As a parent, keeping your little one safe and comfortable on the road is always the top priority, especially when winter weather hits. Those chilly winds, unexpected snow flurries, and sudden temperature drops can make even a short trip feel like an expedition. A quality winter car seat cover isn’t just an accessory; it’s a crucial piece of gear that provides a protective cocoon for your baby, ensuring they stay snug and shielded from the elements.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind Go Carlife. With over 15 years immersed in vehicle interior accessories, I meticulously analyze material science, safety compliance, universal fit mechanics, and countless parent testimonials to bring you truly vetted recommendations.
Navigating the vast array of options for infant car seat covers can be daunting, with many promising warmth and protection but few truly delivering on all fronts without compromising safety or convenience. To ensure your little one stays warm, safe, and shielded from the elements on every journey, our comprehensive guide reveals the best winter car seat cover for your family’s needs.
How To Choose The Best Winter Car Seat Cover
Selecting the right winter car seat cover involves more than just picking a cute design. It’s about ensuring safety, optimal warmth, and practical usability for busy parents. Here’s what to consider to make an informed decision.
Material & Insulation
The core function of a winter car seat cover is warmth. Look for multi-layered designs, often featuring a waterproof or windproof outer shell (like polyester or nylon) and a soft, insulating inner lining (such as fleece, minky, or sherpa). The thickness and type of insulation directly impact how well it protects against extreme cold. Breathability is also key; a cover shouldn’t trap too much moisture, which can lead to discomfort or overheating. A good balance provides warmth without stifling your baby.
Fit & Accessibility
A “universal fit” is a common claim, but real-world compatibility can vary. Covers designed with elasticized edges, like a “shower cap” style, often provide a snug fit on a wider range of infant carriers. Consider how easily you can get your baby in and out without removing the entire cover. Features like dual zippers, magnetic flaps, or wide openings are incredibly convenient for quick access, temperature adjustment, and checking on your little one without disturbing them.
Safety & Breathability
Crucially, a car seat cover should never interfere with the car seat’s harness system. The safest covers fit *over* the car seat, not between the baby and the straps. Prioritize covers with breathable features like vents, mesh windows, or designs that prevent fabric from collapsing onto your baby’s face. Adequate airflow is vital to prevent rebreathing and ensure your baby’s comfort and safety, especially in enclosed spaces or varying temperatures.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Type | Best For | Key Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover | Canopy | Best Overall | Roll-away front flap & buttoned collar | Amazon |
| 7AM Enfant Car Seat Covers | Cocoon | Ultimate Protection | FMVSS 213 tested, -4°F/-20°C rating | Amazon |
| Milk Snob Winter Baby Car Seat Cover | Canopy | Premium Comfort | Waterproof/windproof, adjustable zippered flap | Amazon |
| liuliuby Winter Carseat Covers | Canopy | Cozy & Convenient | Magnetic closure flap, coral fleece lining | Amazon |
| Yoofoss Baby Car Seat Cover | Canopy | Patented Design | Magnetic buttons, CPSC certified | Amazon |
| Winter Baby Car Seat Cover (B0FNMTZ7KD) | Canopy | Spacious Warmth | Anti-collapse design, huge interior space | Amazon |
| YVMVDV Patented Cold Weather Carseat Cover | Canopy | Dual-Zip Versatility | 2 layers of windows, dual zippers | Amazon |
| ACRABROS Car Seat Cover Baby | Canopy | Weatherproof Ride | Quilted oxford, thick fleece sherpa lining | Amazon |
| Orzbow Car Seat Cover Baby | Canopy | Certified Safety | OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified materials | Amazon |
| JJ Cole Winter Baby Car Seat Cover | Blanket Style | Blanket-Style Warmth | Double-sided, full zipper, cozy sherpa | Amazon |
| Bioby Winter Baby Car Seat Cover | Canopy | Breathable & Roomy | Triple-layer, breathable vents, dual openings | Amazon |
| Rquite Baby Car Seat Cover | Multi-Use | Multi-Use Companion | Peekaboo opening, doubles as blanket/playmat | Amazon |
| The Peanutshell Car Seat Cover | Canopy | Stylish & Snug | Pretty floral print, soft fleece interior | Amazon |
| TSAYAWA Winter Baby Car Seat Cover | Bunting Bag | Award-Winning Warmth | Mom’s Choice Awards Winner, 3-layer design | Amazon |
| KeaBabies Winter Car Seat Cover Baby | Canopy | Soft & Stretchy | Ultra-soft, minky interior, rated to 14°F | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover
The Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover stands out as our top pick for its thoughtful design, combining superior warmth with unparalleled convenience. It’s crafted from durable polyester, featuring elastic edges that ensure a snug fit on virtually any infant car seat, framing your baby’s head in plush fleece for ultimate comfort and protection from the elements.
