How To Make A Sun Protection Blanket

This DIY sun protection blanket is something I designed and created 13 years ago and have been making ever since.

What started out as a baby stroller blanket continues to withstand the test of time, because we still use the first one I ever made today for most outdoor events.

I named the blanket the Sol Protector™. After all, I have always been a sucker for a fun play on words.

But I quickly learned that I loved creating new things more than being a small batch manufacturer, so I stopped selling the blankets online and just made them for family and friends.

So when I started thinking about how to honor Earth Day 2021, I couldn’t think of a better way than to talk about how to stay safe in the sun and share my sun protection blanket design and pattern.

What’s The Difference Between SPF And UPF?

But first, a little primer on sun protection especially since now that’s April that means the sun has returned from its hiatus.

Sun protection comes in many forms like various types of sunscreens, clothing, and accessories. It is therefore important to understand the SPF and UPF ratings when choosing the best protection for you and your family.

Most people are familiar with SPF (aka sun protection factor), because sunscreens have used this rating system for eons and, since the scale (and therefore the protection) has increased over the years, most people pay close attention to those numbers.

According to the American Cancer Society,

“The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. A higher SPF number means more UVB protection (although it says nothing about UVA protection).

For example, when applying an SPF 30 sunscreen correctly, you get the equivalent of 1 minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun.

So, 1 hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending 2 minutes totally unprotected. People often do not apply enough sunscreen, so they get less actual protection.“

The TL;DR version? If you cannot find a shady spot to use when the UV index is high, make sure to wear a high number sunscreen when you’re outside.

There are also additional ideas on how to stay safe in the sun from the American Cancer Society here.

So if SPF is related to sunscreens, what does a UPF rating tell us?

UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and a UPF rating lets us know how much the ultraviolet rays will penetrate clothing. Sun protection clothing will be rated anywhere from UPF 15 – UPF 50+. If you’re looking for a place to start, I have always been a big fan of the options offered by Sunday Afternoon (*affiliate link), especially their hats.

For even more detailed information, read this post about UPF ratings. It also includes an easy-to-understand comparison between UPF and SPF and a UV index graphic that explains when you’re most at risk.

Why Make A Sun Protection Baby Blanket?

The American Cancer Society recommends that, “Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing.”

Frankly, I’m surprised that age range isn’t higher as a blanket statement (no pun intended).

When you think about, kids are still in strollers and a good part of their bodies are often in the direct sunlight mostly AFTER 6 months old.

Many strollers include a sun shade, but that typically only covers the child’s head and maybe part of the torso. And depending on the angle of the sun, it may not provide any coverage.

So, attaching this blanket to the top of the stroller and draping it over the stroller’s shade creates a little curtain that covers the child completely.

The measurements of the design are that of a typical stroller blanket, so you can also just put it over a baby or child’s body and legs.

Some parents drape the baby carrier covers that are so popular over the handle of the baby car seats, but those are typically made with cotton (natural and breathable) and minky fabric (synthetic and doesn’t breathe). So the child could easily over heat during hot days.

And a small cotton blanket does provide some protection, but depending on its weave, it still isn’t the best option when there are sun protective fabric alternatives.

The straps on this versatile design allow parents to attach the blanket to almost anything.

So along with the stroller, someone may use the blanket as privacy cover for a breastfeeding mother, or as a window cover in the car (when someone isn’t driving) to keep the car cooler.

Now without further ado, let’s get sewing!

DIY Sun Protection Blanket For Babies & Beyond

This DIY sun protection blanket stroller blanket only requires four materials. There are also some key tools that will help make the blanket construction easier.

You’ll need:

– Sun protection fabric

Sun protection fabric has been treated to provide protection from UV rays. Just as with sunscreen, the higher the UPF rating, the better the protection.

The fabric that I use has a UPF rating of 50+ which provides excellent protection, and allows for less than 2% UV transmission.

– Double gauze fabric

The double gauze fabric is a loosely woven fabric that is soft and has a nice hand once it’s washed.

You can use a different cotton fabric if you’d like. Something like a quilting cotton, however, while “breathable” has a much tighter weave and changes the weight and feel of the blanket considerably.

– 1″ webbing

You need webbing to create the small straps placed in each corner of the blanket. The owner of the blanket will use the straps, along with the hook and loop tape, to attach the blanket to the top of the stroller or to the handles in the car.

– 1″ hook and loop tape

You will sew the hook and loop tape onto the webbing to create to blanket’s straps.

If you don’t have any hook and loop tape on hand and have plastic snaps, you could use those instead. I prefer to use hook and loop tape because it’s more reliable for this kind of application over time.

– Sewing clips

Sewing clips have been one of my favorite sewing aides for years now.

You can use these clips for almost anything, really. I use them for all kinds of crafts, not just sewing. If you don’t have a set, click on the link below and buy two. You won’t regret it.

– Rotary cutter and mat

A rotary cutter and mat are tools, like the sewing clips, that I cannot live without. I know some people like scissors instead of a rotary cutter, but I am not one of them. I use the rotary cutter to cut things, literally, every day. It’s worth the investment!

Step-by-Step Blanket Tutorial

The step-by-step tutorial below is also print-friendly.

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