I know what a challenge it can be trying to keep the sun off a baby in the stroller, especially when my baby was too young for sunscreen. Additionally, it can be especially difficult to get baby to nap on-the-go when the world around them is so exciting. I have faced these two challenges on several occasions while traveling with a baby (or toddler). Unfortunately, the built-in stroller sun shades aren’t always adequate enough or they don’t make it dark enough for my baby.
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight and not using sunscreen (see article here). Some travel strollers just don’t have an adequate canopy for full coverage.
As for the sleeping challenge, I have a ton of experience traveling with a baby or toddler and I know how difficult it can be to get a baby to sleep in the stroller. Naps are still important for getting baby to sleep on vacation (since an overtired baby will struggle to sleep at night!) but who wants to sit around the hotel room during every nap?
I was so excited when I found the solution to these two challenges and that’s using one of these best stroller sun shades for travel. The best sunshade will provide safety, privacy, and comfort for your baby and it’s the most convenient form of sun protection. Not only will a good stroller cover provide sun protection, but it should be 100% breathable and block light, helping with those naps on the go!
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Best Travel Stroller Sun Shades
While a stroller sunshade is one of the best stroller accessories for travel, you will also get a ton of use out of it at home. I love a baby travel product that isn’t just for travel! I especially like the ones with an additional blackout panel that prevents light and helps babies or toddlers sleep soundly regardless of where I’m traveling!
My list of best stroller sunshades for travel is filled with every high-quality, protective, easy-to-use option you could ask for.
Universal Stroller Sun Shades for Single Strollers
Here are the best stroller sun shades for single strollers. These have a universal fit so they should work on almost any stroller!
CoziGo Stroller Sunshade and Bassinet Cover
The CoziGo stroller cover (click for full review) is one of our favorite options because it's not just a stroller sunshade. This one definitely belongs on the list of best baby products when it pulls double duty as one of the best stroller sunshade options PLUS an airplane bassinet cover.
You can even use this one as a closed or open sunshade with each side of the dome opening separately. For a quick peek you can use the peek-a-boo panel at the top. The CoziGo is made of 100% breathable mesh fabric, has a UVP +50 rating and blocks 97% of the light. The dome shape allows for ample air circulation.
It’s universal fit should work for most airline bassinets and all strollers, including a car seat as part of a travel system. It has even been formally approved on several airlines for use as a bassinet cover.
** While the CoziGo has been well tested in the laboratory for air-permeability and breathability, it has not been tested for use in the car. Only use the CoziGo on car seats outside of the car.
SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe Stroller Sun Cover
SnoozeShade was founded by a mother who desired two things from a sun shade: sun protection and a blackout curtain for uninterrupted naps. The simple-to-use SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe Sun Cover is designed for babies over 6 months old.
It only takes a minute to spread out and has a universal fit for standard single stroller.
This sun shade features a single-layered mesh panel in the front that can be opened slightly to access your baby quickly without the hassle of detaching it completely.
The real highlight of this blackout stroller cover is the snooze shade panel that can be pulled out of the front pocket to cover the front mesh window.
The SnoozeShade Plus stroller sun shade blocks 97.5% of UV rays with a UPF40+ rating. The front panel, when in "shade mode", still allows your baby to see outside and blocks 80% of the UV rays.
When it's time for a nap, use "snooze mode". Pull the extra shade panel and snap it into place. The SnoozeShade will block 94% of light to give your baby a dark environment to sleep in. The front panel will also block 97.5% of UV rays with the extra mesh panel snapped into place.
Additional benefits of this stroller sun shade include one-year warranty, it's machine washable and a free storage bag.
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
SnoozeShade Plus Stroller Sun Cover
Another option by SnoozeShade is the SnoozeShade Plus stroller cover (click to read our full review). This one is all black and is for babies 6 months or older. It protects your baby from 99% of UV rays with a UPF50+ rating. Like the deluxe version, it also protects your little one from harsh winds, bugs, and bothersome hands.
Just like the SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe above, this one has a front panel that protects your baby from 80% of the rays.
