The winter months can be brutal, especially for little ones. When you have to head out into the cold you may consider bundling up your child.
However, coats and jackets can be a hassle and are unsafe for car seat use. So what is the alternative? A JJ Cole car seat cover.
We will review in detail JJ Cole car seat covers:
- The Bundle Me Original
- The Bundle Me Urban
- The Tri-Stitch
We will explain JJ Cole Car Seat cover’s warranty, each model’s unique features & specifications, and its safety.
JJ Cole Car Seat Covers and Your Car Seat Warranty
There are a few important things to consider when using a car seat cover. JJ Cole’s product information notes that the bundle me original and urban are designed for use with car seats; however, almost always using an aftermarket accessory can violate the car seat instructions and warranty.
Important Facts to Note
- Any car seat cover not exclusively manufactured by your car seats producer is not approved for use with that car seat when the vehicle is in motion.
- Furthermore, any car seat cover that comes between your child’s back and the car seat back and/or your child’s chest and the harness straps is not safe for use in a car seat that is being used in a vehicle.
In most cases, aftermarket products that state they are designed for car seat use are referring to use only when the seat is not being used in a moving vehicle.
Most car seat manufacturers have clear regulations regarding this.
For example, Britax warranty limitations state:
The use of non-Britax products (such as covers) is not approved by the Britax company. This is because aftermarket products could cause your Britax car seat to fail Federal Safety Standards and not adequately protect your child in a crash.
If you choose to use a non-Britax/aftermarket product know that this will unequivocally void the Britax warranty
The JJ Cole Tri-stitch is a shower-cap design and has no back panel. These styles are most recommended by car seat technicians.
However, as it is produced by a non-car seat manufacturer it is still considered an aftermarket product. The JJ Cole bundle me original or urban could void your car seats warranty in more ways than one. This is due to the possible impairment of the harness and seat back as they have back panels.
When using a car seat nothing should come between your infant and the seat back or the harness straps.
Healthychildren.org states, “Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby”. They specify that anything between your baby’s back and the car seat or their chest and the harness could make the seat unsafe.
They go on further to clarify, “Many retailers carry car seat bundling products that are not safe to use in a car seat”.
Childrensnational.org issues the following reply when asked if car seat covers are safe, “The short answer is no. Car seat manufacturers advise parents not to use any product in the car seat if it isn’t made by the manufacturer”.
They even cite the issue of car seat covers not meeting flammability standards.
To sum up, JJ Cole car seat covers are great ways to keep your baby warm in a stroller or car seat only if the car seat is not being used in a moving vehicle.
On to the JJ Cole Car Seat Covers
They feature a fuzzy inner layer and a protective outer layer that work together to insulate your child in chilly conditions. The entire cover is machine washable, so keeping it clean doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
The outsides of the JJ Cole car seat covers feature an elastic band that fits snugly around almost all types of car seats and strollers.
This means that you won’t have to use a blanket that could easily slip off the car seat or stroller.
The front zips and unzips to reveal your baby’s face, and to protect them when you have to dash inside from the car during inclement weather.
The zippered front also makes getting your child in and out of their car seat a breeze.
The JJ Cole bundle me car seat cover original and urban as well as the tri-stitch can be used in a car seat when the vehicle is not in motion.
This means that you can use it to protect your little one in the car seat when you are transporting them to or from the car, as well as when your car seat is attached to your stroller. JJ Cole car seat covers can also be used with a stroller sans car seat.
The removable back of the Bundle Me Original and Urban can be left on for stroller use to act as a protective cocoon for your child.
Using the JJ Cole car seat cover in winter is a stylish way to keep your baby warm. The most popular colors of the JJ Cole car seat cover tend to be either black or gray, but they also come in a variety of other colors.
The JJ Cole car seat cover is available in the Bundle Me Original, the Bundle Me Urban, and the Tri-Stitch.
The JJ Cole Bundle Me Original
The Bundle Me Original has a faux shearling liner and an extremely soft Thermaplush outer shell to keep your little one warm and comfortable. The entire cover is machine washable.
The Bundle Me original has a removable back panel so as not to impair the car seat harness. The back panel can be used during stroller use in order to fully line your child with warmth.
The front of the bundle me has an elastic band around its circumference to securely hold it to the car seat. The front panel has two zipper portions making it adjustable for ventilation or completely removable. Unlike the other two models, the front panel is blanket style, meaning that it only goes to your child’s chin and does not surround the upper portion of the car seat and cover your child’s head.
Unique Features
- It comes in two sizes, toddler (1-3 years) and infant (up to 12 months).
- Completely removable front flap for protection, temperature control, and getting baby in and out of the car seat or stroller.
- Thermaplush outer shell
- Removable back panel
- Available in graphite, teal, black, or blush
Specifications
Infant dimensions: 8.98″ L x 4.61″ W x 14.37″ H
Toddler dimensions: 22Wx35H
The JJ Cole Bundle Me Urban
The JJ Cole Bundle Me Urban is very comparable to the Bundle Me Original and is meant to be used in similar conditions and temperatures. Like the Original, it features a faux shearling liner designed to keep your little one toasty.
However, the outside is constructed of nylon instead of Thermaplush. Sewed into a quilted design, the sturdy nylon is wind and water-resistant to protect your child during inclement weather.
In addition to the nylon shell, the outside of the Urban features functional buttons instead of a zippered panel. The buttons allow you to easily get your child in and out of the car seat. If you would like to completely remove the panel, it is zippered around the circumference of the cover.