Parents in cold climates, from Montana to Chicago, consistently praise its ability to keep babies warm without the need for bulky, unsafe jackets. Its intelligent design includes a roll-away front flap for easy access and a collar that can be closed to block wind or snapped open for instant temperature control. This adaptability is a game-changer for on-the-go families, making transitions from cold outdoors to warm interiors seamless.
This cover is perfect for any parent seeking a reliable, chic, and highly functional solution for winter travel. Its ease of installation, durable material, and the ability to maintain a clear view of your baby while keeping them protected truly make it a standout choice. It’s a smart investment for peace of mind during the colder months.
Why it’s great
- Excellent warmth with plush fleece lining
- Clever roll-away flap for temperature control
- Universal fit with snug elastic edges
- Chic heather grey design
Good to know
- May slightly impede full visor access on some car seats
- Softness can make the release button harder to access on certain models
2. 7AM Enfant Car Seat Covers
For parents who demand uncompromising protection in the harshest winter conditions, the 7AM Enfant Car Seat Cover is a premium choice. This “cocoon” style cover is rigorously tested to FMVSS 213 safety protocols, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your car seat’s restraint system. Its water-repellent and windproof outer shell, combined with a -4°F/-20°C temperature rating, guarantees your baby stays shielded from extreme cold, rain, and snow.
New parents rave about its ease of use, eliminating the struggle of multiple layers of clothing. The central zipper allows quick access to your baby, while side shoulder zippers offer additional ventilation or uncovering of the baby’s head. Users with popular car seats like the Uppababy Mesa and Nuna Pipa Lite RX confirm its perfect, snug fit, appreciating how it keeps their little ones warm without causing overheating due to no material behind the baby.
This cover is a must-have for families living in truly cold climates, offering peace of mind through its robust protection and safety certifications. It’s an investment in your baby’s winter comfort and your convenience, providing a stylish and highly functional solution that holds up year after year.
Why it’s great
- FMVSS 213 safety tested for harness compatibility
- Exceptional warmth, rated to -4°F/-20°C
- Water-repellent and windproof outer shell
- Easy installation and central/side zippers for access
Good to know
- May require removing the car seat’s original canopy
- Higher price point
3. Milk Snob Winter Baby Car Seat Cover
The Milk Snob Winter Baby Car Seat Cover offers a blend of sophisticated style and robust protection, making it a favorite for modern parents. Its unique canopy shape, combined with a windproof and waterproof outer fabric and a plush fleece inner lining, creates an incredibly cozy and dry environment for your little one, even in harsh weather.
Families appreciate its ability to keep babies warm and dry, particularly in Midwest winters with temperatures often dropping below 40°F. The adjustable zippered front flap allows for customized comfort and temperature control, letting you open it for fresh air or zip it up completely to block cold winds. Reviewers highlight the durable quality and the ample room it provides for the baby, preventing the fabric from collapsing onto their face.
This cover is an essential for parents who prioritize both aesthetic appeal and high-performance weather protection. While some find it a slight hassle to get on and off, its secure fit and superior warmth make it a worthwhile addition to your winter baby gear, ensuring peace of mind on every chilly outing.
Why it’s great
- Windproof and waterproof outer fabric
- Warm, cozy fleece inner lining
- Adjustable zippered front flap for temperature control
- Stylish design with pockets for convenience
Good to know
- Can be slightly challenging to put on/take off initially
- May obstruct view of baby in car seat mirror
4. liuliuby Winter Carseat Covers
The liuliuby Winter Carseat Cover combines warmth, style, and practicality, making it a fantastic choice for modern parents. Its high-quality, windproof, and water-resistant shell effectively shields your baby from rain, snow, and wind, while the ultra-soft, luxurious coral fleece lining provides ultimate warmth and comfort, cocooning your little one.
