Infant and toddler shopping cart covers have become a must-have for germ-conscious parents - you know, those parents who still rinse their baby’s pacifier off when it drops on the floor? I have four children and haven’t rinsed a pacifier in months (only when it “drops” into another infant’s mouth); I didn’t think I would need for a shopping cart cover until the Ritzy Sitzy in Perfect 10 Paisley showed up on my doorstep.

Yes, shopping carts are filled with germs, but it’s all about strengthening the immune system, right? I didn’t want to take the time to strap in a cart cover before strapping in my baby, but when I discovered all of the Ritzy Sitzy’s features I was intrigued enough to give it a go.

The true "aha!" moment was when I read how it also fits high chairs, double shopping carts (think Costco) and park swings. Though not disgusted by shopping carts, the state of many a restaurant high chair has turned my stomach. We used the Ritzy Sitzy on my oldest daughter’s birthday when we hit a local restaurant for dinner. Since it was our first time using the Ritzy Sitzy, it took a minute to figure out how to strap it on, but once we did I was impressed with its extra padding, safety belt and extra toy loops and pockets.

Fortunately the Ritzy Sitzy is machine-washable, because our little girl enjoys her fries and always seems to hide a few in her high chair. We didn’t use the toy loops or pockets, but if I had an extra long mall trip planned I would stuff those pockets with snacks and attach her favorite fabric book and pacifier. Plus, I like variety and so the Ritzy Sitzy’s reversible design is an added bonus for me.

I can’t say I’m completely sold on the shopping cart cover thing; perhaps it’s due to their price and that fact that my first three children survived just fine without one. But I am a fan of the Ritzy Sitzy when it comes to high chairs and I always have ours at the ready in our van in case we brave a restaurant with kids in tow. It makes my dinner go down a little easier knowing my daughter isn’t enjoying someone else’s.

The Ritzy Sitzy comes in a wonderful variety of fabrics - good luck choosing just one! - and is available for around $68 from Amazon.com. - Emily H.