If you are tired of the baby’s car seat slowly ripping or damaging the car’s interior, then you might want to consider using a car seat protector. They can keep the interior protected, preventing leather cracks and/or tears in the fabric while still being safe for the baby.
Munchkin Auto Seat Protector
Specs
Dimensions: 40 inches by 9.7 inches
Storage: 1 front pouch
Number of straps: 0
Washing: Not machine washable, spot or wipe clean
One of the most popular products out there, this seat protector is also the smallest on this list. The fact that it is also one of the most long-living, durable, and easily maintainable models out there is what makes it one of the best for many people. That and it is one of the cheapest car seat protectors both on this list and not.
PROS
- Strong, rubber-like material
- Easy to clean and hose wash
- Affordable
CONS
- Small
- Slightly smells like rubber for a while
lebogner Car Seat Protector
Specs
Dimensions: 44 inches by 19.7 inches
Storage: 1 front pouch + additional
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest
Washing: Machine washable
One of the simplest on the list, this protector is also one of the more popular ones and comes with a kick mat that has 3 separate mesh pouches on the middle-upper half. Each piece can take less than a minute to install or be taken off and thrown in the machine to be cleaned.
PROS
- Very easy to install
- Kick mat works great
- Fits many car models
CONS
- Bottom of seat protector can leave marks
- Thin, semi-frail material
HIPPIH Car Seat Protector 2 Pack
Specs
Dimensions: 51 inches by 18 inches
Storage: 1 front pouch
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest + tug-in flap
Washing: Not machine washable, spot or wipe clean
One of the larger protectors, these come in a 2 pack and are a little more expensive than a protector and kick mat bundle. They can be very useful in large vehicles like trucks or jeeps and even more so if you have 2 children. If not, there is the added security of having a second seat protector if something happens to the one being used without having to wait for one to be shipped or you going out to buy a new one.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Look great with black-interior cars
CONS
- Attachment strap buckle is somewhat frail
- Poor stitching
PIDO Car Seat Protector 2 Pack
Specs
Dimensions: 49 inches by 18 inches
Storage: 2 front pouches
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest + tug-in flap
Washing: Spot or wipe clean
Another 2 pack car seat protector, this model is a little less popular for being less waterproof than intended. Regardless, its endurance against car seats and kids can be a large redeeming feature.
PROS
- Durable material
- Has long lifespan
- Affordable
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Weak holding strap
Lyork Car Seat Protector
Specs
Dimensions: 52 inches by 19 inches
Storage: 2 front pouches
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest + tug-in flap
Washing: Not machine washable, spot or wipe clean
One of the more padded and larger designs, these protectors are designed specifically for both kid’s car seats and pet protection. Also available in a single pack, the protector fits great in larger vehicles, but it can be a little loose in smaller vehicles like coupes or sedans that have smaller seats.
PROS
- Great for trucks or cars
- Good for car seats, protection from kids and pets
- Waterproof
CONS
- Less popular
Munchkin Brica Seat Guardian Car Seat Protector
Specs
Dimensions: 45 inches by 20 inches
Storage: None
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest
Washing: Spot or wipe clean
Possibly the most firm and heavy protector both on and off this list, this is one of the most popular and favored protector out there. The gray and blue color can look a little strange in most cars, but the high-quality strength and protection it provides may be what you need if you have a car seat that will require a thicker protector.
PROS
- Easy to clean
- Has a long lifespan
- Easy to install
CONS
- Has a smell for a while
- Not the best for leather seats
Emma + Ollie Car Seat Protector and Kick Mat Car Seat Cover (4 Pack)
Specs
Dimensions: 45 inches by 18 inches
Storage: 2 front pouches + additional back seat pouches
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest + tug-in flap
Washing: Spot or wipe clean
Although it is the most expensive product on the list, this bundle includes 2 car protectors as well as 2 kick mats that both have at least 6 pockets of storage. Because of this, these are especially valued by parents of more than one kid, those who go on road trips often, and pet owners.
PROS
- High-quality kick mat
- Sturdy protectors
- High-functioning
CONS
- Above average price
- Can leave marks on seats
Shmidt’S Car Seat Protector
Specs
Dimensions: n/a
Storage: 2 front pouches
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest + tug-in flap
Washing: Spot or wipe clean
The only protector that is not gray or completely black on this list, this can match pretty well in a car with a tan interior. It does also come in a gray and black design, too. The downside with this product is that the exact dimensions are unclear, although it looks to be around 48 – 52 inches long by 18 or 19 inches wide, which is a pretty average size.
PROS
- Works well with leather seats
- Matches with tan interior
- Comfortable for older kids to sit on
CONS
- Low-quality material
- Can leave marks on seat
Zohzo Child & Infant Car Seat Protector 2 Pack
Specs
Dimensions: 46.5 inches by 17.5 inches
Storage: 2 front pouches
Number of straps: 1 around the headrest
Washing: Spot or wipe clean
With a slightly smaller than average design size, these protectors look more round than most of the other models. Other than that, it shares similar features to all of the other models, coming in a 2 pack and being in the average price range. The material quality is on the cheaper side, however, which makes it have a shorter lifespan than the others.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy to clean and install
- Sturdy
CONS
- Weak holding buckle
- Short lifespan
Things to consider when buying a car seat protector
The Design
There are two things in the design that could affect your desition: the shape and the size. Car seats come in all shapes and sizes but the general rule of thumb for getting a car seat protector is that it should be large enough to cover the entire seat for when you upgrade from small to large as the child grows.
The shapes the protectors come in are usually square and round. This is more of a personal preference for you to pick a protector that has a similar shape to your seats so they match. Either way, the shape does not affect the functionality of the protector, usually.
Safety
This is obviously the most important thing to think about when it comes to your child’s safety when choosing a seat protector. A proper seat protector does not make the car seat slide and stays properly secured to the vehicle while driving.
If there is a specific product you like but are concerned about safety, look up to see if there has ever been a recall for it, and when you are installing it, make sure you are following the instructions properly. When the car seat protector is installed, it should in no way affect how the car seat is then installed.
Quality
You will be using a car seat for the next several years, around a decade, and probably go through more than one protector, even more so if they are made of low-quality material. Getting ones made of higher quality materials can be more expensive, but they can be worth considering if they save you money in the long run since you will not have to keep buying low-quality protectors.
Common FAQs
What does a car seat protector do?
As the name suggests, they protect the car from the baby’s car seat causing rips, cracks, and tears to the interior. Many are waterproof as well to help protect it from spills as a result of dropped bottles.
Are they safe?
Generally, yes they are safe as long as they are not after-market. It is quite common for families to save their protectors and use them when there is another child born, but this can be dangerous if the product has a recall on it.
Will they cause the car seat to move?
If installed properly, no. It should always be tight and secure to ensure that the car seat does not move at all.
Can it be washed in a washing machine?
Some products can be put in the washing machine, but others do not. Not all protectors advertise if they can be put into the washing machine, and if you get one that does not, play it safe and use baby wipes or spot clean it with a damp washcloth. However, many come with instructions on how to keep it clean, and you should follow these instructs to get the most mileage out of the protector.
Are there any other benefits?
Yes, some do have additional benefits like storage. Many car seat protectors have 1 or 2 front pouches where a person’s legs would be, underneath the car seat so it is out of the way of the child.
Other car seats also come with an additional back seat cover that is called a kick mat. These are usually for older children who can kick the back seat, damaging it with their feet or shoes. Some kick mats also come with storage that is usually used for the child, holding things like toys, color books, etc.