The final addition to the front panel is the hood or head covering, unlike the Original’s blanket style panel that does not provide protection around the top of the car seat. Like the Original, the Urban has a completely removable back panel and accommodates a three or five-point harness for car seat use when transporting your child to or from the car, or using a stroller. Additionally, the Urban is completely machine washable.
Unique Features
- Nylon water and wind-resistant shell
- Front pocket for storage
- Functional buttons and zippered panel
- Comes in two sizes infant (1 year or 21 pounds) or toddler (1-3 years)
- Removable front and back panels
- Comes in olive, blush, buffalo check, grey, or black
Specifications
Infant dimensions: 8.98″ L x 4.61″ W x 14.37″ H. Toddler dimensions: 22Wx35H
The JJ Cole with Tri-Stitch
The JJ Cole Tri-Stitch has a fuzzy fleece interior and a nylon exterior tri-stitched into a geodesic pattern. The nylon outer shell is water and wind-resistant. This is a shower cap design with no back panel.
The cover attaches securely around the perimeter of the seat with elastic and protects the top of your baby’s head. There is a space in the center of the cover so that the baby can be moved in and out of the car seat.
In addition to the cover that surrounds the seat, there is a zippered front panel. The front panel has a flap that can be used to cover or expose your little one’s face as needed. As it is zippered it is also completely removable.
The entire cover is machine washable, an excellent feature for parents. Unlike the Bundle Me Original or Urban, this car seat cover is only available in one size.
However, JJ Cole notes that it fits most car seats and toddler carriers.
Unique Features
- Adjustable and removable front panel
- Shower-cap design
- Wind and water-resistant outer shell
- Available in black tri-stitch, grey herringbone, sassy pink wave, teal fractals, and wine triangles
- Fits most car seats and toddler carriers
Specifications
One-size dimensions:15″ L x 1″ W x 22″ H
JJ Cole Car Seat Covers – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JJ Cole Bundle Me safe for car seats?
The JJ Cole Bundle Me is safe for car seats when they are not being used in a moving car.
Most aftermarket car seat covers void car seat warranties. JJ Cole states that their product has been tested and designed for car seat use.
However, they go on to say that each car seat manufacturer has the right to place its own stipulations and regulations on their product.
Therefore, they cannot claim that their car seat cover will not void your car seats warranty or adequately protect your little one in the event of a crash.
Is a car seat cover safe?
Car seat covers are generally safe when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and not used on a car seat in a moving vehicle. Be sure to monitor your baby’s temperature and do not let the car seat cover their face to maintain oxygen flow.
What is a bundle me?
A bundle me is a car seat cover produced by JJ Cole for use in cold temperatures. It features an elastic design to attach to a car seat or stroller, a removable front panel and back panel, faux shearling inside and a protective outside.
The Bundle Me original has a Thermaplush outer shell with a blanket style front flap. The Bundle Me Urban has a nylon stitched outer shell with a cocoon head covering and a combination of zippers and buttons on the adjustable front flap.
What is the best car seat cover for winter?
Car seat technicians strongly recommend “shower cap” style car seat covers that have one single panel of fabric and attach only around the perimeter of the car seat.
As an alternative to shower-cap models, they approve of poncho style car seat covers. These attach to a car seats handle and drape over the top of the seat and therefore does not impair the straps or seat in any way.
Are there temperature recommendations for the Bundleme or Tri-Stitch?
There are no specific temperature recommendations but as it is meant to be used in place of a blanket, coat, or snowsuit the JJ Cole car seat cover should be used in similar (cold) temperatures in which you would use these items.
How do I install my JJ Cole car seat cover?
To install the JJ Cole car seat cover bundle me simply affix the elastic around the outside of the car seat or stroller. Unzip the top panel to expose your little one’s face as necessary.
Is the Bundleme machine washable?
The JJ Cole Bundleme original, urban, and tri-stitch are machine washable on warm and should be washed separately; it can then be tumble dried on low.
Why are Coats Unsafe?
When you use your car seat in a moving vehicle, nothing should come between your baby’s back and the car seat and your baby’s chest and the harness.
Coats and snowsuits are unsafe to use as they cause too much bulk to be between your littles chest and back, and the car seat and harness respectively. In the case of a collision, the harness may be too loose if the child is wearing a coat, prohibiting it from properly restraining your child.
If you are thinking to use a coat for your child while buckled, check out the article written by Pediatrician, Dr. Alexander.
Why Choose JJ Cole Car Seat Cover?
As one of the most popular baby brands, JJ Coles’s products are trusted to provide comfort and function. Parents love the soft inner lining and the weather-resistant outer shell of JJ Cole car seat covers. The JJ Cole car seat cover with tri-stitch has a nearly five-star rating.
Other covers, like the Cozy Cover, feature only a peekaboo opening and do not possess the adjustable and removable front flap that the JJ Cole Bundle Me Urban and tri-stitch offer.
The Jolly Jumper Arctic Sneak a Peak also does not have all the features of the JJ Cole front panel. The inside is lined with fleece but it may not be nearly as warm as the JJ Cole faux shearling.
Finally, others such as the Honest Hugs Multi-use cover, cannot offer the weather-resistant outer shell that can be found on JJ Cole car seat covers. This leaves your little one susceptible to inclement weather. Overall, JJ Cole car seat covers offer optimal warmth, functionality, and ease of use when compared to other covers.