A few months after our first son was born, I began developing a shopping cart seat that would allow him to ride along in comfort and security. He had grown so quickly that it was difficult for me to comfortably carry him in a front baby carrier or shoulder sling. Yet I was determined to remain an independent and mobile mom.  Given his young age, I needed something that would both secure him safely and offer torso support, as he was too young to sit up independently. After extensive research on durable fabrics, plastic inserts, foam support, ideal strap arrangement and strategic seam placement, I was able to develop and secure a utility patent for My CartBuddie™, a supportive cushion and restraint, that I’ve used for my growing family nearly every week while grocery shopping.

The beauty of this design is both its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to store, carry, set up, and clean up.

When in use for the smaller infant with limited torso strength, the two sets of nylon straps and buckles lock around the upper part of the shopping cart seat; the buckles are simply adjusted. The wide belt is secured around the infant’s torso via wide strips of Velcro, easily adjustable to any girth. The infant is comfortable, sitting upright and can easily view the surrounding environment. My CartBuddie™ design is simple to secure and does not cause chaffing or discomfort associated with cumbersome shoulder and waist straps.

As the infant grows to become a toddler, the upper set of straps and buckles remain secured around the back portion of the shopping cart seat, but the lower set of straps and buckles can be secured around the front of the child, on top of the wide belt, limiting the ability to disengage the Velcro.

My CartBuddie™ babies are safe, secure and happy for every shopping trip!

With Love,

Valerie