An infant car seat is one of those items that can get easily overlooked when it comes to cleaning baby furniture. Because of its location in the car, the seat often seems to fall into the "out of sight, out of mind" category. But as we know from cleaning older children's car messes, a car seat can accumulate a fair amount of dust and spills or crumbs. Try to clean this important piece of equipment at least once a month, if not more often.
The first step to tackling this job is to remove the car seat from your vehicle. Place it on an old, clean rug or newspapers that have been placed in the garage or driveway for this purpose. Remove all extra items, such as baby clothes, blankets, toys, or pacifiers. Gently shake the car seat to dislodge crumbs and any hidden items from the folds of the seat.
Clean the car's back seat, checking for the type of crumbs and spills that may evidence further findings in the car seat itself. Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to remove stains and debris from the entire seat, especially the section below and behind the car seat. Wipe off the back window area as well, since your baby must face this direction when the seat is properly placed. Allow the back seat to dry, car doors open, while you get busy with the car seat.
Use a pail of hot, soapy water and a clean scrub cloth. Dismantle all removable parts from the car seat and lay them nearby on the newspaper. Submerge the scrub cloth in the soapy water, rinse out the extra, and start wiping the car seat surfaces. Be sure the detergent is compatible with the material of which the seat's padding is made. (Check care guidelines if you are unsure.) Rinse your cloth in clean water and remove the soapy reminders left from the washing. Take extra time with the arms, seat, and bottom, since these areas are more apt to catch spills and crumbs than other parts of the car seat.
Let the seat dry while you next wash the parts. If the belt is detachable and made of a washable substance, you may want to place it in the bucket of water for a short soak, especially if it is grimy or sticky. Wipe all pads clean and let them dry, along with your child's favorite travel toys or car seat mobile toy. Remove extra soap and let each piece dry by air exposure or by wiping with a clean towel.
Put the ensemble together again and reattach it in the back seat. Take care that the seat belt fastens securely, and that no pieces are loose or fit poorly. Check for tears, scratches, or breakages that may impair the seat's ability to keep your child safe. If severe, the seat may need to be replaced.
Finish cleaning the rest of your car's interior, and you and your child will be ready for the next road trip!
