The best baby car sun shades protect your little one’s skin from harmful UV rays and can prevent your car from getting too hot in the summer months. Sunshades cover windows in a variety of methods, from suction cups to static cling. I looked into all the varieties of sun shades and picked the ones I feel work best to keep your little one protected.
Best Baby Car Window Shades
At 42″x22″, the Qualizzi shades are the largest sunshades compared to the others. The Enovoe shades are the largest cling sunshades at 21″x14″. The “shade socks” are designed to fit over the window (and stay put) compared to the traditional window sunshades that use suction cups.
Kinder Fluff Car Window Sunshades
The Kinder Fluff Car Window Sunshades offer superb blockage from the sun. In addition, your order comes with 4 sunshades.
Firstly, the Kinder Fluff sun shades block 99.79% of UVA and 99.95% of UVB rays. It provides the maximum level of UPF at 50+. The sunshades are made of 120 GSM mesh, paired with 15s static-protective film.
What does that mean for us who don’t speak the sunshade language? GSM stands for grams per square meter and details the thickness of the cloth. The higher the number, the thicker the shade. In addition, the static-protective film makes it easier to apply without dealing with static issues.
The sunshades adhere to your window simply by applying pressure. There are no suction cups or adhesive required.
Secondly, you can choose whether you want 2 transparent and 2 semi-transparent or all 4 semi-transparent shades. I recommend putting the semi-transparent shades on your kid’s windows since they will do a better job at blocking out the sun.
The shades, individually, measure at 20″ x 12″. You can add more than one shade to a window, simply by overlapping them. Just keep in mind, you cannot roll down your window when the shade is attached.
Finally, the shades easily fold for storage. It even comes with its own storage pouch. As a note, your shades may come wrinkled due to storage, but they should open up after a few days.
Enovoe Car Window Shade
The Enovoe Car Window Shade helps block out 97% of harmful UV rays. The 21″ x 14″ sunshade easily clings to your windows without the use of adhesive or suction cups.
Firstly, the Enovoe sunshade is made of a mesh material. The mesh fabric makes it easy for the driver to still see out the windows. Despite the lightweight material, the baby sun shades are durable and are very strong.
In addition, the sun shades come with a handy storage bag. You just peel them off your window, give them a twist, and put them in the bag.
Secondly, you can overlap the sunshades to provide more coverage. They also can be removed and put back up without any hassle. If you are a mini-van mom, like me, you likely will need to double up for your larger windows.
Finally, you can choose from either a 2 or 4 pack. It doesn’t cost much more to get the 4 pack, so I recommend going that route so you have extra sun shades. In addition, they are transparent making them safe for the front windows of your car. Don’t forget to protect your own skin, mama!
CARAMAZ Car Sun Shade
The CARAMAZ Car Sun Shade provides an extra dark cover for your window to help block out the sun for your kiddo.
Firstly, the sunshade blocks out nearly 99% of all UV rays and provides an SPF of 50+. You receive two shades, each measuring 20″ x 12″.
The shades can be overlapped making it easier to cover larger windows. They easily apply to your window without any fuss. Simply put the shade up, run your hand over it and you’re done. It avoids the need for suction cups or adhesives.
Secondly, you can remove the shades as often as you’d like without damaging them or leaving any residue on the window. It’s always advisable to clean and dry your window before attaching the sunshade. It will help it stay in place better.
In addition, I really like the animal print on these. Kids do really like seeing something fun on their window. This definitely would have been a better choice than my 5-year old covering his window in my car with stickers. True story.
Finally, you have three other choices of print in addition to the zoo animals. You can pick from an elephant, an under-the-sea theme, or a unicorn. You get a storage bag to keep your sunshade in when not in use. Keeping them in the storage bag will also prevent them from acquiring dust.
Manelord Sun Shade
The Manelord Sun Shade makes it easy to determine how much sun you need to be blocked.
Firstly, with the Manelord sunshade, you are able to adjust the height of your shade with the touch of a button. I think this is a great feature. It means you don’t have to take the whole shade down if you don’t want it blocking the window. Suction cups can be a bit of a hassle sometimes so it’s nice not to have to re-install it often.
In addition, you can either place the suction cups directly on your window for installation or use the hook over your window. Keep in mind, you will not be able to roll down your window using either method.
Secondly, the sun shades are made of 80 GSM mesh blocking out 98% of UV rays. Your package includes two sunshades and 6 suction cups.
The shades measure about 17″ x 15″ when fully open but the length can be adjusted to your preferred height.
