Harness covers

[2mykids]

My son doesn't like the harness covers on his Nautilus. He says that they are itchy. I bought some new ones from BRU because he was getting burn like marks on his neck from the straps.
I know that you are not supposed to use any aftermarket parts on a car seat because it will void the warranty and / or be unsafe.
Here are my 2 questions:
Is this acceptable?
Can I just sew a piece of cute fabric together and use that?

TIA!

[skaterbabscpst]

Go to the dollar store and buy a cheap pair of those very thin cotton (nylon is better though) baby socks. Cut the toes off and thread them on in place of the harness covers.

Anything padded is a no-no.

[2mykids]

I have an 8 month old and more baby socks than I can handle... :thumbsup:

[skaterbabscpst]

Then you're golden. :)

[Kat_Momof3]

did you try taking them off and turning them inside out? the inner side of the shoulderpads on the Nautilus are not mesh like the outer side... instead, they are smooth, like jogging pants.

Both the shoulderpads and the crotch strap have one fabric on one side and the other on the other... and I'm guessing it is for those irritated by the mesh.

[Patriot201]

:scratcheshead: the harness pads on my GN are velour-type fabric. They are very soft. :)

[2mykids]

My cover is mesh like. (Walmart matrix? I think) I am jealous of the one at BRU, I felt how soft it is. If I had known that before, I probably would have splurged the extra $20.

I just got the covers out of the attic and turning them inside out would be nice but they wont velcro that way. Not without sewing surgery and my skills are minimal.

I rubbed them against my neck and I didn't really like the way they feel either. DS is right.

[Kat_Momof3]

Mine are mesh on one side... smooth like jogging pants on the other... I have Bravo... the cover from walmart.

[tierra]

Same issue here but I just took them off altogether. Do you need to use anything at all? I was under the impression they were optional...so if they bother your child, just remove them, right? :confused:

[Jeanum]

Right, it's optional to use the harness covers. They're pretty much a comfort item (although they bug some kids, so much for comfort in those cases :o), and they're not required. :)

[amy919]

I have both a Matrix (Walmart) and Galaxy (BRU) and a VERY sensitive picky child. She doesn't like the pads on the Matrix GN, but doesn't hate them enough not to use them. I did try the thin sock trick, but that seemed to bother them more and she asked for the "real" ones back. She loves the ones on the Galaxy, though.

[2mykids]

Yesterday I put the original harness covers back on the Nautilus to see if DS would notice or complain again, and he didn't.
Maybe he was a little sensitive to the new seat when I first put him in. Who knows. Maybe he will decide they are itchy again.
If he does complain about them again I think I will just order replacement covers from Graco in a softer material. He need something because the harness rubs against his neck and leaves a pretty good mark.

Thanks for all of the replies!

[TerisBoys]

One thing that's helped with my sensitive child is to slide the harness strap covers up onto his shoulders before tightening the harness (so they're not moving with it and rubbing as the harness tightens).

He's learned to slide them up and hold them still while I tighten.