Families using this cover in cold climates like Minnesota winters attest to its effectiveness in keeping babies super warm and cozy. The front zipper design ensures easy access for putting your baby in and out, and the magnetic closure flap protectsbaby’s face against the elements when needed. It’s also compatible with Doona strollers, making it a versatile accessory for parents on the move. Reviewers highlight its durability through numerous washes and its ability to keep babies perfectly warm without needing extra blankets inside the car seat, preventing overheating.
This cover is ideal for parents seeking a balance of quality, convenience, and effective cold-weather protection. Its thoughtful design, including the magnetic closure, makes it incredibly user-friendly for daily commutes and cold-weather outings. While some users noted it might fit a bit large on certain Graco models, its overall performance in warmth and weather resistance makes it a highly recommended choice.
Why it’s great
- High-quality windproof and water-resistant shell
- Ultra-soft coral fleece lining for warmth
- Magnetic closure flap for easy face protection
- Universal fit with stretchy elastic edges
Good to know
- May appear wrinkled upon opening due to vacuum sealing
- Can be a little large on some compact car seats
5. Yoofoss Baby Car Seat Cover
The Yoofoss Baby Car Seat Cover offers a patented design focused on safety, warmth, and ease of use. It features a weather-resistant nylon outer layer that effectively blocks wind and rain, coupled with a super warm plush fleece interior. This combination ensures your baby stays snug and protected without interfering with the car seat’s harness system, a critical safety aspect.
Parents praise its effectiveness in keeping little ones toasty on brisk days, often eliminating the need for bulky coats. The unique design includes magnetic buttons on the flap, allowing for quick adjustments to the opening and temperature control, while also providing privacy. Users find it incredibly easy to put on and take off, with the top part zipping off completely if desired, and confirmed to fit car seats like the Uppababy Mesa.
This cover is an excellent choice for new parents looking for a CPSC-certified, stylish, and highly functional solution for cold weather. Its magnetic closure and thoughtful design for temperature adaptation make it a standout for daily outings and ensures your baby is always comfortable and safe.
Why it’s great
- CPSC certified for safety standards
- Weather-resistant nylon and plush fleece for warmth
- Magnetic buttons for adjustable opening and privacy
- Easy to secure baby without removing the cover
Good to know
- Magnets might sometimes shift, requiring adjustment
- May not allow full use of the car seat’s original canopy on some models
6. Winter Baby Car Seat Cover (B0FNMTZ7KD)
This Winter Baby Car Seat Cover is designed with a focus on spaciousness and comprehensive all-weather protection. Featuring a water-resistant cationic fabric exterior and a soft, plush sherpa fleece lining, it creates a warm microclimate that effectively shields your baby from snow, wind, and harsh winter conditions, ensuring they stay dry and snug.
Parents appreciate its anti-collapse design, which provides more interior space for the baby to move without feeling restricted, and critically, prevents the fabric from falling onto the baby’s face. The multifunctional ventilation flip, with its “half-zipper window,” allows for ample airflow while still blocking strong winds, letting you monitor your baby easily. Users consistently highlight its extreme warmth, often needing to open it slightly even in 30°F weather to prevent overheating.
This cover is ideal for families who prioritize both warmth and breathability, especially for babies who need extra room. Its robust design and effective protection against external elements make it a valuable addition to any baby registry, ensuring comfort and safety during cold-weather outings.
Why it’s great
- Spacious interior prevents fabric from touching baby’s face
- Water-resistant cationic fabric with plush sherpa fleece lining
- Multifunctional “half-zipper window” for ventilation and viewing
- Anti-collapse design for safety and comfort
Good to know
- The flap that covers the face might not have a secure closure, requiring manual tucking
- Design may fit slightly large on some car seats, like Graco models
7. YVMVDV Patented Cold Weather Carseat Cover
The YVMVDV Patented Cold Weather Carseat Cover offers exceptional versatility and protection, combining a high-quality waterproof outer fabric with a soft, skin-friendly minky dot fabric interior. This design effectively shields your baby from rain, snow, and wind, while integrated air vents on both sides ensure crucial breathability.
