Probably an irrational first time mum worry but please can you tell me if you use this? I feel like such a shit mum right now

[Leilalemo]

We have the simplicity car seat. I’ve just noticed we have never used the wind canopy/UV protector, it’s been sat in the house all this time and dc is now 6 months. I know I’m being pathetic but I’ve been crying about this as I am worried it’s a safety feature I’ve missed. DP is telling me it’s an optional feature anyway.

Have you been in high winds or high sun?

its fine xx

you are clearly not a shit mum, you are clearly a very caring mum trying to do everything right - please remember a perfect parent is one of the worst disasters that can befall a child! A loving parent doing their best is what your baby needs, and clearly what they have xx

Oh don't worry about it. It's one of those things you don't even think about. You're absolutely fine, and so is baby

Thank you, I’ve literally been sitting here crying about it! So ridiculous I realise.

@NuffSaidSam its for the car so I guess we’ve been in sun and he’s definitely been squinting.

it’s not a safety feature then?

Oh love. The baby industry has done a number on a lot of people.

It’s the UK (I presume?) and it’s been winter for the past six months.

How much UV protection do you think your baby has needed? Honestly don’t even give this another thought. It’s a ridiculous extra designed to part anxious parents from their cash.

If you want to add it on to stop him squinting in the sun that's probably a good idea or get a window shade, but it's comfort rather than safety.

I think you'd probably know if your DC was sunburnt or wind-burnt, if not then it's not been needed has it?

No, don't worry. The sun shades are just sun shades. They are for comfort not safety.

Every now and again someone insists they are to prevent against flying glass in an accident but the glass in car windows is safety glass, so doesn't need protection from and I've never seen this in a spec sheet either.

Generations of children have been fine in cars without such things.

Babies have eyelids so they're in a position to cope well with glare from the sun if they are uncomfortable.

You're absolutely fine, don't let yourself dwell on these things. There will be a million such things by the time they're 12.

What now? 😳 My two are 11 and 20 and we never had such things with either of them! It will be fine. 💐