DIY Baby Car Seat Cover

I’ve been working on making all of my projects for the new baby, so naturally I had to make a new baby car seat cover like I did previously with my other kids. I didn’t keep good notes from the last time I made one, so I had to figure out how to do it all over again. This time I made sure to note this step-by-step guide for the future, and so I thought I would share it with you so that you can make your own too!

What You’ll Need

• 1 yard of cotton fabric
• 1 yard of minky fabric
• Thread
• Velcro
• Sewing machine
• Cutting tools
• Pins

1 YARD OF COTTON FABRIC
You’ll need one yard of your choice of cotton fabric.

1 YARD OF MINKY FABRIC
You’ll need one yard of your choice of minky fabric for the backing.

THREAD
Grab some colored thread that matches your fabric. This is for sewing around the edges.

VELCRO
Get some Velcro for the straps to attach around the car seat handle. Make sure to get Velcro without the sticky adhesive on the back (this will make it much easier for sewing).

SEWING MACHINE
For sewing everything together.

CUTTING TOOLS
You’ll need all your preferred items for cutting fabric.
1) A cutting board or table
2) Scissors or a rotary cutter
3) Measuring tools such as a measuring mat, ruler, etc.
4) A fabric pen or pencil to mark the fabric if you use one

PINS
For holding the fabric together for sewing.

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Cut a 42-inch x 35-inch piece of cotton fabric.

STEP #2
Cut two 6-inch x 11-inch cotton fabric pieces.

STEP #3
Cut a 42-inch x 35-inch piece of minky fabric.

STEP #4
Use a bowl to mark curved edges on the large cotton fabric. I do mine at about the 3-inch mark on both sides.

STEP #5
Cut the large cotton fabric along the curved markings, making rounded corners.

STEP #6
Use a bowl to mark curved edges on the minky fabric. I do mine at about the 3-inch mark on both sides.

STEP #7
Cut the minky fabric along the curved markings, making rounded corners.

STEP #8
With right sides together, pin the cotton and minky fabric pieces together. Sew into place. Make sure to leave a couple-inch gap on one side to turn the fabric.

STEP #9
Turn the fabric inside out using the gap you left.

STEP #10
Sew around the tip edge of the fabric. Make sure you close the gap you left previously.

STEP #11
On the two smaller cotton fabric pieces, fold the top and bottom sides under about 1/2 an inch each (making the length 10 inches). Pin in place.

STEP #12
Sew the pinned fabric into place.

STEP #13
On the two smaller cotton fabric pieces, with right sides together, fold the fabric and pin in place.

STEP #14
Sew the pinned fabric along the long side at about 1/2″ seam allowance (this will make the total length across about 2 1/2 inches). Make sure to keep the top and bottom ends open.

STEP #15
Press the seam down the middle. Turn the two smaller cotton fabric pieces right side out by using one of the open ends and press. Keep the seam in the middle of the fabric (this will be the back side).

STEP #16
Cut Velcro pieces. I use pieces that are about a 1/2 inch in width. I cut 4 Velcro pieces (front and back of Velcro) at 2 inches in length. Make sure to use Velcro that is not sticky on the back.

STEP #17
Pin a soft Velcro piece to the top back side of both small cotton fabric pieces close to the top seam. Sew into place.

STEP #18
Pin a rough Velcro piece to the bottom front side of both small cotton fabric pieces close to the bottom seam. Sew into place.

STEP #19
Pin another soft Velcro piece right below the first on the top back side of both small cotton fabric pieces. Sew into place.

STEP #20
Pin another rough Velcro piece right below the first on the bottom front side of both small cotton fabric pieces. Sew into place.

STEP #21
Sew the fabric together in place over the top and bottom seams on both small fabric pieces.

STEP #22
Fold the large fabric in half from top to bottom. Make sure to have the top of the printed fabric facing up correctly.

STEP #23
Mark the center of the fabric. You can use a pin (like I did) or a washable fabric marker.

