How to Make a Car Seat Canopy With Elastic

A canopy over an infant's car seat can keep the baby warm while you're traveling.

Infant car seats can make transporting an infant more convenient for some parents. In the winter or in windy conditions, though, babies can get cold as they are moving from their destination to the car. An infant car seat canopy can keep a baby warm and, with a few basic materials, you can make one with elastic to fit snugly around your infant’s car seat.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric, about 2 yards
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Elastic

Instructions

1. Measure your car seat’s width and length. Figure out the width by measuring the car seat’s handle. The length is from the top of the seat to the bottom. Add 1 inch to 2 inches for hemming. For instance, if your measurements were 45 by 46 inches, then your final piece of fabric should be 46 inches by 47 inches.

2. Cut out two pieces of fabric to match your measurements and iron the fabric.

3. Fold your fabric in half, lengthwise and cut a curve around the bottom of the fabric about 1/2-inch in from the bottom. This will help the front of the cover drape. Repeat with your second piece of fabric. They should be identical.

4. Pin the right sides together of your two pieces of fabric and leave a small hole to turn the fabric right-side out again.

5. Drape the canopy over the car seat and determine where you will need elastic. The elastic should go at the head end of the car seat. Measure how long you would like your elastic. If you would like it extra sturdy, measure a longer piece of the car seat. The longer your elastic is, the sturdier your canopy will be on the car seat.

6. Create a casing for the elastic that is about 1/2-inch from the edge of the fabric. Leave the casing open so that you can thread through your elastic.

7. Thread the elastic through the casing and pull the elastic taut. Pin both sides of the elastic on each side of the casing.

8. Sew the elastic with a decorative stitch into the casing. Hold the elastic taut as you sew and use a loose stitch.

9. Turn fabric right-side out and make sure the elastic fits on the head area of the car seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fabric that matches your child’s winter coat or the car seat. You can add ribbons to the sides to tie to the car seat’s handle when it is up. That way, you can keep the fabric off the baby’s face.

• Never purchase or make a car seat canopy or cover that attaches underneath the baby. This could compromise the safety of the seat. Only make or purchase a canopy that drapes over the seat and does not interfere with the seat's belts.

References

• While They Sleep: Car Seat Cover/Canopy