With the warm weather just around the corner, you’re already imagining yourself out and about with your kids in a Stroller.
But we have to protect our babies from UV rays all the way through the stroller ride.
Except that once strapped in, baby can’t move to protect himself.
The canopy isn’t enough to cover your baby completely, and can’t be tilted to suit the height of the sun.
Covering baby with a sheet or light blanket ? I advise against it, and so does the government in its recommendations.
For our adorable little vampires ^^, who hate having the sun in their eyes, we need an extra accessory to protect them from the sun’s rays while they’re sitting comfortably in the Stroller.
This is where the universal stroller parasol comes in. One of the most popular universal stroller accessories.
How to choose the right universal parasol for your Stroller ?
Now let’s find out how to choose the right parasol for your universal stroller.
For me, three criteria are essential, and here they are straightaway.
A universal parasol
First of all, as its name suggests, it has to be universal, so it can be installed on all single and double strollers.
The parasol can therefore be easily installed on brands such as :
- The YOYO stroller
- The Cybex
- The Pockit
- La chico
A universal parasol is easily installed on either side of the stroller, especially via an attachment on the stroller frame.
Good UV protection
And yes, not all universal parasols have the same UV protection.
I recommend a parasol with a UV 50+ index.
That’ll put your mind at rest 😉
A dark parasol color
And yes, although brands like the YOYO parasol offer beautiful colors, it’s advisable, as with a parasol, to choose dark colors (black, gray or dark blue).
In fact, darker shades are highly effective in protecting against UV rays, and therefore your baby.
I therefore advise you against choosing white, yellow or pink parasols.
For example, in this photo of YOYO parasol colors, I’d recommend just three 😉 guess what I just said above.
What about the diameter of the parasol ?
70 cm diameter 😉 it’s perfect.
After that, it’s too big.
Most models have this diameter.
How do I fit a universal parasol on my Stroller ?
Then it’s very simple.
The universal Stroller parasol has a small clip that attaches directly to one side of your stroller’s frame.
I specify all frames, because we’re talking about a universal parasol.
Once the clamp is in place, all you have to do is insert the parasol into the clamp and adjust it as you see fit.
And there you have it.
How to wash a universal parasol for your Stroller ?
This is a question I’m often asked on the site. How do I wash my Stroller parasol ? It’s true that it’s unusual to wash this type of accessory, so here are my tips for washing your “fair-weather stroller savior”, as I like to call it.
- Removing the parasol: Start by detaching the parasol from the stroller according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cleaning the external surface: Use a soft brush to remove dust and debris from the parasol.
- Preparing the cleaner: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a little mild soap.
- Cleaning the parasol: Immerse the parasol in soapy water and use a soft sponge to gently scrub the surface, paying particular attention to stains.
- Rinsing: Rinse the parasol thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Drying: Shake the parasol to remove excess water, then hang it outside to dry completely in the open air.
- Refitting to the stroller: Once dry, refit the parasol to your stroller in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Regular maintenance: Wipe the parasol regularly with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
Always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for cleaning and maintaining your universal parasol.
Can the stroller parasol be used as an umbrella ?
So yes and no.
For light rain, yes.
But as soon as the flow is accelerated you’ll break your parasol.
Let me ask you a question.
Do you use your parasol as an umbrella ?
And your umbrella as a parasol ?
The answer is no 😉
The parasol for the stroller should be used only to block the sun’s rays.
Universal parasol or sun shade cover ?
It’s up to you to decide.
The parasol can be adjusted horizontally or vertically to ward off the sun in any position.
The universal sun shade cover for strollers is fixed, but covers a large part of baby’s body. Some also offer rain cover.
Both are good.
Here are a few examples of universal sun shade covers for all strollers.