Parents are particularly impressed with its innovative dual-zipper system, which allows for easy access to the baby without removing the entire cover—a small zipper for smaller infants and a larger one for bigger babies. The two-layer window, featuring waterproof fabric and mesh material, provides excellent wind protection while letting parents see their child. Users highlight its perfect fit on various car seats, including Chicco and Doona, and its ability to keep babies warm and dry in cold Midwest weather.
This cover is a fantastic value for parents seeking a highly functional, weather-proof solution with smart access features. Its patented design and attention to both protection and ventilation make it a practical everyday companion and a thoughtful gift for new moms.
Why it’s great
- Patented design with dual zippers for easy access
- Waterproof outer fabric with minky dot interior
- Two-layer window for wind protection and visibility
- Air vents on both sides for breathability
Good to know
- No specific temperature rating provided
- Beige color might show dirt more easily than darker options
8. ACRABROS Car Seat Cover Baby
The ACRABROS Car Seat Cover is engineered for robust cold-weather performance, featuring a quilted oxford exterior and a thick fleece sherpa lining. This combination makes it exceptionally windproof, waterproof, and heat-retaining, ensuring a cozy and secure ride for your baby even in chilly and adverse conditions.
Parents frequently commend its snug fit and ease of installation, noting how effectively it keeps their newborns warm without impeding safety. The design includes a secure, breathable zipper peep window that allows for monitoring while preventing suffocation risks and side drafts. One long-time user with seven children even declared it the best fall/winter cover they’ve ever purchased, praising its warmth, durability, and ability to wash up like new.
This cover is an excellent choice for families seeking a durable, weather-resistant solution that prioritizes both warmth and safety. Its high-quality construction and thoughtful features make it a reliable companion for winter travel, providing peace of mind through its proven performance.
Why it’s great
- Quilted oxford and thick fleece sherpa lining for superior warmth
- Windproof, waterproof, and heat-retaining
- Secure, breathable zipper peep window
- Durable and washes up well over multiple seasons
Good to know
- May require removing the car seat’s original sunshade for a proper fit on some models
- Could occasionally fall off if not paired with a compatible car seat design
9. JJ Cole Winter Baby Car Seat Cover
The JJ Cole Winter Baby Car Seat Cover offers a unique blanket-style design, providing a layer of comfort and warmth that slips over your baby carrier or stroller car seat combo. Its double-sided construction with a cozy sherpa lining keeps your little one snug, serving as a comfortable alternative to bulky jackets that can compromise car seat safety.
Parents particularly love its softness and ease of use, making it simple to slip on and off while staying securely in place. The convenient full zipper allows for quick and easy access to your baby when you’re on the go, a feature highly valued by busy families. Users from harsh climates describe it as a “must-have” for keeping babies warm when transitioning to and from the car, even if a hat is still needed for exposed areas.
This cover is an ideal choice for parents seeking a soft, warm, and convenient solution for winter travel. Its blanket-style approach ensures comfort without compromising safety, making it a thoughtful gift for new parents who prioritize ease of use and cozy protection.
Why it’s great
- Soft, double-sided design with warm sherpa lining
- Full zipper for easy access to baby
- Replaces bulky jackets for safer harnessing
- Easy to slip on and off, stays in place
Good to know
- May leave sides exposed on some car seats (e.g., Nuna Pipa)
- Material can get wet in heavy rain/snow, though it doesn’t leak
10. Orzbow Car Seat Cover Baby
The Orzbow Car Seat Cover is a standout for its commitment to safety and comfort, featuring OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified materials. This means it’s made from textiles tested for harmful substances, providing a healthier environment for your baby. Its construction includes a warm short plush lining and a waterproof, windproof, and snowproof Pongee cloth exterior.
Parents consistently praise its “shower cap” style elastic design, which ensures a universal and snug fit on virtually any infant car seat or standard stroller. The front zipper allows for easy placement and removal of the baby, while a breathable pull-over flap offers additional protection in unfavorable weather. Users from Texas traveling to Chicago confirmed its effectiveness in keeping babies warm without overheating, even with the Doona stroller.