STEP #24
After marking the center, lay the fabric flat/unfolded. Pin each strap to the top of the fabric about 13 inches from the top and about 3 inches from the center of the fabric on each side. Make sure to pin the straps with the middle seam/under side facing up (this will make it so when it is on the car seat wrapped around the handle you don’t see the seam).

STEP #25
With the straps pinned, try it out on your car seat. If you don’t like the position, feel free to adjust accordingly.

I originally started with mine pinned at 3 1/2 inches from the center (as you’ll see in one of the top photos), but decided I wanted it closer, so I moved them to 3 inches from the center instead.

STEP #26
Once you have the straps where you want them, sew them into place in the middle of the velcro pieces and through the full thickness of the fabric.

And voila – you’re done! You can now make your very own baby car seat cover for your little one using your favorite fabrics. Happy creating!

Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

Traveling is so much fun, but it can also be stressful, even on a good day. Add on traveling while pregnant, and that is another story. I have traveled via multiple plane flights and road trips while newly pregnant and very pregnant over the years. I just recently did a solo trip while pregnant and thought I would share some of my top tips to help make traveling easier while pregnant.

Stay Hydrated

It is so important to stay hydrated during pregnancy and especially when traveling. I know for me the tendency is to not drink so I don’t have to pee during trips, but making sure you aren’t dehydrated should be a bigger priority. I always bring a water bottle with me in the car and on a plane so I can keep it with me and refill easily when needed.

Stretch & Move Around

Another top thing my doctor always tells me in regard to traveling during pregnancy is to make sure you can still get up and move. Walking around and stretching your legs is important for blood flow and circulation. During road trips and plane flights, you sit around a lot and often don’t have room to stretch your legs. Layover and pit stops are good ways to help counter that.

Take Pit Stops

Whether you are traveling by air or by car, make sure to take time for pit stops. Being pregnant, odds are you will need to use the bathroom often. Take the time to stretch, get some fresh air (if possible), grab a snack or two, etc.

Stay Comfy & Cozy

My top priority during travel is to stay comfy and cozy. Traveling when pregnant makes it even more of a priority for me. I always wear my favorite comfy clothes: t-shirt, leggings, and boots. And I always make sure I stay cozy with a sweatshirt, blanket, pillow, etc.

Listen to Your Body

Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of being flexible when it comes to travel plans, but if you do, why not take advantage of it? So much happens and changes during pregnancy. Listening to your body is essential. If traveling seems like too much, listen to that. If you need more rest stops and breaks, take them. Listening to your body will help make the trip a smoother one for both you and your little one on the way.

Ultimately, when it comes to traveling while pregnant, don’t push yourself. Know that it might take longer than typical to get to your destination, and that is OK. Give yourself grace. Listen to your body. Take care of yourself and your baby. And most of all, just try to relax and have fun!

Baby Names Inspired by the West Coast

Choosing the perfect name for your baby can be so stressful. There are so many options out there. Do you love the West Coast in the US? I have a special love for Southern California and the West Coast in general. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you are from the West Coast or just have a special connection to it like I do, I have just the thing for you! I have compiled a list of about 39 names (for both genders) inspired by the West Coast for all my fellow coastal lovers. You might find the perfect name for your little one.

Ana

Inspired by Santa Ana, CA.

Angel

Inspired by Los Angeles, CA. The city of Angels.

Barbara

Inspired by Santa Barbara, CA.

Berkeley

Inspired by the University of California, Berkeley.

Cali/Callie

Inspired by California’s nickname.

Calihan “Cali”

Inspired by California. For a boy, try this, and you could still use Cali as a nickname.

Carl

Inspired by Carlsbad, CA.

Carson

Inspired by Carson, CA, and Carson City, NV.

Catalina

Inspired by Catalina Island off the coast of CA.

Chandler

Inspired by Chandler, AZ.

Clara

Inspired by Santa Clara, CA.

Clarita

Inspired by Santa Clarita, CA.

