I cannot imagine my life without our carseat cooler. Seriously, I don't know how people with toddlers and small children make it through the summer without one. Maybe my child just complains and cries more than most. I don't know.
I've made three different versions for Claire now, but finally found one that works the best and looks the best too.The top side is a piece of felty, wool-like material, sandwiched between two layers of a thicker, home decor fabric for added insulation.The bottom layer is just a thin knit which allows the cold to get to the seat quickly.
These hard block ice packs are the way to go for the seat coolers. The soft bag packs ALWAYS get a hole in them and leak bluish ooze everywhere, plus, the block ones stay cold for a good 6 hours, whereas the soft ones get warm within 3 hours when in a 120 degree car.I just fold it up and throw it in the freezer so it is always ready for a trip in the car. If I'm really on the ball, then I remember to put it in the carseat about 20 minutes before we leave so that the seat is cool when Claire climbs in. (Since we still can't park in our garage.)I have toyed with the idea of trying to sell them. Especially since there really aren't any available anywhere - unless you want to spend $60 online. I have so many cute home decor fabrics to make them with but man, sewing on the bias tape is such a pain! I need to practice before they are sell worthy.