During warmer days, one of the most frequent questions we receive is why our stroller sunshades are not made in light pastel colors. The concern is understandable—placing a child under a dark sunshade in summer might seem counterintuitive. There are also worries about synthetic materials causing overheating and trapping warm air. To avoid repeating explanations, we’ve decided to address all these questions in detail.
Does the sunshade cause overheating?
No, it does not. The greenhouse effect occurs only when an object is enclosed on all sides, with no access to fresh air. Our sunshades are designed to allow air circulation, preventing any buildup of heat.
Is it hot under the sunshade?
It is not hotter under the sunshade than above it. The fabric of the sunshade has low thermal conductivity and does not retain much heat, especially when there is no direct contact with the skin.
Important Reminder:
It's crucial to ensure a constant flow of fresh air to the child in the stroller! Completely covering the stroller can lead to suffocation, even at relatively low temperatures. Always maintain adequate ventilation.
Why are the sunshades black or bright colors?
Besides their undeniable benefits, sun rays also pose significant risks. In 1996, Australian scientists introduced the term Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric. For example, a fabric with UPF50 allows only 1 out of 50 rays to pass through, while UPF40 allows 1 out of 40 rays. Darker colors, such as black, are more effective at blocking UV radiation, which is why our sunshades are predominantly darker shades.
Additional Information on Fabric and UV Protection:
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Material Composition: Fabrics can be made from various types of fibers, including cotton, wool, and nylon. Most natural fibers absorb UV radiation rather than reflect it. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, lycra, nylon, and acrylic, provide a higher level of protection compared to bleached cotton. Shiny or glossy semi-synthetic fabrics, like viscose, reflect more UV radiation than matte ones.
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Weave: The tighter the weave, the better. Elastic threads, for instance, pull fibers together more closely, reducing gaps in the weave.
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Color: Darker and brighter colors are more effective. Many dyes absorb UV radiation, reducing its harmful effects. Darker and brighter colors tend to absorb significantly more UV radiation than light and pastel shades.
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Weight: Heavier fabrics offer better protection. Lightweight fabrics like pareos or thin scarves provide little barrier against UV radiation. Parents often use thin scarves on strollers to shield their children from the sun, but the shade they create offers minimal UV protection.
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Stretching: Less stretching is better. If a garment stretches out after multiple washes, it starts to allow more UV rays to pass through.
Considering these facts, synthetic fabric in black or rich, bright colors with a tight weave and a UPF rating of 50, which we use for our sunshade visors, provides the best protection for children.
By choosing the right materials and understanding the factors that contribute to effective UV protection, we can ensure that our products offer the highest level of safety and comfort for your children.
