When you have a baby, you want to do everything you can to protect them, especially when she is riding in the car with you. In addition to keeping your baby safe in a proper car seat, you want to keep the sun off her face.
The best car sun shades for babies shield your baby’s fragile body from potentially harmful UV rays. We’ve selected the best car sun shades for babies in our buying guide below.
The Best Car Sun Shades for Babies
Kinder Fluff Car Sun Shade
This 20 by 12-inch car window shade set includes two transparent shades, two semi-transparent shades, and one storage pouch. It features 15s static and 80 GSM mesh. It fits various windows, including larger ones on SUVs and minivans. No suction cups or adhesives are necessary for installation.
Setup takes just seconds, and they stick to the windows like Saran Wrap. They hold securely enough that they won’t fall off, but when you want to remove them they come off very easily. They provide a lot of shade but are easy to see through. Overall, your skin feels a lot cooler when under the protection of these sun shades.
PROS
- 15s film for full UV protection
- Easy setup and removal
- Secure hold
CONS
- Can’t open windows when they’re installed
- Folding them for storage is tricky
- May be too dark for back windows
Cozy Greens Car Window Shade for Baby
This three-pack of car window shades blocks 98 percent of harmful UV rays due to the UPF 50+ dual-layer design. They feature 15s static film, 80 GSM mesh, and a lightweight, heavy-duty reinforced frame. The shades come with a carrying bag, microfiber cleaning cloth, and ebook of car games and activities for children. The 19 by 12.65-inch baby sun shade fits side windows of regular-sized cars.
It’s simple to install these sun shades and remove them for storage. They stick easily to the windows and block a lot of sunlight. They come with a 100-percent lifetime satisfaction guarantee, and because they don’t have suction cups, they don’t leave little circle marks on your windows when you take them down.
PROS
- Blocks 98 percent of harmful UV rays
- Easy to install and remove
- Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
CONS
- Kids can easily peel them off
- Not as dark as other brands
- Don’t cover entire window
ATK Essential Products Window Sun Shade
These two car side window sun shades for small SUVs are black on the outside and feature a jungle print on the inside. They absorb 84 percent of harmful rays, feature a universal fit, and can be stretched to cover an entire window. The set comes with a bonus sticker and ebook of game ideas for children.
They are quick and easy to install and remove, and children cannot remove them when you’re driving (the ones that stick on the window often end up falling off). You can open the windows with these shades attached and keep your child protected from the sun. The animals on the shades also keep your baby entertained during car rides.
PROS
- Quick and easy to install and remove
- Completely covers rear window
- Enables opening of window for fresh air flow
CONS
- They reduce visibility
- Kids can’t see through them very well
- Not good in the rain
TFY Universal Car Side Window Sun Shade
These two sun shades fit regular contoured windows between 25 and 45 inches wide and up to 18 inches high. They feature a double-layer mesh design for maximum protection and reduce glare and sunburn. They’re made of durable, hard-wearing, and lightweight stretchable fabric.
You can raise and lower the windows when using these sun shades. They are easy to install: simply slip them over the top half of the door, and they stay in place when the door is closed. They fit snugly, and any slack can be easily adjusted. They also keep the bugs out while letting in some air. They have a big effect on the sunlight that comes into the car, make the interior cooler, and prevent glare.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Windows can be raised or lowered while in use
- Keep bugs out
CONS
- Thin material
- May not fit correctly
- Can be noisy when you’re driving
Pony Dance Car Curtains
This pair of sun shades is 27.5 inches wide by 20.5 inches high and comes with four suction cups. The soft yet heavy fabric is machine washable and prevents 85-99 percent of penetrating light. They’re designed for UV isolation, privacy protection, and to lower a car’s interior temperature.
These are truly blackout curtains. They are easy to stick to and take off the windows and are very adjustable to match the width of the window. They’re great if you live in a state that has tinting laws, and they feature built-in elastic to hold the shades open part way or all the way if you want light.
PROS
- Machine-washable
- Insulates and reduces noise
- Lowers inside temperature
CONS
- Suction cups don’t always work
- Curtains may slide around
- Some parts are cheap and flimsy
Munchkin Brica Sun Safety Car Window Shade
These two shades are 15 by 19 inches and feature a “white hot” indicator that alerts you when the vehicle is hot. They come with a dual attachment system (adjustable clips and suction cups) for a better fit. They roll up easily using a one-push retract button.
They significantly reduce the sun and heat but still provide good visibility. It’s easy to install these sun safety shades using suction cups, and it’s simple to roll them up to provide your child with a better view. They even stay drawn if your toddler manages to pull the suction cup loose.
PROS
- Provide good visibility
- Easy to install
- Reduces sun glare and heat
CONS
- Suction cups may not stick well
- Not particularly dark
Best Car Sun Shades for Baby Buying Guide & FAQs
Baby sun shades are a great way to protect your child from the heat and glare of the sun. It’s a good idea to do your research, so you find the perfect brand for your particular car, truck, or SUV. If you’re not sure which type of sun shade to buy, you’ve come to the right place.
There are several benefits to using them, which we detail in our buying guide below. We also explain the differences between the types of sun shades available and highlight the many features you should consider before making a purchasing decision. Not all sun shades are the same, and some are better than others.
Benefits of a Car Sun Shade for Baby
The first thing most parents think of when it comes to car safety is child safety seats. But sun protection is also important, and that’s where rear window sun shades come in. They are shields that can reduce the amount of harmful UV rays that can cause serious problems with your child’s health.
