Do car sun shades actually work?

Yes, high-quality car sun shades help reduce exposure to the sun. UV rays can and do go through car windows, and UV-A rays in particular can travel right through glass and exert a damaging effect on the skin, says Maguiness. While windshield glass is typically treated to block some UV rays, side windows and sunroofs usually are not. So, a sunshade with UV protection helps shield passengers from harmful sun exposure through glass windows. Maguiness particularly recommends using a sun shade for longer car rides, which pose a larger exposure risk. Plus, sunshades also help keep the interior of the car cooler for a more comfortable ride.

Are car sun shades safe for babies?

Generally, car sun shades are very safe, says Maguiness. However, you’ll want to be careful with heavy parts that could come off the shade. For babies and toddlers, she recommends sun shades that don’t have any large pieces that could fall off and potentially cause an injury. Our best overall pick, the Kinder Fluff Car Window Sun Shade , is made from one lightweight piece that sticks to the inner surface of the window, covering a large area.

How much do car sun shades cost?

The cost of a car sun shade depends on the style and material, but generally, they’re pretty affordable. Most cost between $10 and $20, but you can snag some for under $10, like the SafeFit SafeTemp Cling Shades , which retail for $6. Our best overall pick, the Kinder Fluff Car Window Shade , is a bit pricier at $24, but we feel that it’s a worthwhile investment to keep your kids safe and cool in the sun. (Plus, it’s a four-pack!)

The 12 Best Car Sun Shades for Babies of 2023

Best Car Sun Shades of 2023 — Verywell Family / Marcus Millan

A car sun shade, which typically attaches to the rear side window or door frame, is a useful way to keep kids shielded from harmful damaging sun rays. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies under 6 months old should be kept out of sunlight as much as possible, even if they’re wearing sunscreen or protective clothing. Harmful rays can pierce through glass windows, so a high-quality car sun shade helps shield babies’ skin and eyes while you’re on the go.

To select our top picks, we spoke with experts in pediatrics and dermatology about what to look for when shopping for a car sun shade for babies. We also consulted sun safety guidance from the AAP and used our expertise as parents ourselves. The best car sun shades for babies protect little ones from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, are the right size and shape for your vehicle, and have optimal features for your family and the climate in which you live.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

kinder Fluff Car Window Shade at Amazon

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Best Budget:

SafeFit SafeTemp Baby Car Sunshades at Walmart

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Best for Babies:

GOLDFLOWER Car Window Shade at Amazon

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Best Adjustable:

TFY Car Window Sun Shade at Amazon

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Best Retractable:

Munchkin Brica Sun Safety Shade at Amazon

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Best for Windshield:

EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade at Amazon

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Best for Privacy:

ZATOOTO Car Side Window Sun Shades at Amazon

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Best Cling Shade:

Enovoe Enovoe Car Window Shade at Amazon

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Best Mesh Sock Shade:

Shade Sox Shade Sox Universal Fit Car Side Window at Amazon

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Best Funny:

DPIST Black Eyes Car Windshield Sun Shade at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Kinderfluff.com

Pros

Four in a pack
Two transparency options
Storage pouch included

Cons

Can’t roll down windows when using

We chose the Kinder Fluff Car Window Shades as our top pick because they’re easy to use, reasonably priced, and come with four shades in just one pack—with two different transparencies. The darker semi-transparent shades are meant to be placed in the rear windows to shield your baby, while the two transparent shades can be used in the front to block glare for the driver. (You could also put them in the back windows so older kiddos can look out the windows safely.)

According to the brand, the UPF 50+ shades block 99.79% of UVA rays and 99.95% of UVB rays for added protection against the sun. They’re made from high-density mesh and film for better sun protection, and since they adhere to the car windows with static cling, you can remove and readjust them without leaving behind residue.

We appreciate that when you’re not using them, these lightweight shades can be folded and stored in the included travel pouch. Plus, at $26 for four shades, this is a great deal.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Type: Side window shade | Material: Mesh with static cling backing | Dimensions: 20 x 0.1 x 12 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces}

Walmart

View On Walmart

Pros

Changes colors when car is too hot
Multiple attachment options

Cons

May have a mild chemical smell at first

For families looking for a low-cost option, we recommend the SafeFit SafeTemp Cling Shades. These sun shades have a unique heat sensing technology, meaning that a red button turns white when the car becomes dangerously hot for your little ones. This is particularly helpful when starting up your car, giving you time to let the car cool down a bit before the kiddos pile in.