This cover is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize certified safe materials and robust weather protection. Its universal fit and thoughtful access features make it a convenient and reliable option for keeping your baby cozy and shielded on all your winter adventures.
Why it’s great
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified materials for safety
- Waterproof, windproof, and snowproof exterior
- “Shower Cap” design for universal and snug fit
- Front zipper and breathable flap for convenience
Good to know
- Zipped portion at the top might hit baby’s face if not secured away
- Requires complete removal to secure baby properly in some car seats
11. Bioby Winter Baby Car Seat Cover
The Bioby Winter Baby Car Seat Cover is engineered for optimal warmth and breathability, featuring a premium three-layer design. It boasts a waterproof composite outer layer, a cotton-filled middle layer, and a thickened 240-gram fleece inner layer, ensuring your baby stays warm, cozy, and shielded from harsh cold, snowy, rainy, or windy weather.
Parents highlight its roomy structure and breathable vents, which are designed to prevent any risk of suffocation and ensure ample air circulation. The unique shower-cap-style design with a flexible bottom elastic band provides a universal fit for most car seats, making installation and removal a breeze. Users appreciate the dual-zipper design, offering both a large opening for easy access and a small opening to adjust temperature and monitor their child.
This cover is a fantastic choice for busy parents seeking a balance of robust weather protection, breathability, and ease of use. Its thoughtful design ensures your baby’s comfort and safety without compromising on convenience, making it a highly practical and machine-washable winter essential.
Why it’s great
- Premium triple-layer design for superior warmth
- Roomy structure with breathable vents for airflow
- Universal “shower-cap-style” fit, easy to install
- Dual-zipper openings for versatile access and temperature control
Good to know
- Breathing ventilations might seem small to some parents, requiring extra caution
- May interfere with putting the car seat handle down on some models
12. Rquite Baby Car Seat Cover
The Rquite Baby Car Seat Cover offers much more than just protection; it’s a versatile multi-use essential for new parents. Crafted with double-layer fabrics—a durable polyester exterior with cute patterns and a soft minky interior with warm pile—it provides 360° coverage against sun, wind, snow, and even unwanted touches, creating a cozy and private space for your baby.
Parents are consistently impressed by its versatility, often using it as a blanket or nursing cover when a separate one is forgotten. The unique peekaboo opening design allows for checking on your baby without disruption, and its adjustable nature helps modify light and temperature. Users commend its perfect fit on various car seats, including Nuna, and its ability to withstand multiple washes while maintaining shape and design.
This cover is an excellent choice for budget-conscious parents seeking a highly functional and adaptable product. Its multi-use capabilities, combined with effective protection and a thoughtful peekaboo design, make it a valuable addition to any baby’s essentials, simplifying daily routines for busy families.
Why it’s great
- 360° coverage for full protection
- Double-layer fabric (polyester and minky) for warmth
- Peekaboo opening for easy, non-disruptive checks
- Versatile: doubles as a blanket, play mat, or nursing cover
Good to know
- Some users found it slightly small for larger babies
- The thickness is suitable for year-round use but might not be for extreme cold alone
13. The Peanutshell Car Seat Cover
The Peanutshell Car Seat Cover offers a charming blend of style and essential protection for your little one. Designed with a weather-resistant shell and a soft fleece interior, it provides 360-degree coverage to keep your baby warm and cozy in cold weather, while remaining breathable to prevent overheating.
Parents love its easy installation, with a universal fit that accommodates most standard baby carriers thanks to elastic all around and a detachable zipper top. The pretty pink floral design on a black and white background receives frequent compliments for its modern and stylish look. Users confirm its effectiveness in keeping babies warm when freezing and dry when it rains, highlighting its sturdy quality and machine-washable convenience.
This cover is a great choice for parents who appreciate both aesthetic appeal and practical cold-weather functionality at an accessible price point. It’s a reliable option for ensuring your baby stays protected from the elements without sacrificing style, making it a perfect gift idea for baby showers or holidays.
