Whether there's a cold spell or you're cranking up the air-con to stay cool, you'll want to keep your baby as warm as possible in their baby car seat when travelling; this is where a baby car seat blanket comes in useful.
Before you fasten your newborn into their seat, wearing their cosy coat, remember it is not safe for babies to wear thick clothing or winter coats under harnesses when in the car, as they can prevent the harness from being secure and therefore protecting your baby in the event of an accident.
This is where a baby car seat blanket comes in useful. While any baby blanket would do the trick, it's worth considering buying a specific car seat blanket, as this will stop it from slipping off. Car seat blankets generally have holes for the seat belt to loop through, meaning they sit underneath your baby and are safely in place while your baby is fastened in.
Editor's Choice:
•The best fitted baby car seat blanket: Me Baby Double-Sided Baby Wrap
•The best for versatility: Wallaboo Baby Blanket
•The best for babies with sensitive skin: BlueberryShop Minky Fleece Baby Swaddle Wrap
•The best for organic material: KURA Organic Baby Wrap
Our mum testers have put the leading car seat blankets to the test, taking into account the safety aspect, fastenings and, of course comfort to narrow down the masses of available baby car seat blankets, making choosing the right one for you and baby quick and easy.
The best car seats blanket 2023
1. Snugglebundl
The best for a snazzy design
Description
This impressive design from Snugglebundl has handles, helping you to lift your baby out of the car
Pros
- Makes it easier to lift your baby (especially for mums recovering from a C-section)
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can look worn after a few washes
The best fitted baby car seat blanket
Description
Fitting most three and five point belt systems in infant and child car seats, pushchairs and
Pros
- Very soft against baby's skin
- Features holes for the car seat straps
Cons
- Small in size so only suitable for small babies
The best for high-tech warmth
Description
Although this is technically a footmuff, it's more than practical as a blanket too. Designed to
Pros
- Footmuff and blanket in one
- Includes a hood
Cons
- Only suitable for very cold weather
The best for versatility
Description
Ideal for the cold winter months, this multi-purpose blanket from Wallaboo can be used as a
Pros
- Machine washable
- Includes hood and footmuff
Cons
- On the smaller side
The best for babies with sensitive skin
Description
This BlueberryShop 2-in-1 blanket can be used as not only a car seat blanket during your travels
Pros
- Ideal for 3-point harness car seat
- Reversible
Cons
- Needs washing on a delicate cycle
6. KURA Organic Baby Wrap
The best for organic material
Description
Safety tested, this KURA wrap is made from 100 per cent GOTS certified organic cotton and is
Pros
- Made from soft organic cotton knitted fabric
- 3 and 5 point harness friendly
Cons
- May get too warm on hotter days
7. Jukki Milky Way Navy Minky Car Seat Blanket
The best for a hooded option
Description
This milky way navy minky car seat blanket will ensure your baby feels both cosy and safe, with
Pros
- Anti-allergy filling
- Includes hood
Cons
- Needs washing delicately
Are baby car blankets safe?
While you shouldn't leave loose blankets laying around baby in their crib, car seat blankets are safe to use in the car if you want to keep baby warm on a journey. They're much safer than leaving your baby's thick coat on, as the harness remains closer to their body. If you did prefer to use a regular baby blanket, make sure it's tucked in around your little one as a top layer over the harness.
If you are still worried and want to keep it in a safe place during the journey, you can use a car seat organiser. That way, you can also store all of their toys, snacks and other essentials you may need for the journey.
Are car seat swaddle blankets safe?
The most important thing when it comes to your baby's car seat is that baby is safely secured in their harness. While blankets can be tucked in over the harness straps, it's not safe to swaddle your baby in a swaddle blanket before placing them in a car seat.
How else can I keep my baby warm in a car seat?
As well as using a blanket, be sure to crank the heat up in your car. You may also want to dress your baby in a few layers. Although winter coats aren't safe to keep on in the car, thinner fleece jackets could be a more suitable and safer option.
Do babies need a blanket in the car?
Car seat blankets aren't a necessity, especially in the summer months. However, if you're taking your baby out in the winter, especially on a frosty morning, then you might want to pop a blanket over baby until the car has warmed up. Remember, as a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults, so if you're in a winter coat, they'll need a warming blanket to keep them toasty.
Emily Gilbert is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.