Get in The Shade: the all-purpose, all-weather protector for baby

I firmly believe that the rule that applies to dogs should also apply to babies: always ask before touching. (Hey, let's add pregnant bellies to that list, too). When my son was an infant, I was at the grocery store and a total stranger walked up and just started touching his face. Um, excuse me? But now there are a few new products that comes in handy when people are being, well, a little too handsy, the newest being The Shade from Imagine Baby. It's a stretchy cover (think spandex material) that pops onto almost any size baby car seat or carrier to protect baby from those well-meaning but overattentive little old ladies (and curious drooly toddlers). But even if stranger-touching is the least of your worries, it's made from water-wicking Lycra material and UPF 50+ protection, making the Shade a great car seat and stroller accessory: drizzly days, bright sunny days, snowy days and bitey bugs are no match for this ally.

A detachable flap makes it a cinch to keep an eye on baby, and also keeps the air flowing nicely. The elastic border ensures that the Shade will stay on even through the gustiest of winds--a nice touch for stormy days when one more minute stuck at home with a cranky baby is just not an option. -Jeana The Shade car seat and stroller cover is available for $35 from Imagine Baby's website and additional online retailers.