Del

Inspired by Del Mar, CA, and Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, CA.

Diego

Inspired by San Diego.

Eugene

Inspired by Eugene, OR.

Everett

Inspired by Everett, WA.

Francisco

Inspired by San Francisco, CA.

Glen

Inspired by Glendale, CA and Glendale, AZ.

Henderson

Inspired by Henderson, NV.

Holly

Inspired by Hollywood, CA.

Jose

Inspired by San Jose, CA.

Kent

Inspired by Kent, WA.

Kirk

Inspired by Kirkland, WA.

Marcos

Inspired by San Marcos, CA.

Maria

Inspired by Santa Maria, CA.

Mateo

Inspired by San Mateo, CA.

Monica

Inspired by Santa Monica, CA.

Oakland/Oakley

Inspired by Oakland, CA.

Ocean

Inspired by Oceanside, CA, and all the West Coast ocean views.

Phoenix

Inspired by Phoenix, AZ.

Portland/Porter

Inspired by Portland, OR.

Rosa

Inspired by Santa Rosa, CA.

Scott

Inspired by Scottsdale, AZ.

Simi

Inspired by the Simi Valley in CA.

Sunny

Inspired by Sunnyvale, CA, and all the coastal sunshine.

Torrance

Inspired by Torrance, CA.

Tracy

Inspired by Tracy, CA.

Victor

Inspired by Victorville, CA.

Weston

An English name meaning: from the western town.

I hope these names give you some inspiration while picking out the perfect name for your baby. I love names with special meaning, and if you love the West Coast, these are great options to consider. If you are still looking for other options, check out these lists: Baby Names Inspired by Flowers, Baby Names Inspired by the Sea, Baby Names Inspired by Christmas, Baby Names Inspired by Summer, and Baby Names Inspired by the Fall.

DIY Baby Washcloth

One of the simplest baby projects I’ve made is baby washcloths. I like to make a couple of new ones for each baby I have. You can customize them and use virtually any theme you want. They use minimal fabric and supplies and are very affordable to make. Plus, they can be made quickly and easily. Let me show you how to make your very own!

What You’ll Need

• Flannel fabric
• Diaper cloth fabric
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Cutting tools

FLANNEL FABRIC
You will need enough flannel fabric for a 5 in. x 5 in. square. I have gotten fabric at Jo Ann’s, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and online.

DIAPER CLOTH FABRIC
You will need enough diaper cloth fabric for two 5 in. x 5 in. squares. I usually buy diaper cloth by the bolt at Walmart. You could also use terry cloth for the backing, but I prefer to use the diaper cloth.

THREAD
Grab some colored thread that matches your fabric. This is for sewing around the edges.

SEWING MACHINE
For sewing everything together.

CUTTING TOOLS
You’ll need all your preferred items for cutting fabric.
1) A cutting board or table
2) Scissors or a rotary cutter
3) Measuring tools such as a measuring mat, ruler, etc.
4) A fabric pen or pencil to mark the fabric if you use one

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Measure and cut a 5 in. x 5 in. square of the flannel fabric.

STEP #2
Measure and cut TWO 5 in. x 5 in. squares of the diaper cloth fabric.

STEP #3
Lay the two diaper cloth squares on top of each other.

STEP #4
With the wrong sides together, lay the flannel fabric on top of the diaper cloth pieces.

STEP #5
Sew all three fabric pieces together. Make sure to leave about a 1- 2 inch gap for turning the fabric.

STEP #6
Cut the corners on the fabric. Trim fabric so all raw edges are even, if needed.

STEP #7
Turn fabric right side out using the 1-2in opening you left. Smooth and press around all edges.

STEP #8
Fold the 1-2 inch hole of the fabric inside to match the rest.

STEP #9
Starting on the 1-2 inch opening, sew all fabric together around the edges, closing the hole.

And there you have it! You can now make your very own baby washcloths for your little ones using your favorite fabrics. Happy creating!