When in "snooze mode" you'll add the extra mesh panel to increase the darkness. This will also increase the front panel protection to 99% of UV rays. It will block 94% of the light.
SnoozeShade Plus differs from Plus Deluxe in a few aspects, with the main one being that the front panel does not fully open. The obvious downside to this is that it requires you to completely remove the sun cover to retrieve your child from the stroller. However, this is not a reason to overlook this product as the whole process takes no longer than a couple of minutes.
If you don't think your baby will have any issue using this SnoozeShade product and you don't need the front panel to fully open, then it is the more cost-effective variant.
If your baby has never used a stroller cover, then the SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe is the better choice. You can start by leaving the front panel completely open to get your baby used to it.
Additional benefits of this stroller sun shade include one-year warranty, it's machine washable and a free storage bag.
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
Restcloud Sunshade for Strollers
With the Restcloud sunshade, you won't have to worry about protecting your child in your stroller from dangerous UV rays. When fully closed, this umbrella stroller sun shade with UPF 50+ blocks 99% of ultraviolet rays and over 97% of light.
If you have a baby who won't sleep anywhere but their crib or if they're suffering from baby jet lag, try this one to help them fall asleep in minutes.
The 100% breathable air-permeable mesh keeps your child cozy and calm. It even allows you to easily pull up and alter the tilt of the sunshade to keep them visually distracted when they're fussing.
This universal sun shade for stroller will fit almost any stroller and velcro straps make it easy to install. The safety zipper on this stroller sun cover allows you to keep an eye on your child and easily pick up your child from the stroller.
If you are worried about storage, don't be, because this lightweight stroller sun shade from Restcloud comes with a pouch that can be carried with you wherever you go. Simply place the bag in the stroller storage space and get going!
Manito Sun Shade
If your child can't keep calm in a closed-style stroller sunshade, consider Manito's open-style sun shade.
This sun shade is manufactured from high-quality fabric and is free of BPA, phthalates, latex, and lead. It blocks out 99% of harmful UV radiation and allows you to adjust the shade to face the sun. The inclusion of side mesh fabrics gives additional UV and wind protection.
Parents will be relieved to know that the Manito sunshade is a two-in-one stroller and car seat sun protection cover. The S hooks and strap make installation a breeze, saving you time when switching it from the car seat to the stroller. (Just don't use it on the car seat while driving since it hasn't been tested and could be very unsafe for your baby).
Apart from the standard black, this sun shield for stroller is available in seven different colors and three classic patterns, allowing you to pick one that matches your personality!
IYWISH Baby Stroller Sun Shade
With the IYWISH sunshade, you won't have to worry about protecting your child's stroller from dangerous UV rays. This waterproof sun shade with UPF 50+ blocks 99% of harmful sun rays.
It's universal fit should fit on 99% of strollers, as long as it has a canopy.
The large surface area covers a significant portion of the stroller and the buckle hook design is readily installable on all types of single strollers. If you have a car seat, use this cover on it as well to protect your child from harmful UV rays while using your travel system (just don't use it in the car when driving).
It has mesh fabric on the side for increased air flow to keep your toddler or baby cool.
This open-style stroller sun shade is ideal for toddlers who dislike closed covers that block their view of the outside world. For those on a tight budget, the IYWISH stroller sun shade is affordable and offers excellent value for money.
IntiMom Sun Shade for Strollers
The IntiMom sun shade for strollers comes in three distinct sizes that are adaptable to all sorts of single strollers including umbrella travel strollers and even bassinet style strollers. It comes with hooks that are sturdy and easy to use for installation.
The sun shield's innovative sheer fabric allows your baby to see the world while protecting them from harmful UV rays with a UPF30+ rating.
With an air-permeable fabric and side holes that promote airflow, there's no possibility your infant will feel stuffy when in their stroller. The best part about this stroller cover is that it's the only one on this list that folds along with the stroller when not in use, saving you some time on installation.
This will provide some shade only with the mesh fabric and allow your little one to look out on the world. It won't provide a super dark environment to help your baby sleep.
