As a first-time parent, there are a lot of things that you just don’t know. There are some things you learn as you go or you just take the advice from other, more-experienced parents. This post is regarding the latter. When I was pregnant with Violet, my sister-in-law told me about this “car seat protector.” My sister-in-law already had two kids, so I really listened to what she had to say. Of course, I ran out and bought 2 of these car seat protectors.

This is the exact one I bought for both of our cars. It is the Prince Lionheart Two Stage Car Seat Protection, in black. They come in many colors, but I chose black. You can get them here, or most baby stores.

Here’s how the bottom part works:

You just place the bottom part (base) on your car seat, then place your infant base and/or regular carseat on top of the base. You also want to make sure to place the top part along the seat where your back rests, to protect that part as well.

You’re probably wondering why I’m bringing this product up now. Well, on Thursday, April 19th, my baby was not acting like herself. I knew instantly something was “not right” when she turned down a lollipop at the bank. If you know my girl at all, you know that the ONLY reason she will ever want to go to the bank with me is to get a lollipop! When she said “no”, I knew something was wrong. She was also being extra cuddly that day as well.

We were on our way home and she started to cough a little. Not big coughs, just little ones. I asked her if she needed some water. She didn’t want anything. Just kept coughing a little. Next thing I know, poor baby is throwing up….in her car seat! :( Broke. My. Heart.

Nothing worse than seeing your baby be sick and you are not at home to comfort them. I, of course, pulled over to the side immediately and tried my best to clean her up. Poor, sweet thing! She was so worried about “her clothes.” I reassured her that we would get her clean clothes as soon as we got home, and to not worry.

I quickly got her home and changed her clothes. We spent the rest of the day cuddled up in bed….relaxing and watching her favorite shows.

The next day, I pulled out her car seat, so I could wash her car seat cover. Wow! It has been about 2 1/2 years since that seat has been out of the car. We had the infant seat in there before, then her current car seat. All total, it’s been 3 1/2 years since that back seat has been free of baby  car seats. When I removed the seat protector, I was amazed and thrilled to see that our car seat was not at all indented or affected by Violet’s car seat sitting on it for 3+ years!

This is what I found:

I’m pretty sure there were angels singing when I removed the car seat protector! My car seat was in PERFECT condition! I couldn’t believe it! Totally worth the $20 dollars! This is after having some sort of baby seat in this place for 3+ years!! Woohoo! I’m so glad I made this purchase!

Even thought it was tough seeing my baby get sick in the car, I truly think it was a blessing in disguise. It finally forced me to take out the car seat and thoroughly clean out my car AND sanitize everything! Now everything is spic and span and I couldn’t be happier :) Here’s a shot of the cupholders…..makes me SO happy!

After a day of rest, baby girl was back to her normal self! We couldn’t be happier to have our girl back…healthy & happy! She even “helped” water plants, while I was detailing the car :)