Finally, a few tips on using suction cups. If the suction cup appears deformed, soak it in warm water for a while. You can also dip it in water if it doesn’t seem strong enough.
Shade Sox Universal Sun Shade
The Shade Sox Universal Sun Shade is another option to fully cover your window to ensure no sun makes its way in. It means there are no cracks of sunlight peeking in at your little one.
Firstly, you are able to roll the window down when the sunshade is installed, which makes it helpful in keeping any bugs out. Installation is easy by slipping the sunshade over your entire window, including the frame.
In addition, while the shade does fit most cars, it’s always a good idea to measure before buying. The nylon material easily stretches to fit windows up to 44″ x 20″.
Secondly, the sunshade does a superb job at blocking out harmful UV rays. It also will help keep the temperatures in your car lower, which is a major bonus on those hot summer days.
Since the sun shades do cover the entire window, it’s advised to only use them in the rear. Using them on front windows will reduce visibility considerably.
Finally, the Shade Sox sunshade comes in a two-pack with an included travel e-book, which has ideas on how to keep your kiddos occupied while driving.
PEYOU Universal Sun Shades
The PEYOU Universal Sun Shades are an ideal choice when you are looking for full coverage over your window.
Firstly, the sun shades are made of durable, two-layered elastic material making them easy to stretch to fit various sized windows. No need for suction cups or adhesives. You just slip it right over your window frame.
Each sunshade can fit a window up to 43.3″ in length and 18.9″ in height. While the shades work for 95% of vehicle windows, they aren’t suitable for frameless or sliding windows.
In addition, you are able to roll your window down with the shade still attached. The shade provides the extra feature of keeping pesky mosquitos out of your car.
Secondly, the PEYOU universal sunshades protect your little’s one skin from harmful UV rays. It will also help maintain a cooler temperature inside your car. Getting into an extremely hot car with my kids is pretty far down on the list of things I enjoy during the summer.
Finally, your sun shades come with a handy storage bag, making it easy to put them away when they aren’t in use. If you can remember, try to take the shades off during rainy weather. They will soak up water and it will seep into your car.
Don’t forget to check out the included E-book featuring 10 kid’s road trip games!
PONY DANCE Car Curtains
The PONY DANCE Car Curtains are the answer to completely blocking out any sunlight from your car window.
Firstly, you adhere the suction cups to the window and adjust the buckle on the curtain to fit your window size. Before you apply the suction cups, make sure to completely clean and dry your window. They will stay up much better this way.
You receive two shades in your pack, and it includes 3 suction cups plus one extra to have one hand. The curtain is machine washable in case your little one gets some sticky fingerprints on it. Lay flat to air dry.
Secondly, the curtain can easily be pulled to the side and tied when not in use. I find this helpful because it means I don’t have to uninstall it every time I don’t want to use it.
It does a superb job at blocking the sun and harmful UV rays, so I recommend not having it in use at night, otherwise, you may have a hard time seeing out the window.
Finally, you can choose from either a black or gray curtain. In addition, each curtain measures 27.5″ in width and 20.5″ in length.
As a quick tip, if your tie broke or is no longer doing the job, try using a shoelace.
iZoeL Sun Shade
The iZoeL Sun Shade is another option providing fun prints for your kiddos.
Firstly, you have 4 options when it comes to choosing the sunshade design. Pick from a baby elephant, ABC & 123, unicorns, or vehicles. While the print design doesn’t affect the function of the sunshade, it’s a nice bonus for the little ones.
Secondly, not only is it cute in design, it covers the important features as well. The iZoel sunshade blocks 97% of UV rays with a GSM of 80.
In addition, installation is a breeze with its static cling back. No need for suction cups or adhesives. Each shade measures 20″ in width and 12″ in height. You can easily overlap two sun shades if one doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of shade.
Thirdly, while you don’t need suction cups for use, it does come with 8 for additional hold. Keep in mind, you will not be able to roll down your windows when the sun shades are up, regardless of whether you use suction cups or not.
Finally, as a bonus, you get a microfiber cloth and storage pouch for your sun shades.
Qualizzi XL/Car Windows Sun Shades
The Qualizzi XL/Car Windows Sun Shades are a great choice for larger-sized vehicles. They are designed in a specific square shape to fit the majority of large sedans and SUVs. Each shade fits windows 21-22″ in height and 46″-50″ in width.
Firstly, your sun-shade two-pack provides much-needed protection from harmful UV rays. A child’s skin is sensitive and it needs to be protected from the sun. It will also aid in keeping your car cooler when the temperatures outside begin to rise.