Summer Rayshade Stroller Cover
The Rayshade stroller sunshade extender offers the sun protection blocking 99% of the sun's harmful rays thanks to its UPF50+ rating and the unique hoop shape.
The sun cover extends the stroller's canopy and can be kept half-open or closed depending on your baby's needs. When your child is sleeping, the cover's elastic material allows you to stretch it all the way down.
If you despise stroller sunshades that prevent you from checking on your child without removing the shade, this is the one for you! It allows you to keep an eye on what your child is up to through the cover's see-through fabric and lets kids enjoy the outside world.
One delightful feature that makes this one of the best stroller shade extender options out there is that it has a water repellant fabric to block rain and the storage space it provides. It includes not one but two compartments large enough to carry a few extra baby travel essentials.
Double Stroller Sun Shade
If you are traveling with twins or young siblings you've probably packed your double travel stroller. Don't worry, because you can still get an excellent sun shade for double strollers!
SnoozeShade Deluxe Double Stroller Sunshade
Whether you plan on purchasing one or gifting one to a loved one, SnoozeShade's Deluxe Double Stroller Sun Shade will not disappoint. It shields your babies from the harsh sun, wind, chills, insects, and helps with social distancing, while allowing them to sleep better on the go.
This sun shield is one of the best universal double stroller sunshades, whether you have twin newborns or siblings who share a double stroller. It can be used from birth onwards.
The breathable sunshade fabric allows appropriate air circulation, preventing heat buildup on the inside while providing up to 97.5% UV protection with UPF40+ rating.
Naps are simple with the snooze panel, which blocks out visual distractions to allow your little ones to sleep comfortably. When they're awake and active, zip down the sleep panel and let them enjoy views of the outside safely.
You can even use it with half zipped with the snooze panel and the other left in shade mode only!
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
The best sun shade for stroller gives you the best of both worlds in terms of portability and protection, and that's exactly what this sun shade promises. It's simple to set up and comes with a pouch to keep it in during travel. SnoozeShade also offers a one-year warranty against any damage so there's no reason to hesitate before splurging on this one!
Sun Shades for Car Seats and Travel Systems
While options above like the CoziGo work as a sun shade on strollers and car seats, if you are looking for a car seat sun cover, here are a couple more options specific to car seats and travel systems.
Just keep in mind that these are not intended for use in the car while driving. Most add-on products are not safety tested along with the car seats and are therefore not recommended for use in the car.
SnoozeShade Original Universal Stroller Sun Cover
The reason you keep seeing SnoozeShade on this list is that it's a fantastic brand. This brand designs some of the best stroller sun shades when it comes to guaranteeing safety.
These US and European safety standard approved sun covers are rigorously lab tested and made with high-quality materials to ensure durability.
The original SnoozeShade is ideal for 0-6 month infant travel strollers and can be partially opened or closed depending on the weather. The air-permeable fabric offers adequate ventilation while blocking out over 99% of harmful UV radiation when fully closed.
With this sunshade that shuts out extraneous light, it's the perfect baby product to get your baby to sleep on vacation.
Aside from its many features, SnoozeShade also offers a one-year warranty to its customers. It's an easy choice if you ask us!
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
SnoozeShade Baby Car Seat Canopy Deluxe
Your newborn is not as sheltered from the sun in their car seat as they are in their stroller, which is why this car seat canopy will be useful if you're a parent who uses a car seat as part of your travel system.
An infant's skin is more easily irritated by their surroundings and more susceptible to sunburns, allergies, and insect bites, which only makes protecting them from the elements even more important when traveling with a newborn.
The Baby Car Seat Canopy Deluxe is made of a breathable polyester material that prevents the accumulation of dust and stains and makes it washer/dryer suitable.
With a snooze panel, a sneak-a-peak zipper, and a see-through inner panel, the closed sun shade blocks 97.5% of UV radiation and more than 80% when partially open.
