While the windshield of a vehicle may protect individuals from most of the damaging rays of the sun, the side and rear windows are often not designed to block UVA rays. Anyone sitting in the back seat is at risk of exposure from the rays that come through those side and rear windows.

To keep your baby safe, you need a car sun shade that blocks harmful rays from reaching their delicate skin and eyes. BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades is a set of two easy-to-install shades that block out close to 97% of the sun's harmful UV rays. When properly placed in strategic locations, these shades can give you peace of mind knowing your child is protected from UV radiation.

The purpose of a baby car shade is simple: It is manufactured to keep harmful UV rays (both UVA and UVB) from entering your vehicle. A properly positioned shade can significantly reduce your child’s exposure to the sun's harmful radiation while traveling.

While glass is fairly effective at blocking a majority of the radiation primarily responsible for sunburn (UVB rays), glass does not offer much protection from the radiation primarily responsible for premature aging and wrinkles (UVA rays). Because windshields are laminated to help protect individuals from shards if the windshield is ever shattered, it does a fairly good job of blocking UVA rays as well. Unfortunately, side and rear windows may not be laminated – tempered glass does not offer protection against UVA rays – so individuals may still be at risk to UV exposure from light that is entering through those windows.

While the function is the same — a baby car sun shade is designed to block UV rays — the way it installs can vary.

Suction cups: Most baby car sun shades feature a segment of UV-blocking fabric that can be quickly attached to your vehicle's windows via suction cups. While this offers the greatest convenience, it can also be problematic and not stick as well in all situations.

Clip-on: Instead of suction cups, some baby car shades feature a clip that allows the object to be attached to items other than the car window for installation. While this design may help with visibility, these car shades may not be as stable as other designs and may move about during use.

Static cling: This type of a sun shade clings to your window like a decal. This design works well, but may be more expensive and difficult to install. Additionally, it is a much more permanent solution as it is not convenient to install and remove.

It is important to point out that there are two risks involved with using car sun shades. First, if the placement of the sun shade interferes in any way with the driver’s ability to clearly see the road or traffic, it will create a safety hazard. Second, a temporary sun shade may not remain affixed to a window during an accident and may become a projectile.

The most important aspect to consider when purchasing a baby car sun shade is the item’s UVF rating. The lowest recommended rating is UPF 30 while a UPF of 50 is considered excellent.

While it is important that installation be easy, you do not want to purchase a sun shade that doesn’t stay attached to your window. If it falls off, not only does that mean you have to pull over to reattach it, but it may fall on your child.

Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You will need a baby car sun shade that fits on the window where you will be installing it. Keep in mind, however, this does not need to be a perfect fit as the sun shade only needs to create a patch of protection that is large enough to cover your child.

Depending on size and quantity, the cost of baby car sun shades can span anywhere from $8 to as much as $25 with most falling in the $10-$14 range.

A. Besides the risk of developing skin cancer, exposure to UV rays can weaken the immune system, impair vision, burn the cornea and cause premature aging, wrinkles, leathery skin, age spots and more.

A. Clothing uses a different measurement of protection from UV rays than sunscreen. UPF is a fabric's ultraviolet protection factor. Unlike SPF, which is a measurement of time — an SPF of 15 protects your skin up to 15 times longer than no sunscreen — UPF is a measurement of how many UV rays (both UVA and UVB) are blocked by the fabric. A UPF of 30 blocks 97% of all UV rays while a UPF of 50 blocks 98% of all UV rays.

BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby

Our take: This two-pack of window shades provides protection for your child from heat, glare and UV rays.

What we like: Made of a mesh that can block up to 96.7% of the sun's UV rays, easy to install and remove and can be used repeatedly.

What we dislike: Shades are shipped folded, so it can take some time for the wrinkles to be smoothed out.

Dreambaby Clip On Sun Shade: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby

Our take: This versatile sun shade can be clipped in a wide variety of locations to protect your child from harmful UV rays.

What we like: An affordable sun shade that's easy to use. The flexible neck makes it highly adjustable, and it is designed to absorb up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays. The built-in UV indicator comes in handy, letting you know when the sun's rays are particularly strong.

What we dislike: The clip-on design of this sun shade doesn't make it the most durable option when there is wind or a breeze.

Dreambaby Adjusta-Car Shade: available at Buy Buy Baby

Our take: The unique design of this window shade allows it to be stretched to better fit a wide variety of window shapes.

What we like: This adjustable window shade comes with four suction cups that can be aligned to match the shape of your window. When not in use, the shade can be removed and rolled up for easy storage.

What we dislike: A few users have noted that the suction on this window shade isn't as impressive as it is on other models.

Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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