If you're a new parent, you're probably thinking about purchasing a couple of baby car sunshades, when stocking up on your baby's sunscreen.
As well as protecting your youngster's delicate skin from the sun and shielding their eyes from the bright light without having to get some baby sunglasses, baby car sunshades will also help maintain a suitable temperature in the car. All of this can also contribute to helping your baby enjoy a nap on the journey and gives you some peace of mind.
Now we know it can feel like there's a lot to remember to bring when you get in the car with your baby. Luckily, we have lots of baby car hacks to keep you on top of everything and baby car sunshades are a must when it comes to ensuring your precious cargo is comfortable during the drive.
The best baby car sunshades at a glance:
• Best overall baby car sunshade: Astarye Solar Protection Car SunShade - Buy from Amazon UK
• Best baby car sunshade for design: SHADY® Car Window Sunshade For Baby (2 pack) - Buy from Amazon UK
• Best affordable baby car sunshade multipack: John Lewis and Partners Car Sun Shade - Buy from John Lewis
When you pick out a baby car sunshade of the right size and design for your car, it'll become one of your favourite car accessories, and the good news is that it won't cost you too much to buy. They typically come in sets of two and can be left up all year round if you fancy too. They're a lot more practical than trying to encourage them to wear a baby sun hat in the car.
Best overall baby car sunshade
Little ones will love the cute animals featured on these Astarye solar protection sunshades. No suction cups or stickers are needed to attach, just wipe the window with a wet cloth to clean any dust, place the window shade on the window with the static cling side and apply pressure. We love that the sunshades also fold up small so you can pop them in the included bag.
One reviewer said: "These are fantastic, I can't believe they stay on as well as they do considering they're not that sticky. Even when I accidentally lower the window they wrinkle up and then go back to how they sat originally. Kids love the pictures too."
Pros
- Easy installation and removal
- Amazing value
Cons
- Only one design available
| Dimensions: | 44 x 36 x 0.03 cm |
| Material: | Polyvinyl Chloride |
Best baby car sunshade for reducing the temperature
Made of a high-quality nylon mesh that is breathable and stretchy, this car side window sun shade from DIZA100 stretches to 42.00 "X 20.00" and will fit most car rear windows, ensuring a snug fit. Just slide the shade over the top of your door frame, pull it over the entire window and remove the backing paper. We really like how simple this is to use.
One reviewer said: "Wasn't really expecting much as they're very flimsy, but they're easy to put on, they stay where they're meant to (just drove 70mph on a motorway both rear windows down they didn't budge) and they keep the back of the car totally shaded for my child and dog. My small person can also see out which he likes, am glad I bought them and would definitely recommend."
Pros
- Flexible and stretchable
- Breathable design
Cons
- Fairly basic
| Dimensions: | 110 x 50 x 0.03 cm |
| Material: | Nylon mesh |
Best baby car sunshade for design
We adore the SHADY car sunshade. Its unique adhesive tech allows the shade to stick to the glass while the window is open, too. How cool is that? It'll be sure to protect your tot from any harmful UV rays. Once fitted, this sunshade cannot be budged by even the most curious hands. We love the design - and it's easy to fit. A winner in our eyes.
Our Product and Lifestyle Writer, Samantha, said: "These were incredibly easy to install on our car windows, and we can actually have the windows in the back of the car down if the kids aren't in the car, which isn't possible with most other stick on sunshades. They're a really pretty pattern too, and our daughter likes playing a game of 'find the star, moon or sun' keeping her occupied on journeys. It comes with a QR code to make installing easier and they don't block too much vision out of the window either."
Pros
- Fun design
- Pack of two
Cons
- Some reviewers struggled with application
| Dimensions: | 44 x 34 x 0.1 cm |
| Material: | Vinyl |
Best affordable baby car sunshade multipack
www.johnlewis.com
This budget buy from John Lewis & Partners promises to block 90 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. Fitting most 4 and 5-door cars, the mesh composition blocks glare but does not obstruct the view for your tot. This pack of two is simple but oh so effective, plus it's designed to be a universal fit, which may be handy if you change cars.
