This week I’m gearing up to this heatwave we’re supposed to be having, and will be launching a series of posts dedicated to keeping your little ones safe in the sun. First up, I’m sharing my thoughts on a genius product I’ve recently discovered that will keep your baby shaded from the sun whilst you’re out and about.

I stumbled across the ShadeMe Baby Sun Shade when I was checking out this year’s Loved by Parents award-winners on Twitter. The guys at ShadeMe had their fingers crossed for an award in the Best Pushchair/Buggy Accessory category, and in my opinion were hugely unlucky not to get one. Keeping Heidi out of the sun whilst cruising in her pram has been Mission Impossible for us, so anything that prevents her squinting and overheating thoroughly deserves a shiny gold medal in my book.

The ShadeMe is effectively a hood extension that will double (if not triple) the coverage of your existing pram, pushchair or car seat hood. Clever product design means that ShadeMe HQ are yet to come across any brand that is incompatible with their sun shade, and it’s easy to see why. The ingenious curved shape and elasticated straps mean that the Shade Me Baby Sun Shade is extremely adaptable, and doesn’t require the handles of the pram. You simply secure it using 3 super stretchy cords that clip together on the underside of your pram, car seat or pushchair.

To say this product works a treat is a serious understatement. It’s an invaluable bit of kit that will simply transform outings with baby. In fact, I can’t think of a single negative thing to say.

Previous to discovering the ShadeMe, I’d drape a muslin over the pram hood, and get a right earache from a squealing Heidi. Muslins might do the trick for short trips, but they’re not UV resistant, can float off with the slightest breeze, and will most likely mean your baby is riding with little to no view of what’s going on around them.

The ShadeMe is seriously robust and really stays put. With it on, Heidi’s pram bed achieves double the coverage it does without the ShadeMe. This means everything above her knees is shaded without a pram apron. With an apron, not one millimetre of her skin is left uncovered. Heidi manages to nap peacefully when we’re out and about and remains nice and cool at all times.

The fabric achieves the highest rating for UV protection (that’s 50+ in technical jargon). This gives added reassurance that Heidi isn’t exposed to any of the suns harmful rays. It’s also incredibly lightweight and can be folded down into itself (there’s an integral pocket) for storage - think pop-up tents and you’ll get the idea. In fact, ShadeMe also have similarly clever UV tents and a genius beach umbrella on their website - all are just as easy peasy to collapse.

Popping on the ShadeMe is a little tricky. I have to sit on the floor next to her pram if I’m attempting it by myself. This is because you really have to stretch the straps to secure it under the pram cot. But far from being a pain, this is how you know it’ll stay in place all day. I’d go so far as to say it’s wind resistant given we’ve been out in hair-ruining weather.

Right now the ShadeMe baby sun shade is only available in black, but this suits me just fine. It won’t break the bank either at just £25. For peace of mind alone, and the fact you no longer need to faff about parking your pram 50 metres away from your picnic table, it’s well worth the money.

To find out more, visit the website at www.shademe.co.uk, or say hello on Twitter and Facebook.