Secondly, the stretchy sun shades simply slip over your door frame, requiring no suction cups to keep it in place. You are able to roll the windows down with the sunshade up, which means you don’t have to worry about any bugs flying in.
In addition, the sun shades are see-through which will help with the driver’s visibility.
Finally, it is not recommended to use on rainy days as it can make some water leak into your car.
Best Magnetic Car Window Shades
The ggomaARTshade is the largest sun shade (27″x18.5″) compared to the Magnet Sun Shade (10.31″x9.13″) and Munchkin Brica (10.75″x6.5″). The ggomaArt and Magnet shades offer a variety of kid-friendly designs too.
Magnetic Car Sun Shade Curtain
To wrap up my list of the best car baby sun shades is this adorable Magnetic Car Sun Shade Curtain. I’ll get to all the adorable print options in a moment, but let’s take a look at the most important features.
Firstly, magnetic sunshades protect against 95% of UV rays and sun glare. It also will help keep your car cooler. Car seat buckles can get really hot in the sun and so keeping the windows covered, even when you aren’t driving, is ideal.
Secondly, as the name says, the sunshade attaches to your window frame with the use of magnets. You will need a steel-framed door window in order for the sunshades to work for you.
While you only get one sunshade per pack, they are very reasonably priced and it won’t break the bank if you have to purchase a second one individually. The 17.7″ x 25.6″ sun shades are made of polyester, which is an ideal material for sun shades.
Thirdly, when you are not using the shade, simply push it to the side, and using the attached tie, you can keep it out of the way. It does include a storage bag in case you don’t want to leave it up.
Just don’t open your window when the sunshade is up. You likely will lose it to the wind.
Finally, I’m a sucker for cute prints for pretty much anything involving babies. I truly feel it makes the little one enjoy it more. You can choose from 15 different styles. Just a few of your options include dinosaurs, a world map, a rocket ship, the ABCs, a train, and several more.
Munchkin Brica Sun Shade
The Munchkin Brica Sun Shade is another great option for full window coverage. This one fits a little differently than the previous sunshade.
Firstly, the Munchkin shade attaches to a metal door frame with 5 magnets. If your window is a bit smaller than the shade, you can use the hooks to gather excess fabric.
In addition, you are able to roll your windows down while the shades are in place. This is always a bonus, mostly because I forget my shades are up sometimes and try to roll down the windows.
Secondly, the sunshade does the job of blocking UVA and UVB rays that could cause a burn on your little one.
Thirdly, while it may seem complicated to set up, it’s rather quite easy. It’s also a breeze taking it off, in case you want to transfer it to another car.
Finally, as a way to test to see if the Munchkin Brica sunshade will work for you, try to put a magnet on the inside of the door frame in your car. If it sticks, then the shade will work for your car.
Keep in mind, unlike others on my list, you only get one shade per pack.
ggomaART Sun Shade
The ggomaART Sun Shade is actually quite ingenious and I’m a big fan of it. It is like having a curtain on your window as opposed to a regular sunshade.
Firstly, the shade has 5 built-in magnets, making it easy to mount to your side window frame. Since it is magnetic, it will not mount to frameless or rubber frames. For extra security, the shade comes equipped with 4 suction cups you can attach to the window.
Secondly, the shade measures 27″ in width and 18.5″ in height which is bigger than most on the market. Since there is no installation besides magnets, you can still use the shade even if your window measures larger. The polyester material makes it a durable choice for sun shades.
In addition, you can easily slide the sunshade to the side and tie it up when you don’t need it blocking the window. You are able to roll down your window with the shade attached, as long as you aren’t using the suction cups.
Thirdly, don’t attempt to use the shade on the front windows of your car. It is too dark and will create a driving hazard. Keep them in the back and I recommend only using them when needed.
Finally, you have 7 prints and color choices to choose from. If you are going for a simpler style you can choose either the standard black mesh or solid black cloth. Your kids will like the fun print choices: unicorn, lion, fire truck, cat, or black stars.
The picture is printed on the inside for your little one to see and on the other side it has a sweet cloud saying “Baby on Board.”
