Thanks to my husband’s genius suggestion, I whipped up this little thingamajigger for our backseat to protect the fabric from our little Chiquita’s crazy kicking feet. At 15 months, she still does not weigh 20 pounds (in case you were wondering the American Acadamy of Pediatrics recommends 20 lbs AND 1 year*) so she is still rear facing. I have read in multiple places that it is much safer to keep her rear-facing as long as possible, and her pediatrician said he has also heard the AAP might change their recommendation to 2 years old.

*From the AAP’s website:
Q: What if my baby weighs more than 20 pounds but is not 1 year old yet?
A:Use a seat that can be used rear-facing by children who weigh more than 20 pounds and keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible, or at least until he has reached his first birthday. Children 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds can ride forward-facing. It is best to ride rear-facing as long as possible.

Anyways, off the soap box and onto the crafts! Here is my Backseat Apron, made to match Chiquita’s car seat. It’s made to attach to the side headrests and extend a little past the middle seat on each side for extra protection. I made it in a cute denim fabric that matches her car seat and gives her something pretty to look at!

close-up of velcro straps

If you like this idea, check out the Grand Opening of my Etsy shop, Goodies by Gidget where I have custom Backseat Aprons available for order!

Gidget blogs about life as a wife & mom at Gidget Goes Home and lives and crafts (and dreams about surfing) in Colorado. Click on over as she celebrates the opening of her Etsy shop with her first giveaway!!