Do you really NEED a shopping cart cover?!?!

skmac05

So I'm not generally a germ-a-phobe or anything, but the the bump has influenced me to buy a shopping cart cover, when I had thought they were unnecessary! (I guess I'm easily influenced!) SOOO I bought a floppy brand one for $11.50 on eBay. Great deal, but I have some serious buyer's remorse issues (always have!) and now think "do I really need this, or would some antibacterial wipes suffice?" 

WDYT? 

mdnawils

Need = no, nice to have = yes.  I don't know about where you shop but I feel like most of the stores we go to are out of the antibacterial wipes and I don't typically carry them around with me.

nealbl

I use mine all the time, but my LO tries to chew on the cart and I do not think germ wipes are good for her mouth either so if I put the cart cover on she just chews on that. I also use it in high chairs at restaurants.

Que*Syrah

Personally, yes. It provides a bit more cushioning, it has toys on it to keep LO occupied that can't fall on the floor, and the safety belt is lower in the lap than the ones on the cart so it helps keep him more secure.

 

mysonya

I bought and use a cover. On the occassion that I need to put DD in a cart without one, I wipe it down with anti-bacterial wipes. I will say that I think the high chairs in restaurants are disgusting! I make sure we have the cover with us when we go out to eat. There is no amount of wiping down that will make those things clean!

liv97

no, clearly you don't need it.  if you want it, sure, get it, but it's definitely not a must. 

we don't have one, don't plan on getting one, and i don't know anyone who has one.  

Ciarrai

Definitely don't need, but definitely nice to have.  We use it on carts and high chairs.  If nothing else, I cringe less when DS leans down to chew on the cart/chair b/c he's mostly chewing on the cover.    Seriously, it's a little more cushion and you worry less about them chewing on it.  If I don't have it with me, I don't really worry about it.  I've also been known to put DS in a grocery cart without wiping it down if I don't have wipes.  (He's the third so he kinda gets shorted in the mom-paranoia-department.)  Anyway, definitely nice to have and that's a good price for one.

Army~Wife

mysonya:

I bought and use a cover. On the occassion that I need to put DD in a cart without one, I wipe it down with anti-bacterial wipes. I will say that I think the high chairs in restaurants are disgusting! I make sure we have the cover with us when we go out to eat. There is no amount of wiping down that will make those things clean!

THIS!  This is the only reason that I feel the "need" for a cover.  Don't worry so much over the carts.

sbollenbach

Its better to be safe than sorry.  Even with antibacterial wipes I don't its enough.  And anyway, you already have the cover...

luckylauren14

Agree with PPs. Need=No. Nice to have=Yes

I bought one more for the comfort and entertainment factor (you can attach some toys to it) more than the germ factor.  If I am in a rush, I don't really bother with the cart cover.

wendic22

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=2859060

cma1989

IMO, I think they are necessary. R likes to chew on the shopping cart handle and I don't think antibacterial wipes would suffice. What's $11 anyway??

epphd

Meh, I don't use one.  I think they're kind of silly and it's possible that the covers themselves will wind up covered in all kinds of bacteria too - keeping a cloth item germ free is pretty much impossible.

 

LesleyKimball

epphd:

Meh, I don't use one.  I think they're kind of silly and it's possible that the covers themselves will wind up covered in all kinds of bacteria too - keeping a cloth item germ free is pretty much impossible.

 

Couldn't you just wash it?