Where to Put a Car Seat in a Shopping Cart

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Tips for grocery shopping with a newborn

Co-authored by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed. and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 25, 2025 References

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How to Put a Car Seat in a Shopping Cart Safely

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Alternatives

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Shopping Cart Seat

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Safety Tips

Your number one priority is always keeping your baby safe. But when you’re at the grocery store, your number two priority is getting in and out as quickly as you can. And while it might seem like you can simply set your baby’s car seat on top of the shopping cart, doing so is actually a big safety hazard. In this article, we’ll share with you the safest way to carry your baby’s car seat in your shopping cart. We’ll also give you some product recommendations and alternatives to make shopping with your baby a breeze. To stock up on food without sacrificing safety, read on!

Things You Should Know

Set the car seat in the main basket of the shopping cart. This is the only safe way to hold a car seat in a shopping cart.
Alternatively, you can wear your baby in a sling or put them in a stroller.
Or, secure your car seat in a Safe-Dock if your grocery store has them.
Always stay nearby your shopping cart, and don’t leave little children unattended in the store.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Put a Car Seat in a Shopping Cart Safely

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Put the car seat in the main basket of the shopping cart. The only safe way to hold a car seat in a shopping cart is to set it in the main basket. That way, your baby can’t fall or tip over, and the cart won’t be top-heavy.^{[1]
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- Unfortunately, setting a car seat on top of a shopping cart is not safe. While it may seem like your car seat “clicks” into place around the shopping cart, one small bump could tip your car seat off the shopping cart. The only safe way to place a car seat in a shopping cart is to set it in the main basket.
- Putting a car seat in the main basket of the shopping cart can take up a lot of room, which doesn’t leave a ton of space for your groceries. Read some of our alternative solutions below to shop with your baby while using the entire shopping cart.

Section 2 of 4:

Alternatives

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Cart hammock Cart hammocks attach to any standard-sized shopping cart to create the perfect cradle for your baby. Simply attach either end of the hammock to the sides of the cart, set your baby in it, and strap them in. Since the hammock floats on top of the main basket, you can slide your groceries into the cart underneath them with no problem.^{[2]
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- Cart hammocks are rated for babies up to 50 pounds, which is about the time that your baby starts sitting up on their own.
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Car seat carrier The Totes Baby Car Seat Carrier allows you to secure your car seat to the sides of the shopping cart. Unroll the product, then clamp either end to the sides of the shopping cart. Then, set your car seat on top of it and strap it in to hold your baby securely.
- Since the car seat carrier floats on top of the cart, you’ll have plenty of room to put your groceries underneath your baby.
A wrap or a sling keeps your baby safe while you grab groceries. Instead of bringing your baby inside in their car seat, consider wearing them on your person instead.^{[3]
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Many car seats strap into a stroller easily, so you don’t have to transfer your baby unnecessarily. If you have a large enough stroller, you could even set groceries in the bottom section of the stroller and skip the cart all together.^{[4]
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Safe-Dock Some grocery stores have shopping carts with a Safe-Dock on them. A Safe-Dock is a universal car seat docking station that you can safely set your car seat in. If you see a docking station on the shopping carts at your local grocery store, simply click your car seat into the docking station like you would click it into your car. Then, secure the strap around the car seat to strap it into place.^{[5]
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- Safe-Docks are not universal in every grocery store yet, but they’re becoming more and more common in the United States.
Having a second adult with you on your shopping trip allows you to take 2 carts: 1 cart for your baby, and 1 cart for your groceries. If it’s possible, try grabbing your spouse, a loved one, or a friend to come along with you to the store.^{[6]
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Grocery pickup We get it—shopping with a baby is hard. If none of these options sound great to you, check to see if your local store does grocery pickup instead. That way, you can simply order your groceries online, then park in a parking spot and have a worker bring them out to you. You don’t even need to get out of the car!^{[7]
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- In some areas, you can even get groceries delivered. Try services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh to get food delivered straight to your door.

Section 3 of 4:

Shopping Cart Seat

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Once your baby is sitting up on their own, they can sit in the child seat of the shopping cart. Be sure to follow all the safety instructions on the shopping cart, and make sure your baby wears their safety buckle at all times.^{[8]
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Section 4 of 4:

Safety Tips

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No matter where your child is in the shopping cart, it’s always a good idea to stay nearby. Don’t leave your shopping cart unattended, and keep an eye on your child at all times.^{[9]
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Once your baby is old enough to sit in the shopping cart seat, it’s important to always buckle them in. Make sure the safety belt fits snugly across their waist, and pick a new cart if the safety belt is frayed or torn.^{[10]
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Shopping cart seat covers keep your child snugly in their seat (plus, they cover up grimy shopping cart handles). Bring a seat cover with you and use it to settle your child into the shopping cart seat once they’re old enough.^{[11]
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Toddlers and older kids may be tempted to catch a ride on the sides of the cart, but this can be dangerous. Encourage your child to stay nearby the cart, but don’t let them put their full body weight on it.^{[12]
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