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.
Why Do I Need a Stroller Sun Shade?
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight and not using sunscreen. 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 firsthand that it can be very difficult 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 stroller sun shades for travel. The best stroller sunshades 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.
When parents ask me for the single best stroller sun shade for travel, this is the one I recommend first. One of my baby travel essentials, the CoziGo is a universal stroller sun shade and bassinet cover that works on both an airplane bassinet and a baby travel stroller, so I do not need to pack separate blackout covers.
The CoziGo is designed as a breathable stroller blackout cover that blocks light and UV while still allowing air to circulate, which is essential when you are using any stroller sleep cover in hot weather.
I like that it fits a huge range of travel strollers, prams and airline bassinets, and it packs into its own pouch so it is easy to clip to your carry-on. For long-haul flights or naps on the go, the CoziGo is my favourite way to create a dark, calm space without throwing a blanket over the stroller.
- Universal fit on most strollers, prams and airline bassinets
- Creates a true stroller blackout cover for naps on the go
- Designed to be breathable while blocking light and UV
- Multi use for flights, hotel naps and everyday stroller walks
- Premium price compared to budget stroller sun shades
- Bulkier than very small shade extenders in a diaper bag
If CoziGo is my top pick for bassinets and younger babies, the SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe is my favourite stroller sun shade for older babies and toddlers who are sitting up.
It combines a stroller shade extender with a blackout stroller cover, so I can choose between “shade mode” when my child is awake and “snooze mode” when I want a darker stroller sleep cover. The air-permeable mesh is independently tested and designed to be better than simple muslin draped over a stroller, blocking up to around 97.5 percent of UV while allowing air to flow.
The SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe fits almost any single stroller with a hood, including compact travel strollers. I especially like this one for sunny city trips where my toddler wants to look out during the day but still needs proper naps in a busy environment.
- Designed as a breathable stroller blackout and sleep cover
- Universal fit on most single travel strollers and buggies
- Front panel lets older babies see out in shade mode
- Strong safety testing
- More expensive than basic stroller shade extenders
- Extra fabric and zips make it bulkier in a small diaper bag
The SnoozeShade Plus (and the newer Plus Extra model) is another excellent option if you want a universal stroller sun shade that balances sun protection with visibility.
It is designed for babies from about 6 months up to preschoolers, with a mesh front window that blocks most UV but still lets curious toddlers see out while you stroll. When it is time for a nap, you simply zip up the outer panel to turn it into a stroller blackout cover and sleep shade.
I like that the SnoozeShade Plus is large enough to cover longer toddler legs and still fits travel strollers, umbrella strollers and jogging strollers. For families who need one stroller sun shade that will last years of travel, this is a very practical pick.
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- Universal stroller sun shade that works on many stroller types
- Shade mode plus snooze mode to match awake time and naps
- Air-permeable mesh blocks up to around 97–99 percent of UV
- Good longevity from baby to toddler travel
- A bit more fabric than some parents want in very hot climates
- Learning the straps and zips can take a little practice
If you are looking for a more affordable stroller blackout cover, the Restcloud-type sun shade is the budget option that still does the job. It is a universal stroller sun shade that blocks a high percentage of light and UV, with UPF 50 plus fabric and a full-coverage design that turns your stroller into a dark nap space.
I like that it comes with a storage bag and packs down small, which makes it easy to keep in the stroller basket or diaper bag for travel days. It is not as polished as CoziGo or SnoozeShade, but for families who mostly want a cheaper stroller sleep cover for occasional use, it is a good compromise.
As with any blackout stroller cover, I always recommend checking your baby frequently and avoiding long naps in high heat.
- Budget friendly stroller blackout cover
- Universal fit on most single strollers and buggies
- UPF 50 plus fabric with large coverage area
- Packs small in its own storage bag
- Fabric quality and stitching feel less premium than top brands
- Zips and straps are more basic and can be fiddly
Manito makes one of my favourite stroller shade extenders if you want more coverage than the stroller canopy but do not need a full blackout stroller cover. The Manito sun shade attaches to the existing hood and creates a large UPF 50 plus panel that can be angled to block sun from different directions.
It is designed for both strollers and some car seats, which is helpful if you use a travel system and want a single shade solution. I appreciate the quality of the fabric and the thoughtful design, including side panels and a front window that still lets air move through.
The Manito stroller shade extender is a nice middle ground between a tiny clip-on shade and a full enclosed stroller sleep cover, especially for families who want more sun protection on everyday walks and travel days.