Anyone who’s driven in a hot car can attest to how uncomfortable it is to ride around with the hot sun glaring through the windows. Obviously, an infant as well as small children will also be adversely affected by this heat. The best car sun shades for babies can make a huge difference in how comfortable the ride is.
Finally, no one likes squinting the entire time they’re riding around in a car. The best car sun shade ensures that your child can observe his or her surroundings without being blinded by the sunlight.
- They provide UV protection.
- They shade your child’s face from sun glare.
- They make your baby feel more comfortable.
- They cool the car’s interior.
Different Kinds of Car Sun Shades for Baby
There are several different kinds of car window shades that will protect your baby from UV rays. The type you choose will depend on what type of protection you want to provide. Some are also easier to install and remove than others, and some don’t allow you to raise or lower the window when they’re in use.
- Static Cling or Stick-On Shades
This is the most common type of car side window sun shade. They are typically made of mesh and a film that clings to the window. They are easy to apply as well as remove, and that’s what makes them so appealing to consumers.
The best thing about these shades is that they block out a majority of the sun’s rays and can be used in a variety of different weather conditions. But the problem with these side window shades is that they usually don’t cover the entire window. As a result, some rays can still penetrate, and you aren’t 100 percent protected from glare.
Also, you can’t usually open and close the windows with these sun shades installed.
- Door Frame Shades
If you’re looking to protect your child from direct sunlight, these full-cover shades are a great option. You install them over the entire car window frame. They provide complete protection and cover all the glass. One advantage is that you can usually raise and lower the windows while using these sun shades.
One drawback is these sun shades aren’t very good when it rains because the outer part will be exposed to outside weather conditions. However, you may not need them when it rains. These sun shades often tend to be quite dark, which limits visibility.
- Curtains
Another alternative is using curtains to protect your infant, children, and pets from harsh sunlight. The best thing about these sun shades is they provide a lot of privacy. This is great if you’re a breastfeeding mother, for example. You can also protect your valuables from prying eyes.
These sun shades are easy to install and remove and can often be opened partially to provide some visibility. Unfortunately, they are black-out curtains, so visibility is extremely limited if you keep them closed all the way while you’re driving. They may also slide around a bit, which can limit their protective qualities.
- Roll-Down Shades
Some back window shades are retractable and feature buttons that allow you to quickly and easily roll them up when they’re not in use. They typically install using window clips and suction cups. You simply hook the clips over the top edge of the window, close the window, and pull the shade down into place using the suction cup. Or you can attach the device using just the suction cups.
These sun shades are useful because you can roll them out of the way when you’re not using them. However, like static cling sun shades, they don’t cover the entire window, so some sun will still get through. Plus, you must remove these shades if you want to raise or lower the window.
What to Look for When Buying a Car Sun Shade for Baby
While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest sun shade on the market, there are several things you should consider before making a purchase. First, you need to make sure it fits your vehicle’s make and model. Next, you need to ensure that it provides ultimate UV protection and doesn’t create problems with visibility. Check out some of the top features below.
- Size
While some products advertise a universal fit, window sun shades come in a variety of sizes to fit the windows of a large number of cars, trucks, and SUVs. If possible, find a model that covers 100 percent of the window to block out UV rays. Measure the side or rear windows before making a purchase for a proper fit.
Car window sun shades typically have a flexible wire framework and fabric that extends beyond this framework. This extra fabric allows you to completely cover the window so that it provides as much protection as possible.
- UV Protection
In addition to shading your child’s eyes, the main purpose of using a sun shade is to protect your little one from the sun’s harmful rays. The sun produces UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate both the superficial layers of your skin as well as the deep dermis of your skin.
The best car window sun shades protect against UVA rays at a minimum. If you can find one with both UVA and UVB protection, even better. Also look for products that prevent at least 80 percent of the sun from penetrating the vehicle. These brands will safeguard your child the most.
- PVC Free
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, contains phthalates and other dangerous chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and/or organotins. All of these additives are toxic and dangerous to a child’s health. Over time, PVC products can leach these additives into the air, which can cause long-term sickness.
If you’re worried about your child’s health, look for sun shades that are PVC-free. Many static cling-style sun shades are made with these materials. Instead, look for ones that use suction cups, clips, or have other installation methods. It’s better to be safe than to take a risk with your child’s well-being.
- Visibility
In general, sun shades feature mesh material that allows passengers to see through it to the outside world. The level of visibility varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some are much darker than others, depending on the brand.
If you plan on using the window sun shade on the driver’s side window, you have to be careful about the visibility. If it’s too dark, you won’t be able to see what’s going on next to you, and you don’t want to cause an accident. And if you want your child to see what’s going on, the shade should not be too dark.
Tips for Buying and Using Car Sun Shades for Baby
Since you will be using the sun shade around a baby and/or small children, there are some safety precautions you should consider. For example, some products feature suction cups for installation. The problem is that these can be a choking hazard. If you are worried that your child may try to eat the suction cup, then choose a static cling-style or door frame-style sun shade instead.
Next, if you want the ability to open and close the windows while the sun shade is in use, then you need a door frame-style device. Static cling products need to be removed if you want fresh air, which can be a pain because you will have to stop the car to remove the sun shade.
- Sun shades with suction cups may pose a choking hazard.
- If you want to open the windows while using a sun shade, consider a door frame product.
- Look for sun shades with storage bags or ones that fold up easily when they’re not in use.
Our Top Pick
Our pick for the best car sun shade for babies is the Kinder Fluff Car Sun Shade. The product comes with four sun shades and a storage pouch. The static cling shades fit windows of various sizes and don’t require suction cups or adhesives for installation. They are easy to see through and make you feel cooler while providing a lot of shade.