One reviewer said: "Really great product. Does the job perfectly. Cheap, easy to install and protects my little one from the sun. The only negatives are they get totally drenched when it rains and it obviously makes it a little more difficult to see how the rear side windows but these are very minor criticisms. Overall great product which I'd highly recommend."
Pros
- Universal fit
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can get easily wet
| Dimensions: | 80 x 50cm |
| Material: | 95% polyester, 5% elastane |
Best baby car sunshade for summer
Two attachment options allow for a customisable fit, helping to keep these Munchkin car sunshades securely in place. We like that the one-push retract button allows for easy use for older children when it's not sunny, while the white-hot heat alert system turns white when your car is too warm, ensuring your baby enjoys a safe and comfortable ride.
One reviewer said: "Have had these in my car for about 2 weeks and so far so good! I have a Vauxhall insignia so it doesn't cover the full width of the window but I didn't expect it too! However, the suction pads make it easy to move and adapt the blind if needed - I haven't had to do this so far. The blind hasn't budged at all so the suction is amazing! I love the side button you press to roll the blind back up if it isn't needed! So much easier to just have them there ready to use and then have them up on non-sunny days so my toddler can still be nosey out the window. Fully recommend - have bought a set for the grandparent's car."
Pros
- Features heat indicator
- Dual attachment system
Cons
- Not a completely universal fit
| Dimensions: | 14 x 3.8 x 50.5 cm |
| Material: | Nylon |
6.
Car Shades
Best custom baby car sunshades
www.carshades.co.uk
These Car Shades are by no means cheap, but these Mother and Baby gold award winners are made to fit your car make and model exactly, ensuring a perfect fit. Easy to fit, they keep little passengers cool, block out bugs, add an extra level of security and feature UV protection and anti-glare. We think for some, they'll be worth the price.
One reviewer said: "Very well made and fitted the rear windows to my 23 plate ford focus. These are a million times better than the ones with suck pads. Should have got these to begin with."
Pros
- Custom design
- Easy to fit and remove
Cons
- Not accessible for all
| Dimensions: | Will vary |
| Material: | Will vary |
What should you consider when picking a baby car sunshade?
• Size - Not all car sunshades come in a universal fit, so bear that in mind when you're picking yours. You may need to measure your rear car windows to get the right fit.
• Design - Do you want a certain colour or feature? Is your baby a lover of colour and pattern? These will all be considerations when you're choosing a sunshade.
• Price - Of course, price is very important. Set yourself a budget and stick to it because things like baby car sunshades really don't have to break the bank.
• Installation - There is nothing worse than trying to install something alone, and it feels impossible, look for reviews that say that specific sunshade was easy to install and remove.
Are car window shades safe for baby?
In short, yes! UV rays and overheated cars are what's dangerous for your baby, and a baby car sunshade is definitely an easy solution for that. You can use them all year round and have some welcome peace of mind as your baby's skin and eyes are shielded, and they're protected from overheating.
Do you need car shades for baby with tinted windows?
It's a common misconception that having tinted windows means you don't need a baby car sunshade, but we don't recommend this. The sun's rays can still comes through a tinted window, so a sunshade is still a must-have for all types of car models. Car sunshades are just as important for your baby as pram sunshades.
What are the different types of sunshades for cars?
There are actually two types of car sunshades for a car, and both can be used to protect your little one in the back of the car. Both types can reduce the temperature inside your car, but the reflective versions tend to work better.
Reflective - These will take the sun's rays and reflect them back out.
Non-reflective - These will absorb any sunlight coming your way.
Which colours are best for a baby car sunshade?
Fun designs and colours will appeal to the youngest members of your family, but make sure the majority of your sunshade choice features a dark colour (like black, grey, or brown) as they're more likely to be protective and they'll be easier to clean which is a bonus.
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Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.