Would you ever do this to your child?

Question

When you go to the grocery store you no how the have the carts with the carseat type thing attached to the cart. I would never do this because I think it is nasty for some reason. But would you ever put your child in one of those?

I dont mean the seat that you would see a 2 year old sitting in. I am talking about the one for a newborn. I think it is nasty because of all the germs and just wiping it off might not get all the germs off. The stores in my area do have disinfecting wipes i just think it is easier to take my daughter in her own car seat. This is my opinion and i am asking for yours.

Answer 1

I know what you're thinking, the thought of all the other babies that have chewed on the straps, or grabbed the sides with their sticky "goober" fingers. I have put my son in those a few times. Granted it was after whiping it out with a baby wipe, but the fact is, the little bugger sticks EVERYTHING in his mouth as it is. AND to not take advantage of these nifty seats would mean shopping would be a two person job, one to push the stroller and one to push the cart, and that just doesn't always work! Besides, if I was going to be that anal, then I would have to bring my own high chair to the restaurant as well! We as parents have to draw the line somewhere. By that I mean that being a germophobe with your kids can actually be detrimental to them in the long run, and make you a nervous wreck! Kids come into contact with germs all day everyday. To raise a child in a "germ free" envoironment would cause serious issues when they go out into the world because their immune systems would not be prepared for the onslaught. It's actually a problem in the U.S. that a lot of pediatritians are beginning to recognize. The fact is, (and this came to me when I came around the corner and found my son gumming the bottom of my shoe), the fact is that germs are germs no matter where they come from, they could come from the last baby that was in that seat, or the piece of animal cracker the little fella picked up from the floor and shoved in his face. I'm not saying to go ahead and let your kid play in the toilet, but I AM saying that we as parents need to relax a little bit and practice serenity. I can't take my shoe out of my son's mouth and make those germs go away, there's nothing I can do about it now. Yes I practice basic caution when dealing with the boy, but the fact is, he's going to most likely be eating snails in a couple years! and while exposure to those germs may not neccesarily be good for him, they won't be life threatening either. I vow to let my kid be a kid, and I encourage you parents to do the same.

Answer 2

If you're worried about germs, and your car seat is difficult to remove (some use the latch system which makes the car seat more easily removed) I would wipe the seat down with disinfectant wipes (not baby wipes...something disinfecting) to remove any potential urine or fecal matter (not all parents are careful or even care), and if you're still uncomfortable, put in a thin receiving blanket or large cloth diaper in the bottom. Just make sure you can still use the safety latches.

On a "germ" note, the risk of exposure in those seats to toxic or harmful germs is minimal. You pick up more germs when you open the door of a public restroom. By frequent hand washings and a little common sense, your baby should be fine. As she grows older, germs are a necessary part of life to build immunity.

On an age note, I've read some of your other questions and know yours is a young one. I would minimize grocery store trips as much as you can (I know...difficult, right?). If you have a good friend or a parent close, it could be a little time away for you. Don't worry so much about germs and stuff. I think all moms have "instincts". Follow those and enjoy your beautiful babe!!!

Answer 3

I have used them in the past, only after cleaning with wipes and putting a blanket under my baby. They are much safer then they look.

A note for anyone who puts their infany carrier on the front seat part of the cart: Do you know how dangerous that is?!? In a recent case in Florida, a baby suffered permanent brain damage from a fall. He was properly strapped into his infany carrier, and it was atteached to the front seat of a cart at Wal-Mart. Whan the cart went over a bump from hard to carpeted flooring, the seat bumped up, tipped to the side, and fell to the floor. The mother was right there, but it all happened so fast, she did not have time to catch the seat. She tried to sue Walmart, but was not sucessful. It is stated in the owners manuels of the seats, and is posted in the cart pick up area (or at least is supposed to be) not to attach these seats in this manner. If you must bring in an infant carrier, place it in the bigger shopping basket area of the cart. This makes getting any amount of groceries difficult, which is why the seats are provided. I would rather take the extra minute or two to clean a safe seat then risk my child falling. Most of us mommies do not have time or money to spend hours shopping. These seats are fine for the short amount of time baby will be in them. Remember, most mommies have the same conscern you do, and clean the seat just as much. Just wipe it down, cover with a blanket, and secure baby. She will be fine.

Answer 4

Not if I could help it. But if you should find yourself at the grocery store without your own carseat,i.e. walked, or got dropped off, and you have to use it, most stores offer antibacterial wipes at the door for the carts. If yours doesn't, insist upon it! You should always wipe down all areas of a shopping cart that can come in contact with your child since most older people tend to put their meat in the child seat.

Answer 5

my mom said she used to use them all the time when we were little
she said everyone did like 25-40 years ago lol

but nowadays i wouldnt i mean i didnt and my child is almost 2 and i still wipe the carts down with antibacterial lol
my hubbby thinks im crazy but what if my child touches the handlebar and puts his hands in his mouth lol thats just digusting and germy so maybe i am a freak but ya know the other thing i hate my niece does this kids that touch the toilet seat in a public place or if they start touching the floor or something
thats what that antibacterial lotion is for i guess lol

Answer 6

If I had a new born to take shopping I most certainly would use the attached seat. Some stores offer wipes to wipe down the handles of the baskets. If your store offers this, take advantage of it and use a couple or what ever it takes to wipe the seat down, Or, you can furnish your own. Also, take a nice clean blanket along to place in the seat as a barrier between baby and seat. Not only does it create a barrier from germs, but also cushions the seat to make a comfy ride for baby. Remember, the air your new born is breathing is also full of germs. You can't put your baby in a bubble, but you can use precaution and preventive ways to fight against germs.

Answer 7

I have but always put down blankets in between...My grocery stores are super clean and they also have disinfectant wipes by the carts that anyone can use.

Answer 8

And you shop there?
They do make a "cart cover" especially for this. Most moms keep wipes around anyway. No worse than what we touch on the cart!

Answer 9

yes I would as long as it was not visibly soiled. There are germs on it, but it has been proven that these germs (despite giving your baby the sniffles) are actually good for your little one in the long run. It has been proven that people that constantly carry around clorox wipes and antibacterial hand gel get sicker when they finally come in contact with germs. Letting your kid sit in the dirty seat once in awhile builds his immunity. You should still do what you can to prevent his contact with dangerous germs such as handling his feces or raw meats.

Answer 10

well the grocery stores around my area offer a type of sanitizing wipe so that customers may wipe down the carts and seat if they feel uneasy about germs and such.

to each their own i guess.