Why it’s great
- 360-degree protection from cold and elements
- Stylish floral print with soft fleece interior
- Universal fit for easy installation
- Machine washable for convenient cleaning
Good to know
- One reviewer noted a broken zipper upon arrival
- No specific temperature rating provided
14. Mom’s Choice Awards Winner-TSAYAWA Winter Baby Car Seat Cover
The TSAYAWA Winter Baby Car Seat Cover, a Mom’s Choice Awards Winner, is engineered to keep babies exceptionally warm and cozy. Its robust construction features a high-density woven polyester shell that is both windproof and water-resistant, effectively insulating your baby from wind, snow, ice, and rain. The interior boasts a luxurious fleece lining and warm down alternative filling, creating a three-layer cocoon of comfort.
Parents highly recommend this cover for its convenience, especially as it eliminates the need for thick, unsafe clothing layers in the car seat. The extra two horizontal zipper openings allow for quick and easy access to your baby, making transitions in and out of the carrier seamless. Users confirm its perfect fit on various car seats, including Chicco and dualshift stroller/car seat combos, and appreciate its effectiveness in keeping babies warm to the point of sweating if not unzipped.
This award-winning cover is an excellent choice for parents seeking superior warmth and convenience during winter. Its thoughtful design ensures your baby’s comfort and safety, making it a highly practical and appreciated gift for baby showers or Christmas.
Why it’s great
- Mom’s Choice Awards Winner for quality
- Windproof and water-resistant high-density shell
- Three layers of polyester, down alternative, and fleece for warmth
- Two horizontal zippers for quick and easy baby access
Good to know
- May have a slight chemical smell initially, requiring airing out
- Doesn’t work well with the car seat’s original canopy up
15. KeaBabies Winter Car Seat Cover Baby
The KeaBabies Winter Car Seat Cover offers a blend of ultra-soft comfort and practical functionality, designed to keep newborns warm in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). It features a double-layered fabric construction with a soft, stretchy outer layer and a plush, wind/cold-resistant minky interior, ensuringbaby’s undisturbed comfort and protection.
Parents consistently praise its universal stretch-fit, noting how snugly it fits most standard car seats, including Graco and Maxi Cosi, without slipping off. The wide zipped window allows for easy access and interaction with your baby, eliminating the need to fully remove the cover. Beyond its primary use, this lightweight and versatile cover doubles as a stroller canopy, high chair cover, and nursing cover, making it a true travel essential for modern parents.
This cover is an excellent budget-friendly choice for parents seeking versatility, softness, and effective cold-weather protection. While some users in extreme cold (below 40°F) might desire a thicker option, its overall quality, ease of use, and multi-functional design make it a highly recommended product for most winter conditions.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-soft and stretchy outer fabric with minky interior
- Rated for temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C)
- Universal stretch-fit for most standard car seats
- Versatile: doubles as stroller, high chair, and nursing cover
Good to know
- Not as thick as some other options, potentially not for extreme New England winters (below 40°F)
- Snap buttons may not perfectly hold shape around all car seat handles
Understanding the Specs
Temperature Rating
For winter car seat covers, a specified temperature rating indicates the lowest external temperature at which the cover is designed to keep a baby warm. This is a critical spec for parents in colder climates. For example, a rating of “14°F (-10°C)” suggests robust insulation, while others might simply rely on multi-layer fabric descriptions. Always consider your local climate and how much additional clothing your baby will wear inside the cover.
Material Composition
The combination of materials defines a cover’s performance. An outer layer of waterproof/windproof polyester or nylon is crucial for protection against elements like rain, snow, and harsh winds. The inner lining, often plush fleece, minky, or sherpa, provides the direct warmth and softness against the baby. Some covers include a middle layer of cotton or down alternative filling for enhanced insulation. Understanding these layers helps assess durability, warmth, and breathability.
FAQ
Are winter car seat covers safe for newborns?
Can I use a winter car seat cover in all types of car seats?
How do I clean a winter car seat cover?
Do I still need to dress my baby in a heavy coat with a winter car seat cover?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most drivers, the best winter car seat cover winner is the Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover because it perfectly balances warmth, convenience, and a truly universal fit. If you want uncompromising protection in extreme cold, grab the 7AM Enfant Car Seat Covers. And for premium comfort with smart adjustable features, nothing beats the Milk Snob Winter Baby Car Seat Cover.