The Best Baby Car Window Shades Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
Qualizzi XL/Car Windows Sun Shades | 9.8 | 8.6 | 21.97 |
Shade Sox Universal Sun Shade | 9.6 | 8.2 | 18.97 |
ggomaART Sun Shade | 9.9 | 8.8 | 17.99 |
Manelord Sun Shade | 9.2 | 8.0 | 15.99 |
Munchkin Brica Sun Shade | 9.9 | 8.6 | 15.67 |
Kinder Fluff Car Window Sunshades | 9.9 | 8.6 | 14.95 |
Enovoe Car Window Shade | 9.9 | 8.6 | 13.99 |
Magnetic Car Sun Shade Curtain | 9.8 | 9.0 | 13.90 |
iZoeL Sun Shade | 9.8 | 8.4 | 11.99 |
CARAMAZ Car Sun Shade | 9.9 | 8.6 | 11.99 |
PEYOU Universal Sun Shades | 9.8 | 8.6 | 9.99 |
PONY DANCE Car Curtains | 3.9 | 8.0 | - |
Buying Considerations
The best baby car sun shades offer superb protection from the sun, all while providing you with a quality product at a reasonable price. The reality is none of the best baby car sun shades on my list are too costly, so there’s no reason not to protect your little one with one.
UV Protection
Having a sunshade isn’t just to keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes, it’s also to protect their sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. The best baby car sun shades will offer at least 97% protection, ensuring you are keeping your little one’s skin safe.
Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer so it’s best to start protecting your child’s skin at an early age.
Material
Finding a sunshade with the right material is definitely on the top of my priority list. Sunshades made with nylon or polyester tend to be more lightweight and long-lasting.
In addition, a durable material won’t tear easily if little hands get ahold of it. While sun shades don’t tend to be expensive, you still shouldn’t be replacing them often due to poor quality.
Ease of Installation
The best baby car sun shades will be both easy to install and easy to remove. In addition, they should stay up. There isn’t anything worse than a sunshade falling on your child while you are driving.
Sunshades that don’t require adhesives or suction cups are clearly more convenient and easier to put up and takedown. If you do use a sunshade with suction cups, make sure your little one doesn’t get ahold of them and potentially try to put them in their mouth.
Size
It’s always a good idea to measure your car windows before buying a sunshade. While sun shades don’t advertise the specific vehicles they are compatible with, they always offer measurements so check your window size before you decide.
I, personally, am a fan of the sunshades that can stretch to fit any window or that can overlap to fill up the window space. I have a minivan and therefore have larger windows to fit.
FAQs – Baby Car Sunshades
Do I need a baby sunshade for the window?
The best car baby sun shades offer protection from both UVB and UVA rays. You may not realize it, but you can get a sunburn just from being in your car. In addition, UVA rays are the dangerous ones that can cause skin cancer, so it’s important to start protecting your kiddos at an early age.
A sunshade can help block out the heat on a hot summer day and keep your car cool. Even if your child isn’t in the car with you, it’s still a good idea to keep them, as long as they aren’t blocking your vision. This way you can try to keep the car as cool as possible.
In addition, sunshades can help with car sickness in little ones. My 3-year-old gets incredibly car sick and per her pediatrician’s recommendation, I always make sure her sunshade is in place when we are in the car. It will prevent them from looking out the window as much, which is sometimes the culprit of motion sickness.
Finally, it’s important to remember babies under 6 months of age cannot wear sunscreen yet, so it’s important to take every precaution to ensure the sun does not damage their skin.
If you are looking for the best sunscreen for kiddos over the age of 6 months, we have you covered.
What are the most important features a baby sun shade should provide?
In addition to protecting your little one from the sun, there are other features a quality sunshade should provide. I, personally, feel the easier it is to adhere to the window, the better. Also, I want it to stay up. I’ve dealt with shades popping off while I’m driving.
Also, the best baby car sun shades should not be difficult to put up or takedown. My issue with suction cups is sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I can’t get them to stay up. Then, once I get them stuck, I can’t get them unstuck. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle I tend to stay away from.
If your baby is still rear-facing, consider adding a baby mirror to keep an eye on any sunlight coming in at them or to make sure a sunshade hasn’t fallen on their face.
Is it legal to have baby car sun shades in the windows?
While each state has its own laws on what’s legal and illegal, sunshades are typically fine as long as you have them on the rear windows. This is especially true for the complete blackout shades.
Some shades are more transparent and are approved for front seat use.
In addition, some of the baby car sunshades on my list completely darken the window and it would be unsafe to drive with them in the front seat of your car.
Can I use baby car sun shades on tinted windows?
If your tinted windows aren’t enough at blocking the sun, adding sun shades is no problem. Just ensure you can still see through them. It might be a good idea to remove the shades at night to make sure you don’t have any trouble seeing out your window.
Adding a sunshade will also ensure your baby is protected from UV rays since not all tinted windows provide the necessary protection.