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
Bayan Stroller Sunshade
Multipurpose baby items are every parent’s dream come true. The Bayan Sunshade can fit everything from car seats, single strollers, and bassinets to cribs, cradles, and playpens! No matter where you're headed, all you need is this versatile sunshade to keep your infant safe.
The pitch-black sun cover for stroller provides maximum sun protection without burning a hole in your pocket. The Intertek tested quality fabric blocks out over 96% UVA and UVB radiations while enabling outside viewing without a problem.
The cloth also keeps the wind and mosquitoes away from your baby with added privacy. It's the perfect addition to your baby's beach essentials.
The company also offers a three-month money-back guarantee and a one-year replacement warranty, making this budget-friendly best universal stroller sun shade worth the investment.
My Top Picks for the Best Stroller Sunshades for Travel:
I know you don’t always have time to read. So here are my top picks for the best sun shades for strollers:
Best Overall:
CoziGo stroller sunshade and bassinet cover – The CoziGo stroller sun shade blocks most of the light and is 100% breathable! The sides can open to let your baby see out. Plus it has a universal fit and can be used on the airplane as a bassinet cover!
Best Alternative to the CoziGo:
SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe Stroller Sun Cover – The SnoozeShade also blocks the harmful sun rays and most of the light. It is also made of breathable fabric. The front panel is the one that opens and closes, which some babies may prefer! It doesn’t have the same multi-use options as the CoziGo though.
Best for Double Strollers:
SnoozeShade’s Deluxe Double Stroller Sun Shade – This stroller cover is one of the best universal double stroller sunshades with breathable sunshade fabric that allows appropriate air circulation, preventing heat buildup on the inside while providing up to 97.5% UV protection with UPF40+ rating.
Buy direct from SnoozeShade with code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
What is a Stroller Sun Shade
The best sun shades for strollers are basically just a stroller shade extender. A sunshade for strollers will shield babies from the harsh sun by covering either a portion of the stroller or the entire stroller with a UV-blocking fabric.
Not all strollers, and especially not the most compact travel strollers, come with a canopy that can fully protect your baby from the sun, especially if the sun isn’t directly overhead.
That’s where the best stroller shade extender can make a big difference. In addition, the closed style stroller covers transform your stroller into a dark environment that can help your baby nap on-the-go.
Most of the stroller shade extender options provide more than 95% UV protection without hampering your little one’s view of the outside world. This ensures that your baby’s sensitive skin and eyes are kept out of the sun when they’re in their travel stroller, which means more comfort for babies and less worrying for parents.
I think the right stroller sunshade can be the best stroller accessory for travel!
Why You Should Use a Sun Shade for Travel Strollers
Wondering if you really need a stroller cover for travel?
Depending the stroller you travel with, it might not provide full sun protection. This can be a challenge if your stroller canopy doesn’t cut it by keeping your babies sensitive skin fully blocked from the sun or keeping the sun out of your baby’s eyes when your baby is trying to sleep.
Stroller covers are ideal for travel because they can provide all-day sun protection for your baby.
This is a much easier solution that slathering sunscreen over your baby or toddler throughout the day and trying to keep those sun hats on!
Aside from providing sun protection, well-ventilated stroller sunshades also give babies a dark spot to snooze when on the move. Similar to travel blackout blinds, the fabric keeps the bulk of the light out and lowers visual disturbances, allowing your baby to sleep soundly no matter where they are.
They even act as mosquito nets, keeping creepy crawlies away from your little one as they nod off.
Safety Concerns When Using a Stroller Sun shade
While using a universal stroller sun shade canopy is useful for protecting your child from the sun, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, make sure that your stroller shade cover provides sufficient protection at all times of the day and blocks those harmful sun rays.
Check to see what kind of fabric is used to make the stroller sun shade cover along with its UPF rating and the amount of UV resistance it offers. While 97% blockage and UPF 50+ is ideal, a little less than this is acceptable as well.
Aside from providing protection, your baby’s stroller cover should also be made from a breathable material to allow air to move freely within the stroller. It’s extremely dangerous to use a blanket to cover your stroller in the summer as it can get way too hot.
