Shopping cart covers are a parent’s best friend in the grocery aisle.
We all know handwashing is crucial, but public spaces are unpredictable. Since your baby’s immune system is still developing, the germs and bacteria lingering on shopping cart handles can be a real concern.
Shopping cart covers create a soft, clean barrier between those germs and your little one. Plus, most feature a built-in safety belt that is far more secure (and cleaner) than the broken plastic strap you usually find at the store.
We scoured the market to find the best shopping cart covers to keep your baby safe, comfortable, and germ-free.
The only thing they can’t do is prevent a tantrum in the candy aisle. You are on your own for that one.
- Comes in 3 different designs
- Fits any large-sized cart
- Gives baby total protection from germs
- Large storage pocket
- Soft, minky fabric
- Includes interactive ribbons & toys
- Front loops to hold toys
- Really soft fabric
- Padded seat and leg holes
Do I Really Need a Shopping Cart Cover?
Let’s be honest: kids are germ magnets. While it might feel paranoid to worry about a shopping cart handle, the alternative is potentially dealing with a sick, unhappy child for days.
When you are a parent, prevention is everything. Using a shopping cart cover is a simple way to minimize exposure to public messes while adding a layer of comfort for your baby.
How to Choose a Shopping Cart Cover
Keep these factors in mind when hunting for the perfect cover:
Comfort
Sitting in a metal cart isn’t exactly luxurious. While the sights and sounds of the store are entertaining, the hard bars can get uncomfortable quickly. A cover with plush padding helps your baby sit happily until you check the last item off your list.
Straps
If you have ever wrestled a wiggly toddler, you know why straps are non-negotiable. A good cover should have its own safety belt to secure your child, rather than relying on the cart’s existing strap.
Durability
Your child will likely chew on the cover, spill snacks on it, and rub it against rough surfaces. You will also need to wash it frequently to kill germs.
The best covers utilize durable fabrics that withstand heavy use and repeated wash cycles without falling apart.
Color
If you plan to use the cover for multiple children, consider gender-neutral colors or patterns. Neutral designs are also easier to resell or pass along to friends once your little one outgrows the cart seat.
Affordability
You do not need to break the bank for a functional cover. However, spending a little more often gets you extra features like smartphone pockets, toy loops, or thicker padding.
Ease of Cleaning
You have enough chores without adding hand-washing to the list. Look for a cover that is 100% machine washable and dryer safe to make your life easier.
Product Reviews
We rounded up the top covers to keep your little shopper safe and cozy.
Suessie 2-in-1 Shopping Cart Cover
Best 2-in-1 Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover
This versatile cover tackles both shopping carts and restaurant high chairs, making it a diaper bag essential for days out. It shields your baby from sticky high chairs that receive only a quick wipe-down between customers.
Babies love to grab everything in sight, so full coverage is key. This design wraps around the handle and sides, ensuring fewer germs find their way into your baby’s mouth.
It features two loops for attaching favorite toys and includes a built-in teether to keep your little one distracted while you shop. When you are finished, it rolls neatly into a compact bag with a carrying strap.
Pros
- Includes a strap to secure a sippy cup.
- Features a see-through pocket for your phone.
- Highly affordable price point.
- Machine washable for easy cleaning.
Cons
- The padding is relatively thin compared to others.
Our Ratings
Summer Infant 2-in-1 Cushy Shopping Cart Cover
Best for Infants
Standard shopping cart seats are huge for infants but too small to hold a car seat safely. This cushy cover solves that problem with a removable bolster.
The included infant positioner props up younger babies, providing support around their back and sides. This keeps them stable and prevents them from slumping over while you navigate the aisles. The fabric creates a soft, clean barrier against the cart’s metal grid.
As your baby grows, you can remove the positioner to reveal a standard padded cover. It also includes a vinyl pocket to hold a smartphone for entertainment and two loops for attaching toys. It fits most standard grocery carts and restaurant high chairs easily.
Pros
- Infant positioner provides crucial support for smaller babies.
- Easily converts for toddlers as your child grows.
Cons
- Lacks significant storage space or pockets for mom’s items.
Our Ratings
Boppy Cart and Chair Cover
Best Large Shopping Cart Cover
If you shop at warehouse clubs with oversized carts, this cover provides 360-degree protection where smaller covers might fail.
The unique “slide line” system allows toys to move back and forth along the handle, keeping your baby entertained without the toys hitting the dirty floor. It even comes with an attached crinkle toy to buy you a few extra minutes of peace.
Integrated safety straps keep your child secure, so you can focus on your shopping list rather than worrying about escape attempts. If the cover gets messy, simply toss the whole thing in the washing machine.
Pros
- Available in various patterns and colors.
- Generous sizing fits oversized warehouse carts.
- Offers total coverage from germy surfaces.
