while shopping. And I still wholeheartedly endors 'motivating' the kids to behave. Works wonders.