Each black shade measures 17 x 14 inches and protects against UV-A and UV-B rays, according to the brand. Plus, you have two attachment options—suction cups and adjustable clips—so you can pick what works best for your car and kid. To retract the shade, all you have to do is press one easy button.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Type: Side window shade | Material: Not listed | Dimensions: 17 x 14 inches | Weight: 5.2 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Fits most car windows
Doubles as a privacy shade
Can open windows while using

Cons

Not for vehicles with sliding doors

To keep the sun off your baby, we like these easy-to-use mesh sun shades that slide right onto the rear door frame and cover the window completely. In addition to providing protection from the sun, the dark shades double as privacy shades for breastfeeding your baby and more.

After you slide the mesh shade on, you can roll your window down for airflow without worrying about bugs or debris flying into the car. With the fresh air flowing, your baby can enjoy the warmth of the sun without exposure to harmful rays. When not in use, simply fold them up and tuck them inside the armrest or glovebox. They’re also available in a larger size for SUVs.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Type: Sock shade | Material: Polyester and nylon | Dimensions: 9 x 2 x 7 inches (maximum stretch: 33.5 x 39.4 x 19.7 inches) | Weight: 4.6 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Offers good visibility
Adjustable knob keeps it in place
Two levels of protection

Cons

Doesn’t cover the whole window
Can’t roll down windows with it mounted

If you’re looking for a sun shade that’s built for sunny and overcast days, consider this TFY car sun shade, which has two panels with different levels of protection. The mesh panel offers medium protection against the sun, while a solid fabric panel blocks more rays. These pieces swivel around a suction cup, which has a handy knob so you can adjust how tightly the shade fits against the window.

We love this adjustable shade because it can cover most of the window (using both panels at once), or just a little bit to block the sun from directly hitting your little one's eyes. It blocks glare and gives nice coverage, but is still thin enough that kiddos can watch the scenery during the drive.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Type: Side window shade | Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 16.54 x 8.66 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 2.82 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY

Pros

Indicator changes color if car is too hot
Rolls up with one push

Cons

Can’t roll windows down when installed

This two-pack of Munchkin car window shades rolls up and down so your kiddo can peer out at the scenery or block out the harsh sun with a quick push or pull. You can mount the shades with two adjustable hooks that go over your car's window, which needs to be rolled up to keep the shade in place, or you can opt to attach them with suction cups. These car sun shades also have a heat alert system: A button turns from red to white when the car is too hot.

To retract the sun shade, simply push the button on the end of the roller and the shade will roll up into it, leaving a clear view out the window. To bring it down, gently pull on the shade. We appreciate that these shades protect against both UV-A and UV-B light, and at $15 for a set of two, this is a great deal.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Type: side window shade | Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 17 x 1 x 14 inches | Weight: 13.7 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Econour.com

Pros

Comes with a storage case
Folds up
Available in many sizes

Cons

You need to measure carefully when picking the size

Getting into a hot car is uncomfortable (and potentially dangerous!), which is where this handy sun shade comes in: It fits across your front windshield when your car is parked, helping to reduce the car’s internal temperature. The sun shade is rectangular with two large circles of dense polyester on either side for extra protection, and it’s supported with wire to hold it in place.

It folds up into the included carrying case, so it’s easy to pop in and out of the car while you’re running errands, and you can stash it under a seat while you’re driving. Available in sizes that fit compact cars up to RVs, there’s a version of this sun shade for most car models.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Type: Front windshield | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 59 x 0.1 x 29 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Extendable curtain style
Attaches with magnetic pieces

Cons

Needs a metal surface to stick to

This set of two super private shades will give your kid celebrity treatment. The retractable car sun shades affix to your window with magnets around the window frame, offering sun protection and plenty of shade for your little one. These shades also come in handy for private moments, like diaper changes or clean-ups.

