One of the newer things I see nowadays is something called a "Car Seat Canopy." Basically, it's a canopy for your babies car seat. I can see it being more commonly used in areas where the temperature can get cold to protect and keep your baby warm, but in Hawaii I don't think it's absolutely necessary since our weather is tropical.
As you can see, the canopy is tied to the handles so it doesn't fall off (as a blanket would). It covers your baby as they lay in the car seat. It isn't only used to protect them from cold weather- there are many things this canopy can protect your baby from.
I know some people think "Why don't we just use a blanket?" And i totally understand why many would just use a blanket- it does serve the same purpose. I thought the same as well, until i went out with my friend to a store...
It was a windy late afternoon we were headed to Kmart. She had her baby and the weather wasn't the best. Of course, if we knew ahead of time the weather would be windy and rainy we WOULD NOT be out with the baby- but the weather got ugly after we left for the store. Anyways, taking the baby out of the car in that weather to put onto a stroller did cause the baby to be exposed to the wind and rain for a little while. She tried covering the car seat with a blanket but it was too windy for the blanket to stay on. THIS IS WHERE I FOUND THAT A CAR SEAT CANOPY COMES IN HANDY!!
I thought that using a blanket would serve the same purpose, and it does... However, you never know what circumstance you'll be in and having the car seat canopy serves as a great shield in any weather here in Hawaii. I purchased one for my baby and plan on using it when out in public and baby is sleeping or for transferring baby outside in bad weather.
If you live in an area where it tends to be cold often, i would suggest something like this to keep baby warm and not exposed to bad weather.