You want ample air flow through the stroller sunshade. Your infant should not feel stuffy or hot inside their stroller.
Instead, the best stroller sun shade will make your baby feel comfortable and cool. Products that have been lab-tested and scientifically authorized are your best bet for ensuring your baby’s safety and comfort.
Finally, double-check the stroller sun shade specs sheet to guarantee a snug fit for your stroller, car seat, or bassinet. Many sun shades for strollers are universal and should fit any single stroller.
A flimsy sun cover can pose a choking hazard and potentially harm your child, so make sure the hooks or straps are securely attached to the stroller.
How to Choose the Best Stroller Sunshade
- Breathability
This is the MOST IMPORTANT factor! Especially for the sun shades that fully close around the stroller. You want to make sure it’s been well tested and has 100% breathability.
Putting a blanket over your stroller can create extreme and unsafe temperatures for your baby. A sun shade is only effective if it can offer your baby a cool, shady area with ample air circulation. - Universal Fit
Look for stroller sunshades that have a universal fit and will fit almost any stroller. It’s possible you’ll change strollers throughout the years and you want to make sure it will still work! - Ease of Use
Nobody wants to struggle with baby travel products while dealing with a baby or toddler. Look for a sun cover for strollers that are easy to install and take off. Also practice folding it back up!
You also want to make sure you can easily pick your baby up without having to take the whole thing off! Ones with front panels that fully open like the SnoozeShade or CoziGo stroller covers are the most convenient. - Sun Protection
All the stroller sun shades on my list offer high levels of sun protection. You want your stroller shade extender to offer not only shade to your little one but sun protection as well. - Blackout Potential
Having your stroller sunshade work double duty as a shade cover and a blackout curtain is the best solution to getting your baby to nap on-the-go!
Tips for Using a Stroller Sun Shade the First Time
If you are using one of the best universal stroller sun shades like the CoziGo or the SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe, then your baby might feel a little scared when you fully close it for the first time.
Even your toddler, who might be used to getting to look out of the stroller might not enjoy being fully enclosed.
I recommend starting with small steps and to do this before your holiday. Here are my tips for using a stroller sun shade for the first time:
- With a baby, start with a walk with the stroller sun shade on but fully open. Next walk, have it mostly open but start to close the sides a bit. Increase this slowly the amount it’s closed gradually on your walks.
- Let your toddler explore it on the stroller before you put your toddler in.
- Talk to your toddler about the sunshade. Make it fun and make it a game. It can be a hide-and-seek game or your toddlers very own space capsule.
- Show your toddler how the panels, zippers, and hooks work. Don’t forget to show your toddler the peek-a-boo window where you can see your toddler.
- Slowly increase the level of closure each time you use it (for both babies and toddlers).
- If your baby or toddler falls asleep, close it most of the way but not all the way so they can see out if they wake up.
- Practice! If your baby or toddler isn’t having it today then try in a few more days.
Stroller Sun Shade Extender FAQs
How do you shade a baby in the sun in a stroller?
The best baby stroller sun protection you can get is with an add-on sun shade made for strollers. A universal sun shade for strollers will install on almost any stroller, can offer protection against 97.5% of the harmful sun rays and even block light to create a dark sleeping environment for your baby.
How do you keep Sun out of baby’s eyes in stroller?
Not all stroller canopies do what we hope they will. The best way to keep the sun out of baby’s eyes in the stroller is by adding a stroller sunshade that can either be adjusted in different directions or even full closed. Just make sure it’s fully breathable so your baby has a ample air circulation and a safe place that isn’t too hot.
How do you add more shade to a stroller?
You can add more shade to a stroller by getting a stroller shade extender or by using a stroller sun shade that fully covers the front of the stroller. The best sun shades for strollers that can be fully closed should have a front panel that can be opened so you can lift your baby without having to fully remove it.
Our preference is for stroller sun shades that have a front mesh panel with a secondary panel that can be put into place to increase the sun protection and offer a dark sleeping environment for your baby or toddler.
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.