Promising complete sun and UV protection, the satin shades are retractable and should work on most car and SUV back seat windows. We love these for keeping a vehicle cool while running errands, and they’re easy to pull down and store in under a minute. Note that your car needs to have a metal surface for attaching the magnetic sun shade.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Type: Side window shade | Material: Satin | Dimensions: 31.89 x 19.69 inches | Weight: 5.6 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

Pros

Available in a two-pack or four-pack
Comes in multiple colors
Easy to attach

Cons

Windows can’t be rolled down
Must be applied to clean windows

Avoid overly complex sun shades with this simple, affordable option that saves busy parents from dealing with suction cups or magnets. This sun shade simply clings to car windows. To apply it, just place it on a clean window and smooth it out with your hand. The static cling can be impacted by dust and debris, so make sure your window has been cleaned before installing. Available in plain black or an animal design, these shades come with a handy storage bag and an e-book with tips for keeping kiddos safe in the heat. You can opt for a two-pack or a four-pack in either color.

One important thing to know is you can’t roll your windows down with these shades on, as there is a big risk they’ll slide down into your door (and warrant a trip to the repair shop). Fortunately, they’re easy to pop on and off.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Type: Side window shade | Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 14 x 0.1 x 21 inches | Weight: 1 ounce}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Stretches to fit on almost any car window
Windows can be rolled down while shade is on
Covers the entire window

Cons

Could rip after being used for a long time

Made from elastic nylon, this mesh sun shade stretches to fit over your car's entire upper door frame and shuts in the door when it’s closed. (It’s almost like pulling on a pair of pantyhose.) It’s lightweight, won’t ruin your vehicle's paint, and will fit on most car models.

We love that you can use this two-pack of car sun shades on just about any window from a crossover to an SUV, and we appreciate that they reduce sun glare and prevent sunburn, according to the manufacturer. Since they wrap around the doorframe, these shades also work with the windows rolled down, with the mesh providing a nice breeze for your baby. However, because these are made from mesh, you’ll want to be gentle when taking them on or off your car to avoid snags or rips.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Type: Sock shade | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: ‎10.2 x 1.46 x 7.36 | Weight: 5.6 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Cartoon eyes and other fun graphics to choose from
Folds up accordion style for storage

Cons

Be sure to measure your windshield before ordering

While car sun shades are practical, they can be fun, too. Make your kiddo laugh with this cartoon front windshield shade that gives your car googly eyes. The shade is available in several designs, including two different versions of the eyes, a jolly dinosaur, a map of the U.S., and more.

Though the manufacturer says it fits most cars, we recommend measuring carefully before choosing your size to ensure it’ll be the right fit. The fun foil shade has a UV protection layer to keep your car cool when it’s parked.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Type: Front windshield | Material: Aluminum foil | Dimensions: 15.86 x 11.34 x 1.81 inches | Weight: 7.1 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Multiple kid-friendly designs to choose from
You can roll down your windows with this sun shade
Easy to mount and remove

Cons

Only works with steel frame car windows

This cute side window shade mounts easily with magnets and comes in lots of kid-friendly designs, from dinosaurs to polar bears and more. To use the sun shade, you’ll need a car with metal frame windows. Simply smooth the magnetized top over the frame and the shade will hang down. You can also slide the magnets to one side or the other and use the attached tie to hold the shade back like a curtain.

The shade protects kiddos from sun glare and offers UV protection, and it can even be educational: Some designs teach kids different kinds of fruit, dinosaurs, or the alphabet.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Type: Side shades | Material: Not listed | Dimensions: ‎10.43 x 9.8 x 0.94 inches | Weight: 4.2 ounces}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Easy to mount and remove
Pack of two

Cons

Only works with steel frames

With this pack of two reflective car sun shades, you’ll be able to protect kids and pets in the back seat of your car from harmful UV rays. It’s made with a layer of silver reflective fabric that absorbs the sunlight and heat, keeping your vehicle cool as it blocks the sun's harsh rays. The shade attaches with ten magnets along the top of your car window frame (it needs to be metal) so you can roll the window down for air. It’s also handy for privacy.

