It is springtime and for most of us that means we want to get outdoors after this very long winter so we can enjoy the sun and good weather. However, if you are anything like me, it also means fretting over how to keep your little one safe from the sun while still allowing him to experience the world. The solution to my worries has come in the form of the Snooze Shade Plus – Deluxe.
This product has been a lifesaver for myself and my little family. You see, most stroller shades are designed with one thing in mind—blocking the harmful UV rays from reaching your child’s delicate skin. And this is very important. However, isn’t it always better when a product has more than a single function? While most stroller shades are just a single layer of mesh which fixes around the seat of the stroller using elastic, the Snooze Shade Plus – Deluxe comes with two layers and is designed to protect against the sun, wind, cold, heat, and bugs while also providing baby a safe and comfortable place to sleep while on the go.
The shade is universal and should work with the majority of three and four wheel strollers, including standard strollers, joggers, and travel systems. The company states that it should be useful from birth until four years of age, though I only have experience using it with my 16 month old son. In my experience, it has proved to be excellent sun protection in addition to helping him sleep when we are out.
The Snooze Shade Plus – Deluxe attaches securely to the stroller using snaps and/or Velcro ties. Once baby is strapped in safely, you simply zip the mesh “shade panel” up to provide instant protection from the sun. This panel used on its own provides up to 80% protection from the harmful rays on the UV spectrum. The second layer, called the “snooze panel”, can be snapped over the “shade panel” to provide increased protection from the sun—up to 97% of harmful rays are blocked—as well as a darker, less distracting environment to sleep in. And since the company knows that you will want to check on your sleeping little one without disturbing him, there is a special “sneak-a-peek” zipper which you can use to look in on your little one without having to worry about waking him. In addition to using the second panel for sleeping, it can also be beneficial to children who become overstimulated.
So, who would I recommend the Snooze Shade Plus – Deluxe to? Pretty much anyone who has a child and a stroller. While I love the product now and it functions wonderfully for me, I wish I had owned this product when my children were smaller. It is the perfect deterrent to people who just cannot resist touching little hands and chubby cheeks, which was a big concern before their immune systems were better developed. Also, I have often found that tantrums when we are out are caused by overstimulation more than anything. Closing both shades helps my son feel safe and allows him to calm himself.
The Snooze Shade Plus – Deluxe is approved by the Melanoma International Foundation. You can purchase the shade with the trim color of your choice from the Snooze Shade website or a variety of online retailers.