Custom Car seat covers -- safe?

Uzume2x

New member
When I got my car seats I really spent some time on etsy looking at custom covers. Now that I'm looking at convertibles and I know how hard my babies are on car seats, I really see the value in having a seat cover -- especially if my kiddos will use a seat for a number of years. My son has reflux, 'nuff said.

I've always wondered about the safety of such a thing, though. I would assume that as long as the cover did not interfere with the straps or harness, it would be safe, right?

Here's an example for an infant seat:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73457017/ebony-iron-works-and-hot-pink-minky?ref=v1_other_1

Thanks
 
ADS

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
No, they're not safe. They're not approved at all, not flame retardant, and can interfere with the harness, buckle, add bulk, etc.

If you want another cover to have on reserve, order another from the company itself.

Wendy
 

April

Well-known member
Absolutely a no-go, and it says so in the manual of just about every seat.
Posted via Mobile Device
 

Ladyl

New member
As with any aftermarket product it shouldn't be used. These items have not been tested for safety. Even if the product says "crash tested" there is no way of knowing of it was tested with the seat you are using and what standards they are using.
 

Uzume2x

New member
Thanks all. Just hanging around the forum has been so helpful!!


Just today, for instance, I realized that their straps weren't adjusted properly. I think the real danger of the rear adjust straps is that they make parents like me think they are to be adjusted as the baby grows, not every time. It's a pain in the butt but I've started to adjust the straps every time because the fit is slightly different depending on bulkiness of clothes, cloth diaper vs disposable, etc. I've been letting them ride with straps that are too loose, thinking it was fine.


Right now, my guys use aftermarket shoulder pads because my son flops his head to the side when he sleeps and my girl is teething and wants to chew on her strap. Are those a no-no?

In the winter, we use a cover, but it slips on over the seat and not in the seat, so it's not in the way of any belts: http://www.target.com/Babys-Cozy-World-Microfiber-Carrier/dp/B000VPNW3G/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton
 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
The aftermarket strap covers are not good. Your son's head going to the side is not a safety concern. You can use a rolled receiving blanket for a pillow for him on either side.

The cover you have for winter is fine. We call those the shower cap cover.

Wendy
 

BeautifulChaos

New member
After market shoulder pads are also not considered safe. I've seen some techs here recommend cutting a hole in the toe of a baby sock and using that if the straps are bothering them.If your son isn't complaining I would just leave it be. My youngest's seat doesnt have strap covers and her head flops. Its not leaving marks and she's not complaining (which is good because our harness isn't removable so the sock thing wouldnt work anyway)
I'm having a hard time imagining a child being able to chew on the harness iteself if it is adjusted correctly and tight enough. How old is she and what seat is she in?
 

Uzume2x

New member
ALmost 7 months in a Graco Snug Ride 32. I don't think the shoulder straps were tight enough. I tightened them today.

What is it about those shoulder pads that isn't safe? Just out of curiosity. I'm going to get crap from the husband when I remove them and I'd like to tell him why.

Here's a link to a pic of the ones I have:
http://www.goldbuginc.com/travel-gear.html
 

Uzume2x

New member
Okay, I'm looking around and I see that the strap covers prevent proper tightening.
What happens if I tighten the car seat straps first? Am curious.
 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
They're so long they can either push the chest clip too low, or be scrunched and add bulk under the harness.

Wendy
 

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