Cons
- May be too loose for smaller high chairs.
- Lacks elastic edges, so it can slide around slightly.
Our Ratings
Boppy Luxe Shopping Cart Cover
Best for Playtime
Shopping with an energetic child can be stressful. This cover doubles as an entertainment station to keep active babies distracted.
The extra-large design features a patented slide system, letting you attach toys directly to the cart handle. This prevents favorite items from being lost or thrown onto the floor. It also includes integrated crinkle toys and bright finger ribbons for sensory play.
The cover is crafted from super-soft minky fabric, which is machine washable for easy care. Its generous size ensures 360-degree coverage on almost any cart or high chair. When the trip is over, it folds into an integrated pouch for storage.
Pros
- Slide system secures toys safely to the cart.
- Plush minky fabric offers superior comfort.
- Includes interactive ribbons and toys.
Cons
- It can be bulky to fold and unfold quickly.
Our Ratings
Skip Hop Compact 2-in-1 Shopping Cart Cover
Best Compact Shopping Cart Cover
This compact option is perfect for minimalists. It fits most shopping carts and high chairs but folds down small enough to clip onto a stroller or toss in a bag.
Setup is quick: one strap anchors the cover to the cart, while another secures your baby within the cover. When you are done, it folds into a built-in stretchy pouch with a wrist strap, leaving your hands free for groceries and your little one.
It features light padding for comfort and a machine-washable liner to handle spills.
Pros
- Includes two front loops for holding toys.
- Fabric is soft against the skin.
- Padded seat and leg holes add extra comfort.
Cons
- Straps are not permanently attached, making them easier to lose.
Our Ratings
Kids N’ Such 4-in-1 Shopping Cart Cover
Best Multipurpose Shopping Cart Cover
If you love multitasking gear, this cover is for you. It functions as a shopping cart cover, high chair cover, nursing scarf, car seat cover, and even a changing pad.
While it lacks padding, the stretchy fabric is soft and breathable. The best part? You can wear it as an infinity scarf, meaning you have one less item to pack in your diaper bag.
The elasticity allows it to stretch over most cart sizes easily, providing a quick barrier whenever you need it.
Pros
- Highly versatile 4-in-1 design.
- Affordable price point.
- Available in several stylish prints.
Cons
- Offers no padding for the child.
Our Ratings
Lakeson & Co. 4-in-1 Shopping Cart Cover
Best Shopping Cart Cover for Twins
This stretchy cover is a lifesaver for parents of multiples. It works as a car seat cover, nursing cover, and stroller blanket, but it really shines on the cart.
Because it utilizes an open design without designated single leg holes, it works perfectly for twins sitting side-by-side in a double cart. It covers the handle and bars your kids would likely touch, keeping germs at bay.
As a bonus, the company plants a tree or wildflower seeds with every purchase, so you can feel good about your impact on the environment.
Pros
- Extremely versatile design.
- Works well for twins sharing a cart seat.
- Fits snugly due to stretchy material.
Cons
- Limited pattern options.
- Does not include safety belts.
Our Ratings
Shopping Cart Cover FAQs
Are Cart Covers Safe?
Yes, shopping cart covers are generally safe and provide a hygienic layer between your child and the cart. However, the cover itself does not prevent falls. Always use the safety straps provided with the cover (or the cart) to secure your child properly.
What Age Are Shopping Cart Covers For?
Covers are designed for babies and toddlers who can sit upright unassisted, which typically happens around 6 months of age. Always check the specific manufacturer’s age and weight recommendations before use.
Can You Use a Nursing Cover as a Shopping Cart Cover?
Some stretchy, multi-use nursing covers work well on shopping carts. However, traditional apron-style nursing covers generally will not fit securely or offer enough coverage. Check the product description to see if it is rated for cart use.
How Do I Protect My Baby in a Shopping Cart?
A cover protects against germs, but physical safety is paramount. Always use safety straps, never leave your child unattended, and never place an infant car seat on the top portion of the cart, as this can make the cart unstable and prone to tipping.
How Do You Use a Goldbug Shopping Cart Cover?
While models vary, you generally unfold the cover, drape it over the seat and handle area, and secure any elastic or velcro tabs. Once the cover is stable, place your child in the seat and fasten the safety harness immediately.
Do Shopping Cart Covers Fit Costco Carts?
Not all covers fit the oversized carts found at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. Look for covers labeled as “extra large” or those with stretchy fabric designed specifically to accommodate wider handles and seats.
The Bottom Line
While the Suessie 2-in-1 cover has thinner padding than some competitors, it remains our top pick for its versatility and smart design.
It offers excellent protection against germs on both shopping carts and high chairs, essentially giving you two products for the price of one.
The included loops keep toys off the floor, and the safety harness ensures your little wiggler stays put. It is a practical, reliable choice for any parent on the go.
