As the summer heats up, you may be looking at ways to keep your car cool and to make sure your baby is protected.
In this post we’ll share some of the best car sunshades for babies. We will also discuss some practical tips on correctly and safely installing your car sunshade.
Why Car Sunshades are Important
Car sunshades for babies are important for two reasons:
- Intense sunlight could make your baby or small child feel uncomfortable, or even nauseous. It could make them cry, which can be very distracting for drivers. If your baby already seems unhappy in their car seat, you’ll obviously want to avoid anything that could make them feel any worse.
- As well as blocking out sunlight, some car sunshades also block out harmful UVA and UVB rays.
So, car sunshades are essential for keeping your baby or small child safe, comfortable, and happy in the car. However, not all car sunshades are the same! Some may offer more protection than others. Plus, some might be comparatively impractical.
Different Types of Sunshades Available
Different sunshades use different systems for installation. Some work like socks that you place over the entire window, or like blinds that you clip over the top. Others stick on using suction cups or other adhesive systems. You can also find electrostatic car sunshades, which require you to wipe the window with a wet cloth before applying them.
Just follow the shade’s instructions carefully, and you should have no trouble installing it in your car. Bear in mind that older babies and children might be able to pull off certain sunshades. Also remember that not all sunshades offer the same level of protection – some cover the whole window, while others may leave gaps.
The Best Car Sunshades for Babies
There are many car sunshades available. Below are just three examples:
- JellyBabaBaby Car Window Shade – This is a stretchy material that covers your entire car window, like a sock. It completely blocks out the sun’s glare while offering full UV protection, but it still allows for airflow, so your car won’t get too hot.
- Halfords Pop-up Sunshade – A good budget option. It’s a mesh screen that you attach to the inside of the window with suction cups. The downside is that they do not cover the entire window, so they’ll protect your baby from most, but not all, of the sunlight.
- Munchki Removable Hot Car Window Shade – This one clips over the top of the window and acts like a roller blind. You can roll down the shade when the sun’s out, and roll it back up again when it’s not, to prolong its lifespan. It also features a heat alert system, a little button that turns white if it detects that the interior of your car gets too hot for your baby.
Considerations When Installing Your Car Sunshade
The most important thing is that you don’t block your own visibility as a driver with your sunshade. After installing the shade, sit in the driver’s seat and check your view, as well as the view in all the mirrors. Do not set out until you’re satisfied that you still have a full view of the road.
More Tips For Driving With Babies and Small Children
You’ll find lots of guides on our site to help make driving with babies and small children as safe and enjoyable as possible:
- Where to put and how to install a baby mirror in the car.
- How long can a baby stay in a car seat?
- When does a child not need a car seat?
- How to look after babies when paying for petrol.
- The ultimate travelling with kids checklist.
At Go Girl, we aim to make life easier for parents who drive. If you’re insured with us, we will pay towards the cost of a replacement child car seat in the event of an accident – even if it doesn’t appear to be damaged. For more information, please refer to your policy wording.
