How to Make an Emergency Sunscreen for a Child's Bike Trailer

Most bike trailers with an open top design have a serious flaw. The passenger is exposed to the hot sun and its damaging UV rays.The solution is a sunscreen added to the top of the trailer to provide shade to the child. However, most bike trailers do not come with a sunscreen, nor can one be bought from the manufacturer or a third party supplier. Don't fear. You can make one yourself! Create an emergency bike trailer sunscreen so your child can ride in shade and comfort. The emergency sunscreen is made from items most parents have on hand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike trailer
• Receiving blanket
• Safety pins

1. Place your child in the bike trailer and buckle him in as you normally do. Close up the bike trailer's canopy. If your trailer has a plastic rain shield, leave it rolled up.

2. Take a light colored receiving blanket. Drape it over the top of the bike trailer. Fold it in half if it is too big. Only cover the top of the trailer. Adjust the position until it is providing shade. It shouldn't be obstructing the child's view out of the trailer.

3. Use safety pins to secure the blanket to the front flap of the trailer's canopy. Use two in front and two in back to keep the blanket from blowing off while you ride. Try to place the pins either in a reinforced area of the canopy or in the screen. Placing the pins in the nylon could leave permanent holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a light colored blanket to reflect the sun's rays. Dark colors absorb heat and light.
• Don't cover too much of the front of the trailer. You still want air flow on a hot day.
• Children should still use liquid sun block for the best protection from harmful UV rays.