Whether you’re running a quick errand or driving for longer periods of time, taking your baby in the car can be challenging. From fussing and crying, to feeding or changing diapers, there’s a lot to think about when your child is in the car. Keeping the sun off your baby is one thing you can easily do to try to keep your child cool and happy.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my 7 favorite car window shades, so you can make driving your baby around a little less of a hassle.
Why it’s great: This shade attaches easily to your window without any suction cups or extra accessories. It works with static cling. All you have to do is make sure your window is clean and then rub your hand across it when it’s on the window. It has multiple cute patterns to choose from and you can even get an extra large size for vans or SUVs with bigger windows. It also has normal dark or extra dark options, depending on how much light you’d like to block.
Keep in mind: You’ll need to take it off to roll down the window, but it comes with a pouch for safe storage.
Good for: Parents who like no hassle installation.
Why it’s great: This one comes in a pack of four. Two are transparent and two are semi-transparent. For cooler days where you don’t need to block out as much of the sunlight, you can use the transparent so your baby can easily see out of the window. You can switch to the darker ones on really hot days and your child will still have some visibility. They are also certified and proven to block harmful rays, so you know your child is getting the best protection.
Keep in mind: These don’t come in any fun prints or different sizes.
Good for: Babies who love to look out the window.
Why it’s great: This one uses magnets to attach to the top of the door frame, so it’s not attached to the window in any way. This is great because it means you can still roll down your window whenever you’d like. You can slide it to one side like a curtain too! It also comes with suction cups in case you need to attach it directly to the window. It comes in a few different designs, so you can pick the one you think your child will like the most.
Keep in mind: This one is a little bigger, so it might cover part of the door in a smaller vehicle.
Keep in mind: This one is a little bigger, so it might cover part of the door in a smaller vehicle.
Good for: Dinosaur lovers and creative toddlers!
Why it’s great: The great thing about this shade is that it stretches, so it can fit any size window, if the bigger vans and SUVs. It also has a hoop to hook feature that allows you to gather the excess fabric leftover when you use it on smaller windows. This shade is another one that uses magnets to hook to the door frame, meaning you will be able to roll down the window with this one. It’s also easy to move between vehicles if needed since it can fit any window.
Keep in mind: It only comes with one, so you’ll have to buy a second one if you want to cover both back windows.
Good for: Parents that want to be able to adjust the shade for any vehicle.
Why it’s great: This comes in a bunch of different designs and most of them are educational in some way. There’s two different alphabet options, as well as maps or dinosaur options. Not only are they cute and protective, but your child can be learning while looking at them. These attach to the top of the window frame and can be pushed aside like a curtain too. There are also a couple different size options, so you can find the one that fits your vehicle the best.
Keep in mind: This one only works on steel framed door windows.
Good for: Babies who like to learn in the car.
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Why it’s great: This shade covers the entire car window, not just a rectangular portion of it. It also attaches directly to the window itself and is thin enough that you can still roll down the window. It comes in two different size options, so you can find the one that fits your vehicle. Plus it comes in a two-pack, so you have one for each side of the car. Another perk is that it is machine washable and comes with a sack for easy storage when it’s not in use.
Keep in mind: Because these are window shaped, you need to make sure they will fit your car. They have a list of sizes/brands that it fits, that you can reference before you purchase one.
Good for: Parents who want to make sure their child is completely shaded.
Why it’s great: This is the only shade in the list that is retractable. This means you can change the length to fit your window or you can have it half down to block some light, while still letting your child see out of the bottom of the window. You have to press a button to raise the shade, which is nice because it means your child won’t accidentally retract it if they pull on it. The Manelord is also made with high-quality material, so it’ll last for as long as you need it.
Keep in mind: This one attaches using suction cups, so you’ll need a little water any time you want to reattach it.
Good for: Anyone that wants to be able to adjust how much shade they’re getting.
The CARAMAZ Window Shade is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
There are two main reasons that you want to use a sunshade in your car window. The first is that it keeps the car cooler. By shading the car, it is also blocking out the heat, so your child doesn’t get too hot in the backseat. The second reason is to block out harmful rays that could cause sunburn or skin cancer.
This can depend on the shade that you use, but almost all of them block out both UVA and UVB rays. UVB are the rays that cause sunburn and UVA are the ones that can cause more severe damage, such as skin cancer.
Besides looking at the types of rays your shade should be blocking like discussed above, there are a few different features you’ll want to consider. Look at how it attaches to the window and what you think will work best for your car. You’ll also want to look at how easy it is to put on and take off, or if you can use the window with it on. Last, you’ll want to decide on the aesthetic. Is a fun print what you need or is plain mesh fine?
Shades usually come in a standard size (20×12) that works with most vehicles. If you have a bigger vehicle, these will still work, they just won’t cover as much. If you want to make sure you’ve got the most coverage, you’ll want to find a shade that has an extra-large option or find one that can be adjusted.
It used to be that all shades attached with suction cups, making it impossible to roll down the window. Now there are more options. If you want to be able to use your window, you’ll need to make sure you find a shade that attaches to the top frame or that sticks thinly to the window.
Making sure your baby is protected and comfortable in the backseat of your vehicle can make car rides less of a hassle. Finding the right shade that does this isn’t hard if you consider your needs before you head out to the store.
Do you want one with a fun print that will keep your child entertained? Or will they like it better if they can see out of the window? Do you want to be able to roll down the window with the shade attached? Keep these things in mind and you’re sure to find the right car shade for your family.
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