Travel

Content&Calm Protectishade

PRODUCT: Content&Calm Protectishade (www.contentandcalm.com)

DESCRIPTION: A 3-in-1 detachable sun shade for use with children's car seats (Groups 0 to 2) and pushchairs, with UPF 50+ canopy hood and detachable drop-down UV mesh cover that can be used on its own. Carry bag included. Suitable for use from birth.

GOOD POINTS: The Content&Calm ProtectShade is an innovatively designed 360 degree sun shade that can be used both on a car seat as well as on a buggy. Moreover, the ProtectiShade is so versatile that it will fit standard child car seats from Group 0 (rearward facing baby car seat) through to Group 2 (booster seat).

As many parents will know, it is often difficult to ensure that your child has all-round protection from the sun on long (or short) car journeys. While standard stick-on and roll-down window shades provide side protection from sunlight and glare, they do not protect from sun coming through the windscreen or rear window. In addition, they can easily and frequently fall down or be pulled off.

The ProtectiShade provides the perfect lightweight solution! It consists of a black Taslan consertina-style canopy hood, which provides the highest UPF 50+ sun protection. The canopy is very easy to use on any child's car seat - it has an elasticated mesh on the rear that fits over the head and back of the seat, and substantial clips on each side of the ProtectiShade enable it to be securely fastened to the fabric of the car seat at just the right height for your child. The canopy can be pulled down to several different positions dependant on the weather conditions and the level of shade required, and when not in use it can simply be pushed back and left in the car, without inhibiting access into and out of the seat. The canopy is equally easy to use with pushchairs too, and can often simply be placed over the stroller's own canopy with no need to even fasten the clips!

The great feature of the ProtectiShade is its optional large double mesh cover which has a wonderfully durable high quality finish, and is stored (or rolled) away in a handy zip pocket (with nice chunky metal hardware) around the rim of the ProtectiShade canopy. It is attached to the inside of the pocket via Velcro tabs which enable it to be dropped down (to lap level) to provide additional shade. Weighted piping on the bottom of the mesh cover gives it a structured shape around your child, as well as making it easy to roll back up when not required.

This mesh is particularly useful for young babies or napping children as it provides UPF 3+ protection from harmful rays and glare, creating a totally shaded (and darkened) environment for them to relax in, while at the same time offering great visibility and breathability. It is also very convenient for use with Group 0 - 0+ car seats, as it does not interfere with the carry handle or when the seat is used as part of a travel system.

The great feature of the mesh cover is that it can be totally detached from the canopy and used on its own, in combination with a car seat or pushchair's existing canopy. Ties on all four corners of the cover enable it to be fastened (or detached) easily and quickly to the pushchair frame or car seat.

The ProtectiShade comes with a great slimline fabric carry bag, which is easy to pack into, and has handy pull ties which enable the canopy to be easily stored and transported.

The ProtectiShade is, in our opinion, a very practical and well-designed sun shade that works effectively to make everyone's journey a little easier!

BAD POINTS: No cleaning instructions provided. The clips cannot be fastened to hard surfaces such as metal frames, only to fabric.

PRICE: £39.99

Available from Amazon, Mothercare and www.protectishade.com

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