When travelling in the car, bright sunlight and heat are unsettling for little ones. That’s why a car window shade is such an important accessory to have on hand for baby.

Car window shades are super handy baby accessories that help block UV rays and heat. Cleverly designed to attach to the car windows of the car, they reduce the glare that’s known to bother little ones and make the car’s interior more comfortable. The best bit about car window shades is that they don’t block baby’s view out of the car, so if it’s not quite nap time, they’re still able to enjoy the sights outside.

Ready to get set for the sunny season? We’ve shortlisted our favourite car window shades for vehicles of all kinds to help you travel with peace of mind this summer. But firsts, we’ve answered some common questions when it comes to car sun shades for babies and kids.

Do babies need car window shades?

No, babies do not need car window shades, however many parents agree that the benefits of having one outweigh the cost. They help reduce glare, UV rays and heat in vehicles, which not only keeps little ones more comfortable during car rides but also helps when you need to get a nap in while you’re on the go!

Do car shades block UV rays?

Some car window shades help block the UVA rays that automobile glass doesn’t always protect against. According to Cancer Council Australia, all types of automobile glass in Australia block the majority of UVB radiation. However, the amount of UVA protection you have depends on the type of glass used. For this reason, a car window shade designed to block UVA rays is very handy.

How do I choose a baby car shade?

From our experience as mums, we narrow the criteria for choosing a baby car shade down to three important points:

• Make sure it stays on – Car shades are a hazard if they’re too easy for little fingers to pry off the window. make sure they secure well and won’t become a projectile in the event of an accident.
• Check how much sun it blocks – Take note of the UVA and UVB blocking capabilities of the shade.
• Ensure it fits your specific window – Windows differ in shape and size a lot between models, so always take the time to measure yours and be certain that the shade fits. Even with shades labelled as “universal,” you want to make sure it covers as much of the window as possible, without large gaps for the sun to sneak through.

 9 Best Baby Car Shades In Australia

Whether you’re after a practical gift for a new parent or getting your own car ready for life with a bub, our collection of products available right here in Australia will ensure you set out safely with little ones in tow.

Infasecure Window Stretch Shade, from $46.99

Designed in Australia for Australian conditions, the Infasecure Stretch Shade comes in two sizes to suit most vehicles. It folds up into its own travel bag, making it easy to switch between vehicles or use when travelling, and it comes with a 12-month warranty.

Outlook Baby Autoshade, from $39.95

Available in styles for rectangle or curved windows, Outlook Baby Autoshades screen up to 90% of UV rays with their UPF 10+ rated fabric. And you’re still able to put the window up and down with the shade fitted, so letting in the cool breeze isn’t a worry! Twin packs are also available if you want to cover both rear windows.

Munchkin Brica Smart Sun Shade, $39.95

After a car shade that blocks harmful rays and moves up and down with the window? This is it! The Brica Smart Shade slots into the window seal at the bottom and hooks over the top of the glass at the top, this means there’s no need to remove the shade to let fresh air in. It uses safe-view premium mesh that won’t block vision and it helps filter UVA and UVB rays.

Maxi Cosi Large Window Shade 2pk, $39.95

The perfect option for SUVs and larger vehicles, this sock-style shade is a cinch to put on and remove. Most importantly, it offers excellent sun protection by blocking more than 90% of harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. This set includes two shades – super handy if you swap cars often!

Dreambaby Insta-Cling Car Shades 2pk, $12

This budget-friendly twin-pack of car shades is fuss-free and easy to use. Rather than using suction caps, the Dreambaby Insta-Cling Shades attach to windows using static electricity. They fold down and pop up with ease and they offer SPF 50+ protection for passengers.

 Munchkin Stretch-To-Fit Sun Shade 2pk, $31.99

With a universal fit and no suction caps in sight, the award-winning Munchkin Stretch-To-Fit Sun Shade is the answer to easy sun protection on the go. The innovative shades feature five magnets that attach to the metal car frame and allow the shade to stretch to the perfect size. And thanks to the clever design, the windows can still be rolled down when it’s installed. Safe-view mesh blocks glare without restriction vision and the sun-safe design helps block harmful UVA and UVB rays.

 Britax Ez-Cling Window Shades 2pk, $19.95

Measuring 48 x 30.5cm, these convenient car shades suit the rear side windows of most cars in Australia. They’re easy to attach and remove, clinging to windows with static, rather than with suction caps and they block pesky sun glare without reducing baby’s visibility. These shades offer UPF 30+ sun protection and store flat when not in use.

Toddler Tints Car Shades, $39.95

Developed by two busy mums, Toddler Tints measure 100xm x 60cm, allowing you to cut the film to any size you need. They come in eight adorable patterns and colours and block 65% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, protecting your baby whenever you’re on the move. What we love most about these is that there is absolutely no flapping in the wind, windows still wind up and down and there are no driver black spots – it’s little wonder parents love them!

Benbat Bubble Dream Car Suction Sunshade 2pk, $34.95

Introducing the super-sweet car shades that give baby something vibrant to gaze at and ponder while you’re dashing around. They come in handy sets of two and attach to window frames with two silicon pumps. They block harmful UV rays and twist and fold quickly for stowing in their own cute box.

Are sun shades safe for babies?

A baby sun shade provides sun protection for a baby’s delicate skin and sensitive eyes, but only if the shade specifically has UV protection. As long as the shade is secure and isn’t easily dislodged in the event of an accident, it’s safe.

What different types of sun shades are there?

There are quite a few different types of baby car shades on the market, and they come in different sizes to suit the size and shape of all sorts of vehicles.

Collapsible Car Shades: These shades are folded up with a wire frame that pops out when you’re ready to attach them to the window. They attach to the window using suction cups and can be stowed away easily.

Protective film: Toddler Tints is a great example of a film-based car shade. It applies to the window a little like contact does to books, providing an attached shade that won’t flap or move at all!

Pull Down: These also have suction cups, but work more like a blind. They pull down from the top and are easily retracted.

Static Cling: These car shades stick to the car window using nothing but static cling, making them really easy to take on and off.

Sock Style: This shade fits over the window frame like a sock, meaning it’s not attached to the window at all, so you’re still able to open the window for fresh air.