For some reason, we just weren't willing to invest in one of those shopping cart covers, even though we usually wipe down our cart with a disinfectant. An even better solution: this shopping cart cover made out of:
a pool noodle! That's right, it's just a pool noodle cut in half (so you actually will get two covers out of one noodle) and cut down the middle. It slips right over the shopping cart so baby can't gnaw on the metal bar. Now's a great time to pick up one of these noodles.
We found this great idea over at It's Not Always Black and White.
(Image: It's Not Always Black and White)

Ercol Bar Stool
This is brilliant.
My children would eat this. Seriously, I have 4 kids. If I have a no Nerf rule, then the pool noodles are contra ban too.
The foam used for those noodles would come off in chunks if teethed on. Maybe you could make this, and then sew a simple (and washable) slipcover for it?
we also have a no nerf rule for the same reason. while this would do the trick. my kids gnawed on the sides too. the fabric cover is a must espically with the amount of sicky, dirty babes around here.
Just have to say -- I love our fabric shopping cart cover 'cuz it doubles as a highchair cover, too. I rarely see a restaurant highchair that doesn't include some kind of mystery ick on it.
This would be a miracle with a fabric slipcover over the noodle. I have a seat cover but that doesn't stop my little man from getting to the bacteria covered bar :)
Those pool noodles have lots of uses! I'm a fan.
Yup. My little guy would bite a nice chokable chunk out of this. We love our fabric cover though. :)
Never used a shopping seat cover and at this point, am not even worried about it. Germs, in limited amounts, are good for the immune system. I did wipe the carts down during the crazy flu season last year, but beyond that... My kid is rarely sick, we go to play group, the park... Shopping seat covers are just another example of craziness in the parenting world... Plus, our carts are double seaters and the covers wouldn't fit anyways!