The magnetic sun shade is simple to mount and remove, and it can be folded up and tucked into a storage space. It’s also available in a front window version.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Type: Side shades | Material: Oxford cloth | Dimensions: ‎10 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces}

How We Selected the Best Car Sun Shades

When selecting the best car sun shades for babies, we spoke with Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist at the University of Minnesota and a co-founder of Stryke Club, and Bidisha Sarkar, MD, a pediatrician at ClinicSpots, to learn more about what to look for in a car sun shade and how to keep babies safe in the sun. We also consulted sun safety guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Using these insights and our own thorough research, we evaluated dozens of the top sun shades on the market to make our top picks. We looked for a variety of types and prices, choosing the best options to keep babies safe from harmful UV rays and heat.

What to Look For in a Car Sun Shade

Sun and UV Protection

The primary purpose of a sun shade is to offer UV protection and reduce sun glare. All car sun shades aren’t created equal, so you’ll want to look closely at the listing or box when you’re shopping to make sure the sun shade offers adequate protection.

Sarkar recommends looking for materials that block out at least 90% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Many options will list how much sunlight the shade blocks, like the Enovoe Car Window Shade, which offers 97% coverage, according to the brand.

Safety

Excess exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and eye damage, even in kids, so families need to take safety precautions. While your car’s front windshield is usually treated to block most UV-A and UV-B rays (around 94%), studies found that side windows block significantly fewer UV-A rays (around 71%), posing safety risks for the driver and passengers. Car sun shades that are installed on the side windows can help combat this issue and keep your kids’ skin safe.

Also, sun shades will keep your car cooler in the hot summer heat, helping reduce the risk of overheating. Studies have found that at noon on a sunny day, the interior of a car can climb to over 150 degrees in as little as five minutes, so it’s important to take safety precautions, such as using rear window sun shades to shield your kiddos while you’re driving and placing a shade over your windshield when you’re parked.

Size and Attachment

When shopping for a car sun shade, it’s important to measure the size of your windows and take note of the shape before making a purchase. There are sizes for almost every car window, ranging from large windshield covers to smaller shades designed for front and rear side windows. Check your measurements, and make sure your window will accommodate the shades of your choosing.

Additionally, sun shades attach in a variety of different ways, including suction cups, magnets, and static cling, so make sure that the one you choose can be installed in your car. For instance, some magnetic options, such as the Bebedeco Magnetic Car Sun Shade, require a metal car frame and won’t work with frames made from other materials. Plus, some options can retract or be used with the window rolled down, while others can’t, so consider how you’d like to use the sun shade. Busy parents want options that are easy to install, Sarkar notes, so we recommend carefully considering your preferences and the construction of your car before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do car sun shades actually work?

Yes, high-quality car sun shades help reduce exposure to the sun. UV rays can and do go through car windows, and UV-A rays in particular can travel right through glass and exert a damaging effect on the skin, says Maguiness. While windshield glass is typically treated to block some UV rays, side windows and sunroofs usually are not. So, a sunshade with UV protection helps shield passengers from harmful sun exposure through glass windows.
Maguiness particularly recommends using a sun shade for longer car rides, which pose a larger exposure risk. Plus, sunshades also help keep the interior of the car cooler for a more comfortable ride.
Are car sun shades safe for babies?

Generally, car sun shades are very safe, says Maguiness. However, you’ll want to be careful with heavy parts that could come off the shade. For babies and toddlers, she recommends sun shades that don’t have any large pieces that could fall off and potentially cause an injury. Our best overall pick, the Kinder Fluff Car Window Sun Shade, is made from one lightweight piece that sticks to the inner surface of the window, covering a large area.
How much do car sun shades cost?

The cost of a car sun shade depends on the style and material, but generally, they’re pretty affordable. Most cost between $10 and $20, but you can snag some for under $10, like the SafeFit SafeTemp Cling Shades, which retail for $6. Our best overall pick, the Kinder Fluff Car Window Shade, is a bit pricier at $24, but we feel that it’s a worthwhile investment to keep your kids safe and cool in the sun. (Plus, it’s a four-pack!)

Why Trust Verywell Family

Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. She has written for such outlets as Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Huffington Post, CNN Underscored, and more. When picking these products, she conducted thorough research and consulted with Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist at the University of Minnesota and a co-founder of Stryke Club, and Bidisha Sarkar, MD, a pediatrician at ClinicSpots.