- UPF 50 plus shade extender for strollers and some car seats
- Larger coverage area than many simple clip-on shades
- Premium construction from a specialist brand
- Good option when you do not need blackout sleep level darkness
- Not a full blackout stroller sleep cover
- Fit can be awkward on very small or very large hoods
The IYWISH baby stroller sun shade is a very popular budget option for stroller shade extenders. It is a lightweight canopy that attaches to your stroller and adds extra coverage over the existing hood, helping to shield your baby’s face and body from direct sun.
I like that the IYWISH baby stroller sun shade works on many stroller brands and can also be used on some car seats and prams, which is helpful if you are mixing transport options on your trip. It is not a blackout stroller sleep cover, but for families who mostly need extra sun protection and a bit more shade for naps, this is a useful inexpensive add-on.
- Very affordable shade extender that fits many strollers
- Lightweight and easy to keep in the stroller basket
- Adds more shade than a standard stroller canopy
- Useful for travel systems and prams as well
- Less structured and polished than premium brands
- Does not block as much side sun or wind as full covers
The IntiMom stroller sun shade is a flexible option if you want extra coverage without constantly taking the shade on and off. It attaches to the handlebar and the stroller frame, and many parents find they can fold their stroller with the sun shade still attached.
I like that the IntiMom stroller sun shade gives good front and side coverage, which helps when the sun moves around during a walk, and that it is lighter and more open than a blackout stroller cover.
This makes it a nice choice if your baby does not love being fully enclosed but you still want more protection than the standard canopy. For travel, it is a simple way to upgrade an existing stroller with an inexpensive universal stroller sun shade that you can leave on day to day.
- Often can stay attached when folding the stroller
- More coverage than a simple parasol or umbrella
- Works with many stroller brands and models
- Good compromise for babies who dislike blackout covers
- Not designed as a full stroller sleep cover
- Fit is not perfectly tailored on every stroller frame
The Summer Rayshade stroller cover has been around for years and still does a solid job as a simple UPF 50 plus stroller shade extender. It attaches over the stroller hood and provides extra coverage over your baby’s head and torso, which helps a lot with harsh overhead sun on travel days.
I like the Summer Rayshade stroller cover for families who want something lighter and more open than a full stroller blackout cover but still want proper UV protection. The design is quite simple, which keeps it very lightweight and packable, and it works with a big range of everyday and travel strollers.
- UPF 50 plus rated stroller shade extender
- Very lightweight and compact in a diaper bag
- Fits many standard strollers easily
- Budget friendly
- Not a stroller blackout cover for full naps
- Less side coverage than some of the more structured shades
If you are traveling with twins, the Manito Sun Shade for Twin Stroller offers real UV protection but works well for babies and toddlers who do not love being fully enclosed. It's specifically designed for side-by-side double strollers and has a certified UPF 50+ rating, screening up to around 99% of UV rays when properly positioned.
Instead of a blackout cocoon, this one gives you a large, adjustable panel that attaches to the existing canopies and can be tilted to follow the sun. I like this open-style design for older babies and toddlers who want to see out of the stroller but still need extra shade on their legs and faces.
The breathable span fabric and side mesh help air flow through, which is especially important with two little bodies sitting so close together. When the sun shifts, you simply pull the shade into a new angle rather than wrestling with blankets or umbrellas.
- Designed specifically for side by side double strollers
- Certified UPF 50 plus fabric for strong UV protection
- Open style shade lets babies and toddlers see out
- Adjustable angle to block sun from different directions
- Not a blackout stroller cover for naps
- Requires existing canopies on the stroller to attach
- Open design still lets in more light than a full sleep shade
The PandaEar Universal Stroller Sun Shade Cover works as a simple blackout cover for naps in a bassinet or flat-lying stroller. This PandaEar universal stroller sun shade is designed specifically for babies around 0 to 6 months and fits over most stroller bassinets, prams and some joggers as a blackout UV protection canopy.
It has a full-coverage panel to block light and a mesh window so you can peek in and let extra air flow through, which I always look for when I am choosing a stroller sleep cover.
I like it as a budget-friendly option for families who want a universal stroller sun shade for a newborn, without paying premium-brand prices.
- Designed for newborns and young babies in a bassinet or pram
- Universal stroller sun shade that fits many prams and strollers
- Blackout-style canopy helps create a darker nap space
- Mesh window allows visibility and extra airflow
- Lightweight and easy to pack for travel
- Not as feature rich or extensively tested as SnoozeShade or CoziGo
- Fabric and finish feel more basic than higher priced covers
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 extenders 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.