Nothing is more valuable than a sleeping baby. Everyone can sigh with relief as both the baby and parents get the rest and relaxation they need. We often try to lull babies to sleep with anything from hypnotic mobiles, swing chairs, to lavender baby oil. Despite these fancy tricks and tools, the best method may be one’s own car.

The smooth and subtle motion of a car often serves as a baby’s best cradle. The close, encompassing feeling of a car seat also mimics the comforting feeling of being swaddled. The hubbub from getting here to there becomes a distant memory with the use of a portable car seat. Your baby can remain peacefully undisturbed as you move the car seat from car to home to store.

You’ll want to look at a few specific features when shopping for portable car seats. It’s great to get a seat that can be adjusted to size, you’ll want your seat to last as your baby grows over the next five or so months. You should also make sure it is relatively lightweight. “Portable” implies you can pick it up with your baby in it; make sure the seat lives up to its name. That being said, it should be durable as well as easy to handle. After all, car seats are first and foremost about your baby’s safety.

If transportation couldn’t get any easier, some portable car seats are custom made to fit into strollers. While features such as these can be a godsend, I don’t advise going over board when accessorizing your baby’s car seat. For example, I wouldn’t splurge for massaging car seats. As I said earlier, the car itself is bound to do the trick. You baby needs to be comfortable, not lavished.

Being able to be mobile with your baby is a great advantage. As we all know life doesn’t come to a halt after you’ve had a child. With the use of a portable car seat parents can stay on the go with their baby in tow.

Car seat protectors are available in all sorts of patterns and colors. There are varying thoughts about what color car seat cover should be used. Some people believe that the color and pattern should have a cool and tranquil look. This will apparently make the child more relaxed and restful while traveling.

Others believe that the infant car seat cover should be brightly colored with a vibrant pattern. This is supposed to stimulate a child’s senses, especially eyesight. Whatever your individual opinion is about this ‘color therapy’, the main purpose of infant car seat covers is to protect the car seat and keep your baby comfortable.

Washing an infant’s car seat is quite difficult, whereas a cover can be taken off whenever it is dirty and be easily washed. Most infant car seat covers are waterproof which provides extra protection for the seat. It is very important to choose a cover that is easily washable. Some fabrics look attractive but they may be unhygienic or difficult to wash.

When you purchased your portable car seat, you will have probably chosen it according to the sex of your baby. If it was a boy, you would have chosen a blue, or if it was a girl, you may have chosen a pink car seat. Now, all of a sudden, you have a second baby who is the opposite sex. You don’t want to put your new baby boy into a pink car seat! If you put an appropriate car seat cover on, no one will know what color the real seat is.

You must select a cover that fits the car seat properly. You don’t want one that is loose and slides around when the baby moves. This could be uncomfortable for your baby and it could also be dangerous. Be sure that the car seat is placed in the back passenger section of your car. If the seat is in the front and the airbags deploy, your baby could suffocate.

With safety in mind, the best type of infant car seat covers are ones that have a 5 point strap attachment – one strap that goes between the baby’s legs, one for each of the baby’s thighs, and one for each of the baby’s shoulders. This type of cover will give the best protection for your baby while traveling. Also make sure that the fabric is soft to ensure your baby’s comfort.

If you look online, you can spend some time browsing the many sites that offer infant car seat covers. You will get lots of advice on how to choose the best fabric for your needs. Depending on the climate you live in, you will need an appropriate cover. If you live in a warm climate, a lightweight cover is recommended. If you live in a cold climate, you should select a fabric that will keep your baby warm.